Budget 2010-11

Rural and regional investments to keep communities strong

The 2010-11 Budget will inject a further $3.8 billion into rural and regional communities to be delivered through greater infrastructure investment and better targeted industry support. Over the next twelve months, it will provide:

Around $1.35 billion to assist rural and regional councils and shires deliver their basic services, maintain their local roads and upgrade their local community facilities
$1.2 billion to maintain and upgrade the road and rail infrastructure across regional Australia, including new funding of $1 billion to accelerate the modernisation of the interstate rail network
Around $235 million in funding for rural and remote councils through the Roads to Recovery program
$200 million to improve security arrangements at airports, including major regional airports, and a further $5.9 million to upgrade more airstrips in remote communities
$420.3 million to continue existing Exceptional Circumstances drought support, including income support and interest rate subsidies
$346.8 million to maintain tough biosecurity measures which help to protect against exotic pests and diseases and to continue to strengthen our biosecurity system.
Read the joint media statement at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/may/rural_and_regional_investments_to_keep_communities_strong

Building a stronger biosecurity system for Australia

The Australian Government has committed $346.8 million to maintain tough biosecurity measures which help to protect against exotic pests and diseases and to continue reforms to strengthen our biosecurity system. This includes $137.6 million through the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and $127.9 million through the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service to maintain core biosecurity work over two years. The funding will support biosecurity measures at Australia’s airports, seaports and mail centres, including surveillance, detection and compliance. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/may/building_a_stronger_biosecurity_system_for_australia

Drought reform trial; current support continues across Australia

The 2010-11 Budget allocates $420.3 million to deliver on the Australian Government’s commitment to continue drought support for farmers currently receiving assistance. It also allocates $18.0 million to support a 12 month trial of major new drought support measures, covering part of Western Australia. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/may/drought_reform_trial_current_support_continues_across_australia

Australian Government continues to invest in forest resources

The Australian Government will continue to support Australia’s forest and wood products industries to boost productivity and grow export markets. The 2010-11 Budget will complete a three-year investment of more than $7.0 million in total for projects that add value to our forest resources through the Forest Industries Development Fund. The program allows businesses in the forest industry to apply for up to 30% of funding for projects that add value to Australia’s forest and wood products industry. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/may/rudd_government_continues_to_invest_in_forest_resources the Ministerial Statement: Stronger rural and regional communities at  http://www.budget.gov.au/2010-11/content/ministerial_statements/rural_and_regional/html/index_rural_regional.htm the Portfolio Budget Statements 2010-11 at http://www.daff.gov.au/about/budget/budget-2010-11/portfolio_budget_statement_2010-11

Landcare funding increases to $36 million 2010-11 Budget

The 2010-11 Budget allocates $36 million in funding to support Landcare community groups and volunteers across Australia – a $1 million increase on last year’s funding. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/may/landcare_funding_increases_to_$36_million_2010-11_budget

Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation Chair Appointment

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke has appointed Professor Daniela Stehlik as the Chair of the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation. Professor Stehlik has been appointed for a three year term. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/may/rural_industries_research_and_development_corporation_chair_appointment

Publications and reports

Higher incomes boost slaughter lamb investment

Rising lamb prices and farm cash incomes over the past three years have encouraged slaughter lamb producers to increase sheep numbers and investments in farm capital, a new ABARE report has found. Read the report—Australian lamb: financial performance of slaughter lamb producing farms, 2007-08 to 2009-10—on the ABARE website (www.abare.gov.au) by following the latest releases menu.

Events

Next week—ABARE's Hobart Regional Outlook conference

Update your knowledge of Tasmania's economic, agricultural and regional issues at ABARE’s Hobart Regional Outlook conference on Wednesday 19 May. With 12 speakers across four sessions, you can hear commodity forecasts, discuss industry trends, make new contacts and gain an understanding of global issues that affect your region. The one-day conference showcases an interesting mix of local and ABARE speakers and topics including the big picture economic overview, working with the environment, opportunities for agriculture and emerging issues in the region.

Visit www.abare.gov.au/regional to explore the full conference program and download the registration form. For enquiries, please contact Angela Ellerman on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or 02 6272 2303.