PORTFOLIO NEWS

Government seeking advice on review of NSW drought areas

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke has asked the independent National Rural Advisory Council to consider whether a number of drought declarations in NSW should be reviewed. Mr Burke said he had received a request from the NSW Government for nine Exceptional Circumstances areas to be reviewed. Read the media release online.

EVENTS

Beef Australia 2009, Rockhampton, Qld—4-9 May 2009

Download the program flyer which lists all major activities at www.beefaustralia.com.au.

Coming to Kingaroy, Qld—ABARE’s Regional Outlook conference 

With the conference program tailored to your region, don’t miss this chance to hear from a diverse range of local speakers, complemented by ABARE economists and analysts at the Kingaroy Regional Outlook conference on Wednesday 29 April.

You can access the latest commodity data, economic forecast and research results plus hear innovative business stories and updates on regional industries.

Hear from speakers including:

ABARE’s Dr Terry Sheales on national and international issues affecting your region
Jeff Sabburg, Bureau of Meteorology, on the regional climate outlook
Karen Schneider from the Bureau of Rural Sciences discussing soil carbon for productivity or trading?
Peter Deuter, Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries on how horticulture is responding to the climate change challenge
Graeme Wright, Peanut Company of Australia, on building a sustainable farming system
Barb Madden from Smithfield Feedlot on investing in the future
Ian Rankine, Sky Shades Queensland, on the challenge of building a business in regional Australia
The conference is open to anyone with an interest in their community. This is your opportunity to make new contacts, discuss industry trends and to gain an understanding of global issues affecting your region.

Download the conference program and registration form at www.abare.gov.au/regional. Contact Angela Ellerman on 02 6272 2303 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .