❓ Mr. Blayney raises concerns about rainfall deficits in the Wheatbelt. Minister Redman acknowledges the issue, outlines government support measures, and expresses confidence in the agricultural sector's long-term viability.
AnsweredQoN 397Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
WHEATBELT REGION — RAINFALL
Despite today’s rainfall, I have been growing increasingly concerned about the lack of rainfall in agricultural areas in my electorate and other parts of the Wheatbelt. Can the minister update the house on the current seasonal conditions and the challenges they present? Mr D.T. REDMAN
Despite today’s rainfall, I have been growing increasingly concerned about the lack of rainfall in agricultural areas in my electorate and other parts of the Wheatbelt. Can the minister update the house on the current seasonal conditions and the challenges they present? Mr D.T. REDMAN
AnswerView source ↗
Thank you, Mr Speaker — Mr B.S. Wyatt : It sounds like the job of the Speaker. Shouldn’t he be doing this; it is a weather report! Mr D.T. REDMAN : Listen to the team, member. I thank the member for Geraldton for his question and his long-time interest in the agricultural sector. He is quite right. Clearly, some rains have come through now that have been well received by the areas that have had them. But extensive areas of Western Australia—the Wheatbelt in particular, and the eastern, central and north eastern agricultural regions—have had significant deficits of rainfall. There are big concerns in those areas about this season. Over the past week or so, I have been out and about talking to a range of farmers, particularly following the regional cabinet meeting we held in Merredin last week. I have spoken to farmers in Merredin, Hyden, Karlgarin and Lake Grace. The Liberal–National government fully understands that, this season in particular, those people are doing it very tough. Even the long-range forecasts predict a well–below average finish to the season. Even if there is a significantly wet finish in some of these areas, the season would still finish up being substantially below the long-term average. With the exception of the rain that has fallen in the past 24 hours or so, for every week we are without rain in these areas, it costs industry around $250 million. It is substantial, and, clearly, those farmers will do it tough. As well as talking to farmers and the agricultural community to get an understanding of the challenges, I have taken the time to talk to consultants, other people in the agribusiness sector and the banks. I met the major banks this morning to get their views and understanding and to keep a close link with them to ensure that I understand how they are dealing with the challenges involving their clients in the Wheatbelt areas in particular. They have assured me that they are taking a medium to long-term view of the situation. They have confidence in the agricultural sector, as does the Liberal–National government. They have outlined to me that they remain committed and they are certainly confident that Western Australia will come through this. Indeed, despite the experiences the banks have had in the eastern states with significant droughts, probably over the past six or seven years, they stuck to that industry sector. That gives us some confidence that they will take a medium to long-term view of it in Western Australia. Besides meeting with the range of groups and people who make a contribution to the agricultural sector, I have also reactivated the Dry Seasons Advisory Committee, chaired by Hon Dexter Davies. That committee was last activated, I think, in 2007. It provides a contact for farmers to give advice not only to government but, likewise, to the respective agencies, which are often in a position to respond and set government policy to support the farming community. The house will also be fully aware that the Liberal–National government was successful in negotiating a drought pilot for this season in Western Australia. Yes; I would like to have had a drought pilot when the season was good rather than during a challenging season; nevertheless, a range of measures in that pilot support this acute response to the issues people are facing. There is a level of Centrelink and direct family support for those who face the challenge of putting meals on the table. There is also much longer term focus on strategic and business planning to ensure that we have a very strong and vibrant farming industry in Western Australia. I also highlight that this government has huge confidence in the future of the agricultural industry, and we are taking a very medium to long-term view of the investments we make. An announcement made in Merredin about the New Genes for New Environments facility was one such example of our making the necessary investment to support the research and development, skills and knowledge to build resilience in the farming community in Western Australia. We recognise the challenges for this season. We are acting proactively and meeting with the various groups who have an influence on that sector so that we understand the challenges and respond appropriately. This government is also investing in projects that lead to confidence in the long-term future of the WA grain industry in particular.
