Cross Border commissioner role questioned
Gabrielle Duykers. As the appointment of a cross-border commissioner edges closer, community advocates are hoping the new officer will be accessible and provide a voice for locals. Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven has introduced the Cross-Border Commissioner Bill – a key election promise from the SA Labor Party – setting the foundation for appointing someone to the position.
Moreton Bay: Minister and McBride seek updates
Chris Oldfield. State health and wellbeing minister Chris Picton is seeking regular updates on the care and safety standards at Moreton Bay House, as well as its staffing. His intervention follows Commonwealth sanctions placed against the 41 bed aged care facility.
Multi-million dollar investment
Narrandera Shire Council has now paved the way for two major manufacturing industries to establish at Red Hill Industrial Estate ... “This is a landmark announcement. Today I can formally identify the Bhullar Group - who plan to establish a major steel fabrication factory and industry training facility ... Additionally, Hi-Tech Modular Homes plans to establish a purpose-built state-of-the-art manufacturing facility ... " : Mayor Kschencka.
Eagle takes flight
‘To see the community and regions being prosperous instead of being diminished will always bring me happiness.’ - Neil Eagle AO ... Neil’s involvement in water policy started in the early 60s, the group that formed was the Murray Valley Water Diverters, which covered from Albury right up to the Menindee system. From the outset, Neil was the secretary of that organisation, a role that continued for 30 years before becoming chairman, continuing to advocate for sensible water policy and a fair go.
Male youths lose their support crew
Funding has ended for two male youth worker positions in Evans Head. The positions were funded by the Federal Government’s Safer Communities program ... “Unfortunately, we have had to say goodbye to Josh, Toby and the Mobile Youth Van service, this decision was not ours, the program was sadly no longer funded.”
Hand to mouth biosecurity funding must end, as farmers stare down Foot and Mouth Disease and Lumpy Skin Disease: NFF
A long term, sustainable biosecurity funding pipeline to help protect agriculture, communities, the economy and the environment must be a top priority for the new Federal Government. This was the message delivered by the NFF to new Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister, Senator Murray Watt at the first industry Ministerial roundtable in Canberra.
Wellington Shire Council opens up land to address housing shortage
Council took the first step to address Wellington’s acute housing shortage, paving the way to facilitate the development of around 1600 new housing lots. Four planning decisions were supported by Council, which will allow major housing developments to progress in Wurruk, north Sale and Longford.
Cruise ship terminal boost for Port Lincoln
Port Lincoln will further cement itself as a premier cruise ship destination with the construction of new terminal facilities set to be complete before the commencement of the cruise ship session later this year. Located at Brennan’s Wharf, adjacent the former Sub Station being the ‘Red Shed’ and linked to the Parnkalla Trail Wharf Precinct.
Farmers speak up for a fair go for regional Victoria: VFF
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has launched its state election platform ahead of this year’s poll in November ... Emma Germano said the commitments being sought as part of the VFF’s Fair Go For Regional Victoria campaign includes critical investment into regional road and rail, housing, healthcare, biosecurity, jobs and environmental management amongst a host of others.
NSW councils increase rates
IPART has approved applications by eighty six NSW councils to increase their rates above the level of the annual rate peg. The modest increases were approved following an additional special variation process ... This year the rate peg was set at a minimum of 0.7%, with some further increases allowed in councils with growing populations.
Farm finances boom but costs forecast to bite : ABARES
Good rainfall and high commodity prices have driven strong farm financial performance for 2021-22. Executive Director of ABARES Dr Jared Greenville said cropping farms had reported higher than average cash incomes over the last year.
Governor gets involved in Cooktown’s big event
Queen Elizabeth’s representative for Queensland has given Cooktown and its annual Discovery Festival the royal thumbs up after visiting the Cape over the weekend. Her Excellency, the Honourable Jeannette Young and her husband Graeme Nimmo were eager participants ... Highlights of the weekend were the markets, with hundreds flowing through the stalls over the weekend, the street parade, inaugural 4x4 muster, the sunset soiree and fireworks, all capped off by the reenactment on Sunday morning.
