Fishery status reports released
A new report from the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) has found that fish stocks in Australian Government solely managed fisheries are not subject to overfishing.
Singapore-Australia Green Economy Agreement
Australia and Singapore are developing a Green Economy Agreement (GEA) to further accelerate both countries’ transition towards a green and sustainable future, and help to create good jobs and lower carbon emissions. The GEA will look at practical initiatives to promote and facilitate trade and investment, including lowering the regulatory burden on businesses. It aims to remove non-tariff barriers to trade in environmental goods and services and to accelerate the uptake of low emissions green technology.
Training more doctors in the bush to benefit more rural communities
A program that provides young doctors with the experience of training in a rural general practice or Aboriginal Medical Services and provides more medical care to regional, rural and remote communities is being extended by the Federal Coalition Government. Federal Regional Health Minister, Dr David Gillespie said extending the Rural Junior Doctor Training Innovation Fund (RJDTIF) for another year will mean 60 fulltime-equivalent rurally based interns and postgraduate doctors can undertake training in country practices.
Climate, inequality, integrity in politics top Cowper care list
Cowper locals care about climate change, inequality, integrity in politics initial findings from a Voices4Cowper (V4C) report has found. V4C convenor Gillian Anderson said: “We want local MP Pat Conaghan to understand the level of concern in his community about climate change and the environment."
MoU to grow agricultural trade between Pacific Island Countries and Australia
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment and DT Global will grow agricultural trade between Pacific Island countries and Australia, through improved food security, better market access and biosecurity outcomes.
More support arrives for state’s farmers
Almost 500 foreign workers will be added to NSW's agricultural workforce, joining the more than 2,000 whose arrival the NSW Government has already aided, to provide additional support to industry through the COVID-exacerbated labour shortage. Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall said while this would be welcome news for the state’s farmers, the NSW Government was constantly reviewing its support measures to give industry the best help it can, and that continued today.
Sick hospital system fails to prepare
With all symptoms indicating that the Queensland Health System is sick and struggling, the question for the Queensland Premier and Health Minister is ‘what have you done to prepare for the inevitable arrival of COVID-19 in our community?’ Hospitals are full despite the lack of COVID-19 cases, nurses face being sacked if they don’t get vaccinated and preparation measures appear to be minimal. Federal Member for Dawson George Christensen put questions to both Mackay and Townsville Hospital and Health Services in August on preparation measures.
Community led monitoring
The Murray Regional Strategy Group (MRSG), which represents eight organisations across the NSW Murray, is conducting a monitoring program to clearly communicate the risks and benefits of water delivery through our region ... In order to help stop repeating the meaningless destruction that we have witnessed on the Murray, MRSG has developed the NSW Murray Valley Adaptive Road Map, which aims to deliver solutions to existing problems with water flows and management.
Deal done to get timber off Kangaroo Island
Up to 60,000 tonnes of softwood logs will start to be shipped off Kangaroo Island to support South Australia’s forestry sector and booming housing construction industry, with applications to the Construction Softwood Transport Assistance Program (CSTAP) now open. The CSTAP is jointly funded by the Morrison Coalition Government and Marshall Liberal Government and provides assistance to freight bushfire-affected softwood logs salvaged from Kangaroo Island to the South Australian mainland and then to sawmills with immediate capacity to process structural timber.
Patient’s express anger at Iluka doctor’s suspension
Geoff Helisma. Many people have reacted angrily to the news that the Medical Council of NSW has temporarily suspended the registration of Iluka doctor David Alan Richards (Iluka Wellness Centre) following a decision by a Council s.150 (immediate action) panel ... “Sad day for Iluka,” one person posted. “We miss you Doc. It was so good to go to a doctor that was brave and honest and truly believed in the Hippocratic Oath ... “There is conclusive evidence (sighted on Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency documents) that AHPRA has silenced health practitioners from raising concerns about the Covid-19 vaccine ...": Petition EN3375.
Gateway to growth – Lakeland is Cape’s next boom town
Considered the Gateway to the Cape, the farming community of Lakeland is shaping as the gateway to growth in Cook Shire. Already the agricultural capital of the region, Lakeland’s potential to develop into a bustling township is being seriously considered by the council.
