FRONT PAGE Regional Development Australia Barwon South West Committee Response to the Parliamentary Inquiry into Agricultural Education and Training September 2011 Contacts Bruce Anson Chair Regional Development Australia Barwon South West Committee Phone: 03 5559 4814 Email:
[email protected] Robert Byrne Acting Regional Director – Barwon South West Department of Planning and Community Development Phone: 03 5223 2104 Email:
[email protected] Contents ABOUT US 4 BARWON SOUTH WEST REGION 4 AGRICULTURAL INDUSTRY IN THE BARWON SOUTH WEST REGION 5 GREAT SOUTH COAST INDUSTRY WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY 6 COMMITTEE MEMBERS 7 REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AUSTRALIA BARWON SOUTH WEST Parliamentary Inquiry into Agricultural Education and Training ABOUT US Regional Development Australia (RDA) is a partnership between the Australian, state and territory and local governments to support the growth and development of Australia's regions. The RDA Barwon South West Committee is one of 55 RDA Committees across Australia. The Committee comprises of representatives from business, industry, government, education and training. To achieve maximum input and consultation its membership includes cross-representation with other regional organisations such as G21 Geelong Region Alliance, Committee for Geelong, the Committee for Portland and the Great South Coast Group. The Committee was established with a mandate to provide advice to both the Victorian and Australian Governments. BARWON SOUTH WEST REGION The Barwon South West region of Victoria stretches from the tip of the Queenscliff Heads to the border of South Australia. The region has a population of approximately 350,000 people and includes some of Victoria’s fastest growing municipalities. The region has strengths in manufacturing and agriculture, and is transitioning to more knowledge-intensive industries.