Ag visa moves forward
NSW Farmers has welcomed news that an Australian Agricultural Visa (Ag Visa) is set to finally become reality from 30 September 2021. The new Ag Visa will widen the recruitment opportunities of low to skilled workers from participating countries, which the Association understands will initially be open to ASEAN countries.
Missing visa piece to fit farm labour puzzle
Growcom has enthusiastically welcomed confirmation today from the Federal Government that a new Australian Agriculture visa will be in place by the end of September.
Government makes NFF’s coveted Ag Visa a reality; provides hope for this year’s harvest
In a monumental commitment, the Federal Government has delivered on the National Farmers’ Federation’s long called-for Agriculture-specific Visa (Ag Visa) to provide real long-term workforce relief to Australian farmers.
Feral deer are here – new sightings in the Tweed
Ten confirmed sightings of deer in the Tweed and 2 in the Kyogle region have been recorded since the Northern Rivers Feral Deer Alert program was launched in May.
Native sportfish season re-opens in September
NSW Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall has announced that anglers around the state could get back to reeling in some of our finest native sportfish when the Australian Bass and Estuary Perch season opens on Wednesday, 1 September 2021.
NSW puts foot on the green gas with hydrogen platform
The rollout of the State’s hydrogen hubs is set to be accelerated, with the establishment of a collaboration platform to bring together potential hydrogen producers and users.
Queensland’s first hydrogen cars hit the road
The rubber has literally hit the road in Queensland’s push to become a hydrogen superpower. Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni has taken the covers off the first hydrogen vehicles to hit Queensland roads, five Hyundai Nexos that join QFleet from Monday, with distinctive, Indigenous-inspired designer decals.
Firewood trial for residents and ratepayers
Hepburn Shire Council will soon hold a three-day trial to finalise the logistics of how best to distribute storm-related firewood to residents and ratepayers for free.
Indigenous artwork commissioned for trail
Local Whyalla resident and proud Barngarla woman Jody Croft was recently commissioned by Whyalla City Council to create four original artworks to fit the newly designed First Nation Trail from Douglas Point North to Fitzgerald Bay.
Scenic Rim Council responds to industry request for long-term strategy
Scenic Rim Regional Council is working in partnership with industry to deliver a 10-year road map and a three-year strategic plan for the Scenic Rim's agribusiness and agritourism operators.
Freedom is the best reason to get vaccinated
There is a saying that goes like this: you can’t change the direction of the wind, but you can adjust your sails. It’s time to adjust our sails, Australia, because the wind blowing in the COVID-19 virus is going to keep blowing. We need our national mojo back: Bev McArthur, MP.
2021 Local Government Elections – Barkly candidates have their say
Hear from the candidates for the upcoming Barkly Regional Council elections: Brian Coleman; Hal Ruger; Jeffrey McLaughlin; Dianne Stokes; Greg Marlow; Karan Hayward; Kelly White; and Catherine Grimley.
Cycling event cancelled
Gabrielle Duykers. The tour of the Great South Coast bike race has been cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions, originally set to begin travelling through the Limestone Coast and Victoria later this month ... Naracoorte Lucindale Council CEO Trevor Smart said the cancellation was unfortunate news for the town. “The danger of it being called off this year is that we may not see the race again – once it goes into recess, that’s two years in a row now so the event promoter may not continue that race.”
Riddoch Ward councillor resigns
Sheryl Lowe. Former Wattle Range Councillor Rick Paltridge resigned on Tuesday 3rd August, effective immediately ... “Unfortunately, I couldn’t ï¬nd a happy balance between the demands of a corporate entity such as Wattle Range Council with the needs and aspirations of my local communities, and my personal wellbeing and health. I thought I was up for it! I was prepared to learn, to adapt, and to communicate openly, respectfully and frankly, but in the end that just wasn’t enough”, said Mr Paltridge.
Lack of childcare an ‘equity’ issue
Eliza Berlage. The struggle to secure childcare services in rural and regional areas has led some parents to sacriï¬ce their careers or move to bigger cities, according to a new study ... It found regional and rural areas lacked childcare services and staff to work at the centres, and that childcare was often not seen as profitable enough to attract new operators to the sector.
Stop Puppy Farming laws passed WA Lower House
Laws to end puppy farming in Western Australia have today passed the State Parliament's lower house ... The Stop Puppy Farming legislation, which also includes reforms to de-muzzle greyhounds, involves changes to the Dog Act 1976 that minimise the number of dogs suffering neglect and requiring rehoming by regulating the breeding and sale of dogs in WA.
Two thousand overseas agricultural workers arrive in NSW
Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall today announced more than 2,000 overseas skilled agricultural workers have arrived in NSW in the last 12 months to help industry overcome the Covid-induced labour shortage.
Parliament needs independent science advice
Senator Kim Carr. "If members and senators are going to debate and pass the laws that govern Australians, they need access to reliable information. The institution and processes of parliamentary democracy would not be possible without that access. It is what the proposed science office would provide": Senator Kim Carr
Helen on tap update
It was an emotional night at the Royal Hotel in Barham as locals bared their souls to Member for Murray Helen Dalton. The continual tit for tat between New South Wales and Victoria has been a wrecking ball on businesses, families, local economy, and the wellbeing of our residents ... “For us, financially, we have just sold our house to keep the bank at bay. If things don’t ultimately change soon, it will be very detrimental to us”: Ben Watts, Barham Holiday Park
Gurra Downs Date Company
"Out of every adversity lays the seed of equal or greater opportunity" ... "if you've got a passion for farming, grazing, cropping or whatever it is, just keep looking through your genetics and the way that you manage your farms and your businesses and your environments" : Dave Reilly
Lockyer Valley Regional Council endorses Equine Precinct Business Case
A state-of-the-art Equine Precinct in the heart of the Lockyer Valley is now one step closer, after Council today moved to endorse the Business Case for the project.
Beach wheelchairs on the move
Beach access just got a whole lot easier with the relocation of two Hippocamp Beach Access Wheelchairs to Champion Beach.
