Food producers unlikely to gain from any net water benefit
North Wanneroo growers have been dealt a blow with the McGowan Government seeming to rule out any benefits from the proposed Alkimos desalination plant being shared with agricultural licence holders.
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.
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.
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 ...
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.
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.
Victorian Government bans game meat sharing
As the cost of living dramatically rises, the tradition of sharing game meat could now cost individuals over $18,000 after the Victorian Labor Government’s Agriculture Legislation Amendment Bill 2022 passed both houses of parliament. A second offence could see a $90,870 fine and/or 24 months in prison. The tradition of hunters sharing kills with friends and neighbours is as old as humanity itself, now the ever encroaching government bureaucracy will see the practice outlawed.
World first for greyhound welfare: Anderson
A world first whole of life e-tracking system to monitor the location and welfare of all greyhounds registered in NSW is now underway. Minister for Racing Kevin Anderson said the new technology will allow the Greyhound Welfare and Integrity Commission (GWIC) to track and protect racing greyhounds throughout their careers and into retirement.
Gkuthaarn and Kukatj people’s place to call home: Stewart
The Traditional Owners received title deeds and freehold ownership of 155 hectares of land on Normanton’s outskirts: part of the 16,000 square kilometres of land where they already hold native title. Gkuthaarn woman Leanne Edwards said the Gkuthaarn and Kukatj people were progressively seeking freehold title to areas within their traditional lands, potentially to use for housing, and future economic development.
River Murray water allocations open at 100 per cent: Close
South Australian River Murray water users will start the water year with 100 per cent of their allocation due to good inflows over the past three months ... "I also look forward to working with the Albanese Government to deliver the Murray Darling Basin Plan in full, including delivering the final 450GL which federal Labor has also committed to" : Susan Close, SA Minister for Climate, Environment and Water.
Golden Tag fish still up for grabs at Kings Billabong
Minister for Fishing and Boating Melissa Horne visited the waterway, which has been stocked with tagged silver perch, golden perch and Murray cod many of which are still uncaught. The Golden Tag competition commenced in February 2020 to encourage people to get out on the water and wet a line in their favourite spot, as well as boost recreational fishing tourism.
Water use restrictions in Gingin groundwater area on hold
Horticulturists and agriculturists who take water from aquifers in the Gingin groundwater area south of Gingin Brook and Moore River will have any reductions to their entitlements delayed, according to the Gnangara groundwater allocation plan.
To raise or not to raise and wait? Voluntary house raising scheme will take some time
It will take until the end of next year before the details of the voluntary house raising scheme are sorted. This isn’t what homeowners want to hear. They want to make a decision now. Do they use flood recovery grants or home insurance payouts to raise their house? If they do, they won’t be refunded when the house raising scheme details are confirmed.
Tasmania’s carbon negative is due to forestry, not its absence: Forestry Australia
The peak national organisation representing forest scientists and professionals has refuted claims that native forest harvesting in Tasmania has impacted negatively on the climate. Forestry Australia President Bob Gordon said on the contrary, the carbon sequestering power of growing trees meant sustainable forestry played a key role in reducing the state’s carbon emissions.
Upgrade works complete on three freight lines
Freight operators and farmers will benefit from the completion of upgrade works on three freight lines in north-west Victoria. Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne said the works have been carried out on the Mildura, Sea Lake and Manangatang lines to improve the condition of the track and reduce the risk of infrastructure faults which can delay grain loading.
Visitor numbers jump as Araluen Arts Centre bounces back from pandemic
In true outback spirit, an iconic Alice Springs arts hub has bounced back from the COVID-19 pandemic, with a huge jump in visitor numbers and an impressive calendar of events.
Housing works ready to rollout in Beswick and Gapuwiyak
A Katherine company has been selected to build 20 new homes on a new subdivision at Beswick ... around the corner to the remote community of Gapuwiyak, an $18.2 million investment will yield 28 new homes ... The northeast Arnhem Land community has helped to plan the new homes, and will be involved in all aspects of construction.
