The Northern Rivers Times Rural News Edition 103

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Local, State and Local Rural News

June 30, 2022

$1 billion for NSW primary industries The NSW Government will invest more than $1 billion in economic, social and environmental programs to build more resilient and stronger primary industries in the 2022-23 State Budget.

Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Dugald Saunders said the NSW primary industries sector was valued at $20.9 billion last year, and the investments being made in this year’s Budget will help protect that record, while creating opportunities for future growth.

“The NSW primary industries sector has the aspiration of reaching a value of $30 billion by 2030. Today’s budget supports these

aspirations,” Mr Saunders said.

“Stronger primary industries are critical to stronger regional communities—that’s why the NSW Government is committed to strengthening this sector now and into the future.

“The drought, natural disasters and a global pandemic have significantly challenged our primary producers, who have responded by achieving record levels of production value each year for the last two years,” Mr Saunders said.

“This budget will help provide the programs to equip our primary industries to continue to boost their productivity and profitability, while

ensuring we sustainably manage our natural resources for generations to come.”

Highlights from the 2022-23 NSW budget include: • $670.6 million to support the recovery and clean-up efforts from the NSW floods in 2022-23, including $241.4 million to deliver grants to primary producers in 2022-23 with $295.1 million over the next two years • $182 million to fund the remaining six years of the 10-year Marine Estate Management Strategy • $163.9 million in in the 2022-23 Budget, to prepare and prevent future biosecurity threats through the

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timely coordination and proportionate response to enable the rapid and efficiently containment thereby minimising the impact of endemic biosecurity threats including $26.9 million to bolster the states response and readiness capabilities to biosecurity incursions • $89.6 million in the 2022-23 Budget, to provide response capacity by undertaking preparedness exercises, timely, strategic responses and recovery actions that minimises impacts, losses and deliver programs that supports rapid, long-term resilient recovery for those affected by adverse events • $86.6 million to improve economic

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growth through access to a capable workforce by supporting new and emerging products and high value industries that minimise waste and provide circular economy opportunities to drive the use of food for improved health and consumer outcomes through productive, efficient and resilient food and fibre supply • $58 million over two years to undertake repair work on state forestry roads and related infrastructure • $52.3 million in the 2022-23 Budget, to prepare, prevent food safety risks, promote compliance and deliver legislative food safety including investigating

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breaches, prosecutions, manage food born illness requirements, and safeguard animal welfare that supports rapid, longterm resilient recovery for those affected by adverse events • $34.3 million to support climate change adaptation with options for cost-effective emissions reductions without the loss of productivity, increased carbon storage and sequestration, and adoption of energyefficient and renewableenergy technologies that support sustainable adaptation to climate change

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The NR Times Rural News

June 30, 2022

32 RURAL NEWS

Recent Cattle Market Reports

TENTERFIELD Heifers sell to $2,826.00 Sale Date: 20.06.2022 Number Yarded: 360 Numbers decreased this sale with a total yarding of 360 head. A mixed quality yarding saw prices meet a softer market. Steers sold to 544 cents, whilst bullocks sold to a top of 362 cents.

In the Cow section, heavy weight cows sold to 350 cents, medium weight cows reached 323.2 cents, no lightweight cows were yarded. Heifers sold to 498.2 cents.

Trade cattle saw weaner steers top at 686.2 cents, while the heifer portion reached 542.2 cents, both returning to the paddock.

CASINO NRLX Market Report Week Ending Friday 24 June Agents yarded a total of 1,641 head at the Northern Rivers Livestock Exchange regular prime sale on Wednesday 22 June. There was a reduction in most classes of cattle, although young cattle were well supplied. A fair number of cows were penned along with an increased numbers of bullocks and steers. The yarding of young cattle consisted mainly of weaners with quality fairly mixed.

Cow prices saw a drop this week averaging 298c/kg

Property of the Week PRODUCTIVE RIVERFRONT FARM - $2,300,000 Situated on the banks of the mighty Clarence River, between the villages of Ulmarra and Cowper, this 50 acre (approx) property of the most productive Add acomprises little bit some of body text riverbank country in our region. With established infrastructure all presenting in very good order - including the renovated homestead, in-ground swimming pool, separate studio/office, carport, substantial lock-up shed with skillions, steel cattle yards, stables, sand arena, right down to the fencing - everything is in tip-top shape. The ridgeline upon which all infrastructure is located is entirely flood-free; and stood up to the test of the recent flood event. There is no need to rush around and move livestock off the property, or lift things in the home or shed. 'Quality' is the word that best describes this property.

Phone JoJo Newby of Farrell McCrohon Stock & Station Agents on 0417 690 637 to discuss further.

Best bulls made 320 cents.

