In a bid to supplement the waning incomes of dairy farmers in the area, a project has been launched by Kiama Council to turn them into ambassadors for the tourist industry.
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Deregulation of the dairy industry proved disastrous for many Australian dairy farmers earlier this year. Struggling to make their farms economically viable without any reliable income, the pressure has been on them to supplement incomes without turning their back on farming.
The Dairy Industry Working Group was established in order to investigate ways for farmers to increase their incomes, and it has identified two areas for cash-boosting strategies; the development of cottage industries and tourist-related activities on farm sites.
Michael Forsyth, environmental services director in the council, explained: “There are some farmers who want to stay in the industry and some who want to leave. We want them to stay and we want to give them alternative industries to consider such as tourism – operating as bed and breakfasts and setting up holiday cabins on their properties.”
Dairy farmer in Gerringong Neil Miller welcomed the council’s initiative commenting: “I think there’s potential for some of the ideas.”
“But you’re also looking at trying to run a farm,” he added.
In order to put the initiatives into action, the Kiama Council is turning to the Dairy Regional Assistance Program for funding, which will also enable the employment of an officer to oversee the project.