Mr D.T. REDMAN replied: Thank you, Mr Speaker — Mr B.S. Wyatt : It sounds like the job of the Speaker. Shouldn’t he be doing this; it is a weather report! Mr D.T. REDMAN : Listen to the team, member. I thank the member for Geraldton for his question and his long-time interest in the agricultural sector. He is quite right. Clearly, some rains have come through now that have been well received by the areas that have had them. But extensive areas of Western Australia—the Wheatbelt in particular, and the eastern, central and north eastern agricultural regions—have had significant deficits of rainfall. There are big concerns in those areas about this season. Over the past week or so, I have been out and about talking to a range of farmers, particularly following the regional cabinet meeting we held in Merredin last week. I have spoken to farmers in Merredin, Hyden, Karlgarin and Lake Grace. The Liberal–National government fully understands that, this season in particular, those people are doing it very tough. Even the long-range forecasts predict a well–below average finish to the season. Even if there is a significantly wet finish in some of these areas, the season would still finish up being substantially below the long-term average. With the exception of the rain that has fallen in the past 24 hours or so, for every week we are without rain in these areas, it costs industry around $250 million. It is substantial, and, clearly, those farmers will do it tough. As well as talking to farmers and the agricultural community to get an understanding of the challenges, I have taken the time to talk to consultants, other people in the agribusiness sector and the banks. I met the major banks this morning to get their views and understanding and to keep a close link with them to ensure that I understand how they are dealing with the challenges involving their clients in the Wheatbelt areas in particular. They have assured me that they are taking a medium to long-term view of the situation. They have confidence in the agricultural sector, as does the Liberal–National government. They have outlined to me that they remain committed and they are certainly confident that Western Australia will come through this. Indeed, despite the experiences the banks have had in the eastern states with significant droughts, probably over the past six or seven years, they stuck to that industry sector. That gives us some confidence that they will take a medium to long-term view of it in Western Australia. Besides meeting with the range of groups and people who make a contribution to the agricultural sector, I have also reactivated the Dry Seasons Advisory Committee, chaired by Hon Dexter Davies. That committee was last activated, I think, in 2007. It provides a contact for farmers to give advice not only to government but, likewise, to the respective agencies, which are often in a position to respond and set government policy to support the farming community. The house will also be fully aware that the Liberal–National government was successful in negotiating a drought pilot for this season in Western Australia. Yes; I would like to have had a drought pilot when the season was good rather than during a challenging season; nevertheless, a range of measures in that pilot support this acute response to the issues people are facing. There is a level of Centrelink and direct family support for those who face the challenge of putting meals on the table. There is also much longer term focus on strategic and business planning to ensure that we have a very strong and vibrant farming industry in Western Australia. I also highlight that this government has huge confidence in the future of the agricultural industry, and we are taking a very medium to long-term view of the investments we make. An announcement made in Merredin about the New Genes for New Environments facility was one such example of our making the necessary investment to support the research and development, skills and knowledge to build resilience in the farming community in Western Australia. We recognise the challenges for this season. We are acting proactively and meeting with the various groups who have an influence on that sector so that we understand the challenges and respond appropriately. This government is also investing in projects that lead to confidence in the long-term future of the WA grain industry in particular.
Thank you, Mr Speaker — Mr B.S. Wyatt : It sounds like the job of the Speaker. Shouldn’t he be doing this; it is a weather report! Mr D.T. REDMAN : Listen to the team, member. I thank the member for Geraldton for his question and his long-time interest in the agricultural sector. He is quite right. Clearly, some rains have come through now that have been well received by the areas that have had them. But extensive areas of Western Australia—the Wheatbelt in particular, and the eastern, central and north eastern agricultural regions—have had significant deficits of rainfall. There are big concerns in those areas about this season. Over the past week or so, I have been out and about talking to a range of farmers, particularly following the regional cabinet meeting we held in Merredin last week. I have spoken to farmers in Merredin, Hyden, Karlgarin and Lake Grace. The Liberal–National government fully understands that, this season in particular, those people are doing it very tough. Even the long-range forecasts predict a well–below average finish to the season. Even if there is a significantly wet finish in some of these areas, the season would still finish up being substantially below the long-term average. With the exception of the rain that has fallen in the past 24 hours or so, for every week we are without rain in these areas, it costs industry around $250 million. It is substantial, and, clearly, those farmers will do it tough. As well as talking to farmers and the agricultural community to get an understanding of the challenges, I have taken the time to talk to consultants, other people in the agribusiness sector and the banks. I met the major banks this morning to get their views and understanding and to keep a close link with them to ensure that I understand how they are dealing with the challenges involving their clients in the Wheatbelt areas in particular. They have assured me that they are taking a medium to long-term view of the situation. They have confidence in the agricultural sector, as does the Liberal–National government. They have outlined to me that they remain committed and they are certainly confident that Western Australia will come through this. Indeed, despite the experiences the banks have had in the eastern states with significant droughts, probably over the past six or seven years, they stuck to that industry sector. That gives us some confidence that they will take a medium to long-term view of it in Western Australia. Besides meeting with the range of groups and people who make a contribution to the agricultural sector, I have also reactivated the Dry Seasons Advisory Committee, chaired by Hon Dexter Davies. That committee was last activated, I think, in 2007. It provides a contact for farmers to give advice not only to government but, likewise, to the respective agencies, which are often in a position to respond and set government policy to support the farming community. The house will also be fully aware that the Liberal–National government was successful in negotiating a drought pilot for this season in Western Australia. Yes; I would like to have had a drought pilot when the season was good rather than during a challenging season; nevertheless, a range of measures in that pilot support this acute response to the issues people are facing. There is a level of Centrelink and direct family support for those who face the challenge of putting meals on the table. There is also much longer term focus on strategic and business planning to ensure that we have a very strong and vibrant farming industry in Western Australia. I also highlight that this government has huge confidence in the future of the agricultural industry, and we are taking a very medium to long-term view of the investments we make. An announcement made in Merredin about the New Genes for New Environments facility was one such example of our making the necessary investment to support the research and development, skills and knowledge to build resilience in the farming community in Western Australia. We recognise the challenges for this season. We are acting proactively and meeting with the various groups who have an influence on that sector so that we understand the challenges and respond appropriately. This government is also investing in projects that lead to confidence in the long-term future of the WA grain industry in particular.
