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Northern Rivers & Rural News

NRLX dollar turnover ‘through the roof’

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NRLX dollar turnover ‘through the roof’

NRLX dollar turnover ‘through the roof’

AFTER a booming 2020-2021 financial year, the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange (NRLX) dollar turnover has demolished the all-time record of $113,616,791, coming in at $143,216,075.

Applauding the results, Richmond Valley Council’s General Manager Vaughan Macdonald said the agriculture and food production sectors accounted for almost 30 percent of employment for the local area, and around 45 percent of the area’s total economic output in traditional years.

Mr Macdonald said with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a business operating environment no one could have predicted, this result was a significant contribution to the financial stability and recovery of the region.

He said the benefits of the NRLX extended well beyond the selling gate.

“We know that on selling days our CBD businesses become a hive of activity, with people grabbing supplies or stopping for a bite to eat,” Mr Macdonald said.

“In small regional communities like ours, this business activity is paramount, supporting local traders and maintaining local jobs.

“The flow on effects from such a successful year for producers will continue to ripple through the local economy for some time.

“Many of the local producers who sell their stock through the NRLX were hand feeding their herds at the peak of the drought in mid-2019; then many were hit by the fires.

“For vendors it is an exceptional result to bounce back so strongly, with such high quality stock, after the shock of 2019.

“They’ve invested a lot to get their stock back to this point and they’ve produced an exceptional result.”

NRLX Operations Manager Brad Willis said the results also showed the commitment NRLX-based livestock agents had for their clients.

“The positive relationships being built between all stakeholders who use our facility are an important factor in this successful year,” he said.

As the current boom in cattle prices showed no signs of abating, Mr Willis said the NRLX was well positioned as a modern, industry-leading facility which vendors and buyers could rely on.

“Our technological infrastructure, safety, animal welfare and environmental standards here are world-class,” he said.

“We are regularly making adjustments to improve the experience for our buyers and vendors at the sales.”

Mr Willis said the results vindicated the $14 million investment in upgrading the NRLX by Richmond Valley Council, with the support of the Federal and State governments.

“Operating from a state-of-the-art facility has proven to be a bonanza for the local cattle industry, with sales revenue at the NRLX jumping $30 million to reach a high of just over $143 million for the 2020-2021 financial year,” he said.

Mr Macdonald said Council’s hard work to improve the services, relationships and stakeholder engagement also contributed to the ongoing success story of NRLX.

“I am very proud of the NRLX team, led by Operations Manager Brad Willis, and the way in which the NRLX has continued to operate and set an excellent example of saleyard operation under challenging circumstances during COVID,” he said.

“There is no doubt the NRLX is the premier facility for the livestock trading market for northern NSW.”

Mr Willis said a total of 91 sales were held over the past financial year with 103,436 head of cattle sold, grossing more than $143 million in total sales. Average price per head also significantly increased to $1384.59 from the previous record of $951.06.

He said people knew when they bought livestock from the NRLX they were securing some of the strongest bloodlines in the region and that they could fulfil orders for stock in the one place.

He said the yards were attracting buyers from as far afield as Victoria in the south, right across western NSW and as far north to the Tropic of Capricorn, in Queensland.

“The fact we have buyers coming from Victoria, combined with regular visitors from south western Queensland, southern NSW, and significant volumes from western NSW, shows the NRLX and our agents are successfully bringing new business to the region,” Mr Willis said.

“Selling numbers have been strong, with prices remaining at record highs, which provides further confidence for growth for this industry well into the future.

“We have seen an increase in the area our vendors are sending stock from with regular clients now coming from Kempsey, Glen Innes and Stanthorpe.

“Our yards are nationally recognised for premier quality stock and competitive prices, and the addition of StockLive streaming of sales allowing vendors, buyers and spectators to observe the sale remotely proved a popular option during the height of the COVID-19 lockdown.

“The NRLX is a truly modern, best-practice facility for animal welfare outcomes, workplace health and safety, as well as an efficient and comfortable cattle sale destination.”

Mr Macdonald said in undertaking a review in 2018, the NRLX was clearly identified as a key asset for users and one of the main sales outlets for local cattle in the region.

He said financial sustainability had been a key focus of the facility in recent years with
increasing pressure to remain viable due to escalating compliance costs, higher expectations from buyers and sellers, animal welfare standard and other selling mechanisms.

He said the Council unanimously voted to do everything in its power to ensure the long-term viability of the facility.

“Two years ago Council took the initiative to freeze agent and seller sale fees at the NRLX as a gesture of support for the cattle industry as it recovered from severe drought,” Mr Macdonald said.

“On the back of this decision an entirely new structure was introduced in August 2020 which built in flexibility for market conditions and the benefits of this are evident.

“Council has a rich history and association with the Casino saleyards and will ensure it remains a competitive, sustainable and safe facility focused on supporting the local agricultural and related sectors.

“The NRLX is an asset which will continue to be supported and improved to bring greater competition to our cattle auctions and play pivotal role in the local industry and economy.”

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US pull back on vehicle emissions timings should sound warning in Australia

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Vehicle Emissions

US pull back on vehicle emissions timings should sound warning in Australia

 

The recent announcement that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has adjusted the timelines of its vehicle emission standards due to concerns over consumer and manufacturer impacts should serve as a cautionary tale for the Australian Government regarding the proposed New Vehicle Efficiency Standards (NVES), according to the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF).

David Jochinke, President of the NFF, emphasised that while there are differences between the US and Australian markets, rushing into an NVES policy could disproportionately affect producers and regional Australians.

“Farmers support efforts to reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions, and the National Vehicle Efficiency Standards may incentivize the transition to lower emission vehicles,” stated Mr. Jochinke. “However, for Australian farmers, viable alternatives are currently lacking, forcing them to purchase vehicles that would be penalized under this scheme.”

