New South Wales Department of Primary Industries
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New South Wales Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) is part of the Government of New South Wales and is responsible for agriculture, fisheries, aquaculture, state forests, minerals and petroleum in the state. The Minister for Primary Industries is Ian Macdonald.
NSW DPI acts in partnership with industry and other public sector organisations to foster profitable and sustainable development of primary industries.
With a staff of approximately 3500 based at over 130 locations across the state, the department delivers a wide range of services to primary industries and rural communities. There is an emphasis on front-line services.
The department was formed in July 2004, with the amalgamation of:
- NSW Department of Mineral Resources,
- NSW Agriculture,
- NSW Fisheries,
- State Forests NSW.
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[edit] Structure
The department is headed by Director-General Richard Sheldrake. The Head Office is located in Orange and there are more than 130 offices across the state.
The NSW Minister for Primary Industries, and Minister for Minseral Resources is Ian Macdonald, who also holds the portfolios of Minister for Energy and Minister for State Development.
It consists of seven divisions:
- Agriculture, Biosecurity and Mine Safety.
- Fisheries, Compliance and Regional Relations
- Forests NSW
- Mineral Resources
- Science and Research
- Corporate Services
- Strategy, Policy and Communications
[edit] Agriculture, Biosecurity and Mine Safety
The Agriculture, Biosecurity and Mine Safety division has broad responsibilities across agricultural industry development, animal welfare, emergency management, biosecurity, pest management and education.
[edit] Fisheries, Compliance and Regional Relations
Manages the development and sustainability of the state’s fisheries resources and the aquaculture industry, and conserves aquatic biodiversity. Ensures compliance with legislation, and fosters strong relationships with regional organisations.
[edit] Forests NSW
Forests NSW is a Public Trading Enterprise operating within the department. It maintains some 20,000 km² of New South Wales in a network of 700 state forests. While primarily set aside for the harvesting of timber products, many state forests contain visitor facilities and recreational opportunities.
[edit] Mineral Resources
The Mineral Resources Division has its main office in Maitland, near Newcastle. Other offices specialising in Mineral Resources are located in Armidale, Broken Hill, Cobar, Lightning Ridge, Lithgow, Londonderry, Orange, Singleton, Sydney and Wollongong. Mineral Resources provides data to public and private organisations with the goal of promoting mineral exploration within NSW. It is involved in coal, gas, petroleum, and mineral exploration.
[edit] Science & Research
NSW Department of Primary Industries is the largest provider of science and research services within the NSW Government. The department undertakes strategic science which underpins the growth, sustainability and biosecurity of primary industries in NSW.
NSW DPI scientists have been ranked in the top 1% of world research institutions in agricultural science, and plant and animal science.
[edit] Corporate Services
The Corporate Services Division provides advice and assistance to enable staff in the other six divisions of the department to do their work efficiently.
Corporate Services is based in Orange, with some staff located at other major NSW DPI sites to provide local support. The core role of the division to provide services in assets, finance, administration, human resources, legal practice and information technology.
[edit] Strategy, Policy & Comminications
The Strategy, Policy and Communications Division plays a lead role in the Department's management of strategic and contentious issues. It coordinates whole-of-government approaches, and is the Department's link to the offices of the Minister for Primary Industries and Minister for Mineral Resources. The division also assists other divisions in the preparation of communication strategies and communication materials, and maintains the department's website.
