By DAN RYAN
Statewide public service cuts have come for Cowra, as redundancies impact primary industries staff across our region.
The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) announced the proposed slashing of 165 positions from across the department, with some reports of up to 11 roles in Cowra and Orange being impacted.
Communications from the department have been tightly monitored, but a spokesperson told the Cowra Guardian about 5,000 staff would continue to focus on developing the state’s primary industries and regional economies.
“To ensure this focus is efficient and effective, the Department is implementing changes that will enable us to work in a sustainable and responsible way, while maintaining service levels,” they said.
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“The Department is maintaining all current on-ground surveillance, management and response programs to protect NSW against endemic and emerging biosecurity threats.”
The cuts affect about 4 per cent of DPIRD staff, after the number of DPIRD executives rose by more than 50 positions from 2019-20 to 2022-23, and by more than 1,000 award staff over the same period.
But local MP Steph Cooke said the lack of job security and future funding would decimate the crucial work taking place by staff in Cowra.
“I am absolutely appalled by reports that a number of highly skilled, highly qualified researchers at the Cowra Agricultural Research and Advisory Station have had their positions terminated,” she said.
“These are the same researchers responsible for educating the next generation of farm scientists and advising industry professionals, including stock agents and agronomists, on best-practice farming methods. Without dedicated, independent researchers who put the public good before profits, research and meat science are left in the hands of corporate entities with vested interests.”
Ms Cooke said she had made urgent representations to the Premier, and asked him to commit to funding independent agricultural research in regional NSW.
Cowra Mayor Paul Smith also expressed his concern, noting the long history of innovation that has supported Cowra’s success.
“This potential decision is deeply concerning for our region. The Cowra DPI Research Station … is a living hub of innovation that supports our farmers, our economy, and our future,” he said.
“We don’t yet know the full scope of these proposed changes, however, the community can be assured Cowra Council will be in the frontline lobbying government, working with agricultural bodies, and standing up for our community’s interests.”
The news comes as further jobs cuts to WaterNSW and TAFE NSW were also announced, with more than 1,500 jobs potentially at risk as the government cracks down on what has been described as ‘duplicate’ roles.