Heavy 350.0 av. 325.4

Vealers; Yearlings; Heifers Light Strs. 648.2 av. 577.0; Steers 525.2 av. 481.5; 498.2 av. 375.2 Hfrs. 542.2 av. 513.2; Heifers 520.2 av. 480.6 Heavy Strs. 686.2 av. 609.0; (200 to 280kg) Heavy Strs. 652.2 av. 644.8; (280kg plus) Hfrs. 540.2 av. 525.8; (200 to 280kg) Hfrs. 518.2 av. 518.2; (280kg plus)

TOP PRICES BULLOCKS: NM & K Rhodes $2963.88 STEERS: RD & RV Cox $2709.00 COWS: Shipfury Pty Ltd $2345.00 HEIFERS: DB, JC & NA Lanz $2826.00 YEARLINGS: Ian Clark $2360.00 VEALERS: Ian Clark $2001.00 BULLS: David Sweeney $2987.52

Steers up to 400kg; Steers 400-500kg; Steers 500kg plus 544.0 av. 462.7; 521.2 av. 401.4; 445.2 av. 394.1 Cows; Bulls 600kg+; Bullocks 540kg + Light No Quote; 320.0 av. 267.7; 362.0 av. 357.3 Medium 323.2 av. 288.3 and reaching a top price of 436c/kg. Heifer prices were also down with lighter stock up to 250kg averaging 509c/kg and topping their category at 624c/kg. Heavier heifers over 250kg averaged 430c/kg and reached a top of 522c/kg.

Bull prices decreased this week with 55 head sold averaging 301c/kg and 565kg. Steers held firm to easier with lighter steers up to 250kg averaging 604c/kg and reaching a top price of 738c/kg. Heavier steers over 250kg averaged 480c/kg and topped their market at 636c/kg. A good number of bullocks sold on the day averaged 364c/kg.

Vealer prices were back again this week with lighter vealer up to 250kg averaging 572c/kg and reaching a

For Cattle Bookings contact: Office: 02 6736 1344 Glen: 0412 269363 Matthew: 0401 949323 NEXT SALE: 4th July 2022, 8am Start top of 740c/kg. Heavier vealer over 250kg averaged 504c/kg with a top price of 640c/kg.

Ramsey & Bulmer held their annual Casino Bull & Female Sale on Friday 24 June with a se-lection of 48 top-quality Hereford & Santa Gertrudis stud bulls going under the hammer. A large crowd was in attendance with a commendable 98% clearance rate and average of $8,500. Top bull of the day was sold by McPherson Herefords to John Smith of Woodenbong for $18,000.

T&W McCormack and Ramsey & Bulmer will hold a store sale on Friday 8 July with 1,500 booked. Further bookings are welcome.

Stock Comment 453 cattle yarded in a very mixed offering at Grafton for Tuesday June 21st sale. The wet and the cold is definitely showing in the cattle at the moment and consequently prices also eased across the board. Bullocks sold to 370c/kg, Heavy cows sold to 340c/kg and Bulls to 320c/kg. Weaner steers sold from 350c/kg to 670c/kg depending on weight and quality. Our next Store sale will be this Thursday 30th June.

SALE DATES TO REMEMBER Store Sale - Thursday 30th June - 9am start Fat Sale - Tuesday 5th July - 8am start Fat Sale - Tuesday 12th July - 8am start Store Sale - Thursday 2st July - 9am start Fat Sale - Tuesday 26th July - 8am start David Farrell: 0437 448 455 Ben Clark: 0477 123 770

June 30, 2022

Locally owned and independent

The NR Times Rural News

RURAL NEWS 33

Statewide emergency order issues for varroa mite A statewide emergency order has been issued to control the movement of bees across NSW and stop the spread of varroa mite.

Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders says the order has taken came into effect from 6pm Sunday “After the first detection of varroa mite at the Port of Newcastle on Friday, DPI is investigating potentially contaminated hives outside the initial 50 kilometre biosecurity zone,” Mr Saunders said.

“That includes a property near Trangie in central west NSW, where containment and control activities will be carried out.

“If varroa mite settles in the state, it will have severe consequences, so we’re taking every precaution and action needed to contain

the parasite and protect the local honey industry and pollination.”

The statewide order is a fourth tier general emergency zone that has been added to the existing zones, in which no bees are allowed to be moved across NSW. A 50km biosecurity zone is still in place around the port of Newcastle and beekeepers within that area must also notify the NSW Department of Primary Industries of the locations of their hives.

A 25km surveillance zone is also still active around the site, where officials are monitoring and inspecting managed and feral honey bees to limit the extent of the incursion.

A 10km emergency zone around the Port remains in place, where eradication

plans will be enacted to treat hives, including at a new fourth property that has been identified.

“Australia is the only major honey producing country free from varroa mite, the most serious pest to honey bees worldwide,”

beekeepers are well informed and can continue to help us with this critical response”.

The mites are tiny reddishbrown parasites and are easily identifiable to the naked eye.

If you have bee hives

located within the 50km biosecurity zone please notify DPI of their location by calling 1800 084 881, completing the form on this website: https://forms.bfs. dpi.nsw.gov.au/forms/9247 or emailing hive.location@ emergency.dpi.nsw.gov.au.

For more information

Mr Saunders said.

visit: www.dpi.

“We’re working with

nsw.gov.au/

apiary industry bodies

varroa

and stakeholders to ensure

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*&+,'-%&))%./001+% .())%2%304&)0%+&)0 $206 million NSW Sustainable Farming Program to benefit bio-diversity, climate and community FARMERS FOR CLIMATE ACTION Farmers for Climate Action has welcomed the $206 million investment by the NSW Gov-ernment into a Sustainable Farming Program.

The Program will pay farmers up to $135,000 to improve biodiversity, lower emissions and take up sustainable land practices. Payments will be made to secure and maintain accredi-tation showing this sustainable

management.

“Farmers for Climate Action welcomes schemes which help farmers become more resilient to climate change by creating new sources of income,” FCA CEO Dr Fiona Davis said.

