Projects won’t lower flood levels – Hogan
Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan has criticised the Albanese Government’s $100 million announcement for 20 projects in the Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program as they won’t lower flood levels ... “The community would feel exceptionally disappointed by projects announced by the Federal Government today as they contain no effective flood mitigation works”: Federal Member for Page Kevin Hogan.
Buloke Times editorial: Prospects of an Australia-Europe FTA
A previous editorial concluded with a possible view from the European side of a trade agreement ("FTA" - free trade agreement) with Australia. This time, from the Australian side, we look at the principal agricultural products which our negotiators feel will give us some advantage in an agreement with the European Union (EU).
Detection of Lumpy Skin Disease in Australia exported cattle to Indonesia: Animal Health Australia
Given the presence of the disease in Indonesia, positive results in Australian cattle post arrival are not unexpected ... Importantly, trade is and can continue to Indonesia from 28 Australian export establishments, however, there are 4 export establishments in Northern Australia who are working with the government to further ensure they are disease free.
Debbie fights for levee left off flood funding list
The 7.8km long levee runs through Ms Johnston’s property and it is meant to protect the Bungawalbin catchment from flooding including protecting Swan Bay, New Italy and Woodburn. Ms Johnston has been fighting to be heard. When she asked CSIRO research scientist Jai Vaze who was travelling with Mr Watt about it, he drew a blank.
Minister’s visit comes with $100 million announcement for flood resilience projects
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt stood on the banks of the Richmond River on Friday, July 28, to announce $100million for flood resilience projects across five council shires. The funding is the second part of $150 million with $50 million announced in February.
Cheaper medicines and backing local pharmacies: Butler
We know just how important the local pharmacy is in rural and regional Australia. They’re a critical part of the fabric of a community and are often the first place we turn for health advice. That’s why the Government is supporting rural and regional pharmacies, as we ensure that every single dollar that the Government saves with 60-day prescriptions is reinvested straight back into community pharmacy.
Joint statement regarding live cattle exports to Indonesia: NFF
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has been advised by the Indonesian Agriculture and Quarantine Agency (IAQA) that Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) has been detected in a small number of Australian cattle exported to Indonesia—after those cattle had arrived and spent some time in Indonesia. “Australia is and remains free from lumpy skin disease, as confirmed today by Australia’s Chief Veterinary Officer,” RMAC Chairman, Mr John McKillop, said.
Support for regional, rural and remote pharmacies: Butler
Pharmacies in regional, rural and remote Australia (known as areas 2 to 7 under the Modified Monash classification method) with average script volumes equalling dispensing income of under $1 million in the 12 months to 1 April 2023, will be eligible to receive a new Regional Pharmacy Transition Allowance (RPTA) ... The new allowance is in addition to the doubling of the budget for the Regional Pharmacy Maintenance Allowance (RPMA), which came into effect on 1 July.
The housing crisis – time to act
Viv Markham. As Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards said, “There is no magic fix.” This week’s article poses the questions: how big is government appetite to fix the homelessness and the housing problem? ... we’re at a housing crossroads, so why not consider other solutions?
Shane Love and David Littleproud stand united in opposing overbearing Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Laws: Love, Littleproud
The Nationals WA and Federal National Party have ... taken a stand against the flawed implementation of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Laws by WA Labor ... “WA Labor MPs have admitted they have botched the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act, now, with Federal Labor considering enacting similar legislation, concerns are being raised": Shane Love.
Mid-year report points to challenges in Basin Plan implementation: MDBA
A report providing an update on the progress of key activities under the Basin Plan has been issued by the Murray–Darling Basin Authority. The tenth in a series, this report card reflects the progress made in first 6 months of 2023, during a period of significant flooding and flood recovery around the Murray–Darling Basin.
Common sense prevails for Basin Plan projects: VFF
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) welcomes the Albanese Government’s decision to extend the timeframe for implementing the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. VFF Water Council Chair Andrew Leahy said common sense had prevailed following Minister Tanya Plibersek’s announcement to allow efficiency projects to progress and be counted towards the Plan’s targets.
Nature Conservation Council of NSW turns on conservationists
The Nature Conservation Council (NCC) of New South Wales has blasted what it calls a “concerted misinformation campaign being spread by corporate irrigators about the proposal to purchase water for the environment.” The move has disappointed communities in the southern connected system as they fight to protect their livelihoods, environment and communities.
Deputy Mayor puts forward national issues considered relevant to Council
Narrandera Shire Council Deputy Mayor Cameron Lander has reported on some of the many issues discussed at the 2023 Australian Local Government Association National Assembly that he felt were of particular interest to Narrandera Shire Council ... The 2023 NGA theme was "Our Communities, Our Future" and looked at ideas on new federal programs and policies that would support councils to build stronger communities in the future.
Authority advice on Basin Plan implementation: MDBA
The Murray–Darling Basin Authority provided advice to the Hon Tanya Plibersek, Minister for the Environment and Water that full implementation of the Basin Plan will not be possible by 30 June 2024 ... With 16 key SDLAM projects unlikely to be operable by 30 June 2024, the Authority estimates a shortfall in water recovery of between 190 and 315 gigalitres.
Nhill’s surprise station shutdown sparks community outcry
Last week the community of Nhill was surprised to find the Nhill Railway Station fenced off and out of bounds to the community, without any consultation, after being deemed unsafe for public use by the Australian Rail Track Corporation. Local resident Margaret Millington said it was a sad situation and that "Sadly, the Nhill station is now inaccessible to passengers wishing to travel on the Overland.
Murray–Darling Basin Authority communique, 25 July 2023
The Authority welcomed the opportunity to meet with the Hon Tanya Plibersek, Minister for the Environment and Water. In response to her request, the Authority provided the Minister its advice on the current state of Basin Plan implementation.
More time will allow the Basin Plan to be finished the smart way: NFF
The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) welcomes Minister Plibersek’s announcement that she will seek to extend the Murray-Darling Basin Plan deadlines. NFF President Fiona Simson said the extension would buy time for smarter completion of the plan without resorting to devastating buybacks.
Commonwealth support for regional medicine students
Will Hunter. Rural medicine has received a boost as regional Australia continues to face a severe shortage of general practitioners and healthcare staff. The federal government has allocated $114.2 million over four years to permanently increase the number of Commonwealth-supported placements available to rurally trained university students.
Grain grower groups unite against inappropriate port development: GrainGrowers
Grain producer groups have unified to oppose a flawed planning application which would diminish export capacity for the nation’s grain supply chain and wealth generation for rural communities and the national economy. Grain Producers Australia and GrainGrowers have backed calls by the Victorian Farmers’ Federation Grains Council to reject the Planning Application submitted by the Hamilton Group, to build office space at the Geelong Port.
Farm sector debt reaches $109.9 billion: ABARES
The latest agricultural lending statistics provided by the Australian Prudential Regulatory Authority (APRA) show an increase in aggregate lending to the farm sector of 9 per cent in 2021–22. ABARES Executive Director Dr Jared Greenville said the cumulative value of loans outstanding has increased from $100.7 billion at 30 June 2021 to $109.9 billion at 30 June 2022.
Minister, please explain social licence: John Hassell
John Hassell, President WAFarmers. Sheep farmers in Western Australia have been told by the Federal Labor Government that we have lost our social licence for live exports ... If it was a rash decision then it's time to reverse it and accept that the industry has done everything it has been asked for by the Government and should be allowed to continue. If not then this decision marks the end of agriculture in Australia as we know it and the Government should tell us.