Mr B.S. Wyatt : It sounds like the job of the Speaker. Shouldn’t he be doing this; it is a weather report! Mr D.T. REDMAN : Listen to the team, member. I thank the member for Geraldton for his question and his long-time interest in the agricultural sector. He is quite right. Clearly, some rains have come through now that have been well received by the areas that have had them. But extensive areas of Western Australia—the Wheatbelt in particular, and the eastern, central and north eastern agricultural regions—have had significant deficits of rainfall. There are big concerns in those areas about this season. Over the past week or so, I have been out and about talking to a range of farmers, particularly following the regional cabinet meeting we held in Merredin last week. I have spoken to farmers in Merredin, Hyden, Karlgarin and Lake Grace. The Liberal–National government fully understands that, this season in particular, those people are doing it very tough. Even the long-range forecasts predict a well–below average finish to the season. Even if there is a significantly wet finish in some of these areas, the season would still finish up being substantially below the long-term average. With the exception of the rain that has fallen in the past 24 hours or so, for every week we are without rain in these areas, it costs industry around $250 million. It is substantial, and, clearly, those farmers will do it tough. As well as talking to farmers and the agricultural community to get an understanding of the challenges, I have taken the time to talk to consultants, other people in the agribusiness sector and the banks. I met the major banks this morning to get their views and understanding and to keep a close link with them to ensure that I understand how they are dealing with the challenges involving their clients in the Wheatbelt areas in particular. They have assured me that they are taking a medium to long-term view of the situation. They have confidence in the agricultural sector, as does the Liberal–National government. They have outlined to me that they remain committed and they are certainly confident that Western Australia will come through this. Indeed, despite the experiences the banks have had in the eastern states with significant droughts, probably over the past six or seven years, they stuck to that industry sector. That gives us some confidence that they will take a medium to long-term view of it in Western Australia. Besides meeting with the range of groups and people who make a contribution to the agricultural sector, I have also reactivated the Dry Seasons Advisory Committee, chaired by Hon Dexter Davies. That committee was last activated, I think, in 2007. It provides a contact for farmers to give advice not only to government but, likewise, to the respective agencies, which are often in a position to respond and set government policy to support the farming community. The house will also be fully aware that the Liberal–National government was successful in negotiating a drought pilot for this season in Western Australia. Yes; I would like to have had a drought pilot when the season was good rather than during a challenging season; nevertheless, a range of measures in that pilot support this acute response to the issues people are facing. There is a level of Centrelink and direct family support for those who face the challenge of putting meals on the table. There is also much longer term focus on strategic and business planning to ensure that we have a very strong and vibrant farming industry in Western Australia. I also highlight that this government has huge confidence in the future of the agricultural industry, and we are taking a very medium to long-term view of the investments we make. An announcement made in Merredin about the New Genes for New Environments facility was one such example of our making the necessary investment to support the research and development, skills and knowledge to build resilience in the farming community in Western Australia. We recognise the challenges for this season. We are acting proactively and meeting with the various groups who have an influence on that sector so that we understand the challenges and respond appropriately. This government is also investing in projects that lead to confidence in the long-term future of the WA grain industry in particular.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : Listen to the team, member. I thank the member for Geraldton for his question and his long-time interest in the agricultural sector. He is quite right. Clearly, some rains have come through now that have been well received by the areas that have had them. But extensive areas of Western Australia—the Wheatbelt in particular, and the eastern, central and north eastern agricultural regions—have had significant deficits of rainfall. There are big concerns in those areas about this season. Over the past week or so, I have been out and about talking to a range of farmers, particularly following the regional cabinet meeting we held in Merredin last week. I have spoken to farmers in Merredin, Hyden, Karlgarin and Lake Grace. The Liberal–National government fully understands that, this season in particular, those people are doing it very tough. Even the long-range forecasts predict a well–below average finish to the season. Even if there is a significantly wet finish in some of these areas, the season would still finish up being substantially below the long-term average. With the exception of the rain that has fallen in the past 24 hours or so, for every week we are without rain in these areas, it costs industry around $250 million. It is substantial, and, clearly, those farmers will do it tough. As well as talking to farmers and the agricultural community to get an understanding of the challenges, I have taken the time to talk to consultants, other people in the agribusiness sector and the banks. I met the major banks this morning to get their views and understanding and to keep a close link with them to ensure that I understand how they are dealing with the challenges involving their clients in the Wheatbelt areas in particular. They have assured me that they are taking a medium to long-term view of the situation. They have confidence in the agricultural sector, as does the Liberal–National government. They have outlined to me that they remain committed and they are certainly confident that Western Australia will come through this. Indeed, despite the experiences the banks have had in the eastern states with significant droughts, probably over the past six or seven years, they stuck to that industry sector. That gives us some confidence that they will take a medium to long-term view of it in Western Australia. Besides meeting with the range of groups and people who make a contribution to the agricultural sector, I have also reactivated the Dry Seasons Advisory Committee, chaired by Hon Dexter Davies. That committee was last activated, I think, in 2007. It provides a contact for farmers to give advice not only to government but, likewise, to the respective agencies, which are often in a position to respond and set government policy to support the farming community. The house will also be fully aware that the Liberal–National government was successful in negotiating a drought pilot for this season in Western Australia. Yes; I would like to have had a drought pilot when the season was good rather than during a challenging season; nevertheless, a range of measures in that pilot support this acute response to the issues people are facing. There is a level of Centrelink and direct family support for those who face the challenge of putting meals on the table. There is also much longer term focus on strategic and business planning to ensure that we have a very strong and vibrant farming industry in Western Australia. I also highlight that this government has huge confidence in the future of the agricultural industry, and we are taking a very medium to long-term view of the investments we make. An announcement made in Merredin about the New Genes for New Environments facility was one such example of our making the necessary investment to support the research and development, skills and knowledge to build resilience in the farming community in Western Australia. We recognise the challenges for this season. We are acting proactively and meeting with the various groups who have an influence on that sector so that we understand the challenges and respond appropriately. This government is also investing in projects that lead to confidence in the long-term future of the WA grain industry in particular.
