Avocado and macadamia growers report better prices through collective selling.

Officials said the plan had been developed after months of consultation with residents, local leaders and technical experts, and that implementation would begin immediately.

“This is a step in the right direction, but we will be watching closely to make sure the promises are kept,” said a community representative who attended the briefing.

Stakeholders have been invited to submit their views, and a progress report is expected to be tabled before the end of the financial year.

Residents interviewed by our reporters said they were cautiously optimistic, citing previous projects that stalled after initial launches.

Analysts note that similar initiatives in the past have struggled with funding delays and weak oversight, and say transparency will be key to success this time.

What happens next

Residents interviewed by our reporters said they were cautiously optimistic, citing previous projects that stalled after initial launches.