Connect with us
Splendour In The Grass
Byron Bay News and Weather copy
Splendour In The Grass
The Northern Rivers News
Mt Warning News and Weather copy
The Northern Rivers Weekly Advertising
Kyogle News
Splendour In The Grass
Grafton News and Events copy
The Northern Rivers Funerals
Splendour In The Grass
Byron Bay News and Weather copy
Splendour In The Grass
The Northern Rivers News
Mt Warning News and Weather copy
The Northern Rivers Weekly Advertising
Kyogle News
Splendour In The Grass
Grafton News and Events copy
The Northern Rivers Funerals
previous arrow
next arrow

Northern Rivers & Rural News

It’s time to fix Inland Rail

Published

on

It's time to fix Inland Rail

It’s time to fix Inland Rail

NSW Farmers and the CWA of NSW have stressed the importance of getting the Inland Rail project back on track as they welcomed the appointment of Catherine King as federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.
“Our communities want this project to go ahead, but the last few years have been frustrating,” NSW Farmers Inland Rail Taskforce chair Adrian Lyons said.

“We’ve tried to work with bureaucrats, previous ministers, and the ARTC themselves to put forward science and evidence-based concerns in relation to the execution of this project, and at almost every turn we have been ignored.

“This tin-eared approach has cost the project time, and it has caused the community stress and angst. This has to stop.”

Both organisations had been calling for an independent review of the Inland Rail project, in line with their respective policy positions voted on by members.

“The fact is, if this independent review had been done when it was first raised, we’d have track already laid in greenfield sites by now,” CWA of NSW president Joy Beames said.

The organisations agreed that a review of the ARTC’s business case and other matters would be welcome, but they also didn’t want to see more time and money wasted.
“A recent Senate inquiry into the ARTC’s management of the Inland Rail project produced a comprehensive set of findings and recommendations,” Ms Beame said.
“The previous government ignored many of them, and the lack of consultation has cost the project time.
“We urge the new government and Minister King to revisit this report as a matter of urgency and to take immediate steps to engage with us, and the wider community, about how these recommendations can be adopted.”

Splendour in the grass
Continue Reading

Local News

NFF calls on Canberra to turn around agriculture’s productivity slump

Published

on

By

NFF president David Jochinke agriculture's productivity slump

NFF calls on Canberra to turn around agriculture’s productivity slump

 

Today’s ABARES Snapshot of Australian Agriculture shows how the farm sector has positioned itself as a powerhouse in the nation’s economy, but alarm bells are ringing over the already slowing productivity rate which is only predicted to worsen.

The report shows the gross value of agricultural production has increased by about 51% in the past 20 years, but productivity growth has reduced from an average 2.18% to just 0.6% each year since 1999-2000.

National Farmers’ Federation President David Jochinke said while annual headline production figures were subject to seasonal conditions and markets, the productivity growth slowdown was a concerning trend.

“Agriculture is predicted to reach $90.8 billion Gross Value of Production this year, the third highest on record. This is a great result and shows how resilient farmers are in the face of increasingly unpredictable weather extremes and disruptive supply chains,” Mr Jochinke said.

“Farmers are adopting cutting edge technology and clever sustainability practices to increase production in a world demanding more food and fibre than ever before.

NFF president David Jochinke agriculture's productivity slump

NFF president David Jochinke.

“But they are being swamped with poor policy, growing administrative burdens and green tape.

“Bad policy decisions being made in Canberra are hampering farmers’ ability to drive the growth needed to become a $100 billion industry by 2030.”

The NFF has highlighted in its “Keep Farmers Farming” campaign how Australia has lost more than 15% of its farmland in the past 30 years while current policies are also reducing access to workers and water.

“Proposed transmission lines and the push to offsets on farmland are only going to continue to send that figure north,” Mr Jochinke said.

“Productivity growth will continue to slump unless farmers and policy makers work together.

“By finding smarter options for land use, reforming competition laws, developing better pathways for workers, and reversing the decision to ban supply of sheep by sea to the Middle East the Federal Government can boost productivity.

“Farmers are ready to unlock the agriculture’s economic potential, but we can’t do that under restrictive rules and shutting down trade.

“Getting these things right is good for our farmers, is good for our economy and it is good for Australian families grappling with the cost of living.”

 

For more rural news, click here.

