The upcoming federal election represents a unique opportunity to deliver essential investment to regional Australia, strengthening the agriculture sector and supporting local communities, GrainGrowers said today.
The GrainGrowers election asks document, Grains for Growth, Investing in Australia's Agricultural Future details a range of focused priorities covering regional Australia, grain supply chains and the environment.
GrainGrowers' Chair Rhys Turton said regional investment opportunities must be an urgent priority for all sides of politics.
"GrainGrowers have put forward practical suggestions where government support could unlock economic potential - enhancing productivity, reducing inflationary pressures and building a strong and sustainable future across our regions."
"The grains industry plays a vital role in the national economy, with 22,500 grain farm businesses contributing $33 billion to the Australian economy and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs in Australian regions and cities."
Mr Turton said building stronger grain regions would help bridge the gap between urban centres and the bush.
GrainGrowers has called for the government to address a range of economic and social constraints to strengthen grain-growing regions and bridge the gap between urban centres and the bush under three broad pillars:
- Making stronger grain regions
- Supply chains
- Climate change initiatives that help growers thrive
Mr Turton said thriving regional areas make a significant contribution to the national economy but faced numerous obstacles in attracting the skilled workforce needed for modern farming.
“We welcome the Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO) announcement made by government in recent times, which should lead to more reliable telecommunications and in time, substantially lessen black spots, which will help attract and retain workers and promote regional growth.”
‘’We also note the government’s commitment to more investment in supply side solutions for Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) in the bush, which will be a key workforce enabler in our grain regions.’’
Mr Turton said strategic investment to underpin the biosecurity system and chemical regulation would also enhance industry development.
“This election represents an excellent opportunity for all sides of politics to recognise the contribution of Australian agriculture and look at ways to build thriving regional communities.
“An appropriate focus on regional investment would deliver real returns for the national economy, enhance regional vitality and sustain agricultural production,” he said.
ends
Read more about GrainGrowers’ 2025 Federal Election Priorities by downloading the document - GRAINS FOR GROWTH: INVESTING IN AUSTRALIA’S AGRICULTURAL FUTURE