PORTFOLIO NEWS

Local groups congratulated on continuing bushfire recovery work

The Australian Government has acknowledged the efforts of local natural resource management, farming and community groups in Victoria as they continue with painstaking fire rehabilitation work. More than $10 million has been allocated to six Catchment Management Authorities, as part of a package announced in March to help landholders, community and non-government organisations in areas affected by the Black Saturday bushfires, the West Gippsland fire in late January and the Wilsons Promontory fire in February. Read the media release online at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/june/rudd_govt_congratulates_local_groups_on_continuing_bushfire_recovery_work network of landcare coordinators to continue

National

The Australian Government has announced that a national network of local landcare facilitators will continue, with a total $33.6 million committed over four years. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said the decision followed extensive discussions with local landcare groups and strong representations from a number of MPs. From next year, up to $8.4 million will be provided annually under Caring for our Country to fund up to 56 landcare coordinator positions across Australia. Visit http://www.nrm.gov.au/ for further information or read the media release online at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/june/national_network_of_landcare_coordinators_to_continue Strait fishery reopens

Bass

For the first time in more than three years, seafood lovers will have a local specialty to enjoy this winter: the highly sought-after Bass Strait scallop. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said the iconic fishery would reopen this week for the first time since it was closed in December 2005. The move will support around 100 fishing jobs and around 200 seasonal jobs in processing factories in Tasmania and Victoria. Read the media release online at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/may/bass_strait_fishery_reopening_fresh_scallops_coming_to_your_table research investment to help farmers adapt to climate change

Major

The Australian Government has announced a major research investment to help our agricultural industries adapt to climate change, including the grain, grape, dairy, aquaculture and beef industries. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke has announced a total of $37.6 million for ten projects, under the Climate Change Research Program. For more information go to www.daff.gov.au/adaptation or http://www.daff.gov.au/climatechange/australias-farming-future/climate-change-and-productivity-research. Read the media release online at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/june/another_major_research_investment_to_help_farmers_adapt_to_climate_change progress on biosecurity improvements after EI inquiry

More

The Australian Government has released the second independent report showing it continues to make improvements to Australia’s biosecurity after the 2007 equine influenza outbreak. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke released the report by Professor Peter Shergold, who has been appointed to independently verify that the government’s response to the Callinan Inquiry report is being implemented. His second report finds the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry ‘continues to make good progress’ implementing that response. Read the media release online at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/june/more_progress_on_biosecurity_improvements_after_equine_influenza_inquiry

Hundreds of families leaving the cities for FarmDay 2009

More than 360 families left cities around Australia last weekend to spend time with families in rural and regional areas. The national event, which began in 2007, gives farmers a chance to host other families for a day, to help with livestock, natural resource management work or harvesting crops. To mark FarmDay 2009, the Australian Government has committed $50,000 to help the event continue to grow next year. The funding comes under the Community Networks and Capacity Building program, part of Australia’s Farming Future. Read the media release online at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/may/hundreds_of_families_leaving_the_cities_this_weekend_for_farmday_2009: National Weeds Management Facilitator and Secretariat Services

RFT

DAFF is seeking tenders for the following expected services:

(a) an experienced consultant to provide services as the National Weeds Management Facilitator. The Facilitator will develop and coordinate co-operative national-level efforts to improve weed management and act as a national point of contact for weeds matters, and

(b) secretariat support services for the Australian Weeds Committee (AWC). The AWC provides an inter-governmental mechanism for identification and resolution of weed issues at a national level for Australia, and oversees the implementation of the Australian Weeds Strategy.

Details of the Request for Tender (DAFF164/09) are available on AusTender. The closing date for the tender is Friday 10 July 2009. Read more information online at https://www.tenders.gov.au/?event=public.atm.show&ATMUUID=7F0DD338-EBE3-3834-7C46E192498479D1 with DAFF: reader survey

Communicating

The department is seeking feedback about how it communicates. Download the contours reader survey online now, and give your feedback about contours and about your information needs more broadly. Note the closing date for responses has been extended to Monday, 15 June 2009. Download information online at http://www.daff.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/1129331/contours-reader-survey.pdf. awards celebrate biosecurity

Rural

Animal Health Australia is seeking producers in rural and outback Australia to enter The Farm Biosecurity Award as part of the inaugural Australian Rural and Outback Awards. The award recognises and celebrates sound biosecurity practices that contribute to reducing the impact of diseases, pests and weeds to farms and to Australia’s agricultural industry. If you have implemented biosecurity practices on your property, or have helped someone else to do so, you are eligible to enter. Nomination forms are available at http://www.awardsaustralia.com or by calling 1300 735 445. Nominations close on 10 July 2009. Further information about farm biosecurity is available at http://www.farmbiosecurity.com.au. The Farm Biosecurity program is a joint initiative of Animal Health Australia and Plant Health Australia.

