A fresh produce precinct planned around the new Sydney airport at Badgerys Creek is one of the important initiatives NSW Farmers has pursued during his time as president, Corowa farmer Derek Schoen said yesterday in his farewell speech.
Mr Schoen revealed he had decided to step down 12 months ago, (not knowing the ceo was also leaving) even though he had another year to go in his term as president.
He decided that it would be better that with a state election in 2019 and change to the organisation with chief executive Matt Brand leaving it would be best for the association to have a new president to take it forward into the new era.
He highlighted a number of important issues he had been involved in since his term started which included securing NSW biodiversity legislation, while although not perfect, “it was far more farmer friendly if we had not been in the tent”.
Other highlights had been part of the ACCC inquiry into transparency into red meat marketing, talks with the ARTC over the route of inland rail, meet-the candidate forums, being part of the advocacy for NSW budget initiatives and putting forward a focus document leading up to next year’s state election that put agriculture in the long-term focus rather than short-term of government.
Mr Schoen said he was especially excited at the proposal put forward over the fresh produce precinct around Badgerys Creek airport.
Mr Schoen said he left NSW Farmers as “the strongest SFO in Australia”.
“We have the best financial resources and the staff to advocate on behalf of farmers in NSW through discipline and due process in executing our policy, NSW Farmers has gained the confidence and respect of its stakeholders, more often than not being part of the solution rather than just presenting problems.”
He said the organisation was now more focused on advocacy gains rather than internal politics.
“What is not helpful are the comments or threats made by members that are ill-informed regarding policy and the internal running of the association Or batting just for themselves.”
The Western Sydney fresh food precinct project was gaining momentum. “NSW Farmers is urging the state and federal government to turn their attention to the benefits of a fresh food precinct around the runway approaches.It will give farmers access to highly lucrative markets in Asia and Middle East, create a significant amount of jobs in western Sydney and opportunity for protective cropping, food processing right next to a major transport hub.” KPMG had looked at the proposal and have completed an initial report. NSW Farmers have obtained funding for a feasibility study. Protective cropping would ameliorate noise pollution at the airport.
Mr Schoen revealed NSW Farmers was making good headway in finding a new ceo after the resignation of CEO Matt Brand.
Already a short-list of 11 applicants had been constructed after 87 applications when the role was advertised on SEEK and LinkedIn.
Mr Schoen said he had refused an application by an Association board member to have the application process extended so that a friend could apply for the new chief executive’s position.
“This was naturally refused,” Mr Schoen told conference. He said after the election of a new president, vice-president, a new recruitment committee would vet the 11 remaining applicants. Mr Schoen thanked Matt Brand in helping guide the selection process through to the last 11 candidates.
Mr Schoen thanked his wife Leanne and his family for supporting him during his time as president when he was an “FIFO” member of the Schoen family.
He noted that many delegates were missing from the annual conference due to commitments forced on them by the continuing drought. He said farmers had successfully lobbied for drought concessions including $500 million in loans, family assistance, and concessions on controlling kangaroos.
John Ellicott
journalist and author
journalist and author
