Media Release

The Cairns Group of Farm Leaders (CGFL) are a group of farm organisations from Cairns Group countries, a coalition of agricultural exporting countries. Together, we represent farmers that grow and produce over one third of the world's agricultural exports. It is our vision to create a world with an equitable and enforceable rules-based trading system in agriculture.

City of Coffs Harbour will be represented as the NSW Government moves toward the creation of a Great Koala National Park on the Mid North Coast ... The consultation process - as it works toward the park’s formation - includes establishment of three advisory panels (Aboriginal groups, community and industry) ... Coffs Harbour Council resolved to nominate Cr Jonathan Cassell to the Great Koala National Park Community Advisory Panel.  

Australian agribusiness Elders has today released its results for the 12 months to 30 September 2024. Elders recorded a resilient FY24 earnings result, with improved second half trading partially offsetting the negative earnings impact from the first quarter which resulted from low livestock prices, lower crop protection margin and subdued client sentiment.

Tackling a worrying gap in the nation’s emergency rescue education, Australia’s leading communications and safety brand, GME has partnered with leading survival expert and instructor, Outback Mike to launch the inaugural National Rescue Awareness Week ... bringing together 65 years of expertise in helping Australians explore our beautiful backyard with simple advice to prepare Aussies better and keep them safe on land and out at sea.

The Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency (ASSEA) is calling on Australians to understand the growing dangers of ageing and deteriorating asbestos, particularly as the summer season approaches, and home renovation projects kick off. Despite a complete asbestos ban more than 20 years ago, an estimated one in three homes across Australia still contain asbestos.  

It was another epic year with our research partners. Together we’re helping to de-risk development in the north for a more sustainable and inclusive future. Check out this vibrant update on CRCNA research, development and extension activities from the financial year 2023-24.

Tens of thousands of Australian farmers have shown adaptability and sustainability this National Agriculture Day by taking part in programs under the Future Drought Fund (FDF) that are helping stock, pasture and native wildlife … provides an opportunity to celebrate the efforts of farmers like Cindy and Steven Scott from the NSW Riverina, who are looking at new ways to manage drought...

GrainGrowers has welcomed Treasurer Chalmer’s announcement ... that as part of a broader $900 million package to cut red tape, there will be a specific focus on consumer right to repair. “When agricultural machinery breaks down, it’s more than an inconvenience – it’s a significant financial loss for growers,” said GrainGrowers CEO Shona Gawel.

The National Farmers’ Federation welcomes Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ renewed emphasis on right to repair … but urged the Federal Government to commit to including agricultural machinery in proposed reforms ... the organisation was committed to a scenario where manufacturers and farmers could work constructively on a right to repair framework for farm machinery.

People First Bank has announced a significant new partnership with the award-winning, locally based FKG Group to develop a new five-storey head office in Toowoomba’s CBD ... The new head office at 502 Ruthven Street will accommodate up to 400 employees in a modern, adaptable work environment.

The storage imperative: Powering Australia’s clean energy transition is authored by Associate Professor Guillaume Roger from Monash University’s Faculty of Business and Economics. His analysis shows that how we trade electricity today, and the financial instruments that support such trade, are inadequate to deal with intermittent energy and storage.

Global carbon dioxide (COâ‚‚) emissions from fossil fuels have reached a record high in 2024 but total emissions from fossil fuel and land use changes over the last decade have stabilised, according to the Global Carbon Budget ... The report is produced by leading research international organisations, including CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, as part of the Global Carbon Project.

Mrs McArthur highlighted the severe impact of these changes, pointing out that “Victoria’s parks, like everything else beyond the tram tracks, are a low priority. Even when the government had money, Parks Victoria was not a priority” … in the past three years, the area treated for invasive species and pest control has fallen by 33 per cent.

The Albanese Labor Government has placed Watarrka National Park in the Northern Territory on the National Heritage List in recognition of the site’s outstanding heritage value to Australia ... The site has been recognised for its remarkable living cultural landscape which is a physical manifestation of the Tjukurrpa and is protected by the songs, ceremonies, and culture of Anangu ngurraritja.

Sam Freeman. I wanted to personally share with you today’s news that the Australian Government announced an $80m financing facility to support the continued operations of the Rex network and their intention to extend the Federal Government Regional Flight Booking Guarantee. This is great news for Rex.  It provides resources for investment needed to improve the business and the operational performance of the regional network including increasing the size of the active regional Rex fleet.

Interested business are encouraged to submit an expression of interest to participate in any of five key trade exhibitions to be held in Asia and the Middle East in 2025. Food, beverage and hospitality events have proven to be a great avenue for WA businesses to showcase their products and establish trade relationships.

Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) crews are currently focused on cutting grass on public land in the Murray Goldfields District to reduce the risk of grassfires this summer.  FFMVic Murray Goldfields Acting District Manager, Aaron Gay, said crews will be slashing a total of 2,000 hectares across 700 locations in the coming weeks.

The latest agricultural lending statistics provided by the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority (APRA) show an increase in lending to the farm sector of 6 per cent in 2022-23, reaching $120.5 billion. Executive Director of ABARES Dr Jared Greenville said that while the amount of debt had risen, the reasons point to ongoing investment in the sector.

What do a pair of rugged hands inspecting barley, the symmetry of harvesting and the uncomplicated mateship of farmers and their dogs all have in common? The three subjects were covered by the winners in the GrainGrowers annual Calendar Competition announced today.