Small and medium-sized exporters across regional, rural and remote NSW will benefit from programs aimed at creating jobs, re-invigorating industry and supporting regional NSW including the $10,000 Exporter Assistance Grant.
NSW Nationals Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said the support program came at an important time with many businesses struggling due to drought and bushfires. Many local exporters have been hit hard over the past few months with orders cancelled and freight channels disrupted due to the impact of the global pandemic.
“This package is designed to unlock the regions and boost international trade once again, making it easier to get exports from paddock to port to plate,” Mr Anderson said.
“It will provide more local trade advisors, an increased presence in key Asian markets, a new e-commerce program to develop alternative channels to market as well as the $10,000 grant scheme.
“Our region has some of the best products and services in the country and this program will provide a much needed boost to showcase our goods, access new and re-enter existing markets.
“I am always looking for strategies to nurture trade, investment and innovation in the electorate creating jobs, driving regional growth and economic development.”
For more information and to apply visit https://www.business.nsw.gov.au/export-from-nsw/export-assistance/export-support-packages.
Boost for local Landcare
Mr Anderson also announced local community group Tamworth Regional Landcare Association had received $30,000 from the Increasing Resilience to Climate Change (IRCC) NSW community grants program for their project Farming for Change.
Mr Anderson said this project will provide the most recent information for farmers to adapt to the changing climate and create networks to support each other into the future.
“As a member of Landcare and former chair of the NSW Parliamentary Friends of Landcare I know how important it is to care of our environment. The regions farming sector has suffered during the drought and more and more farmers are identifying the need to make changes in their current on-farm practices in response,” Mr Anderson said.
Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator Lana Andrews said the organisation had been approached by farmers wanting to adapt to climate change, access farmer to farmer support and advance their sustainable farming practices.
“Workshops and training delivered across the region by this program will focus on improving ground cover, increasing water infiltration and species diversity,” Ms Andrews said.
By improving ground cover and water infiltration farmers can increase their productivity and continue to operate during dry periods. This will mean maintaining a regular farming income, contribute to succession planning for farming families, keeping people in our regions, creating farming jobs and supporting our economy.
There will be Expressions of Interest released for anyone interested in participating in this program or you can contact Regional Agriculture Landcare Facilitator Lana Andrews on 0407 885 105 or by email lana@trla.org.au.