Mr. Jochinke highlighted concerns about potential cost increases for farming, with many vehicle manufacturers warning of price hikes due to the policy’s implementation.

Vehicle Emissions

He stressed that there are currently no viable alternatives in the Australian market that match the towing capacity, all-day range, and durability of internal combustion vehicles commonly used on farms across the country.

“These vehicles are our tools of the trade, essential for everyday operations much like a journalist relies on a laptop or a painter relies on a paintbrush,” he added.

The NFF is urging the Government to exempt vehicles used by primary producers from the scheme until genuine alternative options are available or until it can be demonstrated that price increases on existing vehicles will not occur.

“We appreciate the Government’s willingness to listen to our concerns and their openness to considering appropriate changes before finalizing the policy,” Mr. Jochinke remarked. “We are closely monitoring to see if these changes adequately address our concerns as the policy progresses.”

 

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the customer is always right

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WaterNSW

the customer is always right

 

In the realm of water pricing, the adage “the customer is always right” rings true, emphasising the importance of prioritising the needs of paying customers in water management decisions.

WaterNSW‘s operating license must be customer-centric, with a focus on serving the needs of paying customers above non-paying community stakeholders who are merely observers in the process.

The NSW Irrigators’ Council (NSWIC) has submitted recommendations to the IPART review of WaterNSW’s operating license, urging a reassessment of cost-sharing frameworks. Specifically, NSWIC calls for a review to ensure that water users are only charged for water delivery services, rather than bearing the burden of public good services such as fish passageways and climate change adaptation.

Claire Miller, CEO of NSWIC, expressed concerns about the interpretation of the ‘impactor pays principle’ by IPART. She highlighted the disproportionate burden placed on WaterNSW customers for funding public good services demanded by the broader community.

WaterNSW

WaterNSW’s operating license must be customer-centric, with a focus on serving the needs of paying customers above non-paying community stakeholders who are merely observers in the process.

Furthermore, the recent IPART Pricing Determination of 2021 led to a substantial increase in WaterNSW charges for water users, with rumours suggesting another significant leap in charges for the next pricing determination. Miller emphasised that such hikes are unsustainable for farmers, who face challenges in continuing agricultural production under such financial pressures.

NSWIC’s submission also addressed concerns regarding the effectiveness of current engagement models employed by water management authorities. Customer feedback indicates dissatisfaction with communication, service quality, and engagement methods. NSWIC advocates for improved consultation processes that prioritise customer needs and preferences, including targeted and meaningful consultation, valley-based engagement approaches, and regular satisfaction surveys.

Additionally, NSWIC supports the retention and enhancement of Customer Advisory Groups (CAGs) to facilitate direct customer consultation and ensure accountability to operating standards.

In conclusion, NSWIC urges regulatory authorities to listen to the voices of water users and implement reforms that align with the evolving needs of NSW communities while ensuring fair and equitable cost-sharing arrangements in water management practices.

 

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SURVEY REVEALS REGIONAL HOUSING CRISIS STRAINS HEALTH AND INDUSTRY

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Regional Housing Crisis

SURVEY REVEALS REGIONAL HOUSING CRISIS STRAINS HEALTH AND INDUSTRY

 

Recent survey findings from members of Regional Capitals Australia (RCA) paint a stark picture: 100% of respondents report that local health services are feeling the strain of the housing shortage, while an overwhelming 93% indicate that major local industries are also being adversely affected.

Chair of Regional Capitals Australia, Cr Kylie King, expressed deep concern over the multifaceted impacts of the housing crisis: “What started as a housing shortage has now evolved into a full-blown health and employment crisis in regional areas.”

Cr King elaborated on the wide-ranging consequences: “The acute shortage of housing in regional Australia is not only hampering local employment opportunities but also impeding the provision of essential services and critical national projects such as our transition to renewable energy.”

In-depth case studies conducted in RCA member councils Albury, Ballarat, Geelong, and Port Hedland underscore common challenges, including the exorbitant costs associated with infrastructure development, skills deficits, and the underutilisation of existing land and properties.

While Regional Capitals Australia acknowledges the efforts of all levels of government to address the housing shortfall, it calls for more decisive action to combat the crisis.

Regional Housing Crisis

Gloucester NSW

To tackle the housing crisis head-on, Regional Capitals Australia proposes the following measures:

  • Increased release of crown land for social and affordable housing
  • Implementation of planning guidelines mandating inclusionary zoning or pre-set ratios for social and affordable housing
  • Flexibility for infill development in established areas
  • Refurbishment or redevelopment of government-owned derelict housing
  • Adoption of innovative housing solutions such as 3D printing, modular, or prefabricated housing
  • Support for the development of project partnerships with local housing providers
  • Continued support for infrastructure development costs

The survey also highlights skills shortages as a significant impediment, with 87% of RCA member councils identifying a scarcity of builders and tradespeople as the primary barrier to new housing initiatives. Additionally, 73% of respondents reported a shortfall in strategic and statutory planners, essential for planning and approving residential developments.

To address skills shortages, Regional Capitals Australia recommends:

  • Ensuring that skilled migration aligns with regional needs
  • Providing scholarships and subsidies for degrees and training in areas experiencing skills shortages, particularly in planning
  • Increased investment in technical education and apprenticeships
  • Expansion of vocational education offerings in more locations to reduce travel barriers

Cr King emphasised the urgency of responsive policy measures: “Regional housing supply must catch up with demographic shifts, necessitating more adaptive, innovative, and dynamic policy settings to empower regional councils to meet the unique needs of their communities.”

 

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