WAFarmers, CEO update
Trevor Whittington. The new Leader of the Federal National Party and Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Hon David Littleproud met with WAFarmers President, John Hassell and Livestock Council President, Geoff Pearson ... area of discussion was the huge amount of effort and funding invested by the federal government into biosecurity aimed to keep out pests and diseases like lumpy skin (LSD) and foot and mouth (FMD) ... from what we heard in the meeting, it is concerning that the state governments including WA have failed to follow suit on increasing biosecurity funding ...
Key food industry associations join forces to address Australia’s domestic food security issues
An alliance between food industry associations across the food supply chain, from paddock to plate, has been formed to address key issues associated with ensuring reliable and affordable access to food for all Australians during this unprecedented time of supply chain disruption ... The Alliance includes: Independent Food Distributors Australia (IFDA), The National Farmers Federation (NFF), Australian Meat Industry Council, (AMIC), Master Grocers Australia (MGA) & Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS).
Rock lobster licence fee relief of 50% to assist industry recovery: Scriven
The fee reduction is a practical and fast way for the State government to assist the South Australian Rock Lobster fishery, who were impacted by the COVID 19 pandemic and the disruption to the Chinese market.
Farmers supported to build natural capital: NSW Gov’t
Farmers around the State will be supported to adopt additional sustainable practices through a groundbreaking $206 million program delivered in the NSW Budget. Treasurer Matt Kean said this landmark investment will reward farmers who voluntarily reduce their carbon emissions and protect biodiversity ... ARR.News asked the Ministers a few questions.
Everything you need to prepare for Lumpy Skin and Foot and Mouth with one click
A new, online one-stop information portal for Lumpy skin disease (LSD) and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) preparedness is now available to livestock owners and other industry stakeholders ... “With both LSD and FMD confirmed in Indonesia, the key to Australia’s defence is vigilance, early reporting and ensuring every Livestock Supply Chain enterprise in northern Australia has an updated biosecurity plan in place”: Minister Furner.
Innovative investment to drive the future of Esperance
The ‘Esperance Investment Prospectus’ shines a light on the abundant investment opportunities identified in this globally unique destination on Western Australia’s southern coast. Developed in partnership between Australia’s Golden Outback and the Shire of Esperance, the 12 page prospectus is aimed at attracting sustainable investment across a diverse range of industries.
Sunshine Coast officially becomes a UNESCO biosphere
It’s official! The Sunshine Coast has officially been recognised internationally as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The region now proudly stands as an international site of excellence and an area of natural beauty. Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said recognition was a truly historic moment for the Sunshine Coast.
New legislation to enable carbon trading by Forest Products Commission passes through WA State Parliament: Kelly
Amendments to the Forest Products Act 2000 (WA) that will allow the Forest Products Commission (FPC) to trade in carbon assets has passed through the State Parliament. Until now, the FPC's functions were restricted to dealing with forest products, which are defined to mean trees, parts of trees and similar products. The statutory expansion of the FPC's functions under the new legislation, will now grant the FPC the right to own, trade and otherwise deal with carbon assets.
Pasin praises safety commission for elderly
Chris Oldfield. Member for Barker Tony Pasin has praised the federal authority that sanctioned the Limestone Coast Local Health Network (LCLHN) over its management of Naracoorte’s Moreton Bay House. The Commonwealth Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission ruled on May 24 “there is an immediate and severe risk to the safety, health or wellbeing” of residents as reported last week by The News.
Service station deal sealed
Sheryl Lowe. Millicent will benefit from an estimated nine million dollar investment by the K & S Corporation following their purchase of the previously Council owned Adelaide Road Service Station, according to information received by The News. The investment will provide a refurbished site on Adelaide Road and a new facility on Billy Goat Corner.