Over the past week or so, I have been out and about talking to a range of farmers, particularly following the regional cabinet meeting we held in Merredin last week. I have spoken to farmers in Merredin, Hyden, Karlgarin and Lake Grace. The Liberal–National government fully understands that, this season in particular, those people are doing it very tough. Even the long-range forecasts predict a well–below average finish to the season. Even if there is a significantly wet finish in some of these areas, the season would still finish up being substantially below the long-term average. With the exception of the rain that has fallen in the past 24 hours or so, for every week we are without rain in these areas, it costs industry around $250 million. It is substantial, and, clearly, those farmers will do it tough. As well as talking to farmers and the agricultural community to get an understanding of the challenges, I have taken the time to talk to consultants, other people in the agribusiness sector and the banks. I met the major banks this morning to get their views and understanding and to keep a close link with them to ensure that I understand how they are dealing with the challenges involving their clients in the Wheatbelt areas in particular. They have assured me that they are taking a medium to long-term view of the situation. They have confidence in the agricultural sector, as does the Liberal–National government. They have outlined to me that they remain committed and they are certainly confident that Western Australia will come through this. Indeed, despite the experiences the banks have had in the eastern states with significant droughts, probably over the past six or seven years, they stuck to that industry sector. That gives us some confidence that they will take a medium to long-term view of it in Western Australia. Besides meeting with the range of groups and people who make a contribution to the agricultural sector, I have also reactivated the Dry Seasons Advisory Committee, chaired by Hon Dexter Davies. That committee was last activated, I think, in 2007. It provides a contact for farmers to give advice not only to government but, likewise, to the respective agencies, which are often in a position to respond and set government policy to support the farming community. The house will also be fully aware that the Liberal–National government was successful in negotiating a drought pilot for this season in Western Australia. Yes; I would like to have had a drought pilot when the season was good rather than during a challenging season; nevertheless, a range of measures in that pilot support this acute response to the issues people are facing. There is a level of Centrelink and direct family support for those who face the challenge of putting meals on the table. There is also much longer term focus on strategic and business planning to ensure that we have a very strong and vibrant farming industry in Western Australia. I also highlight that this government has huge confidence in the future of the agricultural industry, and we are taking a very medium to long-term view of the investments we make. An announcement made in Merredin about the New Genes for New Environments facility was one such example of our making the necessary investment to support the research and development, skills and knowledge to build resilience in the farming community in Western Australia. We recognise the challenges for this season. We are acting proactively and meeting with the various groups who have an influence on that sector so that we understand the challenges and respond appropriately. This government is also investing in projects that lead to confidence in the long-term future of the WA grain industry in particular.
As well as talking to farmers and the agricultural community to get an understanding of the challenges, I have taken the time to talk to consultants, other people in the agribusiness sector and the banks. I met the major banks this morning to get their views and understanding and to keep a close link with them to ensure that I understand how they are dealing with the challenges involving their clients in the Wheatbelt areas in particular. They have assured me that they are taking a medium to long-term view of the situation. They have confidence in the agricultural sector, as does the Liberal–National government. They have outlined to me that they remain committed and they are certainly confident that Western Australia will come through this. Indeed, despite the experiences the banks have had in the eastern states with significant droughts, probably over the past six or seven years, they stuck to that industry sector. That gives us some confidence that they will take a medium to long-term view of it in Western Australia. Besides meeting with the range of groups and people who make a contribution to the agricultural sector, I have also reactivated the Dry Seasons Advisory Committee, chaired by Hon Dexter Davies. That committee was last activated, I think, in 2007. It provides a contact for farmers to give advice not only to government but, likewise, to the respective agencies, which are often in a position to respond and set government policy to support the farming community. The house will also be fully aware that the Liberal–National government was successful in negotiating a drought pilot for this season in Western Australia. Yes; I would like to have had a drought pilot when the season was good rather than during a challenging season; nevertheless, a range of measures in that pilot support this acute response to the issues people are facing. There is a level of Centrelink and direct family support for those who face the challenge of putting meals on the table. There is also much longer term focus on strategic and business planning to ensure that we have a very strong and vibrant farming industry in Western Australia. I also highlight that this government has huge confidence in the future of the agricultural industry, and we are taking a very medium to long-term view of the investments we make. An announcement made in Merredin about the New Genes for New Environments facility was one such example of our making the necessary investment to support the research and development, skills and knowledge to build resilience in the farming community in Western Australia. We recognise the challenges for this season. We are acting proactively and meeting with the various groups who have an influence on that sector so that we understand the challenges and respond appropriately. This government is also investing in projects that lead to confidence in the long-term future of the WA grain industry in particular.
Besides meeting with the range of groups and people who make a contribution to the agricultural sector, I have also reactivated the Dry Seasons Advisory Committee, chaired by Hon Dexter Davies. That committee was last activated, I think, in 2007. It provides a contact for farmers to give advice not only to government but, likewise, to the respective agencies, which are often in a position to respond and set government policy to support the farming community. The house will also be fully aware that the Liberal–National government was successful in negotiating a drought pilot for this season in Western Australia. Yes; I would like to have had a drought pilot when the season was good rather than during a challenging season; nevertheless, a range of measures in that pilot support this acute response to the issues people are facing. There is a level of Centrelink and direct family support for those who face the challenge of putting meals on the table. There is also much longer term focus on strategic and business planning to ensure that we have a very strong and vibrant farming industry in Western Australia. I also highlight that this government has huge confidence in the future of the agricultural industry, and we are taking a very medium to long-term view of the investments we make. An announcement made in Merredin about the New Genes for New Environments facility was one such example of our making the necessary investment to support the research and development, skills and knowledge to build resilience in the farming community in Western Australia. We recognise the challenges for this season. We are acting proactively and meeting with the various groups who have an influence on that sector so that we understand the challenges and respond appropriately. This government is also investing in projects that lead to confidence in the long-term future of the WA grain industry in particular.
