Portfolio news

South Australian EC applications referred for independent advice

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke has asked the National Rural Advisory Council (NRAC) to assess three new Exceptional Circumstances (EC) applications in South Australia. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/may/south_australian_ec_applications_referred_for_independent_advice

Further Caring for our Country grants for community groups

The Australian Government has announced more than $1.4 million in additional funding for 81 community groups to undertake environmental and sustainable agricultural projects under Caring for our Country. Mr Burke said the grants are supporting Landcare, Coastcare, Indigenous and other environmental groups to undertake activities such as improving land management practices, tree planting, revegetation, field days and weed removal. Read the joint media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/may/further_caring_for_our_country_grants_for_community_groups

Six agribusiness missions to explore trade with China

The Australian Government will provide support for six agricultural delegations to visit China to explore market opportunities for products including wild and farmed eels, mangoes, timber, livestock, grapes and Chinese red dates or jujube. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/may/six_agribusiness_missions_to_explore_trade_with_china

Government accepts independent advice on Hume EC region

The Australian Government has accepted advice from NRAC that reaffirms their previous recommendation not to extend EC assistance for the former Hume EC area of NSW. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/may/government_accepts_independent_advice_on_hume_ec_region

Government accepts independent advice on Dunedoo region EC application

The Australian Government has accepted independent advice from NRAC on its assessment of an EC application for the Dunedoo region of NSW. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/may/government_accepts_independent_advice_on_dunedoo_region_ec_application and reports
AFMA update out now

Publications

The latest AFMA update is now on the Australian Fisheries Management Authority’s website.

Inside this edition:

• Bass Strait Central Zone Scallop Fishery management plan amendment stories from Thursday Island
• domestic compliance and enforcement policy
• expansion of South East Management Advisory Committee (SEMAC)
• marine bioregional planning update