“For instance, droughts are becoming much more common and income from a scheme such as this could keep a farm family going when the grass isn’t growing or water entitlements have dried up.

“We are glad to see a

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recognition that in order to work, the scheme needs to be both practical for farmers and have high integrity to provide

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“Farmers have always done work which benefits biodiversity, climate and the community. It makes sense they should be rewarded for it.”

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The NR Times Rural News

June 30, 2022

34 RURAL NEWS

Huge swathe of NSW land protected More than 31,200 hectares of private land in north-western NSW is now protected in perpetuity through the NSW Government’s Biodiversity Conservation Trust (BCT), marking a major win for biodiversity in the region.

Minister for Environment James Griffin said Bush Heritage Australia and South Endeavour Trust have signed permanent conservation agreements for Naree Station and Yantabulla Station.

“This is a NSW Government commitment of $8.9 million to support the rich biodiversity in this part of the state, and it’s a great example of what government and private organisations can achieve when working together to protect and conserve our environment,” Mr Griffin said.

“At least 60 per cent of Australia’s land is privately owned or managed, and many important ecosystems are found on private

land, which is why conservation agreements like these are so important.

“These two massive sites, which are on the traditional Country of the Budjiti people, are home to nationally significant wetlands for waterbird feeding and breeding.

“The wetlands form part of the Paroo River catchment, which is the last free-flowing river of the Murray Darling Basin. It’s considered among the top 20 sites for waterbirds in Australia.

“These two BCT conservation agreements are pivotal for the many species that rely on the protection of these unique ecosystems to breed, rest and survive.”

At Naree and Yantabulla, ecologists have recorded: • More than 187 water bird species, many of which are threatened • At least 15 mammal species, including the vulnerable striped-faced dunnart, sandy inland mouse and little pied bat • At least 350 native plant species, among 16

vegetation communities • Important habitat for pink cockatoos, budgies, emus, short-beaked echidnas, red kangaroos, and a variety of frogs and reptiles.

The agreements, administered by the NSW Government’s BCT, are supported in-perpetuity with annual payments for agreed conservation action.

The combined conservation area protected under these agreements is 31,266 hectares, which is one of the largest areas of

private land protected under a BCT agreement.

Prior to signing these agreements, the BCT had invested $124.9 million to support 146 funded conservation agreements, collectively covering over 78,000 hectares.

These two neighbouring agreements therefore increase the area protected under funded agreements by a whopping 40 per cent.

To read more about the BCT, visit /www.bct. nsw.gov.au/

Government to extend farm resilience program Farmers across NSW will have ongoing support to build resilience when it comes to future droughts and other natural disasters, thanks to a multi-million dollar commitment in the 202223 NSW Budget.

Treasurer and

Minister for Energy Matt Kean said the NSW Government, in partnership with the Commonwealth, will provide $12.1 million to continue the popular Farm Business Resilience Program until June 2024, following the positive

response and take-up of the pilot program.

“Following the extreme weather events that have occurred across NSW over the past several years and a global pandemic, our farmers continue to face challenges and uncertainty when it comes

to the management of their farming operations,” Mr Kean said.

“Through this multifaceted program, farmers will have access to free business coaching, farm tours, workshops, networking events and a series of online resources

which will provide advice on various aspects of a farming operation.”

Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said feedback from those who have already participated in the program has been overwhelmingly positive.

“The program has

already had significant intake, with farmers across the state receiving support to create their own business plans, bank ready budgets and drought strategies,” Mr Saunders said.

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June 30, 2022

Locally owned and independent

The NR Times Rural News

RURAL NEWS 35

$328 million for regional Quest to digitise one and key worker housing million plant specimens Regional New South Wales is at the heart of the NSW Government’s 2022 Housing Package with almost $328 million to improve housing supply and ensure locals and key workers moving to the regions have a place to call home.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the investment would increase housing across the State by fast-tracking planning, building new homes, upgrading social housing, bolstering key worker accommodation and unlocking government-owned land.

“We know housing is one of the biggest limiting factors in attracting workers and driving further growth in the regions, which is why we’re investing an extra $327.8 million to tackle this issue with practical solutions,” Mr Toole said.

“It includes $174 million to deliver more than 270 new homes for teachers, nurses and police, ensuring we’re looking after the people caring for our communities.

“Developing new

housing is complex, and this package will ensure we get the many parts of the system working together, including councils, industry, developers and community housing providers.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said regional housing was a priority with up-front planning, coordinated infrastructure delivery and a pipeline of development-ready land key to building more homes.

“We know the key to unlocking housing in regional New South Wales is the delivery of critical infrastructure, which is why we’re investing $120 million to build transformational infrastructure that will unlock new homes in the regions,” Mr Kean said.

Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said the funding would support the delivery of prioritised infrastructure by local governments to pave the way for thousands of regional homes in the next four years.

“We’re also focusing

on implementing the recommendations of the Regional Housing Taskforce, which is why we are investing $33.8 million to help regional councils plan for growth by providing up-front strategic planning grants and the expansion of the urban development program to bring together infrastructure providers, industry and planners to actively manage and unblock the housing supply pipeline,” Mr Roberts said.

“In 2021, the NSW Government launched the Regional Housing Taskforce to address regional housing pressures and identify recommendations to boost housing supply and affordability. Our package responds to the recommendations of the Taskforce.

