Building Rural Communities

Rural communities form the lifeblood of much of NSW and are fundamental to ensuring a positive and sustainable future for rural industry.  Members of the Association tend to wear many ‘hats’ in their local communities from farmer to firefighting volunteer to nurse to mayor.  It is this diversity that helps to make rural communities special.  Unfortunately, many rural communities are experiencing declining populations, declining services and increasing numbers of exhausted volunteers.  Improving essential services in rural communities is vitally important.

The Association recently carried out research into the state of NSW country towns, with regional visits and survey results from this research providing a much-needed insight into the statewide challenges facing rural communities.  Many rural communities are experiencing declining services in the areas of health, education, transport, banking, police, child care, aged care and employment.  The research also found that strong and effective leadership is a vitally important ingredient in encouraging innovation and local entrepreneurship, resulting in growth and development.

Members have given the Association a clear mandate to improve essential services in rural communities.  The Rural Affairs team is currently analysing the findings from the above research, and is prioritising the issues where the Association can play a key role.  Addressing issues pertaining to rural crime (particularly police overtime bans), innovation-stifling government regulations and childcare shortages are key priorities at present.  The Rural Affairs team will be working hard in the coming months to address these issues and improve urban communities’ awareness and understanding of our vibrant rural communities, as well as the challenges they face.

The Rural Affairs team is focused on delivering positive outcomes in the following areas:

• Building Rural Communities
  Release of Building Rural Communities Discussion Paper
• Rural Crime
  Improved member representation on local Police Advisory Committees
  Positive resolution to pay for services policy (particularly for local field days and agricultural shows)
• Young Farmers’ Finance
  Timely implementation of the Association’s FirstFarmer proposal
• Annual Conference Motions
  Timely delivery of communities-related motions

Related Issues

 Liquor Licences for Rural Shows & Community Events
The Association is aware that some communities have been struggling to afford the costs associated with complying with the license terms set out for many rural events and is working to try to ease these regulatory burdens.  Click here to view the Association's Briefing Note...

 Firearms
The Association has compiled a Frequently Asked Questions document providing up-to-date information on a range of firearms-related matters, particularly regarding licensing requirements.  Click here to access the document.

 AgStart
NSW Farmers Association presented the NSW Government with a proposal for a young farmers’ finance scheme in mid-2005.  Following several months of negotiation, the AgStart scheme was announced in March 2006, comprising a career development scheme for young people entering agriculture in NSW. 

Applicants should register their interest by visiting the Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) website and filling in an expression of interest form.  Alternately, please contact the RAA toll free on 1800 678 593.  Please click here for a copy of the Association’s briefing note on AgStart.

 Rural Communities Discussion Paper Released
The Association has released a discussion paper titled Building Rural Communities Project:  Draft Report on the Findings and Discussion on the Way Forward.  The paper was developed by the Association following research into the state of NSW country towns, including a detailed survey and face-to-face consultation through town meetings.  Comments on the paper are most welcome.  Click here for a copy of the paper.

 FirstFarmer
The Minister for Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources, Hon Craig Knowles announced support for the Association’s FirstFarmer proposal 14 July 2005.  Please ring the Association’s Member Service Centre on 1300 794 000 to register your interest for this exciting initiative.  It is hoped that the scheme will be up and running in the first quarter of 2006.