By Callum Ludwig
At the Yarra Ranges Council meeting on Tuesday 27 June, the achievements and efforts of the Rural Advisory Committee (RAC) were a point of discussion.
The RAC was first established in 2016 and is made up of 12 representatives from different niches of the local agriculture sector.
Len Rayner from Rayner’s Orchard in Woori Yallock was appointed as a member representing stone fruit growers in 2019 and said he thinks the committee was a really good idea.
“Farmers seem to be neglected sometimes, we’ve got city people making rules and regulations for us that are just not suitable, and the Shire actually listens, which is a bit scary, and they even take action, which is even scarier,” he said.
“I don’t know too many other shires that actually listen to farmers and take note quite like this, it’s very encouraging.”
The 2023 review has made some changes to the RAC, with a draft updated Terms of Reference released, a Mission Statement added and the term for members changed from three to four years from the next review in 2026.
Lyster Ward Councillor Johanna Skelton forwarded the motion and said it’s an exciting opportunity for the Council.
“It’s good for us as councillors to put our feelers out into the community and get new members and get the existing members hopefully back on the Rural Advisory Committee,” she said.
“Hopefully they will be receptive to the four-year term and we look forward to hearing the very valuable information that we get on that.”
Representatives on the RAC cover the following sectors:
Stone Fruit Growing,
Pome Fruit Growing (e.g., apples, pears, and quinces),
Berry Fruit Growing (strawberries),
Nursery/Floriculture Production (cut flowers),
Grape growing (wine grapes),
Beef Cattle Farming (grazing),
Horse Farming (equine),
Forestry,
Rural Service Provider
Mr Rayner said over the last few years, the RAC has discussed issues like hail netting, animal problems like deer and kangaroos and backpackers’ accommodation.
“It’s an ongoing thing, we’re constantly discussing things and things like the hail netting has been resolved to the satisfaction of farmers, so they now don’t need to get permits for that,” he said.
“There are representatives from each section, and there’s always room for a few more and at the moment, all of the positions are up for grabs, so if anyone out there wants to get involved they can get in touch with the Shire, it’s not a difficult process.”
Since its inception, the RAC has advocated for pests, such as the Queensland Fruit Fly, and animal control efforts, advocated and corresponded with the State Government and departments alongside Council, advised Council plans and strategies and advocated for boosts and provisions for the seasonal workforce in the region.
