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Crops For Hunter Governance

This Committee brings together the Councils of Muswellbrook, Singleton and Upper Hunter to form a committee for the administration of Crops for Hunter.

Crops for Hunter was established to support agricultural diversification in the Upper Hunter.  Successful diversification makes the farming business and the farming family more sustainable and profitable in an economic and ecological perspective.  Diversification may include, but is not limited to, new methods of production or management, changing what is produced, identifying new markets, or applying new business or management structures

AIM

The Committee is responsible for planning and managing Crops for Hunter.

FUNCTIONS

To oversee the position of the Crops for Hunter Co-ordinator.

To oversee the preparation and implementation of a business plan, budget and action plans for Crops for Hunter.

To oversee the preparation of grant applications for Council’s consideration and to any Federal or State bodies requiring this information.

MEMBERSHIP

The membership of the Committee is as follows:-

• one  representative from each of the supporting Local Government areas
• up to five farmer representatives to be selected and appointed by Council following the calling of nominations from the community after each Council election;
• representatives from lead agencies in the Hunter region that will be key to successful diversification. The following organisations shall be invited to join the committee, Hunter Area Consultative Committee, Hunter Economic Development Corporation, NSW Department of Primary Industries, NSW Department of State and Regional Development;
• up to two Councillors from the Upper Hunter Shire;
• representatives from funding agencies as required by funding agreements;
• the  General Manager of the Upper Hunter Shire Council shall be an ex-officio member.

MEETINGS

The Committee meets quarterly in February, May, August, and November on the third Wednesday starting 5.30 pm at Scone or as otherwise determined. The Chairperson of the committee will be Council’s delegate, or elected by the Committee.

MINUTES

A record of Committee Meetings shall be minuted with copies of agenda and minutes sent to Council.

QUORUM

A quorum will exist when four (4) members are present.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS’ RESPONSIBILITIES

The members’ role is:-

• to provide support and advice on the advancement of Crops for Hunter, striving for self-sustainability while continuing to develop programs to provide real benefits to agricultural enterprises in the Upper Hunter;
• to identify new opportunities for Crops for Hunter;
• to represent the various industries within the agricultural sector of the Upper Hunter and assist these industries by developing programs that help sustain Crops for Hunter and are of value to the enterprises that make up the industries;
• to promote Crops for Hunter programs.

FINANCIAL

All funds will be administered by the Crops for Hunter Co-ordinator on behalf of the Committee through Upper Hunter Council’s bank account and books.

Contact details
Sean Constable
02 65401100 (ph)
council@upperhunter.nsw.gov.au

© 2008 Upper Hunter Shire Council
This page: http://www.upperhunter.local-e.nsw.gov.au/environment/2318/3129.html