A memorandum of understanding has been signed by Bundy council and key ag industry bodies this week.
It’s to acknowledge the importance of the region’s growers – and mark collaboration between them and council.
Mayor Helen Blackburn says it’ll help council stay informed about issues affecting the ag sector.
“Our Bundaberg Region is home to one of the largest agricultural industries in the country, we supply 25% of Australia’s produce during the winter months,” Ms Blackburn said.
“It’s important that we continue to engage with the industry, understand the issues they’re facing locally and consider how Council can support them.
“I’m looking forward to working collaboratively with our ag sector into the future.”
The industry is the region’s third largest employer with the collaboration useful to hundreds of local workers.
BFVG CEO Bree Watson said the agreement was a chance to work proactively with Council.
“We’ve traditionally been quite reactive to Council decisions when it comes to planning and development rates and a whole other host of policies that impact on our farmers,” Bree said.
“We have a lot of urban encroachment at the moment with our farms, and we need to ensure that our community and our farms can continue to live in close proximity to each other and continue to move forward, acknowledging the role that agriculture plays here in Bundaberg.
“It’s the third largest employer and so it’s really important we have a vibrant community to ensure that our farmers can keep supporting the local community.”