The house will also be fully aware that the Liberal–National government was successful in negotiating a drought pilot for this season in Western Australia. Yes; I would like to have had a drought pilot when the season was good rather than during a challenging season; nevertheless, a range of measures in that pilot support this acute response to the issues people are facing. There is a level of Centrelink and direct family support for those who face the challenge of putting meals on the table. There is also much longer term focus on strategic and business planning to ensure that we have a very strong and vibrant farming industry in Western Australia. I also highlight that this government has huge confidence in the future of the agricultural industry, and we are taking a very medium to long-term view of the investments we make. An announcement made in Merredin about the New Genes for New Environments facility was one such example of our making the necessary investment to support the research and development, skills and knowledge to build resilience in the farming community in Western Australia. We recognise the challenges for this season. We are acting proactively and meeting with the various groups who have an influence on that sector so that we understand the challenges and respond appropriately. This government is also investing in projects that lead to confidence in the long-term future of the WA grain industry in particular.
I also highlight that this government has huge confidence in the future of the agricultural industry, and we are taking a very medium to long-term view of the investments we make. An announcement made in Merredin about the New Genes for New Environments facility was one such example of our making the necessary investment to support the research and development, skills and knowledge to build resilience in the farming community in Western Australia. We recognise the challenges for this season. We are acting proactively and meeting with the various groups who have an influence on that sector so that we understand the challenges and respond appropriately. This government is also investing in projects that lead to confidence in the long-term future of the WA grain industry in particular.
Mr D.T. REDMAN replied: Thank you, Mr Speaker — Mr B.S. Wyatt : It sounds like the job of the Speaker. Shouldn’t he be doing this; it is a weather report! Mr D.T. REDMAN : Listen to the team, member. I thank the member for Geraldton for his question and his long-time interest in the agricultural sector. He is quite right. Clearly, some rains have come through now that have been well received by the areas that have had them. But extensive areas of Western Australia—the Wheatbelt in particular, and the eastern, central and north eastern agricultural regions—have had significant deficits of rainfall. There are big concerns in those areas about this season. Over the past week or so, I have been out and about talking to a range of farmers, particularly following the regional cabinet meeting we held in Merredin last week. I have spoken to farmers in Merredin, Hyden, Karlgarin and Lake Grace. The Liberal–National government fully understands that, this season in particular, those people are doing it very tough. Even the long-range forecasts predict a well–below average finish to the season. Even if there is a significantly wet finish in some of these areas, the season would still finish up being substantially below the long-term average. With the exception of the rain that has fallen in the past 24 hours or so, for every week we are without rain in these areas, it costs industry around $250 million. It is substantial, and, clearly, those farmers will do it tough. As well as talking to farmers and the agricultural community to get an understanding of the challenges, I have taken the time to talk to consultants, other people in the agribusiness sector and the banks. I met the major banks this morning to get their views and understanding and to keep a close link with them to ensure that I understand how they are dealing with the challenges involving their clients in the Wheatbelt areas in particular. They have assured me that they are taking a medium to long-term view of the situation. They have confidence in the agricultural sector, as does the Liberal–National government. They have outlined to me that they remain committed and they are certainly confident that Western Australia will come through this. Indeed, despite the experiences the banks have had in the eastern states with significant droughts, probably over the past six or seven years, they stuck to that industry sector. That gives us some confidence that they will take a medium to long-term view of it in Western Australia. Besides meeting with the range of groups and people who make a contribution to the agricultural sector, I have also reactivated the Dry Seasons Advisory Committee, chaired by Hon Dexter Davies. That committee was last activated, I think, in 2007. It provides a contact for farmers to give advice not only to government but, likewise, to the respective agencies, which are often in a position to respond and set government policy to support the farming community. The house will also be fully aware that the Liberal–National government was successful in negotiating a drought pilot for this season in Western Australia. Yes; I would like to have had a drought pilot when the season was good rather than during a challenging season; nevertheless, a range of measures in that pilot support this acute response to the issues people are facing. There is a level of Centrelink and direct family support for those who face the challenge of putting meals on the table. There is also much longer term focus on strategic and business planning to ensure that we have a very strong and vibrant farming industry in Western Australia. I also highlight that this government has huge confidence in the future of the agricultural industry, and we are taking a very medium to long-term view of the investments we make. An announcement made in Merredin about the New Genes for New Environments facility was one such example of our making the necessary investment to support the research and development, skills and knowledge to build resilience in the farming community in Western Australia. We recognise the challenges for this season. We are acting proactively and meeting with the various groups who have an influence on that sector so that we understand the challenges and respond appropriately. This government is also investing in projects that lead to confidence in the long-term future of the WA grain industry in particular.
