Testimony
Testimony
| I had the pleasure of attending the Skillset workshop introduction to Natural Landscape Function 1 Fundamentals on Saturday 5th February at Rahamin in Bathurst. |
| This workshop proved to be insightful and exceptionally well presented. The nature of the subject material addressed is so complex that further workshops are needed to really unravel these complexities and further address all issues. Ashley has a natural ability to explain these concepts in 'real' language that allowed and encouraged open discussion and thus greater understanding for all participants. My current position brings me into contact with a number of concerned landholders who ARE seeking alternatives to the current 'conventional' land management practices and who would be interested in learning how to return the landscape to its former function and ultimate productivity. Unfortunately many farmers are under financial stress and the cost of attending is huge; not just in respect to course costs but also in loss of time, travel expenses etc. I hope that in the future this training will become part of the Farm Ready system or with some other subsidy to help offset costs. There seems to be a shortage in skilled (and willing) workers in country NSW; I come into contact with farmers who are keen to revegetate their farmlands but don not have the time capacity to complete the works. Somehow we need to address this issue otherwise our increased knowledge will still not allow for on ground works to take place. Maybe Skillset can address this shortage in the future. For the future productivity and health of our environment we need to leverage as many landholders as possible; these courses are a leap in the right direction. Many thanks, Greg Wilkes |