Softwood plantation stock is defined as steady with long term log availability increasing

Commercial timber plantation stock stands at 1.8 million hectares in 2019-20 according to statistics released in a report that shows the softwood estate remained relatively stable at about one million hectares. However, the hardwood estate declined by about 200,000 hectares compared to the previous report estimate released in 2014-15. Annual softwood log availability is forecast […]

Ag Visa extended to Indonesia to entice more foreign workers

Landmark talks are underway for Indonesia to become a participating country in the Australian Agricultural Worker Visa. This is a major step forward to relieve the workforce pressures that Australian farmers and our agricultural industries are currently facing. This is history in the making and growers can be very proud that Indonesia would like to […]

Pilot scheme to reward farmers for improving their native vegetation is now open

Applications are now open for the Australian Government’s $22.3 million Enhancing Remnant Vegetation Pilot, but hurry as applications for the scheme close on 27 October 2021. Six regions will be able to participate in the pilot with the intent to roll out to other regions in the future. This pilot is a key component of […]

Future Drought Fund hands out $1.4 million in round one with more to follow

Regional communities are expected to share in more than $1.4 million to help them better prepare for drought under the Future Drought Fund’s Networks to Build Drought Resilience program. There are 33 grants paid out in round one, ranging from $10,000 to $139,000 to support community projects to build local drought resilience. For details of […]

Mardie Salt & Potash Project has now chalked up $490 million in loan support

Increased funding now takes to support for the expansion of BCI Minerals’ Mardie Salt & Potash Project in Western Australia to $490 million with an Australian Government, Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) loan. It is an increase of $40 million on the original loan approved last year. The project will be the first new major […]

Future Drought Fund is spending more than $11 million on a new generation of leaders

The Australia Government is spending in the hope of finding drought resilient leaders through the $5 billion Future Drought Fund. Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, David Littleproud said applications for the Drought Resilience Leaders program have opened in seven regions across Australia. “We know that farmers listen to farmers, and others in their community. […]

National eDNA testing program being rolled out in a $7 million spend

The Federal Government is spending $7 million in a national program that sets the scene for game changing eDNA technology testing capability and revolutionise the frontline of biosecurity. This initiative will formalise how biosecurity officers would use this powerful eDNA technology. It is expected when frontline staff and scientists use eDNA testing to identify pests […]