Thank you, Mr Speaker — Mr B.S. Wyatt : It sounds like the job of the Speaker. Shouldn’t he be doing this; it is a weather report! Mr D.T. REDMAN : Listen to the team, member. I thank the member for Geraldton for his question and his long-time interest in the agricultural sector. He is quite right. Clearly, some rains have come through now that have been well received by the areas that have had them. But extensive areas of Western Australia—the Wheatbelt in particular, and the eastern, central and north eastern agricultural regions—have had significant deficits of rainfall. There are big concerns in those areas about this season. Over the past week or so, I have been out and about talking to a range of farmers, particularly following the regional cabinet meeting we held in Merredin last week. I have spoken to farmers in Merredin, Hyden, Karlgarin and Lake Grace. The Liberal–National government fully understands that, this season in particular, those people are doing it very tough. Even the long-range forecasts predict a well–below average finish to the season. Even if there is a significantly wet finish in some of these areas, the season would still finish up being substantially below the long-term average. With the exception of the rain that has fallen in the past 24 hours or so, for every week we are without rain in these areas, it costs industry around $250 million. It is substantial, and, clearly, those farmers will do it tough. As well as talking to farmers and the agricultural community to get an understanding of the challenges, I have taken the time to talk to consultants, other people in the agribusiness sector and the banks. I met the major banks this morning to get their views and understanding and to keep a close link with them to ensure that I understand how they are dealing with the challenges involving their clients in the Wheatbelt areas in particular. They have assured me that they are taking a medium to long-term view of the situation. They have confidence in the agricultural sector, as does the Liberal–National government. They have outlined to me that they remain committed and they are certainly confident that Western Australia will come through this. Indeed, despite the experiences the banks have had in the eastern states with significant droughts, probably over the past six or seven years, they stuck to that industry sector. That gives us some confidence that they will take a medium to long-term view of it in Western Australia. Besides meeting with the range of groups and people who make a contribution to the agricultural sector, I have also reactivated the Dry Seasons Advisory Committee, chaired by Hon Dexter Davies. That committee was last activated, I think, in 2007. It provides a contact for farmers to give advice not only to government but, likewise, to the respective agencies, which are often in a position to respond and set government policy to support the farming community. The house will also be fully aware that the Liberal–National government was successful in negotiating a drought pilot for this season in Western Australia. Yes; I would like to have had a drought pilot when the season was good rather than during a challenging season; nevertheless, a range of measures in that pilot support this acute response to the issues people are facing. There is a level of Centrelink and direct family support for those who face the challenge of putting meals on the table. There is also much longer term focus on strategic and business planning to ensure that we have a very strong and vibrant farming industry in Western Australia. I also highlight that this government has huge confidence in the future of the agricultural industry, and we are taking a very medium to long-term view of the investments we make. An announcement made in Merredin about the New Genes for New Environments facility was one such example of our making the necessary investment to support the research and development, skills and knowledge to build resilience in the farming community in Western Australia. We recognise the challenges for this season. We are acting proactively and meeting with the various groups who have an influence on that sector so that we understand the challenges and respond appropriately. This government is also investing in projects that lead to confidence in the long-term future of the WA grain industry in particular.
Mr B.S. Wyatt : It sounds like the job of the Speaker. Shouldn’t he be doing this; it is a weather report! Mr D.T. REDMAN : Listen to the team, member. I thank the member for Geraldton for his question and his long-time interest in the agricultural sector. He is quite right. Clearly, some rains have come through now that have been well received by the areas that have had them. But extensive areas of Western Australia—the Wheatbelt in particular, and the eastern, central and north eastern agricultural regions—have had significant deficits of rainfall. There are big concerns in those areas about this season. Over the past week or so, I have been out and about talking to a range of farmers, particularly following the regional cabinet meeting we held in Merredin last week. I have spoken to farmers in Merredin, Hyden, Karlgarin and Lake Grace. The Liberal–National government fully understands that, this season in particular, those people are doing it very tough. Even the long-range forecasts predict a well–below average finish to the season. Even if there is a significantly wet finish in some of these areas, the season would still finish up being substantially below the long-term average. With the exception of the rain that has fallen in the past 24 hours or so, for every week we are without rain in these areas, it costs industry around $250 million. It is substantial, and, clearly, those farmers will do it tough. As well as talking to farmers and the agricultural community to get an understanding of the challenges, I have taken the time to talk to consultants, other people in the agribusiness sector and the banks. I met the major banks this morning to get their views and understanding and to keep a close link with them to ensure that I understand how they are dealing with the challenges involving their clients in the Wheatbelt areas in particular. They have assured me that they are taking a medium to long-term view of the situation. They have confidence in the agricultural sector, as does the Liberal–National government. They have outlined to me that they remain committed and they are certainly confident that Western Australia will come through this. Indeed, despite the experiences the banks have had in the eastern states with significant droughts, probably over the past six or seven years, they stuck to that industry sector. That gives us some confidence that they will take a medium to long-term view of it in Western Australia. Besides meeting with the range of groups and people who make a contribution to the agricultural sector, I have also reactivated the Dry Seasons Advisory Committee, chaired by Hon Dexter Davies. That committee was last activated, I think, in 2007. It provides a contact for farmers to give advice not only to government but, likewise, to the respective agencies, which are often in a position to respond and set government policy to support the farming community. The house will also be fully aware that the Liberal–National government was successful in negotiating a drought pilot for this season in Western Australia. Yes; I would like to have had a drought pilot when the season was good rather than during a challenging season; nevertheless, a range of measures in that pilot support this acute response to the issues people are facing. There is a level of Centrelink and direct family support for those who face the challenge of putting meals on the table. There is also much longer term focus on strategic and business planning to ensure that we have a very strong and vibrant farming industry in Western Australia. I also highlight that this government has huge confidence in the future of the agricultural industry, and we are taking a very medium to long-term view of the investments we make. An announcement made in Merredin about the New Genes for New Environments facility was one such example of our making the necessary investment to support the research and development, skills and knowledge to build resilience in the farming community in Western Australia. We recognise the challenges for this season. We are acting proactively and meeting with the various groups who have an influence on that sector so that we understand the challenges and respond appropriately. This government is also investing in projects that lead to confidence in the long-term future of the WA grain industry in particular.
