Ag-rich Moree says youth, tourism key to bright future | The Next Crop

A crowd of 50 packed into the Moree Ex-Services Club for the fifth in The Land’s series of community forums that are taking the pulse of regional NSW, and teasing out what the regions can do, and are already doing, to ensure their prosperity. 

It was no surprise to hear Moree’s agriculture sector was a huge economic contributor – representing $1.7 billion production value and more than $3bn actual value for the local community.

Related reading

Of that Ag production, Lou Gall - Gwydir Valley Irrigator’s rep on the panel – made the point that irrigated farming such as cotton and nuts accounted for 17 per cent, with opportunities to harness other crops such as pecans, peanuts, and horticulture. 

Harnessing water use was crucial, the forum heard. 

NSW Farmers policy director Kathy Rankin said while a more open lifestyle was often the focal point of drawing people to decentralise and go bush, it was crucial that advertising campaigns highlighted that economic contribution in order to attract more professionals and people to the regions.

But tourism could not be counted out, according to Moree Plains Shire Council economic development officer Mark Connolly. 

Youth were also well represented on the night.

A group of Moree’s Young Aggies, who set up their group three years ago, told listeners about their efforts to showcase the town to outsiders and better welcome new arrivals into the social and professional fold.

Check out a further wrap and analysis next week, and our bumper Next Crop Moree feature on July 19.