Community Agricultural Centre opened at Ravensthorpe

20/10/99
Government support for agriculture in the Ravensthorpe district will be strengthened with the opening of a local Community Agricultural Centre, Primary Industry Minister Monty House said today.
Mr House said the Ravensthorpe Centre would be staffed by landcare development officer Rick Farrell and agriculture protection officer Julianne Hill.
"Community Agricultural Centres provide a focus for sustainably managing natural resources which is vital for the future health and wealth of agriculture in Western Australia," the Minister said.
"The local centres are an effective way of bringing together the experience of farmers, coordination of landcare initiatives and the expertise of Agriculture Western Australia.
"They represent an important link in delivering quality services where they are needed and in developing effective working partnerships in the regions."
Mr House stressed the importance of working together to progress regional development and to help primary industry reach its target to export $8 billion of agricultural produce by 2008.
He said the Ravensthorpe Shire and local community had been very supportive of developing the community agricultural centre in partnership with Agriculture WA.
Mr House said Agriculture WA was steadily moving towards its target to establish 40 Community Agricultural Centres throughout the State.
The new centre is located at 6 Dunn Street, Ravensthorpe.
Media contact: Julie Cole (08) 9481 2044