Mr D.T. REDMAN : Listen to the team, member. I thank the member for Geraldton for his question and his long-time interest in the agricultural sector. He is quite right. Clearly, some rains have come through now that have been well received by the areas that have had them. But extensive areas of Western Australia—the Wheatbelt in particular, and the eastern, central and north eastern agricultural regions—have had significant deficits of rainfall. There are big concerns in those areas about this season. Over the past week or so, I have been out and about talking to a range of farmers, particularly following the regional cabinet meeting we held in Merredin last week. I have spoken to farmers in Merredin, Hyden, Karlgarin and Lake Grace. The Liberal–National government fully understands that, this season in particular, those people are doing it very tough. Even the long-range forecasts predict a well–below average finish to the season. Even if there is a significantly wet finish in some of these areas, the season would still finish up being substantially below the long-term average. With the exception of the rain that has fallen in the past 24 hours or so, for every week we are without rain in these areas, it costs industry around $250 million. It is substantial, and, clearly, those farmers will do it tough. As well as talking to farmers and the agricultural community to get an understanding of the challenges, I have taken the time to talk to consultants, other people in the agribusiness sector and the banks. I met the major banks this morning to get their views and understanding and to keep a close link with them to ensure that I understand how they are dealing with the challenges involving their clients in the Wheatbelt areas in particular. They have assured me that they are taking a medium to long-term view of the situation. They have confidence in the agricultural sector, as does the Liberal–National government. They have outlined to me that they remain committed and they are certainly confident that Western Australia will come through this. Indeed, despite the experiences the banks have had in the eastern states with significant droughts, probably over the past six or seven years, they stuck to that industry sector. That gives us some confidence that they will take a medium to long-term view of it in Western Australia. Besides meeting with the range of groups and people who make a contribution to the agricultural sector, I have also reactivated the Dry Seasons Advisory Committee, chaired by Hon Dexter Davies. That committee was last activated, I think, in 2007. It provides a contact for farmers to give advice not only to government but, likewise, to the respective agencies, which are often in a position to respond and set government policy to support the farming community. The house will also be fully aware that the Liberal–National government was successful in negotiating a drought pilot for this season in Western Australia. Yes; I would like to have had a drought pilot when the season was good rather than during a challenging season; nevertheless, a range of measures in that pilot support this acute response to the issues people are facing. There is a level of Centrelink and direct family support for those who face the challenge of putting meals on the table. There is also much longer term focus on strategic and business planning to ensure that we have a very strong and vibrant farming industry in Western Australia. I also highlight that this government has huge confidence in the future of the agricultural industry, and we are taking a very medium to long-term view of the investments we make. An announcement made in Merredin about the New Genes for New Environments facility was one such example of our making the necessary investment to support the research and development, skills and knowledge to build resilience in the farming community in Western Australia. We recognise the challenges for this season. We are acting proactively and meeting with the various groups who have an influence on that sector so that we understand the challenges and respond appropriately. This government is also investing in projects that lead to confidence in the long-term future of the WA grain industry in particular.
Over the past week or so, I have been out and about talking to a range of farmers, particularly following the regional cabinet meeting we held in Merredin last week. I have spoken to farmers in Merredin, Hyden, Karlgarin and Lake Grace. The Liberal–National government fully understands that, this season in particular, those people are doing it very tough. Even the long-range forecasts predict a well–below average finish to the season. Even if there is a significantly wet finish in some of these areas, the season would still finish up being substantially below the long-term average. With the exception of the rain that has fallen in the past 24 hours or so, for every week we are without rain in these areas, it costs industry around $250 million. It is substantial, and, clearly, those farmers will do it tough. As well as talking to farmers and the agricultural community to get an understanding of the challenges, I have taken the time to talk to consultants, other people in the agribusiness sector and the banks. I met the major banks this morning to get their views and understanding and to keep a close link with them to ensure that I understand how they are dealing with the challenges involving their clients in the Wheatbelt areas in particular. They have assured me that they are taking a medium to long-term view of the situation. They have confidence in the agricultural sector, as does the Liberal–National government. They have outlined to me that they remain committed and they are certainly confident that Western Australia will come through this. Indeed, despite the experiences the banks have had in the eastern states with significant droughts, probably over the past six or seven years, they stuck to that industry sector. That gives us some confidence that they will take a medium to long-term view of it in Western Australia. Besides meeting with the range of groups and people who make a contribution to the agricultural sector, I have also reactivated the Dry Seasons Advisory Committee, chaired by Hon Dexter Davies. That committee was last activated, I think, in 2007. It provides a contact for farmers to give advice not only to government but, likewise, to the respective agencies, which are often in a position to respond and set government policy to support the farming community. The house will also be fully aware that the Liberal–National government was successful in negotiating a drought pilot for this season in Western Australia. Yes; I would like to have had a drought pilot when the season was good rather than during a challenging season; nevertheless, a range of measures in that pilot support this acute response to the issues people are facing. There is a level of Centrelink and direct family support for those who face the challenge of putting meals on the table. There is also much longer term focus on strategic and business planning to ensure that we have a very strong and vibrant farming industry in Western Australia. I also highlight that this government has huge confidence in the future of the agricultural industry, and we are taking a very medium to long-term view of the investments we make. An announcement made in Merredin about the New Genes for New Environments facility was one such example of our making the necessary investment to support the research and development, skills and knowledge to build resilience in the farming community in Western Australia. We recognise the challenges for this season. We are acting proactively and meeting with the various groups who have an influence on that sector so that we understand the challenges and respond appropriately. This government is also investing in projects that lead to confidence in the long-term future of the WA grain industry in particular.
