PORTFOLIO NEWS

$5 million for local land management groups

The government is providing grants to support local environmental and land management work. The $5 million program is expected to provide up to 500 grants to support smaller, local projects run by groups such as Landcare and Coastcare, as well as Indigenous groups. The on-line application process and paperwork has also been simplified, to make it easier for community groups to apply. The Community Action Grants are funded through Caring for our Country and are designed to support some groups which have not yet received funding. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/september/$5_million_for_small_grants_for_local_land_management_groupsBega into drought

Bega Valley region moves back

The Bega Valley region has been drought declared for the third time in six years. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke said last week that he had accepted the advice of the National Rural Advisory Council (NRAC) that the region should be Exceptional Circumstances-declared. The region will be EC-declared until 30 April 2011, to align with the southern farm production cycle. There are around 300 producers in the EC region, mainly in the dairy and beef industries. Read the media release at www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/september/bega_valley_region_moves_back_into_drought

Succession planning recognised

The government has acted to ensure farmers who want to pass their farms on to their children can still access Exceptional Circumstances drought income support. It follows concerns that the system prevented them from accessing the support if they passed their properties on to the next generation. Previously, the value of a farmer’s land or assets were included in the eligibility test for drought support, even if the land or assets had been passed on up to five years ago. Read the media release at www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/september/succession_planning_recognised_for_drought-affected_farmers Week: celebrating two decades of work across Australia

Landcare

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke thanked Landcare volunteers and community groups across Australia last week for their dedication and hard work. Last week was National Landcare Week, which celebrates the essential role of the Landcare movement in protecting farmland, coastal areas, rivers and bushland. More than 100,000 volunteers in around 4,500 local Landcare groups roll up their sleeves each year to replant vegetation, repair erosion and improve agricultural productivity. Read the media release at www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2009/september/landcare_week_celebrating_two_decades_of_work_across_australia

PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS

Record resource export earnings in 2008-09

In 2008-09, Australia’s export earnings from mineral resources increased to a record $159.7 billion. According to a report released by ABARE last week, the index of export prices of Australian mineral resources increased by 35 per cent in 2008-09. The energy export price index increased by 68 per cent and the index of metals and other minerals prices increased by 12 per cent, as higher export prices for iron ore were offset by lower export prices for most other commodities. For a free download of Australian mineral statistics, visit http://www.abare.gov.au/publications_html/news/news/news.html

Assessing Lotus for Wastewater Bioremediation

A report released by RIRDC last week assesses the efficiency of lotus to reduce the amount of nutrients generated in a freshwater aquaculture system. There is a real constraint on development of aquaculture in northern Queensland due to restriction of water discharge and extraction. New methods of farming aquatic organisms must be developed to improve water efficiency and permit expansion and economies of scale. Further development of the value added sector of the industry is reliant on expanding production in current commercial systems while maintaining or reducing discharges of wastewater. For a free download of Assessing Lotus for Wastewater Bioremediation, visit https://rirdc.infoservices.com.au/

EVENTS

ABARE’s Devonport Regional Outlook conference

Devonport is hosting ABARE’s sole Tasmanian Regional Outlook conference on Wednesday 30 September. Delegates will access the latest commodity data, economic forecasts and research results plus hear innovative business stories and updates on regional industries.

This is your chance to hear from a diverse range of speakers, including:

• ABARE’s Terry Sheales on economic issues affecting the region
• Roddy Brown, Westpac, on a banker’s perspective on rural finances
• Daniel Mackinnon, ABARE, with the commodity outlook and farm performance
• Jane Bennett, Ashgrove Cheese, on dairying to be different
• James Walker, Meander Rise, discussing managing risk and taking advantage of opportunities in business
• ABARE’s Edwina Heyhoe with agriculture and forestry: moving toward emissions trading
• Ian Barnes-Keoghan, Bureau of Meteorology, with weather and climate across Tasmania: variability and variations
• James McKee, NRM North, discussing the growing demand for variable water
• John Gray, Bureau of Rural Sciences, on soil carbon for productivity or trading
• Rob Henderson, Henderson Hydroponics, with developing and marketing a premium capsicum product
• Craig Morris, Turners Beach Berry Patch, on turning rocky ground into a berry patch
• Jeremy Dineen, Josef Chromy Wines, discussing building a multi-faceted wine business.

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. Visit http://www.abare.gov.au/regional or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it