Committee appointed to help shape Cardinia Shire’s food and agribusiness future
Cardinia Shire Council has appointed 10 community representatives to its newly formed Food and Agribusiness Advisory Committee to help guide the future of the shire’s food and agribusiness sector.
The committee members were officially appointed at the Council meeting on Monday 16 March and will work alongside Councillors David Nickell and Trudi Paton, as well as Council staff, to steer the committee and help strengthen the sector.
Cardinia Shire Mayor Councillor Brett Owen said the committee brought together members with diverse backgrounds and experience across the sector, providing a strong mix of perspectives and expertise.
“From farmers, food industry leaders and manufacturers to technical experts and hands-on practitioners, the committee will play an important role in informing Council's vision for food and agribusiness across the shire,” Mayor Owen said.
“The committee will provide strategic advice, identify emerging trends and challenges, advocate for industry needs, and strengthen connections between Council and key stakeholders across the sector.”
Mayor Owen said a recent audit of the shire’s food and agribusiness landscape had provided an overview of the current state of the sector, as well as challenges and opportunities for the future.
“This audit reaffirmed that Cardinia Shire is a major food-producing region, contributing an estimated $500 million annually to the economy and supporting a significant workforce.
“Our shire plays a major role in Victoria’s food system, with local producers supplying fresh, high-quality food to markets across Australia and overseas.
“What was clear from the audit was the strong appreciation for our natural landscape, productive soils, favourable climate and the lifestyle benefits of rural living close to major centres.”
Opportunities identified through the audit, together with the Food and Agribusiness Advisory Committee, will help to inform the development of Cardinia Shire Council’s new Food and Agribusiness Strategy, which is a key initiative of the new Council Plan 2025–29.
To view the Draft Agribusiness Audit Report, or for more information, please visit https://creating.cardinia.vic.gov.au/agriculture-audit