As well as talking to farmers and the agricultural community to get an understanding of the challenges, I have taken the time to talk to consultants, other people in the agribusiness sector and the banks. I met the major banks this morning to get their views and understanding and to keep a close link with them to ensure that I understand how they are dealing with the challenges involving their clients in the Wheatbelt areas in particular. They have assured me that they are taking a medium to long-term view of the situation. They have confidence in the agricultural sector, as does the Liberal–National government. They have outlined to me that they remain committed and they are certainly confident that Western Australia will come through this. Indeed, despite the experiences the banks have had in the eastern states with significant droughts, probably over the past six or seven years, they stuck to that industry sector. That gives us some confidence that they will take a medium to long-term view of it in Western Australia. Besides meeting with the range of groups and people who make a contribution to the agricultural sector, I have also reactivated the Dry Seasons Advisory Committee, chaired by Hon Dexter Davies. That committee was last activated, I think, in 2007. It provides a contact for farmers to give advice not only to government but, likewise, to the respective agencies, which are often in a position to respond and set government policy to support the farming community. The house will also be fully aware that the Liberal–National government was successful in negotiating a drought pilot for this season in Western Australia. Yes; I would like to have had a drought pilot when the season was good rather than during a challenging season; nevertheless, a range of measures in that pilot support this acute response to the issues people are facing. There is a level of Centrelink and direct family support for those who face the challenge of putting meals on the table. There is also much longer term focus on strategic and business planning to ensure that we have a very strong and vibrant farming industry in Western Australia. I also highlight that this government has huge confidence in the future of the agricultural industry, and we are taking a very medium to long-term view of the investments we make. An announcement made in Merredin about the New Genes for New Environments facility was one such example of our making the necessary investment to support the research and development, skills and knowledge to build resilience in the farming community in Western Australia. We recognise the challenges for this season. We are acting proactively and meeting with the various groups who have an influence on that sector so that we understand the challenges and respond appropriately. This government is also investing in projects that lead to confidence in the long-term future of the WA grain industry in particular.
Besides meeting with the range of groups and people who make a contribution to the agricultural sector, I have also reactivated the Dry Seasons Advisory Committee, chaired by Hon Dexter Davies. That committee was last activated, I think, in 2007. It provides a contact for farmers to give advice not only to government but, likewise, to the respective agencies, which are often in a position to respond and set government policy to support the farming community. The house will also be fully aware that the Liberal–National government was successful in negotiating a drought pilot for this season in Western Australia. Yes; I would like to have had a drought pilot when the season was good rather than during a challenging season; nevertheless, a range of measures in that pilot support this acute response to the issues people are facing. There is a level of Centrelink and direct family support for those who face the challenge of putting meals on the table. There is also much longer term focus on strategic and business planning to ensure that we have a very strong and vibrant farming industry in Western Australia. I also highlight that this government has huge confidence in the future of the agricultural industry, and we are taking a very medium to long-term view of the investments we make. An announcement made in Merredin about the New Genes for New Environments facility was one such example of our making the necessary investment to support the research and development, skills and knowledge to build resilience in the farming community in Western Australia. We recognise the challenges for this season. We are acting proactively and meeting with the various groups who have an influence on that sector so that we understand the challenges and respond appropriately. This government is also investing in projects that lead to confidence in the long-term future of the WA grain industry in particular.
The house will also be fully aware that the Liberal–National government was successful in negotiating a drought pilot for this season in Western Australia. Yes; I would like to have had a drought pilot when the season was good rather than during a challenging season; nevertheless, a range of measures in that pilot support this acute response to the issues people are facing. There is a level of Centrelink and direct family support for those who face the challenge of putting meals on the table. There is also much longer term focus on strategic and business planning to ensure that we have a very strong and vibrant farming industry in Western Australia. I also highlight that this government has huge confidence in the future of the agricultural industry, and we are taking a very medium to long-term view of the investments we make. An announcement made in Merredin about the New Genes for New Environments facility was one such example of our making the necessary investment to support the research and development, skills and knowledge to build resilience in the farming community in Western Australia. We recognise the challenges for this season. We are acting proactively and meeting with the various groups who have an influence on that sector so that we understand the challenges and respond appropriately. This government is also investing in projects that lead to confidence in the long-term future of the WA grain industry in particular.
I also highlight that this government has huge confidence in the future of the agricultural industry, and we are taking a very medium to long-term view of the investments we make. An announcement made in Merredin about the New Genes for New Environments facility was one such example of our making the necessary investment to support the research and development, skills and knowledge to build resilience in the farming community in Western Australia. We recognise the challenges for this season. We are acting proactively and meeting with the various groups who have an influence on that sector so that we understand the challenges and respond appropriately. This government is also investing in projects that lead to confidence in the long-term future of the WA grain industry in particular.
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