NFF President to Visit Queensland Sugarcane Heartland

David Jochinke, President of the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF), is set to experience the vibrancy of Queensland’s sugarcane sector during his visit to the Burdekin region this week.

Originally a grain and livestock farmer from Victoria, Mr. Jochinke will take advantage of Queensland’s splendid sunshine as he tours various farms across the region, engaging directly with local members of CANEGROWERS.

The visit coincides with the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of CANEGROWERS Burdekin, where Mr. Jochinke aims to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within Queensland’s critical sugarcane industry.

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“It will be great to have David here and get him out on the farm so he can hear directly from growers about the work they are doing and their hopes and plans for the future,” said CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens.

CANEGROWERS, as a founding member of the NFF, maintains robust ties with the national organisation, working closely on issues that affect their members and the broader agricultural sector.

During his visit, Mr. Jochinke is scheduled to tour several farms before returning to the CANEGROWERS Burdekin office to meet with staff and directors and to address the AGM.

Reflecting on the significance of the sugarcane industry, Mr. Jochinke noted, “Given that sugarcane is Queensland’s second-largest agricultural export, I am eager to gain firsthand insights into what makes the industry tick.”

He also highlighted the broader policy challenges facing Australian farmers.

“There is a deluge of bad policy ideas being thrown at farmers from decision makers in Canberra. It’s why I launched the unprecedented campaign, Keep Farmers Farming on my first day in the job as NFF President.”

Mr. Jochinke expressed his anticipation of discussing with local growers the pressing issues that affect their livelihoods and their vision for the sector’s future, particularly with an eye toward the industry-wide goal of reaching $100 billion by 2030.

On Wednesday, his schedule includes a meeting with the local Burdekin Council, furthering his commitment to engaging with key stakeholders to advocate for and support the farming community effectively.

This visit underscores the importance of direct dialogue between national leaders and local agricultural communities in shaping a prosperous future for the industry.

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AIHW Report Highlights Urgent Need for Enhanced Healthcare Investment in Rural Areas

Today, a new release from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has highlighted significant health disparities between residents in very remote areas and those in major cities. According to the AIHW’s latest findings, hospitalisation rates in extremely remote locations are nearly double those in urban centres, and access to General Practitioners is notably lower in remote communities.

Nicole O’Reilly, Chairperson of the National Rural Health Alliance, expressed concern over these findings, emphasising the necessity for targeted investments to bridge these gaps. “Such appalling disparities should be rectified with targeted investment and innovative approaches. Your postcode should not determine your access to healthcare,” said O’Reilly.

The AIHW utilised data from the 2022 Australian Bureau of Statistics National Health Survey to conduct its analysis, revealing prevalent health risks such as alcohol and smoking, along with high incidences of arthritis, mental health issues, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in rural areas. These factors contribute significantly to the healthcare strain on these communities.

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O’Reilly advocated for the implementation of high-quality, culturally sensitive primary healthcare in rural regions, particularly to address prevention and management of health and behavioural risk factors and chronic conditions. “This would significantly reduce the reliance on the acute hospital sector and rectify enduring disparities in health outcomes,” she added.

Further exacerbating the issue, AIHW data shows a stark contrast in lifestyle risks between rural and urban populations. In outer regional and remote areas, 17.5% of the population smokes, compared to 9.3% in major cities, and 32.7% exceed lifetime alcohol risk guidelines. Additionally, the obesity rate is alarmingly high, with 69.6% of people in these regions being overweight or obese.

Highlighting the financial discrepancies, O’Reilly pointed out that the annual health underspend in rural Australian areas amounts to $6.55 billion, which translates to approximately $850 less spent on health per person each year compared to urban areas. “It shows that our rural communities are treated as second-class citizens when it comes to healthcare,” she remarked.

To address these challenges, the Alliance is advocating for the implementation of place-based models of care that cater specifically to local needs. One proposed solution is the Primary care Rural Integrated Multidisciplinary Health Services (PRIM-HS), designed to effectively serve rural communities. Additionally, O’Reilly calls for the establishment of a National Rural Health Strategy to unify state and federal rural health priorities and strategies, aiming to drive sustainable improvements in rural health outcomes over time.

These strategic measures are crucial in ensuring that rural residents receive equitable healthcare services, reflecting a commitment to overcoming longstanding disparities in Australia’s healthcare system.

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Nearly $1.4M in Grants Awarded to Strengthen Rural Communities Across Australia

In a significant boost for rural development, the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal (FRRR) has announced that nearly $1.4 million in grants have been distributed to 129 community groups across remote, rural, and regional Australia. These grants, part of the FRRR’s Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program, aim to support a variety of local initiatives designed to enhance community cohesion and resilience.

The funding was allocated across three streams: community enhancements like upgrades to local facilities; COVID-19 recovery projects such as the creation of cultural precincts; and disaster preparedness and recovery initiatives, which include programs tailored for trauma-responsive community healing.

This round of SRC funding saw an unprecedented demand with 450 applications submitted, requesting over $4.5 million in support for projects collectively valued at more than $19 million. In response to the high demand, FRRR has streamlined its application process, significantly reducing the time from application to award to just nine weeks.

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Jill Karena, FRRR’s Place Portfolio Lead, highlighted the shifting landscape of funding in rural areas, noting a decrease in traditional government and local business support. “The SRC program’s flexibility and year-round availability are crucial, especially as communities transition from immediate disaster response to long-term recovery,” Karena explained. “This round we observed a notable increase in applications for community events funding and initiatives aimed at boosting local economies through tourism and other activities.”

Despite the generous grant allocations, there remains a significant unmet need within these communities. An additional 85 projects were ready for funding, seeking over $900,000 which could not be met due to limited resources. This underscores the critical role that small grants play in sustaining rural community groups and why FRRR is actively seeking new partners to expand its funding capabilities.

“Groups have expressed the importance of having access to timely and secure funding to support not just immediate needs but also medium and long-term goals,” said Ms. Karena. “These projects foster a strong sense of place and identity, and they require continuous support. We hope to engage more collaborative funders to join us in nurturing the heart of Australia’s rural sectors.”

A complete list of the grant recipients is available on the FRRR’s website. The SRC program is supported by a variety of donors, from private individuals to larger foundations, all listed on the FRRR’s website. Community groups and local not-for-profits are encouraged to review the program guidelines and consider applying for future rounds of funding.

More information about the SRC program can be found here.

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