The NR Times Rural News
October 26, 2023
34 RURAL NEWS
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Nation’s farm sector to meet in Canberra at critical juncture for agriculture Farmers and industry supporters are being encouraged to converge on Canberra in two weeks for a critical discussion about the farm sector’s future. NFF Chief Executive Tony Mahar said the upcoming NFF National Conference, taking place 26-27 October, comes at a worrying juncture for the sector. “Right now, we’re staring down the next dry spell, confronting serious challenges in commodity markets, and facing an unprecedented onslaught of damaging policies at the federal level. “Under this year’s theme of ‘Australia to the World’ we’ll also explore the importance of Australia’s trading partnerships as we continue to respond to major geopolitical events. “We’re at a critical
inflection point, and we’re keen to bring as many people into the conversation as possible and make our voice heard in Canberra. “That’s why we’re eager to have this opportunity in a fortnight to bring together farmers and political leaders to thrash out these issues and give farmers the chance to have their say.” Mr Mahar said the NFF had heavily discounted Conference tickets for farmers to encourage their participation.
“We know how hard it is to step off farm and to get to Canberra, but those who make the effort won’t be disappointed. “We have a fantastic global lineup of thoughtprovoking speakers. You’re guaranteed to walk away with new insights, inspiration and connections to help grow your business.” The Conference will also mark the handover to a new NFF President, as Fiona Simson concludes her term in the role.
“The Conference will be an important opportunity to recognise the immense contribution of Fiona Simson as our outgoing President. We’ll also hear from and welcome the new NFF President, to be elected earlier that week.” Mr Mahar called on farmers and industry supporters to book their tickets as the closing date for bookings approaches. “If you haven’t been before, this is the year. We want to hear your voice in Canberra, and we want farmers to come together to discuss the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. “If you can get to Canberra, it’ll be two days well spent,” Mr Mahar concluded. Visit nffconference. com.au for full details and tickets.
Science tracks forestry outcomes for the long-term A program that independently monitors forestry outcomes on NSW coastal state forests has secured a further $1 million per year over 20 years to fund new science and research. The funding was secured under the NSW Government’s 2023 budget. State forests are used to grow native timber products for building houses and other uses, while also providing habitat for native animals and plants and supporting regional jobs. The NSW Government appointed the NSW Natural Resources Commission to independently oversee a monitoring program with independent scientific experts to ensure environmental and wood supply outcomes are achieved. The funding will extend an existing monitoring program that has been in place in since 2019.
Professor Hugh DurrantWhyte, NSW’s Natural Resource Commissioner explains “this program has already generated important science-based evidence about forest health and biodiversity. Additional funding will build on the valuable baseline data and analyses that researchers have undertaken so far and continue to explore how these forests and their values are changing over time, what is driving these changes, and identify effective management strategies”. Professor Phil Gibbons, from the Australian National University and an independent advisor for the program
notes, “fauna baselines established by scientists on state forests and other tenures are the largest and most significant analyses of this type in the history of forest management in NSW. This funding continues to support researchers to analyse more data on state forests so we can measure and predict change over the longterm”. Professor Patrick Baker, another independent advisor from the University of Melbourne said, “This program is a good example of how to implement a complex and multi-faceted approach to forest
monitoring. It really is a remarkable collaborative achievement, and one that should be widely acknowledged”. The Coastal IFOA monitoring program has been developed and overseen by a Steering Committee that is independently chaired by the Natural Resources Commission and includes independent scientific experts and agency representatives from the NSW Environment Protection Authority, Forestry Corporation of NSW, Department of Primary Industries, Local Land Services and Aboriginal Affairs. Monitoring and research under the program is carried out by leading academics, expert consultants in their fields, and agency scientists. Learn more about the funding and results from the monitoring program at www.nrc.nsw.gov.au/ ifoa-mer
