Agriculture

Harvesting of Tasmanian blue gums on Kangaroo Island can now resume after the State Government approved a new koala management plan submitted by timber company, AAG Investment Management (AAGIM). Regulations introduced by the Government following the release of footage showing koalas being killed and injured within the plantations mean timber companies on the island cannot fell blue gum plantations without an approved koala management plan.

Newmerella-based businesses Dahlsens Steel Truss and Frame and partners Built QA have received a $500,000 Forestry Transition Fund grant to expand their operations and directly employ up to 16 local native timber workers. The business has begun employing former sawmill workers, with the grant supporting new roles in steel truss and frame manufacturing, fabrication, labouring and administration.

"This retrograde choice will take us back to the bad old days, of savage attacks, extensive stock losses, and financial and mental anguish for the farmers who just want to protect and care for their sheep. While entitled animal justice warriors claim the ideological high ground wearing their ‘save the dingoes’ badge, they fail to acknowledge the animal welfare of sheep, especially lambs, family pets and small wildlife": Bev McArthur, Member for Western Victoria.

Ocean users in the South-East have been asked to exercise extra caution following the spread of abalone viral ganglioneuritis (AVG) in South Australian waters for the first time. The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) said AVG has been confirmed in wild abalone in waters south of Port MacDonnell, and restrictions are now in place from the Southend to the South Australian-Victorian border in the east.

The National Farmers’ Federation says news overnight the United States Environmental Protection Agency has altered the timelines of its vehicle emission standards because of impacts on consumers and manufacturers should serve as a caution to the Australian Government about the potential impacts of the proposed New Vehicle Efficiency Standards (NVES).