Supporting profitable and sustainable horticulture and agriculture through research, compliance, education and industry engagement. Well placed to assist northern NSW horticultural industries with staff specialising in entomology, crop physiology, and industry development. The team support NSW producers of macadamia, blueberries and banana in a variety of research initiatives including:
Pasture and cropping work are also conducted at WPII to support the agriculture industry through variety trials and evaluation, while also partnering with agencies such as Local Land Services to provide in kind support for local agricultural initiatives.
The Soil and Water Research Unit at Wollongbar conduct research on projects across several industries including grains, horticulture, cotton, and sugarcane. Much of the research work is undertaken under ISO9001:2015 certification and delivers into the NSW DPI Strategic Plan and 2050 initiatives. Key research is co-funded through the Soil CRC, Clean Coastal Catchments, Cotton Research and Development Cooperation and Sugar Research Australia.
Key project areas include:
DPI Wollongbar has an extensive record of involvement in research that promotes the health and economic well-being of the NSW community. This occurs through involvement in research on issues such as microbiological safety of animal products, antimicrobial resistance, and viruses that transmit between animals and humans. DPI scientists also provide expert advice at the state, national and international level to improve the management of these issues.
The social research program conducted at Wollongbar focuses on the NSW livestock industries. Through workshops, interviews and surveys the research contributes to understanding those social factors that influence farmer decision-making and the adoption of agricultural innovations. The research also contributes to understanding the social acceptability of agricultural practices by stakeholders and the broader public.
Plantation Officers authorise timber plantations on private and public land, giving harvest guarantee; carry out audits to ensure plantations comply with regulations; maintain a state-wide database of plantations; and provide information and support to the industry. Our clients include small landholders through to the Forestry Corporation of NSW.
Statewide responsibilities for leading, managing and coordinating marine and coastal aquatic habitat management and Aboriginal cultural fishing including the development and implementation of legislation, policies and plans to provide for Aboriginal cultural fishing, to conserve aquatic resources and habitats in coastal catchments and deliver benefits of a healthy marine estate for the NSW community. Leading the marine estate reform program for DPI including delivery of the Marine Estate Management Strategy and the management of NSW marine parks and aquatic reserves, including engagement and cooperation with stakeholders and community groups.
The DPI Agricultural Land Use Planning (ALUP) unit works to ensure that agricultural industries and the land and resources on which agriculture depend are adequately considered in all aspects of the NSW planning system.
Positive outcomes for agriculture are sought through policy, agricultural planning advice and education with a key role in reducing the potential for land use conflict.