MEMBER for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall today announced that a $10,000 grant had been secured from the NSW Government to bolster Armidale’s campaign to become the new home of the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).
On Tuesday this week, Mr Marshall was part of a local delegation to Canberra where a presentation was made to around 100 APVMA management and staff members, introducing them to the city and surrounding district’s education facilities, recreational activities, lifestyle and real estate and job opportunities.
“Part of our strategy to ensure Armidale is chosen for this major relocation, is to invite APVMA staff and their families to come to town and experience the highs themselves – with this grant we can now make that happen,” Mr Marshall said.
“Our presentation was very well received and the fact that we took the time to speak with all the staff, not just management, was commented on favourably. I’d like to commend the respective teams at Armidale Dumaresq Council and the University of New England on the presentation and their work so far – if we are successful, a great deal of credit should go to them.”
Mr Marshall said the funding, which was obtained through Regional Development Minister John Barilaro, would be used to cover costs associated with hosting a delegation from the APVMA in Armidale next month.
“The group will visit Armidale in the middle of next month and spend a few days in the city, including a weekend, and we want to ensure they have every opportunity to see first-hand what our region has to offer,” he said.
“Armidale Dumaresq Council team will be coordinating the itinerary for their visit which will include a tour of the University of New England, which is where the Authority would be based.
“We intend to showcase the lifestyle benefits of living in the New England, including quality education, affordable housing and a beautiful, diverse, well resourced, modern regional city.”
“Council, UNE and I will continue working together to ensure that no stone is left unturned in our bid to attract the Authority to Armidale.”
Mr Marshall acknowledged the support of Minister Barilaro, who he said immediately understood the need for Armidale to put its best foot forward and was pleased to help with funding.
“If this bid is successful, the relocation of the APVMA and its 195 full-time jobs will have a major positive impact on the social and economic landscape of this region.”