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Wagga scores a dozen jobs in Ag R&D boost

7 February 2016

WAGGA Wagga has today been announced as the new home of a dozen jobs in the core function of the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) in a shake-up announced by the Federal Government.

Riverina MP and Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack, said the announcement delivers upon The Nationals’ commitment to decentralisation of Government agencies and that Wagga Wagga was a natural fit.

“These dozen RIRDC jobs will be a welcomed boost for Wagga Wagga and the wider Riverina region,” Mr McCormack said.

“We all know our region is a proud and productive agricultural hub. This commitment will build upon the region’s leading agricultural research at places such as Charles Sturt University, as well as ensuring more Government agencies are on the ground in regions and closer to the places where our food and fibre is grown.”

Federal Agriculture Minister, Barnaby Joyce, said decentralisation is not just an abstract idea but is a real priority for this government and today’s announcement is tangible evidence of this election commitment being put into action.

“I have accepted proposals from three Canberra-based Research and Development Corporations (RDCs) to increase their regional presence, which will boost jobs and growth in Wagga Wagga, Dubbo, Toowoomba and other areas,” Minister Joyce said. 

“These RDCs are focused on rural research—including grains, fisheries and aquaculture, and small and emerging industries—so it makes sense to locate them away from Canberra where the boots actually hit the dirt in their respective sectors.

The relocation will take place over the next five years.

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