PORTFOLIO NEWS

Queensland and Federal Governments commit funding for Hendra vaccine

Queensland Premier Anna Bligh, Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries, Rural and Regional Queensland Tim Mulherin and Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke announced $600,000 in funding to trial a Hendra vaccine in horses. Read the joint media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/may/queensland_and_federal_governments_commit_funding_for_hendra_vaccine.

Government accepts independent advice on EC in South Australia and Queensland

The Australian Government has extended Exceptional Circumstances (EC) assistance for two South Australian and three Queensland EC-declared regions following recommendations from the independent National Rural Advisory Council (NRAC). Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/may/government_accepts_independent_advice_on_ec_in_south_australia.

Australian Government supports recreational fishing of thresher sharks

The Australian Government has said it will do all it can to support recreational fishers to continue fishing thresher sharks in a sustainable way. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/may/australian_government_supports_recreational_fishing_of_thresher_sharks.

Australian Government supports Rural Women's Gatherings

The Australian Government this week announced more than $150,000 in funding to support women in rural communities. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/may/the_rudd_government_supports_rural_womens_gatherings.

Legislation to support the WA drought pilot introduced to Parliament

A new era in drought support commenced this week with the introduction of legislation in Parliament that moves drought support from crisis management and uncertainty to risk management. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/may/legislation_to_support_the_wa_drought_pilot_introduced_to_parliament.

New era of collaboration for fisheries

The Australian Government has introduced legislation to Parliament that aims to secure more effective, efficient and less costly management of Commonwealth fisheries. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/may/new_era_of_collaboration_for_fisheries.

Nasty toad invaders halted at Cairns port

Two small exotic Black Spined Toads were spotted at Cairns after they hitched a ride in the hold of the ship Territory Trader. Read the media release at http://www.daff.gov.au/about/media-centre/dept-releases/2010/nasty_toad_invaders_halted_at_cairns_port.

PUBLICATIONS AND REPORTS

Chips are down for Australia’s forest industry

The effect of the global financial crisis on our major trading partners and a sharp decline in Australian housing activity are being felt in many parts of Australia’s forest industry.

Read the report - Australian Forest and Wood Products Statistics - September and December quarters 2009 on the ABARE website by following the latest releases menu.