The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) is set to establish a regional office in Dubbo.
Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources Barnaby Joyce and Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton made the announcement today, saying the move would strengthen links with farmers and research experts in the region.
Minister Joyce said decentralisation was not just an abstract idea but was a real priority for this government.
“I have accepted proposals from three Canberra-based Research and Development Corporations (RDCs) to increase their regional presence, which will boost jobs and growth in Dubbo, Wagga Wagga, Toowoomba and other areas,” Mr Joyce said.
“These RDCs are focused on rural research—including grains, fisheries and aquaculture, and small and emerging industries – so it makes sense to locate them away from Canberra where the boots actually hit the dirt in their respective sectors.”
Mr Coulton said the GRDC had agreed to establish a new regional office in Dubbo, in a move that would deliver long term benefits not just to western NSW, but also for the growers that GRDC served right across Australia.
“GRDC is proposing to eventually move half of its entire workforce out of Canberra and into regional areas, and I am confident that Dubbo will be a key location that will benefit from this decentralisation plan.
“As well as being home to vibrant farming communities, Dubbo and the wider region is already at the forefront of grains research so it is logical that strong links should exist between the GRDC, local researchers and farmers on the ground.
“Being geographically closer to the industries they serve will strengthen their relationships and help the RDCs better understand their individual industry’s needs.”