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Rural News

NSW CALLS FOR EAST COAST AGRICULTURE LABOUR TASK FORCE TO BE ESTABLISHED

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NSW CALLS FOR EAST COAST AGRICULTURE LABOUR TASK FORCE TO BE ESTABLISHED

NSW CALLS FOR EAST COAST AGRICULTURE LABOUR TASK FORCE TO BE ESTABLISHED

As NSW and Australian agricultural sectors grapple with critical labour shortages, ahead of a predicted record harvest season, Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall has called for an overhaul of the country’s approach to seasonal work.
Mr Marshall declared his intent to work closely with the Queensland, Victorian and Tasmanian Governments to establish an East Coast Agriculture Labour Task Force.
“The NSW Government is committed to stronger primary industries, a sector which is key to the food security of Australia and beyond, but the issues impacting labour availability need to be tackled now,” Mr Marshall said.
“Unfortunately, it is now at the stage where the states have to lead the response. I will work closely with my counterparts in Queensland, Victoria and Tasmania to convene a cross-jurisdiction between officials, agricultural departments and industry bodies.
“I am confident my fellow Ministers will see the benefits of this alliance and we will be able to sit down within weeks to progress initiatives quickly to strengthen our primary industries sector.”
The Task Force would:

  • Identify opportunities to provide flexibility in the Commonwealth Pacific Mobility Programs to access workers and their movements within and across jurisdictions,
  • Develop local initiatives and solutions to mobilise labour and equipment,
  • Identify innovative tools, technology, processes, and machinery that will automate systems to reduce the reliance on temporary labour,
  • Identify skills, education and training gaps that will support industry into the future,
  • Develop a roadmap to address structural and reputational issues in the sector,
  • Develop a communication strategy to promote jobs and careers in agriculture, and
  • Advocate on behalf of the east coast states on issues of national importance.

“NSW has already led the way with support through the pandemic, including pioneering the Ag Workers’ Code, aiding the arrival of more than 2,000 foreign workers and subsidising their hotel quarantine costs to the tune of $3 million,” Mr Marshall said.

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International Collaboration Enhances Plant Biosecurity: Workshops Foster Cooperation Across Borders

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NSW-Northern-Rivers-Breaking-News

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.

 

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Local News

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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