“This investment will deliver more land for homes sooner and different types of homes to meet the community’s needs, as well as provide certainty to attract investment and better data to make sure the right homes are built in the right places.”

EPA pings Forestry Corp a third time in six days Forestry Corporation has been prosecuted and fined three times in the past six days for alleged illegal logging operations in koala habitat and fire-affected forests.

The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) announced it had fined Forestry Corp $15,000 (the maximum penalty) for failing to comply with conditions imposed to protect critical habitat in Brooman State Forest near Batemans Bay after the Black Summer bushfires.

“Forestry Corporation is a serial offender,” Nature Conservation Council Chief Executive Chris Gambian said.

“It is behaving like an outlaw organisation, not a government agency

entrusted with managing 2 million hectares of public forests “This is the third time in six days Forestry Corporation has been fined or prosecuted for serious breaches of environmental protection laws.

“Where is the responsible minister, Dugald Saunders, during all this? He should publicly condemn the reckless and lawless behaviour of this agency, but we haven’t heard a peep out of him.

“The government must establish a comprehensive independent review of Forestry Corporation to ensure it acts lawfully and sustainably.

“There is little evidence the corporation is

meeting basic standards under the existing arrangements. It appears to requires root and branch reform.”

The fines and prosecutions of the past week are not isolated instances. Forestry Corporation is a repeat offender, with eight alleged major breaches since April 2020.

“Part of the problem is that the fines are too small to act as a deterrent,” Mr Gambian said.

“A fine of $13,000 for a multi-million-dollar corporation is trivial.

The government should increase the penalties to reflect the true harm illegal logging causes.”

The Australian National Herbarium in Canberra is imaging nearly a million plant specimens using an automated system developed by Netherlands company Picturae.

CSIRO Group Leader for Digitisation & Informatics, Pete Thrall, who oversees digital assets at the National Research Collections Australia, managed

by CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, said the project would help inform bushfire recovery and biosecurity.

“Digitising the herbarium is a huge leap forward for sharing specimens for research.

As a result, we’ll be able to provide information quickly for projects like bushfire recovery and biosecurity,” Mr Thrall said.

“Creating a digitised replica also provides security for the herbarium’s irreplaceable physical specimens,” he said.

Parks Australia imaging manager Ms Emma Toms, located at the Australian National Herbarium, who is coordinating the Picturae project, said the

work would be completed over the next 9 months.

“To digitise these specimens in house would have taken us about eight years using a standard camera rig,” she said.

“The first step is a visual check of each specimen to ensure it is in good condition and has a barcode to link to its digital record.

“Three people operate Picturae’s conveyor belt, which moves specimens under a camera to take a high-resolution photograph. Two people unpack the specimens at the start of the conveyor belt and one person repacks the specimens and checks the photographs for any errors,” she said.

One of the new technologies transforming the utilisation of collections is artificial intelligence (AI).

CSIRO Postdoc Dr Abdo Khamis said machine learning and AI enables researchers to extract trait information from images.

“We can use digitised herbarium specimens to understand how plants are responding to climate change, for example by determining how the

reproductive structure of flowers is changing with time,” he said.

The team will continue to grow the herbarium’s digital assets as more plant specimens from Australia and the region are added to the collection.

“We will have an inhouse digitisation programme once this process is complete, so new specimens will be photographed before they are incorporated into the collection,” Emma Toms said.

The full digital collection of the Australian National Herbarium will be made available through the Atlas of Living Australia, including for the general public.

The Australian National Herbarium is part of the Centre for Australian National Biodiversity Research, a joint venture between Parks Australia’s Australian National Botanic Gardens and the National Research Collections Australia at CSIRO.

June 30, 2022

Locally owned and independent

The NR Times Rural News

RURAL NEWS 45

Budget a golden opportunity to secure our future NSW Farmers President James Jackson, pictured, says last Tuesday’s state budget presents a golden opportunity to invest in productivity-boosting measures to grow the agricultural sector and build a productive base to pay down debt.

The state’s agricultural sector is powering ahead as an economic driver for the state, with recent reports revealing hundreds of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars could be added to the coffers if the right policy settings are in place.

“There has never been a better time to unleash the beast of agriculture,” Mr Jackson said.

“At the moment our sector is a key economic driver in terms of exports, underpinning jobs not just on the land but right the way through the food and fibre supply chain from farm gate to the checkout.

“NSW Farmers has identified some key improvements across a number of policy areas, and we’re pleased to see them getting traction in the pre-budget announcements.”

Shoring up biosecurity efforts in the face of outbreaks in Indonesia and bolstering rural and regional health were among the key policy priorities for NSW Farmers, with a focus on creating a stronger future for agriculture a major driving force. Pre-budget announcements such as $206 million to help farmers adopt additional sustainable practices, and $28 million to boost farm forestry were also welcome measures.

“The government should be commended for the investments

they’ve already pledged that will unlock future growth in the agriculture sector, but we know there is still more to do,” Mr Jackson said.

“Our farmers produce some of the world’s best food and fibre and we are proud to see it enjoyed by people both here and abroad.

“What is critically important now is to maintain that momentum and realise some of the opportunities ahead of us.”

