The long-awaited government farm bank, the Regional Investment Corporation, has finally opened in Orange, bringing with it a major boost to the local economy.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Federal agriculture and water resources minister David Littleproud opened the national headquarters on the corner of Lords Place and Kite Street on Thursday, saying many of the 32 staff had relocated to Orange from around Australia.
"The RIC had 350 applications for 32 jobs from people who want to live and work in Orange, 85 were from locals. It shows decentralisation is popular," he said.
"You can't unscramble the egg, it is here to stay."
Mr Littleproud said the government would soon be announcing another decentralisation program because there was evidence people wanted to live and work in regional areas.
Orange has delivered on all fronts.
- Ben Casey, RIC HR manager
"We do need to be loud and proud about the lifestyle we have," he said.
Among the staff to move was human resources manager Ben Casey, who relocated from Sydney.
"I held a long-term aspiration to move regional, seeking solid employment accompanied by a welcoming country vibe and a relaxed lifestyle. Orange has delivered on all fronts," he said.
RIC CEO Bruce King said the business had been operating for a few months ahead of the official opening.
He said they had received more than 300 applications from farmers for low-interest loans and had so far approved $26 million in loans.
Mr King said they included funding for new water storage facilities on farms so farmers could prepare for future droughts and to help them re-stock herds.
"Being in a region like Orange puts us in direct touch with the types of communities we're supporting and is a daily reminder of what we are here to do," he said.
Mr King said making contact with farmers at a local level was better than trying to do it from an office in Sydney or Canberra.
Member for Calare Andrew Gee said the establishment of the RIC showed decentralisation can work.
He said farmers had also embraced the RIC with strong demand for loans.
"I won't say it is a run on the RIC, but it is very popular," he said.
DO YOU WANT MORE ORANGE NEWS?
Receive our free newsletters delivered to your inbox, as well as breaking news alerts. Sign up below ...
David Fitzsimons
I am a senior journalist at the Central Western Daily concentrating on council, government and real estate issues. Before moving to Orange I filled senior roles at the Daily Telegraph, Daily Telegraph-Mirror and the Daily Mirror in Sydney. They included being an editor, news editor, chief of staff and reporter.
I am a senior journalist at the Central Western Daily concentrating on council, government and real estate issues. Before moving to Orange I filled senior roles at the Daily Telegraph, Daily Telegraph-Mirror and the Daily Mirror in Sydney. They included being an editor, news editor, chief of staff and reporter.
