Letter from the Chair

Steering Group Chair, Dr Scott Williams

I’m writing this letter from my home near Ballarat, where we are in the midst of a summer of above-average temperatures and below-average rainfall. The ground is very dry. We are in a better position than many others, though, and my thoughts are with those further west of us who are enduring serious drought and even fires. At the same time, Queensland is experiencing flooding rains. These extreme conditions remind us that sustainability in agriculture starts with farms having the ability to continue their operations profitably in the face of such challenges. Climate change will undoubtedly make this even more difficult.   

The Sheep Sustainability Steering Group has been focusing on a review of our various metrics following the revision of the materiality matrix last year. That exercise highlighted several areas where we can improve our reporting. I’m particularly interested in how we can better reflect the financial sustainability of the sheep industry, and therefore the durability of the supply base, especially for wool, given current market conditions. 

Our next major event is the Industry Forum in Sydney in March. The forum is always a good opportunity for us to discuss with the industry how the Framework is assisting them, and what we need to improve. I look forward to seeing some of you at that event.