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 […]

Water Research will open up the Top End for more farm production

A project to bolster water sustainability in northern Australia is about to start, gathering the insights Northern Territory producers need for greater crop yields while reducing water usage.  The three-year Water Productivity Trial will be led by the NT Farmers Association, with a $250,000 contribution from the Australian Government-funded Cooperative Research Centre for Developing Northern Australia (CRCNA). It will use […]

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 […]

Melbourne Cup defender among 13 international runners subjected to a double quarantine

Horses arriving from overseas for the 2021 Spring Carnival racesunderwent 14 days’ pre-export quarantine overseas and also must complete 14 days’ post-arrival quarantine at government approved facilities. Last year’s Melbourne Cup winner Twilight Payment is among 13 international runners to complete a minimum of 14 days’ mandatory post-arrival quarantine before embarking on their spring carnival […]