In terms of exports for NSW, $1 out of every $7 comes from

agriculture, and a recent report from the Food and Agribusiness Growth Centre (FIAL) showed investing in value-adding could contribute an additional $50 billion to the economy by 2030, creating over 223,000 jobs in NSW. “Agriculture has enormous opportunity to help dig ourselves out of the COVID-sized economic hole Australia is in, and there are great opportunities to unlock the potential of natural capital,” Mr Jackson said.

“There are some big

challenges ahead that agriculture will have to navigate such as climate targets and a growing global population, but we are adapting to meet those challenges and we are working with governments to get the policies right.

“By investing in agriculture, the state government will allow farmers to truly grow a stronger future for NSW.”

$1.1 billion for a stronger NSW water future $1.1 billion will be invested as part of the 2022-23 NSW Budget to ensure the state has sustainable, secure and healthy water resources both now and into the future.

Minister for Lands and Water Kevin Anderson said the commitment would help to create a more secure water future for NSW with funding for the planning and delivery of a raft of major water infrastructure projects, as well as new policies and programs that will better support the community even in the driest periods.

“One of our biggest water investments for 2022-23 is $369.6 million over the

next four years for the Safe and Secure Water program, including $90 million in new funding to expand the program, which co-funds vital water and sewerage infrastructure projects in every corner of regional NSW,” Mr Anderson said.

“The new funding comes on top of the $1 billion the NSW Government has already invested in the program since it started in 2017 — supporting 233 projects across country NSW including 23 completed projects that are now benefiting over 300,000 people in NSW. “Today’s announcement builds on the success of the program and will allow us to continue to work

with Councils to support the safe and continuous operation of water and sewage services that their communities rely on.”

The Budget also includes: • $19.8 million over the next three years to begin implementing the NSW Water Strategy including: o Delivering the state’s first Groundwater Strategy o A dedicated Aboriginal Water Strategy o Developing Southern Floodplain Management Plans.

• $102.3 million committed as part of the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal final price determinations to be used for water planning and management and rural

bulk water services in NSW • $14.8 million over two years to modernise and streamline the water licensing and approval systems for water users • $138.6 million over four years to fund regulatory and compliance activity, including money to investigate suspicious activities and alleged breaches to water regulation in NSW and manage dam safety, as well as regulate new non-urban metering and prepare for new floodplain harvesting regulations • $8.9 million over four years to maintain assets within the Hunter Valley Flood Mitigation Scheme

to help minimise flood risk across the Newcastle and Hunter regions • $82.2 million over three years as part of a joint $92.5 million investment from the NSW and Commonwealth Governments to improve critical water supply infrastructure for the towns of Wilcannia and Cobar, including the new Wilcannia Weir and Nyngan, Hermidale and Cobar pump stations • $255.7 million over four years to deliver five accelerated Sustainable Diversion Limit Adjustment Mechanism (SDLAM) projects, with funding provided in part by the Commonwealth

• $102 million over two years for the Off-Farm Efficiency Program, including $70 million for Murrumbidgee Irrigation Limited to improve water delivery infrastructure to create water savings for the environment.

Mr Anderson said the Budget would also help boost household budgets with $151.6 million set aside to deliver water rebates for low-income households.

“Every dollar counts when you’re on a tight budget, which is why we’re continuing to put money back in the pockets of eligible families via water rebates,” Mr Anderson said.

The NR Times Rural News

June 30, 2022

46 RURAL NEWS

Farmers supported to build natural capital Farmers around the State will be supported to adopt additional sustainable practices through a groundbreaking $206 million program delivered in the NSW Budget.

Treasurer Matt Kean said this landmark investment will reward farmers who voluntarily reduce their carbon emissions and protect biodiversity.

“This is great news for farmers and the environment. This funding will help improve biodiversity and lower emissions across NSW, and our farmers will receive tangible benefits for sustainable land management practices,” Mr Kean said.

Mr Kean said NSW has an early mover advantage to secure a leading position in the emerging global

marketplace for low carbon food and fibre from producers who are also improving our biodiversity.

“This new era of natural capital could unlock up to $10 billion of ‘Environment, Social and Governance’ financing in Australia,” Mr Kean said.

“Natural capital will reduce farmers’ risks from climate change and biodiversity loss while improving long-term farm productivity.”

Minister for Environment James Griffin said the Sustainable Farming Program will help to shore up the longterm health of the environment and the agricultural sector.

“This $206 million new program is completely voluntary.

We’re proposing to develop an accreditation

scheme for farmers who manage their land for biodiversity and carbon, while enhancing their productivity,” Mr Griffin said.

“Just as we know what the Forestry Stewardship Council certification system represents, this is about developing an easily recognisable accreditation for sustainable farms.

“We know that investors and consumers are increasingly looking for sustainably produced products, and this program will support our producers to meet that

demand.”

Many farmers are already undertaking sustainable practices as part of their day to day operations and this program represents an opportunity for diversified income, with the program offering farmers payments to secure and maintain accreditation.

In turn, the accreditation has potential to increase their market access globally, helping farmers sell their products at a premium and access emerging environmental markets.

The accreditation will not impact existing accreditation schemes such as those used to access the European beef markets.

Accreditation could be achieved by actions such as restoring habitat, fencing for dam and riparian areas, rotating crops, and using best-practice feed and fertiliser practices.

Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Dugald Saunders said the program will be developed in close consultation with farmers and landowners.

“The NSW Government will work with farmers and landholders on options to tap into the emerging natural capital market,” Mr Saunders said.

