The CWA of NSW lobbies on issues important to our membership, working hard within our local communities, providing health and education scholarships, and creating a network of support through our towns and cities.
Our plan is always to remain true to the organisations aims and objectives and use our voice for the betterment of women, children, families and regional communities. We have to ensure that we remain relevant and in touch with the needs of the members while we are doing this.
We are currently part of a lobbying effort to increase the number of weather radars around the state to improve the reliability and accuracy of weather forecasts, something that will assist farmers when it comes to planning and investment.
What sets your organisation apart from others in your industry/sector?
The CWA of NSW has been working to improve the lives of those in rural and regional communities across the state since 1922.
This organisation of hard-working, passionate and committed women is unique both in terms of its membership and charter, recognising those in country areas face challenges metropolitan residents don’t, with the tyranny of distance impacting access to business and government services, particularly with regards to health and education.
It has been the CWA of NSW’s aim for more than 90 years to do everything possible to alleviate some of these challenges, and we know the emphasis we place on lobbying government is one of the most effective tools we have.
It puts these issues before our decision-makers and we know we’re getting results.
How do you see agriculture as an industry faring in the next 10 to 20 years?
Agriculture has been one of the cornerstones of the nation’s economy from the very beginning and I’m confident nothing is going to change on this front.
Optimism around the sector should be high given that in 2016/17 the gross value of Australian farm production hit $60 billion, proving the ongoing potential of the industry if we as a nation recognise the challenges ahead, and make the necessary adjustments and investment now.
We have the resources, knowledge and experience to ensure Australia’s place as a global ag powerhouse – we just need to have the foresight and courage to seize the opportunities when they present themselves.
Australia has always been a nation of innovators and that ingenuity and can-do mentality will take agriculture far if there’s the support and encouragement there at both the government and private sector level.
We should also be excited about the young people who are coming through in every part of the industry, with their new ideas, fresh enthusiasm and global outlook the key to a vibrant future.
What major issues are facing farmers today?
There’s no doubt the environment has always been one of the biggest challenges for farmers and will continue to be well into the future.
The weather is something farmers have no control over, forced to adjust their schedules and practices to the unpredictable forces of nature. Climate change will only add to these challenges in decades to come, particularly in an already dry continent like ours.
Our farmers have always had to be adaptable to their surroundings though, and I’ve no doubt this resourcefulness and resilience will again come to the fore.
The communications and technology issue is also another huge challenges that our members regularly talk to us about. Coverage, across internet and mobile services in regional, rural and remote areas is simply not good enough. The industry as a whole has been doing dome great work to lobby on this issue, so let’s hope we keep seeing some positive change going forward.
How can these issues be tackled?
There’s no doubt governments at all levels have a big part to play with regards to a changing environment, by first acknowledging the issue and then committing the resources needed for research into the phenomenon and even funding assistance to help farmers make the changes necessary to ensure their ongoing viability.
The strength of our ag sector should be a priority for us all if it’s going to continue to provide for us – and the world – in the years ahead.
What can government or industry bodies do to attract investment in remote, rural and regional areas?
These communities need to have a certain level of infrastructure and services in place in the first instance to attract potential investors, so governments have a role there in terms of funding priorities. Decentralisation is another tool worthy of further consideration when it comes to growing and strengthening country communities, and ultimately making them more appealing targets for investment.
Can your organisation help solve these issues?
The CWA of NSW, through its members, is only too aware of the issues and challenges facing our producers, and will continue to support them through our lobbying efforts and activities at a grass-roots level.
We can help ensure the communities in which our farm families live provide the kind of services they need and extend the likes of scholarship opportunities to their children.
In times of extraordinary weather events like floods and droughts, our members have always been on the front line of clean-up and support efforts and that will never change.
