Portfolio news

Funding for Benalla's future growth

Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke and Minister for Transport, Infrastructure, Regional Development and Local Government Anthony Albanese announced the provision of more than $3 million to construct a stormwater drainage system to help create more serviceable land for housing in Benalla, Victoria. Read the joint media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/may/future_for_benallas_future_growth.

Australia's great river port experience in Echuca gets a boost

Mr Burke and Mr Albanese also announced more than $5.2 million in Australian Government funding to revitalise Echuca Wharf on the Victorian side of the Murray River. Read the joint media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/may/australias_great_river_port_experience_in_echuca_gets_a_boost.
 
Investing in the future: FarmDay 2010
The Australian Government has asked all Australians to remember the important role of farming families on FarmDay 2010, of which the Government is a major supporter, providing $50,000 of funding through Australia’s Farming Future program to bring Australians together. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/may/investing_in_the_future_farmday_2010.

Grant to promote Aussie wines abroad

The Australian Government has provided funding to Australia’s First Families of Wine to boost the profile of Australian quality wines overseas. Read the media release at http://www.maff.gov.au/media/media_releases/2010/may/grant_to_promote_aussie_wines_abroad.

Don't kick an 'own goal' when returning from the World Cup in South Africa

Soccer fans and families travelling to South Africa for the 2010 FIFA World Cup are being warned to avoid kicking an ‘own goal’ by returning to Australia with souvenirs carrying pests and diseases. Read the media release at http://www.daff.gov.au/about/media-centre/dept-releases/2010/south-africa.

New tool to help protect Australian waters from introduced marine pests

The Colonial Sea Squirt (Didemnum vexillum) and eight other invasive marine pests are the latest additions to the new National Introduced Marine Pest Information System (NIMPIS), developed by the Bureau of Rural Sciences. Read the media release at http://www.daff.gov.au/about/media-centre/brs-releases/2010/new_tool_to_help_protect_australian_waters_from_introduced_marine_pests.

EVENTS

Outlook 2010— 30 June in Wagga Wagga

Update your knowledge of the area’s economic, agricultural and regional issues at ABARE’s Wagga Wagga Regional Outlook conference on Wednesday 30 June.

The one-day conference showcases an interesting mix of 12 local and ABARE speakers.

Sessions cover the big picture economic overview, opportunities for agriculture, working with the environment 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.