WAFarmers recognised seven hard working individuals for their service to the Federation and the wider agricultural industry during its Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony last week. The Gala Dinner and Awards ceremony concluded the two-day WAFarmers 2015 Annual Conference, held at Pan Pacific on February 19 – 20. Former Zone Coordinator Jane Fuchsbichler received a Special Award in recognition of her longstanding and continued support of our organisation. Former WAFarmers President and Meat Section President

WAFarmers members have appointed commodity presidents and a new general section executive member at the WAFarmers Annual General Meeting. While President Dale Park and Senior Vice President Tony York remain in their elected positions to see out the final year of their terms, Albany farmer Lyn Slade was elected to the position of Vice President, replacing Marg Agnew. “I would like to extend my thanks on behalf of the organisation to Marg Agnew for her

WAFarmers is extremely disappointed with the State Government’s response to the Economic and Industry Standing Committee Report into the management of Western Australia’s Freight Rail network. WAFarmers President Dale Park says this response demonstrates the Government’s lack of respect for the considerable efforts of Mr Blayney and the rest of the Committee. “The Committee worked hard to find solutions and made some good recommendations which the Government has taken almost no notice of,” Mr Park

WAFarmers President Dale Park says the closure of the Cunderdin – Quairading Road to heavy vehicles, after suffering severe structural damage, is a wake up call for the State Government. “This highlights what WAFarmers and the Shire of Quairading has been saying all along. “The closure of the Tier 3 rail lines is having, and will continue to have, a negative impact on rural roads which are being forced to bear loads which they were

WAFarmers has welcomed the Federal Government’s announcement that scrutiny in to the foreign investment of farmland will increase. From March 1, the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) will scrutinise foreign farmland purchases of agricultural land in excess of AU$15 million, a significant decrease from the previous threshold of AU$252 million. The Government has also promised to establish a national register of foreign investment with the Australian Taxation Office recording new land purchases as of July

Dairy Executive Officer Stephanie Tarlinton has attended a meeting for the City of Busselton Strategic Community Plan Review on 3 February, 2015. The meeting involved a review of the 2013 City of Busselton’s Strategic Community Plan, particularly looking at the vision, six key goal areas and their objectives. There was an opportunity to provide feedback on these details and discussion was had on the focus of City and future plans. On behalf of members the

The Department of Commerce is offering Innovation Vouchers up to the amount of $20,000 for small to medium enterprises that need help accessing expertise and support to grow their business. An Innovation Voucher can provide you with a financial boost to access professional skills, services or knowledge that will enable you to advance your idea or commercial activity in WA. Applications close Friday, February 27, 2015. For more information, or to apply, click here.