THERE’S been a shakeup in the state government’s drought advisory body designed to deliver better drought-proofing detail for strategic and funding outcomes.
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Minister for Primary Industries Niall Blair has announced a new membership structure and terms of reference for the independent body that provides advice to the NSW government on drought, the Regional Assistance Advisory Committee (RAAC).
Mr Blair said the changes had been made to redefine and strengthen the role of RAAC, to ensure it continued to provide thorough, independent advice to the NSW government about the impacts of drought and the government’s $300 million NSW Drought Strategy.
“We know the impact that droughts have on primary producers and the communities which those producers support – that is why it is critical that we get advice directly from the people and communities that are on the ground and experiencing those impacts,” Mr Blair said.
“RAAC has played a critical role since it was formed in 2013 in shaping NSW government policy, including providing advice which led to the $300 million NSW Drought Strategy. With the NSW Drought Strategy now in place for the next four years – including the new NSW Drought Framework – the time is right to look at how RAAC can be refocused, to strengthen its role in providing the best possible ongoing advice to the NSW government.”
Inaugural chairman David Palmer, whose leadership the minister said was crucial in setting the direction for RAAC, has asked to not be considered for a role within the new RAAC.
“The RAAC has initiated some major achievements since its inception and I recognise the commitment from the NSW government in supporting and resourcing these initiatives,” Mr Palmer said.
The new committee will comprise the following membership, with a geographic spread across regional NSW: independent chair, two farmer representatives, NSW Farmers chair of the Rural Affairs Committee, Rural Assistance Authority Board member, two NGO representatives, and one representative each from the Rural Financial Counselling Service, Local Land Services and agribusiness banking.
A thorough recruitment process will now occur to fill positions on the new RAAC, which will be in place prior to July 31. The current committee will continue to meet while this process is undertaken.
