Picture: AMY MAYNARD
MILLICENT, Beachport, Kalangadoo, Furner and Tantanoola are vying for the title of the state’s top agricultural town, with all five nominated for the inaugural South Australian Ag Town of the Year Award.
The State Government-backed award celebrates the role of agriculture in South Australia and according to Landmark manager Richard North, the Wattle Range district’s reputation for top quality land, livestock and grain gives each of the five towns a chance at being named the winner.
“We have reliable rainfall that produces a diverse range of products,” he said.
“The area is always known for its excellent livestock production and in more recent years, an increase in crop production.
“Most importantly though, the people who work in the primary industries here are hard-working, progressive farming families, with vision and motivation to continually improve their production.”
Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Tim Whetstone said each town had been nominated due to their individual strengths.
Member for MacKillop Nick McBride said country communities were rightly proud of their town’s links to agriculture, their enterprise, success and resilience.
Millicent Business Community Association chair Lee Morgan spoke highly of Millicent for “looking beyond its traditional areas to improve innovation and technology”, while Wattle Range Council staff also reacted positively to the news.
In speaking to Beachport’s nomination, Wattle Range Council economic development manager Roger Babolka said the town draws many repeat visitors who enjoy high quality food and on farm experiences.
“These people contribute enormously to the tourism industry,” he said.
Mr Babolka said there were many innovative businesses based in Beachport that had local and interstate networks.
Council’s director of development services Steve Chapple praised Furner and Tantanoola for their nominations.
“Furner is a renowned farming community and early pastoral activity dates back to 1847,” Mr Chapple said.
“Small home and farm-based businesses operate in the area including deer farming, farm stays, craft businesses, photography and tourism operations.
“The small community of Furner have also developed a strong 10-year vision for their town, to create a safe and tranquil, history rich community for both residents and visitors with a view to enhanced future facilities, services and agricultural and pastoral enterprises.
“Students at the school study agricultural and have a small unique aquaculture venture operating.”
As for Tantanoola, Mr Chapple said the community is surrounded by grazing and cropping land.
He attributed a “strong belief in the future of the township” to the leadership of the Tantanoola Hotel.
The diversity of industries within Kalangadoo – horticulture, viticulture, livestock and roses – were highlighted by Mr McBride as the town’s best qualities.
The community spirit of the Kalangadoo farmer’s market was also considered a beneficial attribute.
