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 […]
Deputy Premier’s plan for fruit picking public servants sends sector into outrage
The Public Service Association has lodged a dispute over a plan to get NSW’s public servants to harvest fruit and grains, saying it is a pie in the sky idea from the Deputy Premier. The union lodged the dispute after the Deputy Premier Paul Toole announced a plan to offer Department of Regional NSW week-long […]
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. […]
Climate Council says inaction on climate control putting jobs at risk from carbon tariffs
A report released by the Climate Council says the lack of federal government climate policy exposes the nation to serious economic consequences – including tens of thousands of jobs at risk in New South Wales and Queensland – from carbon border tariffs. The report called “Markets are moving: the economic costs of Australia’s climate inaction” […]
Wind farm noise found to be no worse for your sleep than a barking dog
Residents who live within 10km of a wind farm were part of a survey that has found no worst adverse sleep affects than other irritants. The report went on to identify more sleep issues from other sources, such as insomnia, stress and snoring spouses, than the nearby wind farms, a Flinders University study has found. […]
Abattoir workers get a $450,000 grant to spot biosecurity problems
Over $450,000 will be spent on training to improve emergency animal disease capability at domestic abattoirs. Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia David Littleproud said the grant recognises the central role of abattoir staff in the animal health system. “Abattoir staff play a critical role in biosecurity by inspecting animals and carcases for signs of […]
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 […]