The NSW Government has today announced that from 1 July, 2024, the Department of Regional NSW will be re-named the NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.
The government says this reflects the twin objectives of growing our primary industries through greater focus on extension services, research and development and supporting regional economic development.
As part of the renewed focus there will also be a change in leadership of the new department. Rebecca Fox will depart the role of Secretary after almost a decade serving the community in various senior roles in NSW Government. The incoming Secretary will be current Chief Executive Officer Local Land Services, Steve Orr
These changes will create two new divisions within the Department, each with Deputy Secretaries reporting directly to the Secretary.
Agriculture and Biosecurity will be grouped to support the delivery of the Independent Commissioners for Agriculture and Biosecurity and reflects the interrelationship between the protection and productivity of our primary industries sector and the environment.
Fisheries and Forestry will also be combined to reflect the common natural resource management issues and the need for the long-term sustainable management and productivity of our state’s fisheries, marine estate and forests.
Regional economic development focused on regional industries and employment will remain firmly rooted in the new department, with broader Regional Coordination functions returning to the NSW Premier’s Department.
The return of Regional Coordination to the Premier’s Department emphasises the Premier and the Minister’s commitment to whole-of-government coordination for regional communities.
Regional Coordination teams will remain based in their current six regions ensuring the voices and needs of regional communities are at the centre of both government and the NSW public service.
These teams will continue to work with all government agencies, local councils, community and industry partners to coordinate and drive major projects and to address some of the longer-term, complex issues affecting regional communities.
“These changes are an important reflection of the NSW Government’s commitment to supporting regional communities thrive, and the addition of regional coordination roles to the Premier’s department will ensure a whole of government approach is taken,” Premier Chris Minns said.
“I know that New South Wales does not thrive if our agricultural industry and regional communities are not thriving. I am committed to continuing to invest in and work with our regions to make sure that happens.”
More to come.