“Farmers in NSW are already natural capital specialists and should be rewarded

for the productive and environmental outcomes they generate.

“This announcement will give farmers and other landholders more options to diversify their income while maintaining ultimate decision making power on how to sustainably and productively manage their property.”

Farmers will receive a payment for reaching milestones on agreed sustainable practices under an accreditation framework.

The accreditation program will be developed in consultation with stakeholders, and complements existing private land conservation programs offered by the NSW Government.

Learn more: www. environment.nsw.gov.au/ sustainable-farming

Record $28 million boost for farm forestry The NSW Government has unveiled a record $28 million Farm Forestry package as part of the 2022/23 State Budget to bolster on-the-ground support for producers, drive innovation and promote best practice in sustainable farm forestry businesses.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the funding boost follows the introduction of new Farm Forestry Codes of Practice earlier this year, and provides increased support to farmers through

enhanced education and training.

“This investment will fund a suite of programs and partnerships to facilitate and expand the development of the State’s sustainable Farm Forestry industry,” Mr Toole said.

“This is the largest investment in Farm Forestry in more than a decade, and it reflects the increasingly important role it will play in supporting our sustainable timber industry.”

Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the investment would provide

farmers with practical advice and support services to ensure forestry becomes a part of future farm planning.

“Our Australian-grown timber products are something we should all be very proud of, however access to timber in our state forests has been constrained over the last few years due to fires and floods,” Mr Saunders said.

“This investment will put NSW farmers in the box seat to produce timber to be sold domestically, which will not only directly address timber shortages,

but also increases and diversifies income streams for farmers after a tough few years.”

This announcement follows the NSW Government’s recent introduction of new Farm Forestry Codes of Practice (formerly Private Native Forestry) that will ensure long-term sustainability for the industry and provide robust environmental protections across the NSW private forestry estate.

New changes for landowners under the codes include:

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• New harvest and operating standards that provide greater clarity and are easier for landholders to apply – now including pest, weed and fire management; • Updated planning and reporting with a clear role for Local Land Services to engage with farmers, and options for small scale harvesting; and • Environmental protections that are clearer for landholders while ensuring longterm environmental sustainability in farm forests.

This investment will also

fund a pilot certification scheme to support landholders seeking certification for their timber products under the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification standards.

This will increase market access, improve social licence and incentivise the production of sustainable timber in Australia.

Learn more about Farm Forestry at www.lls.nsw. gov.au/help-and-advice/ private-native-forestry.

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June 30, 2022

Locally owned and independent

The NR Times Rural News

RURAL NEWS 47

More than $149 million to reduce costs for regional patients More than 45,000 people in rural and regional NSW are set to benefit from an expansion of the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS), with the NSW Government investing an additional $149.5 million as part of the 2022-23 NSW Budget.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said this funding will make sure people living in the bush won’t have to make the decision between getting the healthcare they need and other life necessities.

“Last year more than 26,000 people received assistance through this crucial program, and we expect that number to almost double thanks to these changes,” Mr Toole said.

“The NSW Government is not only ensuring more people in rural and regional NSW are eligible for the scheme, we are increasing the subsidies available, easing the financial burden on those who face the tyranny

of distance to get the specialist care they need.”

For the first time, the scheme will be expanded with patients seeking non-commercial clinical trials, high risk foot clinics, highly specialised publicly funded dental health clinics and ocularists to be eligible for assistance.

The subsidy for people requiring accommodation will be almost doubled, while the NSW Government will also nearly double the private vehicle subsidy rate from 22 cents to 40 cents per kilometre for patients who have to travel more than 100 kilometres for care.

Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said today’s announcement will see a huge weight lifted off so many patients who were previously unable to receive help.

“We know that when you have to travel for healthcare, the costs can quickly add up, and this can be a huge financial burden on patients and

their families,” Mrs Taylor said.

“If we as Government can do one thing to support people and their families during a time of great emotional and financial distress, this is it.

“Under the changes, if you live in Deniliquin and require specialist foot care for diabetes, you’ll now be eligible for financial assistance towards the transport and accommodation costs of the 510 kilometre round trip to the Wagga Wagga High Risk Foot Clinic.

Previously, this was not covered.”

Treasurer Matt Kean said the boost will put NSW well ahead of other states with how comprehensive and generous its patient travel subsidy scheme is.

“This funding will see our overall investment in IPTAAS tripled over the next four years, with the NSW Government leading the way to assist rural and regional patients in getting the help and support they need,” Mr Kean said.

A fishy capture reveals a prized tropical species moving south

A fishing expedition on the NSW Mid North Coast has hooked an unexpected catch for a Southern Cross University marine researcher.

When brothers Benjamin and Daniel Mos went fishing over summer, the pair did not anticipate their catch to be anything other than a photo opportunity or dinner.

Instead the fish they captured and released, commonly called the barred javelin, is rare to find in New South Wales waters.

“While this species is likely well-known to fishers in Queensland, it is not something we typically find here. We had to look through a few fish books and websites to identify our specimens,” said Dr Benjamin Mos,

a marine biologist based at Southern Cross University’s National Marine Science Centre.

A scientific paper, outlining the pair’s discovery, is now published in Journal of Fish Biology.

The captures in late 2021 and early 2022 are the southern-most records for the barred javelin reported to date. And there may be more around the area.

“At the end of May 2022, we saw posts on social media about a barred javelin caught from Deep Creek, which is just north of the Nambucca River where we found our specimens,” Dr Mos said.

