Outer Suburban/Interface Services and Development Committee
Inquiry into Sustainable Development of Agribusiness in Outer Melbourne
Completed
This inquiry was completed in the 57th parliament.
For more information on this inquiry, contact the Committees office:
Phone: (03) 8682 2800
Email: cso@parliament.vic.gov.au
Terms of reference
The terms of reference are instructions which explain what a committee has been asked to do, what topics it should focus on, and how its members will work together to achieve its shared goals.
Received from the Legislative Assembly on 9 October 2008.
To inquire, consider and report to Parliament on the major issues relating to the production, processing and distribution of agricultural products in the interface municipalities and peri-urban areas of Melbourne. In particular, the Committee is requested to:
- Identify the types of agricultural sectors operating in interface municipalities and peri-urban areas;
- Examine the role of agribusiness in enhancing economic growth, increasing jobs and the sector’s contribution towards promoting healthy, sustainable and prosperous outer suburban areas;
- Investigate the role of planning in encouraging the development of agribusiness;
- Analyse the options for sustainable food production, including environmental stewardship and local food production;
- Investigate impediments faced by the industry to its long term growth and sustainability and recommend options to resolve these barriers;
- Highlight niche and well performing sectors operating in the interface of Melbourne, with particular reference to viticulture, horticulture and sustainable agriculture;
- Examine exemplary programs supported by governments (at all levels), the private sector and non-government organisations, which assist the sustainability of the agribusiness sector; and
- Investigate national and international initiatives relevant to these issues.