AUSTRALIA 2020 SUMMIT OUTCOMES 

Future directions for rural industries and communities 

• Australia 2020 Initial Report [1]

In line with the thinking of the forum covering the economy [1], the rural industries forum called for nationwide harmonisation or regulations, standards and enforcement, as well as the development of a series of incentive schemes to promote environmentally sustainable farming practices.

In an attempt to attract more people to long-term careers in the rural sector, this group called for rural and agricultural studies to be integrated into life long learning, and for centres of excellence to be established.

It also highlighted the importance of parity of access to infrastructure and services for remote, rural and regional Australia.

Will this be enough to maintain a vibrant and productive rural sector in a country which for so long rode "on the sheep's back"? Will these goals work?

To read pre-Summit submissions by Open Forum participants, click here [1].