Splendour in the grass
Continue Reading

Local News

Insights needed to develop Indigenous agriculture products

Published

on

By

Indigenous Agricultural Product Framework

Insights needed to develop Indigenous agriculture products

 

A new initiative to elevate Indigenous agricultural products and practices is calling for contributions to help shape the framework.

The Indigenous Agricultural Product Framework project is being delivered in partnership between the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF), the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation (ILSC) and the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF).

NFF President David Jochinke said the project was step in a journey towards identifying, recognising and celebrating the unique agricultural practices and products of Indigenous people and communities.

“Importantly, this project and its outcomes will be driven by Indigenous knowledge and thinking, including about what constitutes an authentic Indigenous agricultural product.

“At this project’s core is increasing recognition and empowering Indigenous people in agriculture to strengthen their economic opportunities now and for future generations.”

The project represents a unique opportunity to agree what overarching characteristics and principles must be included in claims about Indigenous agricultural products.

It will also provide an evidence base about the current value of Indigenous agricultural products, and the potential economic and community benefits of being able to identify and promote Indigenous agricultural produce, in both the domestic and export markets.

Indigenous Agricultural Product Framework

Lastly, the project will make recommendations about creating a framework, including credential systems or structures that could be put in place to support claims about Indigenous agricultural products. 

“We need many voices to contribute so we can create an authentic, robust and clear framework,” Mr Jochinke said.

“We invite stakeholders, especially from Indigenous communities, to contribute to defining what makes an Indigenous agricultural product truly authentic. Whether it’s the production method, the producers, the location, the nature of the product, or anything else – your voice is essential.

“Together we can start building a framework that respects and promotes Indigenous agricultural heritage and opens doors to new opportunities for generations to come.”

One-on-one stakeholder consultations are already underway with further engagement and input from the sector encouraged. 

Further round-table consultation sessions will begin in April to help build agreement on what overarching characteristics and principles must be included in claims about Indigenous agricultural products, as well as test the findings to date. 

To acknowledge and recognise the contributions to this important project, eligible stakeholders will be offered an honoraria for their time, effort and sharing of knowledge in this space. 

To express your interest in consultation opportunities and to stay updated on the developments, click here.

 

For more rural news, click here.

Splendour in the grass
Continue Reading

Local News

FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR IMPROVING LEVEL CROSSING SAFETY IN THE REGIONS

Published

on

By

LEVEL CROSSING SAFETY FUNDING

FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR IMPROVING LEVEL CROSSING SAFETY IN THE REGIONS

 

The Australian Government is committed to finding better ways to improve the safety of level crossings in the regions.

We are committed to working with State, Territory and local Governments as well as industry to achieve the goal of zero harm at level crossings.

The National Level Crossing roundtable has provided an opportunity to bring people together and continue discussions about priorities and consistency of approach to improving safety.

As part of the action the Albanese Government is already taking, applications for Round Two of the Level Crossing Safety Research and Innovation Grants are now open. 

The grants, which are a component of the Regional Australia Level Crossing Safety Program, aim to fund and support:

Research and investigation of new technologies and approaches to improve level crossing safety, and

Trials of innovative and lower-cost level crossing safety improvements, or better train illumination and visibility.

The results of the trials will be shared with governments and the rail industry to inform ongoing activities under the National Level Crossing Safety Strategy.

LEVEL CROSSING SAFETY FUNDING

FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR IMPROVING LEVEL CROSSING SAFETY IN THE REGIONS

Six projects were funded under Round One of the grants, which saw a total of $2.8 million in funding provided to successful recipients. The projects are looking to trial a range of technologies, including rumble strips and flashing posts, train visibility, solar powered wireless technology and data monitoring.

The Government is also spending $160 million under the Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund from 2023–24 to 2026–27 for up to 50 per cent of the cost of delivering priority level crossing upgrades.

Applications for Round Two of the Research and Innovation Grants will close on Friday 5 April 2024. For more information on level crossings safety eligibility and how to apply, visit here, grant opportunity ID GO6009. 

Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“Regional and rural communities deserve to have safe and modern level crossings.

“The Australian Government is determined to continue the good work we’re seeing under Round One of the grants, ensuring innovative solutions that support safer level crossings that communities need and deserve. 

“I strongly encourage stakeholders, including those from industry, research bodies, and universities, to apply for a grant to make a difference for level crossing safety.”

 

For more rural news, click here.

Splendour in the grass
Continue Reading

NRTimes Online

Splendour in the Grass

Advertisment

National News Australia

Latest News

error: Alert: Content is protected !!
Verified by MonsterInsights