Registrations open for the 2021 National Biosecurity Forum
Registrations are now open for the 2021 National Biosecurity Forum being held virtually on 10-11 November. Head of Biosecurity, Andrew Tongue said this year’s forum would focus on the future, including the national biosecurity strategy, shared responsibility and partnerships and preparedness.
Fabricated myths and politics are causing the mismanagement of water in the Murray-Darling Basin
Robert Onfray. Before I started our travels, I recall hearing and reading stories about the parlous state of the Murray River and its basin. These calls are always louder when there is a drought. On our trip, I have spent a lot of time on the Murray, the Lachlan and Edward Rivers, as well as the Murrumbidgee Irrigation area. We also stopped at Wentworth to observe the mouth of the Darling into the Murray River.
History made as Ag Worker Visa created
The Australian Government has amended the Migration Regulations to create the Australian Agriculture Worker Visa (Ag Visa) to provide for a vital agriculture visa to help secure the future of rural and regional Australia ... “The Ag Visa will be the biggest structural change to agricultural workforce in our nation’s history. The visa will also be available to the fisheries, forestry and agricultural processing sectors and will target seasonal workers, skilled and semiskilled workers“: Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, David Littleproud.
MOU to support aquaculture further offshore
The Australian and Tasmanian governments have agreed to support a framework to deliver offshore aquaculture in Commonwealth waters off the coast of Tasmania. Assistant Minister for Forestry and Fisheries and Senator for Tasmania Jonathon Duniam and Tasmanian Minister for Primary Industries and Water Guy Barnett said the joint agreement between the Australian and Tasmanian governments will help examine the economic, environmental and operational feasibility of offshore aquaculture.
Minister Littleproud goes in to bat for agriculture at the United Nations
NFF Chief Executive, Tony Mahar has welcomed remarks by Minister David Littleproud at the United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) in a session devoted to leader's statements.
Our Afghani stories shared with MPs: Tony Piccolo
Tony Piccolo. The local Afghan Community in the South East have told State Members of Parliament of their fear for the safety and wellbeing of family and friends living in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of allied forces and the installation of a new Taliban Government. The community shared their stories with a delegation led by religious leader Sheikh Ghulam Ali Haideri and State Member of Parliament, Mr Tony Piccolo who visited Naracoorte to offer support to people who are dealing with the confronting and difficult fallout from the events in Afghanistan.
Family-owned engineering firm to provide next-gen rough terrain vehicle for ADF
A family-owned engineering company based in Port Macquarie has been awarded an $8.47 million contract to deliver the Australian Defence Force’s next generation rough terrain vehicle fleet, providing a boost to the local economy.
Basin plan to crack the nut in Central Queensland
Minister for Resources and Water Keith Pitt joined Member for Dawson George Christensen in Mackay to officially announce the North Bowen and Galilee Basin Strategic Basin Plan. “The Plan supports industry to develop the region’s major gas resources and is the second to be delivered under the Government’s Strategic Basins Plan Program,” Minister Pitt said.
Satellites helping with NT mango harvest
Images beamed back from space are helping Territory farmers plan their harvests including to predict the equipment and number of staff that may be needed. The 3-year trial is winding up this harvest and has studied images of mango trees at different stages of growth to help estimate whether farmers are in for a productive season.
More opportunities for Australia as Peru becomes a Party to CPTPP
Australian farmers and businesses will get more opportunities to reach new markets and create more jobs through global trade as Peru becomes the eighth economy to bring the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) into force. Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan today welcomed Peru joining Australia, Canada, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, Singapore and Vietnam as a Party to the CPTPP.
Inland Rail civil works agreements to bring on billions in investment for New South Wales
The Australian Rail Track Corporation has progressed agreements with Laing O’Rourke (Freight Connect) and Acciona CPB Joint Venture (ACACPB JV) for the detailed designs and civil works construction planning for critical sections of Inland Rail in New South Wales. These companies will now seek partnerships with businesses and skilled operators that can support delivery ...
