Request for Quotation: Preparation of an Agricultural Strategy

⁠⁠⁠The completion of this project requires the delivery of an Agribusiness Strategy for the Forbes LGA.

Key focus areas will include but not limited to;
* Livestock industries restricted to sheep, cattle, pigs and poultry;
* Cropping industries including irrigation and dry land;
* Dairy;
* Wool;
* Hemp;
* Forestry;
* Horticulture, citrus, nut;
* Biofuel;
* Aquaculture;
* Central West Livestock Exchange;
* Agri-tourism;
* Water; and
* Soil health.

Strategic planning framework is to be considered for all key areas including;
* Land use planning including the Forbes Local Environment Plan 2013 (LEP), lifestyle and hobby farms, urban land use and separation issues;
* Water constraints;
* Soil health;
* Innovation, skills and capability;
* Impacts of regional development and mining;
* SWOT analysis;
* Infrastructure;
* Freight and communications ;
* Combined action aspects including the role of Forbes Shire Council, the private sector, supply chain, the value adding chain, transport as well as service, supply and support industries;
* Digital technology - telecommunications;
* Processing and packaging;
* Branding - destination marketing;
* Co-operatives/collaboration;
* Lifestyle/attractiveness;
* Biotechnology - reduced chemicals, genetically modified.

The study must also include a strategic review of the Central West Livestock Exchange (CWLE) including but not limited to;
* Review opportunities for surrounding land;
* Review current stock agent arrangements;
* Review of pricing structures;
* Review of current practice operations including current Council’s Saleyard Advisory Committee;
* Identify the best practice approach to operating the CWLE;
* Develop a long term infrastructure plan for CWLE;
* Survey producers, agents, processors and transport operators regarding the CWLE;
* SWOT Analysis; and
* Develop a marketing plan for the CWLE.

It is also considered important that the Agribusiness Strategy provide social benefits to the community by;
* Identify new employment opportunities;
* Making a region a better place to live;
* Improving community connections and social inclusion;
* Supporting and protecting local heritage and culture; and
* Strengthening community institutions, governance and leadership capacity.

Requests for quotation are to be submitted to Council by 4pm, Thursday 5 April 2018.

Sally Duff
Economic Development Officer
Forbes Shire Council
2 Court Street
FORBES NSW 2871
Ph: 02 6850 2300
Email: sally.duff@forbes.nsw.gov.au.