NFF Celebrates Fiona Simson’s Role on New Nature Repair Committee

JEFF GIBBS

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is proud to announce the appointment of Fiona Simson, its immediate past President, to the newly established statutory Nature Repair Committee. This committee plays a crucial role in advising the Minister for the Environment and Water on the development of a new natural capital market designed to enable farmers to invest more in improving biodiversity.

development, enhance soil moisture profles, sustain current winter crop yield expectations, and provide a favourable start to the summer cropping season.

Water Storage and Allocation Prices

• Murray-Darling Basin (MDB): Water storage levels increased by 75 gigalitres (GL) between 22 August 2024, bringing the current volume to 18,390 GL, equivalent to 83% of total storage capacity.

This is 10% (2,495 GL) less than at the same time last year.

• Water Allocation Prices: o Victorian Murray below the Barmah Choke: Decreased slightly from $148 on 22 August to $147 on 29 August 2024. o Murrumbidgee: Prices remain lower due to the binding of the Murrumbidgee export limit. farmers already work hard to look after the land at their own cost. This includes pest and weed management, revegetation, and improving soils. It’s important this new market will unlock opportunities for farmers to be rewarded for the work they are already doing and incentivise them to invest further.” can be sold to create additional income streams, encouraging further investment in environmental stewardship.

This update provides a comprehensive overview of the current and forecasted climate, water, and agricultural conditions across Australia, highlighting key factors infuencing crop growth and water management in the upcoming season.

“There is a lot of work to do to bring this market to life,” Jochinke added. “The NFF is actively involved in its development and continues to advocate for a viable, transparent market that maximizes returns to farmers.

NFF President David Jochinke expressed his support for Simson’s appointment, highlighting her respected position within Australian agriculture and her deep understanding of the environmental stewardship already being undertaken by farmers across the country.

“Fiona is a highly respected voice in Australian agriculture and one who understands the role farmers are already playing in caring for the environment,” Jochinke said. “As stewards of more than half of Australia’s landmass,

The NFF also congratulated the committee’s chair, Stephen McCutcheon, and members Brendan Foran, Tyronne Garstone, Siobhan Toohill, and Dr. James Fitzsimons, all of whom will contribute to the success of the Nature Repair scheme.

The Nature Repair Scheme: A New Market for Biodiversity

The Nature Repair scheme, a Federal Government initiative, aims to enhance biodiversity by establishing a marketplace where farmers, First Nations people, and organizations can trade biodiversity certifcates. These certifcates, generated by activities that improve biodiversity,

Nature repair is a new global concept and a solution to funnel global capital, but it has to work for landholders.”

The NFF’s involvement in the Nature Repair scheme underscores its commitment to supporting farmers as they contribute to the preservation and enhancement of Australia’s natural environment.

For more information about the Nature Repair Market, please visit the NFF’s website by scanning the QR Code below.