Following on from the success of the Monto Agricultural Strategy, BCCA obtained further funding the develop an Agricultural Strategy for the Western Burnett (Eidsvold & Mundubbera Districts) through the Building Better Regions Fund.

This project aimed to help build the capacity of agriculturalists in the Eidsvold and Mundubbera districts and support the development of meaningful and long-lasting resilience by addressing the fundamental economic and NRM foundations of the region. The information collected through this project provided a strategy for long-term success and delivered a vision for the region’s agricultural and environmental sustainability.

Key drivers identified by the community that affect the Western Burnett’s agricultural sustainability were:

• Environmental sustainability including drought mitigation and water security
• Financial viability
• Human resources
• Legislative requirements

The strategy consists of three (3) outcomes. The first being the human factors. With the large majority of Australian farms being family owned, human factors play a large part in agricultural operations and ultimately, financial viability. Human resources, innovation, succession planning, operation size and financial literacy are all factors that play an important role in the success of Western Burnett agribusiness enterprises.

The second outcome was resilience is required against shifting external factors. While the term “resilience” is not new to producers, the ongoing influence of external factors such as international affairs, prolonged drought conditions and biosecurity risks, the requirement for agribusinesses to be able to adapt and transform in the face of increasingly complex economic, environmental and social circumstances is more imperative than ever before.

Finally, cross regional issues. Ineffective telecommunication services, inadequate road infrastructure, excessive legislative requirements and the availability of affordable and reliable energy are all reported as priority concerns for local producers while agri-tourism is being considered as an opportunity to diversify and create an additional income stream.

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