Australian Working Dog Survey

A new project funded by DAFF through the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy is investigating how Australia’s working dogs are cared for, trained, handled and housed. The aim is to generate baseline information on the management of dogs used by humans in work and sport, and to support collaboration between the different working dog industries nationally and internationally. The study is being conducted by independent veterinary researcher Dr Nick Branson and Ms Mia Cobb of Guide Dogs Victoria in collaboration with the University of Sydney’s Associate Professor Paul McGreevy. A survey is now underway and will run until 1 September 2009. Copies of the survey and participant information sheets are available online at http://www.vetsci.usyd.edu.au/teaching_learning/surveys/dog_survey.shtml For more information email Dr Branson ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) or Associate Professor Paul McGreevy ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ).

2009 Science and Innovation Awards for Young People in Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry

Calling all young innovators, this one is for you…

Do you have an innovative idea that will boost Australia's rural industries?
Do you need up to $50 000 to make your idea reality?
Do you want to kick-start your career and build professional networks?
Do you want media training to help promote your ideas?
If so, then apply for the 2009 Science and Innovation Awards now! The awards are open to people aged 18 to 35 who want to make a difference to Australia's rural industries. Applications close Friday 3 July 2009 at 5 pm. For more information and to download an application form, visit http://www.daff.gov.au/scienceawards or call the Science Awards Manager on 02 6272 5039.

EVENTS

ABARE's Armidale Regional Outlook conference, 1 July 2009

With the conference program tailored to your region, this is your chance to hear from a diverse range of local speakers, complemented by ABARE economists and analysts, at the Armidale Regional Outlook conference on Wednesday 1 July. Access the latest commodity data, economic forecasts and research results plus hear business stories and updates on regional industries from 12 speakers across four sessions. Hear from speakers including:

• -ABARE’s Terry Sheales on national and international issues affecting the region
• Barry Ruddy, Westpac, on a banker’s perspective on rural finances
• Caroline Gunning-Trant, ABARE, with the commodity outlook and farm performance
• Andrew White, Forest Enterprises Australia, on the role for plantation timber and the processing sectors
• Robert Kelly, Mt William, on investing in farming systems for the future
• Barry Hanstrum, Bureau of Meteorology, with the regional climate outlook
• John Sims, Bureau of Rural Sciences, on soil carbon for productivity or trading?
• Uralla grazier Sonia Williams, with farmers adapting to climate change
• Godfrey Dol, Blush Premium Truss Tomatoes, on opportunities for expansion in regional Australia
• Milly and Michael Taylor, Taylor’s Run, on developing alternative on-farm enterprises.

The conference is open to anyone with an interest in their community. Make new contacts, discuss industry trends and gain an understanding of global issues affecting your region. Download the conference program and registration form at www.abare.gov.au/regional, visit http://www.abare.gov.au/regional/pdf/armidale/pro_web.htm or 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 for further information.

National Farmers’ Federation inaugural National Congress, Brisbane Qld, 22-23 June 2009

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has released the full program for its National Congress at the Brisbane Convention Centre, Queensland, over 22-23 June 2009. The program explores:

• global population, changing consumption patterns and new and future demand trends
• climate change
• the international food shortage
• Asian expansion and what it means for Australia
• food production and environmental flows in a water-scarce world
• supply chain developments—from farmers, to consumers and everything in between
• new technology and farm business tools in the face of drought and the global financial crisis
• genetically modified crops—the science, farm practicality and consumer issues.

The registration and information brochure is available at www.congress.nff.org.au. The National Congress Gala Dinner includes the announcement and presentation of the NFF/DAFF 2009 Innovation in Agriculture Awards in a ceremony showcasing modern farm practices.