The NSW Government has considered a report prepared by Agriculture Commissioner, Mr Daryl Quinlivan on the possible functions of an independent Agriculture Commissioner, based on his previous experience and consultation with stakeholders.
The Commissioner will chair a pilot Farm Practices Panel, testing an alternative approach to provide guidance on acceptable farm practices through review of an agricultural industry code of practice, to assist in providing clarity and consistency for planning decisions and mitigating land use conflict.
The Commissioner will also provide advice to NSW Primary Industries (DPI) concerning agricultural land use, and work across government on its strategic approach to balancing competing policy objectives for agricultural and rural land use planning.
The independent Agriculture Commissioner will be engaged for a term of 3 years.
The NSW Government is committed to accommodating a range of land use priorities that support primary producers and regional communities while improving sustainability and economic growth in NSW.
To submit a tender, visit the Independent Agriculture Commissioner details page or visit the NSW Gov eTendering platform before 10.00am AEST on Monday 29 January 2024.
Get more information on contracting an Independent Agriculture Commissioner.
Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said:
“The NSW Government is delivering on our election commitment to establish an independent Agriculture Commissioner to provide expert and independent advice directly to Government on issues relating to agricultural land use.
“Balancing and prioritising competing policy objectives and demands for land use is complex and will need to be carefully considered.
“There are a number of challenges, including increasing competition for rural land from population growth and demand for housing, demands from industrial and service providers, energy production, increased investment within the agricultural sector and a need to improve carbon and biodiversity outcomes.
“Our primary producers need clarity about how these emerging issues will impact them.
“It is our job to develop strategies that will support strong primary production whilst balancing other competing land use priorities for the benefit of the economy, environment and communities to inform strategic planning decisions and support a more sustainable and productive agriculture industry.
“I invite those with extensive high-level professional and technical expertise in agricultural land use conflict issues to respond to the tender.”
