State Budget 2011-12: Building the State - Investing in our Agriculture industry, Redman
Author: Terry Redman
Published on: 20-May-2011
Western Australia’s agriculture and food sector will get a $169million boost as part of the State Government’s continuing investment in driving the industry’s economic development.
Agriculture and Food Minister Terry Redman said the Liberal-National Government’s push was part of a wider strategy to maintain and protect the sector’s natural resources base.
The State Government will also undertake a major redevelopment of the Department of Agriculture and Food’s headquarters in South Perth.
“The department helps drive economic development of the State’s $7billion agrifood sector and needs modern facilities to underpin its contribution to industry for decades to come,” Mr Redman said.
The redevelopment program includes an existing allocation of $186.6million, with a further $48.4million to apply in 2015-16. The funding will include the construction of a world-class Australian Export Grain Innovation Centre.
“The program will help farming business families to develop skills enabling more effective management of opportunities and risks associated with issues such as climate change and fluctuating markets,” the Minister said.
The State Government will increase its support for animal welfare, including funding for additional inspectors and increased supporting funds for service delivery by the RSPCA.
“The State’s boost to animal welfare includes the transfer of regulatory responsibility to the Department of Agriculture and Food and more than doubling annual funding to $1.6million,” Mr Redman said.
The Government will invest up to $17million to approve, design and start building new sheep saleyard facilities at Katanning. The Shire of Katanning will own and manage the facility, which will be modern and fit-for-purpose with a roofed design.
“This Budget reflects the Government’s strategy to support the growth of WA’s agriculture and food sector,” the Minister said.