The species has been previously sighted in the Richmond River and Clarence River systems on the NSW North Coast,

which are around 200 kilometres north of the Nambucca River where the latest specimens were discovered.

It is not known if the arrival of the barred javelin this far south into NSW is due to changing ocean conditions.

According to Atlas of Living Australia records, the barred javelin has not been collected in NSW in more than 50 years.

The barred javelin’s southernmost stronghold is Queensland’s Moreton Bay, off Brisbane, where the species supports economically important recreational and commercial fisheries.

The species is a popular sport fish and reportedly good eating.

Business planning reaps rewards for dairy farmer Victorian dairy farmer Nicole Saunders has taken out the 2022 Rabobank Business Management Prize from a field of some of Australia’s leading farmers.

Ms Saunders, who operates a dairy business near Maffra in Gippsland, Victoria, was recognised with the award for the strategic business plan she developed for her enterprise, after completing the Rabobank Farm Managers Program (FMP), a specialist course designed to strengthen the operational and strategic skills of emerging farmers.

The plan – which 29-year-old Ms Saunders developed as a management project after undertaking the FMP

– is already delivering tangible benefits to farm profitability and sustainability, helping to transform the operation she began with her husband Brendan after the couple moved to Australia from New Zealand just five years ago.

The Rabobank Farm Managers Program is an annually-held course developed for farmers looking to enhance their management capabilities.

The program covers topics including global trends in agriculture, business planning, financial management, leadership and succession planning.

Taking the learnings from the FMP and implementing them into the dairy business, Ms

Saunders has been able to achieve improvements in business productivity and efficiency, technology adoption and farm infrastructure since graduating from the program in 2019.

Ms Saunders and her husband made the moved to Australia from New Zealand in July 2018, as they believed there were greater opportunities available in the Australian dairy sector.

“We were attracted by the lower land prices in Australia and the opportunity for higher returns,” she said. “At the time we arrived, Australian land prices were approximately a third of the price of land in New Zealand. Of course that has changed

dramatically in the last five years.”

The couple has progressed from 40/60 percentage split sharefarmers in 2018 on a 700 cow farm to an operation with a forecasted 800,000 kg/ MS being produced in the 2022/2023 season, owning 1,500 cows and having a mixture of leased and owned land near Maffra.

“We chose to farm in the Macalister Irrigation District, in central Gippsland, because of the security of water – we are very well insulated from drought and adverse weather affects,” Ms Saunders said.

She said participating in the FMP at a time of massive expansion within

their business allowed her to use tools and theories learnt during the program in “real time”.

The business plan Ms Saunders developed included four goals: increase profit per hectare, produce a highquality product, improve their team and expand the business.

“To increase profit per hectare, we focused on profitable feeding. To achieve this, we changed the calving pattern to fully spring calving to ensure a better match to pasture production and ability to optimise the cows’ diets to their milk production curve. We also heavily focused on a pasture renovation and fertilising plan. As a result, we had a 25 per cent increase

in production on the previous season,” she said.

To achieve the goal of producing a high-quality product, Ms Saunders implemented a bonus system, where employees receive a bonus when somatic cell count (SCC) – an indication of cows’ mammary health and milk quality – averages under 150,000.

“Staff have been vital to the growth of our dairy business – our team is our greatest asset,” she said.

Long term, Ms Saunders said. she would love to connect the dairy business and the café, by having their own milk being turned into a niche product and being able to have a full paddock to plate experience.

The NR Times Rural News

June 30, 2022

48 RURAL NEWS

Farmers say cracks appearing in egg market The cost of a weekend brekkie favourite could be set to rise with the price of eggs on supermarket shelves jumping up, and farmers say they’re fed up with major retailers not passing on increases.

Consumers have seen supermarket egg prices rise between 30 and 50 cents per dozen, but NSW Farmers Poultry Committee Chair Brett Langfield said egg producers had not seen the price rise at the farm gate, calling on major retailers to lift their game.

“The prices in the supermarkets are up, up and they’re saying it’s inflation, it’s floods, it’s fuel and power prices, but they’re not the only ones bearing those costs,” Mr Langfield

said.

“They’ve increased the fresh food prices up but they’re not paying the egg producers any more and it just stinks.

“Consumers need to know the farmers are being left out in the cold and they’re starting to crack.”

The cost of living

has been a significant concern this year not only for Australian households but also farmers, who are dealing with soaring power

prices, high grain and raw material prices, increased distribution costs, and ongoing workforce issues.

Mr Langfield said while

the price-makers in the supermarkets had raised prices to support their businesses, farmers were price-takers and were being pushed to breaking point.

“Eggs are a very cheap source of protein for Aussie households, but if the retailers don’t pass on price increases we’ll see farmers pushed out of the market,” Mr Langfield said.

“This would be terrible news for families and for farmers, and the public needs to know what’s happening.

“I want the big supermarkets to show a little heart and support the people who are actually growing the food for Aussie families this winter.”

High hopes for cane season as farm costs rise The 2022 harvest is now underway for most of Queensland’s sugarcane growers who are hopeful late summer and autumn rain will push the crop above the pre-season estimate to help them meet rising fuel and fertiliser bills.

“It’s always a relief to get the season underway and this year is no different after flooding and storm damage

in some regions,” CANEGROWERS Chairman Owen Menkens said.

