The State Government has confirmed that Cowra will be listed as the “preferred location” for a role within the Department of Primary Industries after Cowra mayor Bill West raised concerns about future staffing at the research station.
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Addressing the issue at Monday’s Council meeting, Cr West said he had hoped the future occupant of the role of “Leader, Value Chains” within the Extensive Livestock Industries Unit would be based at the Cowra Agricultural Research Station.
“This is something we should put in the public arena in regards to a position at the research station, which appears will not be filled beyond 2019,” Cr West said.
“We have the Minister’s assurance that Cowra will be considered.”
Cr West received correspondence from Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke in November on behalf of Minister for Primary Industries Niall Blair.
In his letter, Cr West expressed his desire to see “the replacement for this position be located in Cowra”.
“The Cowra Agricultural Research Station is a vital component in ensuring NSW is at the forefront of new advances in the agricultural sector,” Cr West wrote.
“I would advise of the recent retirement of a long serving employee at the Station who was one of the leaders in sheep meat research in NSW and who has been responsible for staff at several locations across the state.
“It is imperative that the replacement for this position be located in Cowra.”
Mr Blair said the “occupant of the role is on approved leave until 9 August 2019”.
“As a result, the role is being filled on a temporary basis by an officer based at Dubbo,” Mr Blair wrote.
“If he decides not to return, a recruitment process will be undertaken, as this role is pivotal to the operation of the Extensive Livestock Industries Unit.
“I can confirm that Cowra will be listed as the preferred location.”
However Councillor Ray Walsh said Cowra was not central to the other locations listed as bases for the role.
“While I quote Cowra will be listed as the preferred location, we need to be mindful of the fact that we’re not exactly central to the other locations of the other research stations,” Cr Walsh said.
“We might need to continue to keep our eye on that one.”
The “Leader, Value Chain” role has responsibility for staff located across the whole state in Armidale, Cowra, Dubbo and Trangie.
