Kookaburra Calling- is it time for the ASX of water?
In a lively panel session held at the ABARES Outlook 2021 virtual conference, entitled 'Improving water market outcomes in the southern Murray-Darling Basin', Mick Keogh, the Deputy Chairman of the ACCC responsible for small business and agriculture, and lead author of a report on the water market recently handed to the Federal Treasurer, alluded to the idea of establishing a water market in Australia akin to the regulatory environment of the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX).
ABARES Outlook 2021 – Littleproud spruiks government’s ag credentials
The ABARES Outlook 2021 Conference, the annual conference held by the Australian Bureau of Agricultural Economics, being held virtually for the first time this year, is taking place between March 2nd and 4th.
Western Sydney infrastructure gets $7 billion, regional Australia not a high priority
National Farmers' Federation. Today, Infrastructure Australia released its 2021 Infrastructure Priority List, and regional Australia is once again the poor cousin. Of the identified ‘High Priority Projects’, not a single one is in a regional area – with only Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane rating a mention.
Monarto Zoo Safari Roars Ahead
Today’s sod turning at regional South Australia’s Monarto Zoo officially marks the start of construction on a new state-of-the-art Safari Gateway Visitors Centre. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the $16.7 million project would provide enormous economic benefits to Monarto and neighbouring regions.
Our poor will be hit hard
The impending cut to Jobseeker isn’t only about the hardship those on $40 a day will endure. More than a million dollars a week will be pulled out of our local economy if Jobseeker returns to pre-covid levels.
653,600 jobs at risk from net zero emissions target: IPA Report
Coal miners, farmers, and steel and iron workers hold the majority of the 653,600 jobs which could be destroyed by the adoption of a net zero emissions target in Australia, according to new research released by free market think tank the Institute of Public Affairs.
Warnervale Airport – Lift Off!
Emergency services, the Central Coast Aero Club and other users will be able to fly more freely now that the NSW Upper House has voted overnight to repeal the Warnervale Airport (Restrictions) Act 1996.
Showing support for the Grafton Show
Emma Pritchard. After the unfortunate cancellation of the 2020 Grafton Show, only weeks prior to the event, Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan visited the iconic T. J. Ford Pavilion at the showground last week and announced a grant of just under $18,000 through the Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days Program to reimburse costs for the cancellation of the popular attraction last year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Investment in trade, workers & climate headline NFF’s budget asks
Farmers have provided a detailed list of what Government can do to propel the sector’s contribution to Australia’s COVID-19 economic recovery and to support its continued prosperous future. Headlining the NFF’s 2021-2022 pre-budget submission is a call for government to invest in the development of a long-term agriculture trade strategy. "Recent disruptions will cost the industry $36.9 billion this decade," CEO Tony Mahar said.
On-farm water recovery continues despite Minister’s promises
The Victorian Farmers Federation is calling for the Commonwealth Minister for Water Resources to keep his word and stop on-farm water acquisition to meet the 450GL up-water target in addition to the Murray Darling Basin Plan. VFF Water Council Chair Richard Anderson said he was disappointed the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture and Water is continuing to pursue on-farm water recovery despite the Federal Water Minister Keith Pitt’s promise not to do so.
Let’s rename Clarence Way the Pothole Way
Classification is crucial when it comes to funding roads. Clarence Way is classified as a regional road and not a rural road. This affects state funding. Kyogle mayor Danielle Mulholland said it put Clarence Way in the same pool as roads in Coffs Harbour and Port Macquarie and this meant tougher competition for funds.
Kookaburra Calling – is it time to form the state of Riverina?
Kookaburra has noticed that the movement to create a state of Riverina has been re-charged in recent weeks. The main driver behind this movement is Mr. David Landini, a Riverina wool broker, based in Wakool ... A key issue is the Murray Darling Basin Plan which has left many rural communities very dissatisfied and fearing for their long-term survival. The reduction in the number of rural electorates is another point of focus ...
$940,000 boost for water infrastructure in Stanthorpe to drive bushfire recovery
Local water infrastructure in Stanthorpe will get a $940,000 boost, as part of $8.9 million in bushfire recovery projects announced today by the Australian and Queensland governments. Maranoa MP David Littleproud said this project is one of nine Local Economic Recovery projects were announced today to support recovery in Queensland communities hit hard by the 2019-20 bushfires, including two exciting projects in Maranoa. “In our area, $940,000 will go to the Southern Downs Regional Council for the Smart Water Meters project,” Mr Littleproud said. “This project will install smart metering technology in Stanthorpe, which will help to adapt the built environment to future climate and natural hazard conditions.