“The official season estimate is close to 30 million tonnes of sugarcane which is higher than the 2021 crop of 28.47 million tonnes. We’re cautiously optimistic this year it will cut even higher.

“While that may sound like a windfall season,

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we are feeling significant pain from rising input prices. My fertiliser costs this year are double what they were last year and with diesel at more than $2.00 a litre, turning on the tractor and harvester is expensive.

“These increases have to be absorbed into our businesses because, at the end of the day, we are price takers and can’t demand any more for

our sugar than the world market price.

“The sugar price is good at the moment so we need the weather and milling performance on our side to help us make the most of our crop and balance our books.”

Queensland’s sugarcane growers were frustrated in 2021 by a series of technical and mechanical issues that pushed the season beyond Christmas.

“Mill performance and reliability last year was less than ideal, particularly in my home area of the Burdekin, and the Mackay and Herbert River regions,” Mr Menkens said.

“Maryborough growers also had significant problems with a cane transfer process in what was their first year supplying the Isis Central Mill at Childers.

“We need to get our crop off at the optimum time to maximise the benefit of its sugar content and seeing delay after delay, like we did in 2021, was frustrating and cost money. The other factor that we need in our favour is the weather – sunshine and clear skies make for happy cane growers, harvest crews and mill staff as we work together for a successful season.”

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June 30, 2022

Locally owned and independent

The NR Times Rural News

RURAL NEWS 49

Farmers welcome government program extension NSW Farmers Rural Affairs Committee Chair Garry Grant has thanked the state government for continuing to fund the Farm Business Resilience

Program.

NSW Treasurer Matt Kean said the state, in partnership with the Commonwealth, will provide $12.1 million

to continue the popular program to June 2024.

“This is a hands-on, practical way to engage with farmers and work with them to prepare for

future challenges,” Mr Grant said.

“Our farmers produce some of the best food and fibre in the world but they’ve been up against it

recently with the end of a drought, fires, floods, a mouse plague, COVID and now the inflation pressures driving prices up. This program will

help them build their best strategy for sustaining their businesses and building a stronger farming sector.”

Court imposes fines and costs totalling $285,600 against Forestry Corporation The NSW Land and Environment Court has found the Forestry Corporation guilty of the unlawful logging of precious rainforest and the logging of koala habitat in Wild Cattle Creek State Forest.

The Court found these offences caused actual environmental harm, particularly to koala habitat.

Sue Higginson, pictured, welcomed the judgement, “Forestry Corporation is a serial offender and can not and should not be trusted to manage our precious public native forest estate any longer.

“The illegal logging operations occurred in 2018 and the $285,600 worth of fines and costs that have been delivered to Forestry Corporation today are long overdue, “It is outrageous that in the Court the Forestry Corporation argued that their unlawful activity was insignificant and that the Koala habitat destroyed was not habitat

of an ‘important population’.

“The Koala has been listed as an endangered species.

Every population is important and significant when dealing with a species that faces extinction by 2050.

“The Forestry Corporation is a serial offender with 7 previous court convictions and in the past 5 years 24 official cautions and 13 penalty notices being delivered by the Environment Protection Agency.”

Back in 2011 the Court held that “the number of convictions [against the Forestry Corporation] suggests either a pattern of continuing disobedience in respect of environmental laws generally or, at the very least, a cavalier attitude to compliance with such laws.”

It found “that the Forestry Commission’s conduct does manifest a reckless attitude towards compliance with its environmental

obligations.”

“Forestry Corporation has proved it can not be trusted and its cavalier attitude to threatened species and their habitats must end.”

“We must end the industrial scale logging of our precious public native forests as a matter of urgency.

The industry runs at a financial loss and is heavily subsidised by the public purse.

Our forests provide an important front line of defence against the impacts of climate change, they are culturally significant, they are the refuge to many threatened species that are facing extinction, they provide clean water and rainfall.

Our public forest estate provides a valuable education and recreation resource. Logging our public forests no longer stacks up.” Ms Higginson said.

Rural health boost a much-needed change The state’s peak agricultural body says a plan to boost the rural health workforce is a good step in the right direction.

Last week NSW Rural Health Minister Bronnie Taylor revealed an $883 million plan to get health workers to stay and work in the bush, something NSW Farmers member

and retired occupational therapist Sarah Thompson said was much-needed.

“As people move to the regions for affordable housing they put more strain on already-stretched health infrastructure,” Mrs Thompson said.

“We had called for practical solutions to address this problem and it’s great to see some of

the ideas put forward by the Minister.”

Mrs Thompson appeared before the Parliamentary Inquiry into Health Outcomes & Access to Health & Hospital Services in Rural, Regional & Remote NSW at the end of last year, identifying the need for more nurse practitioners and allied health

professionals in smaller communities, as well as a plan to draw city-based doctors to regional areas.

“No Australian should go without physical access to a doctor or nurse, and while telehealth has helped overcome some of the geographical barriers, we desperately need a long-term solution,” Mrs

Thompson said.

“I am particularly pleased to see relocation grants and incentives to keep workers in rural, regional and remote areas, and the idea to get city based doctors in to the bush on secondment is also good.

“However, it will be critical to also focus on building the recruitment

and professional development of those moving to these areas along with the housing they will need, so that there is a sustainable increase in health professionals living and working with their families in regional and particularly remote areas.”

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