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Rural News

NEW $30 MILLION FUND TO ACTIVATE TOURISM IN REGIONAL NSW

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New $30m fund to activate tourism in regional NSW
Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh at today’s announcement at Forest Sky Pier with Bularri Muurlay Nyanggan executive officer Clark Webb, Coffs Harbour Mayor Denise Knight and Deputy Premier John Barilaro

NEW $30 MILLION FUND TO ACTIVATE TOURISM IN REGIONAL NSW

Big ticket tourism attractions that will put regional towns on the map and improve accessibility for people with disability are set to receive a significant funding boost, thanks to the NSW Government.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro, Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh were in Coffs Harbour today to announce the new $30 million Regional Tourism Activation Fund which will deliver new or upgraded tourism infrastructure as well as improve accessibility and inclusion for people with disability.

“This brand new fund will support the construction of new iconic visitor experiences, such as cliff-top walks or unique event spaces, boosting the profile of regional NSW towns and giving people even more reasons to take a holiday in the regions,” Mr Barilaro said.

“We are also supporting accessibility and inclusion improvements by funding upgrades such as a lift in a multi-level venue and clear access pathways to give more people with disability the opportunity to experience what our regions have to offer.”

Mr Perrottet said supporting tourism also supports local jobs and expands local economies, creating beneficial flow-on effects for traders and creates new opportunities for investment.

“With few overseas travel options available, the NSW Government is strengthening tourism in regional NSW. This funding will ensure the industry prospers and continues to play an important role in our economy,” Mr Perrottet said.

Mr Singh welcomed the funding announcement which happened today at the Coffs Harbour Forest Sky Pier, saying the funding will bring even more visitors to regional NSW each year.

“Coffs Harbour recently held the Sharks VS Titans NRL match and next week the Super W Rugby tournament starts, putting the North Coast on the map, not only as a place to host word class events, but as a place to come enjoy your holidays,” Mr Singh said.

Under Stream One, grants between $200,000 and $5 million are available for projects delivering unique and high impact visitor experiences, while Stream Two provides grants between $50,000 to $500,000 for projects that will improve the accessibility and inclusion of tourism experiences for people with disability.

The $30 million Regional Tourism Activation Fund is part of the $2 billion Regional Growth Fund. Applications open 16 June and close on 11 August 2021. For more information, go to:www.nsw.gov.au/RTAFund.

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International Collaboration Enhances Plant Biosecurity: Workshops Foster Cooperation Across Borders

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International Collaboration Enhances Plant Biosecurity: Workshops Foster Cooperation Across Borders

 

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry sponsored six delegates from neighbouring countries to participate in two national workshops focused on plant biosecurity collaboration.

This initiative aligns with the government’s commitment of $2.395 million to Plant Health Australia as part of the Priority Pest and Disease Planning and Response program, aimed at bolstering the nation’s surveillance and diagnostic capabilities.

The delegates from Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea (PNG), and the Solomon Islands joined 150 attendees at the Annual Surveillance Workshop (ASW) and the Annual Diagnostic Workshop (ADW) held in Tweed Heads, New South Wales, from March 19 to 21. Additionally, they engaged with the department’s secretary, Adam Fennessy PSM, to discuss diagnostic laboratories, surveillance activities, and participated in field trips in Queensland to observe programs such as vector monitoring activities.

Dr. Gabrielle Vivian-Smith, Australia’s Chief Plant Protection Officer, emphasised the importance of fostering collaboration and connectivity across borders and disciplines, expressing gratitude to the delegates for sharing their experiences and knowledge.

The workshops serve as crucial platforms for building relationships, exchanging knowledge, and ensuring proactive measures are taken to preserve and safeguard plant biosecurity in both Australia and neighbouring countries. Participants discuss various topics, including remote surveillance techniques, community engagement strategies, and solutions for plant health surveillance activities.

The Department collaborates closely with Timor-Leste and PNG through the International Plant Health Surveillance Program and the Timor-Leste Biosecurity Development Program, while partnering with the Solomon Islands through the Solomons Island Biosecurity Development Program. These collaborations facilitate annual plant health surveys and various biosecurity capacity development activities, such as early warning systems and diagnostic training.

By involving communities in monitoring plant pests and implementing advanced diagnostic tools, the workshops contribute to establishing a robust biosecurity system for the entire region. This collective effort supports food security, preserves market access opportunities, and enhances preparedness against exotic pest threats to Australia’s $81 billion agricultural industry.

 

For more National Australia News, visit here.

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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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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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