Sheep and Cattle Fund Boards transition to industry complete
Transition of South Australia’s sheep and cattle industry funds to
industry management has now been finalised, providing industry with more
control over where producer levy contributions are being invested.
Livestock SA’s established industry fund selection committee has now finalised the two new boards responsible for managing administration and funding decisions for the state’s sheep and cattle industries.
Last month, the new Cattle and Sheep Industry Fund Boards held their inaugural meetings facilitated by the new executive officer for the industry funds Mr Tom Cosentino, who says the new process recommended by industry will create more opportunities for co-investment and build greater accountability.
“Industry organisations are accountable to members and the management of the industry funds outside of a government agency provides the opportunity for significant co-investment in projects by industry, government, commercial and other third-party funders.”
Previously operated under the administration of the Department of Primary Industries and Regions on the advice of the SA Sheep and Cattle Advisory Groups, the industry funds made the transition to industry administration late last year.
These industry fund boards will make recommendations regarding fund expenditure, and Livestock SA will submit these recommendations to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development for approval.
“Currently $1.50 paid on cattle tags and 55 cents from sheep sale transaction per producer is contributing to the funding pool for the state’s livestock industries,” Mr Cosentino said.
“It is important there is transparency in where producer contributions are being spent.”
The Sheep Industry Fund consists of Lucindale meat sheep and wool farmer Graham Clothier, Kangaroo Island Merino and meat sheep farmer Keith Bolto, Manoora merino farmer Helen Thomas, Riverton merino farmer Ian Rowett, Farrell Flat meat sheep farmer Jane-Marie Kellock and Wasleys meat sheep farmer Nette Fischer.
The Cattle Industry Fund board consists of Penny Schulz, Field; Lyndon Cleggett, Glencoe; Robert Brokenshire, Mount Compass; Stephen Radeski, Woodside; Tom Hampton, Woodside; and Heath Nickolls, Pinnaroo.
“Two directors on each board were members of the preceding advisory groups, who will provide industry experience and knowledge while allowing new members to bring new ideas and concepts to the board,” Mr Cosentino said.
The funds have previously funded important industry projects including dog fence maintenance, footrot management and the Red Meat and Wool Growth Program.
Both boards are currently assessing their current expenditure and will open funding applications early next year.
Project proposal forms and further information regarding the Cattle and Sheep Industry Fund Boards can now be found on the Livestock SA website www.livestocksa.org.au.