FAQs

The working group has identified the following key challenges when it comes to the agricultural industry in the Noojee region:

• Environmental risks (fire, flood and damage by wildlife)
• Current dependence on seasonal staff due to a lack of available local workforce with sufficient training and/or skills
• Available suitable (zoned) land for business expansion
• Siloed government departments and support
• Insufficient accommodation for staff
• Current employment opportunities are usually seasonal, preventing locals from being able to rely on the work as a regular income stream.

The working group believes specialised agricultural industry development would have the following benefits for the Noojee community:

• Introduction of high-skilled jobs in the community
• Repurposing of existing facilities
• Revitalisation of the population with diversified training and work opportunities
• Improved workforce pool for businesses
• Development of a Circular Economy in the region

The working group has identified the following strategic competitive advantages it believes set Noojee up for the future:

• The topography of the land and rainfall (the Noojee annual mean rainfall is 1126.3mm) result in lengthened growing seasons and the ability to produce rarer species,
• Established small and medium-sized businesses specialising in niche agricultural markets with competitive supply agreements in place and capacity to grow,
• The District is in close enough proximity to a variety of commercial distributors, ensuring transport with little to no deterioration of the product.