Nominations open for VFF committees
The VFF is seeking nominations for its newly formed policy committees — Farming Systems, Infrastructure and Transport, and Workforce and Social Infrastructure.
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VFF returning officer Jane Lovell said the new committees had been formed to improve the organisation’s ability to respond to the issues that matter most to farmers.
“These committees are going to advise on issues such as animal welfare, biosecurity, roads, fuel security and labour,” Ms Lovell said.
Ms Lovell said this was an excellent opportunity for VFF members to be involved in shaping government policy in Victoria and federally.
“We are asking members to put their hands up to contribute to VFF policy development and help to shape the future on topics such as animal welfare policy in Victoria or help to solve the devastating labour issues facing the agricultural industry.”
Nominations for the positions of members and chair of the committees close at 5pm on October 7.
More information about the committees and nomination forms can be found on the VFF website.
Be on the front foot to protect your business
Agriculture Victoria is urging farmers to have a plan in place to protect their farm business from the impacts of COVID-19.
Agriculture Services director Leanne Rosewall said it was important that COVIDSafe Plans were up to date and that farmers had a plan for how their business would cope if they or one of their workers needed to self-isolate.
“Particularly with the grains and horticulture harvest seasons approaching, producers want to avoid untimely disruptions to farm operations,” she said.
“Our dairy farmers and livestock producers also need to consider how milking would continue and how animals could be cared for if they became unwell.”
As an ‘authorised workplace’, farm businesses can continue to operate during the current restrictions. However, businesses should continue to implement the six principles of COVIDSafe workplaces.
With state border restrictions in place in many places across the country, Ms Rosewall said farmers and farm workers needing to travel should make sure they had their required travel and authorised worker permits before they left home.
Visit coronavirus.vic.gov.au/authorised-provider-and-authorised-worker-permit to download an authorised worker permit.
Information about the Victorian Travel Permit System can be found at: coronavirus.vic.gov.au/victorian-travel-permit-system
Keep up to date with all the latest restrictions and requirements at coronavirus.vic.gov.au
Help for Victorian agribusiness to go global
The Victorian Government has appointed three agriculture export specialists to help agribusinesses establish more trade pathways.
Agriculture Minister Mary-Anne Thomas announced the new agriculture-focused specialists would provide in-market support from Victorian Government Trade and Investment Offices in China, Malaysia and the United Arab Emirates.
In Kuala Lumpur, in-market specialist Ian Thompson will provide insights to Victorian agribusinesses looking to grow their exports and diversify their markets in South-East Asia. Mr Thompson will work to promote quality Victorian food and agricultural produce in these markets.
Dubai-based in-market specialist Emma Page has a mandate for the Middle East and North Africa region. Ms Page will be supporting Victorian agribusinesses to respond to the strong demand for premium food and beverage products coming from the MENA market.
Beijing-based in-market specialist Davis Tao Xu will deliver tailored advice to Victorian businesses in Victoria’s biggest food and fibre export destination — Victoria’s food and fibre exports to China were valued at $4.7 billion in 2019-20.
For more information, visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au/pathwaystoexport
Grants available for recycling projects
Funding of $7 million is available for recycling projects in regional and remote Australia through the Recycling Modernisation Fund.
Federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley said the funding would help build new or expand existing recycling facilities to deal with waste glass, plastics, tyres and paper in remote and regional areas, and would help tackle the city-country imbalance when it comes to recycling opportunities.
“I come from a regional area that is very progressive when it comes to waste and recycling, but there are just over 630,000 Australians who do not have access to any form of kerbside recycling,” Ms Ley said.
“Regional and remote communities often face unique challenges but that doesn’t make recycling any less important, and it doesn’t change the fact that people want the chance to do the right thing for the environment.
“We are prepared to invest in that opportunity through projects that provide local solutions to local problems, that increase local employment, provide economic benefit, and solve transport logistics complexities.
“They could range from community sorting stations to AI technology, and have a co-investment value from $10,000 to $1 million.”
For more information, visit: https://www.environment.gov.au/protection/waste/how-we-manage-waste/recycling-modernisation-fund
Gun theft targeted
The Victorian Government says it is strengthening laws around the safe use of firearms with the introduction of the Firearms and Other Acts Amendment Bill 2021 to Parliament on September 8.
The Bill proposes a number of amendments to the Firearms Act 1996, including changes that will reduce the incidence of firearm thefts, enhance firearms storage requirements and tighten regulatory standards for when licensed dealers hire, loan, send and dispose of firearms.
Police Minister Lisa Neville said firearm theft remained an ongoing concern in Victoria, with stolen firearms representing a significant community safety risk if they entered the unregulated market and come into the possession of organised crime groups.
“It’s crucial that our firearm laws safeguard the use of firearms by responsible, law-abiding owners and allow for strict controls and safety measures that reduce risks to the community and minimise harm from deliberate or accidental misuse of guns,” Ms Neville said.
“These changes will ensure Victoria Police have the powers they need to keep the Victorian community safe while ensuring our justice system can continue to respond and adapt during times of emergency.”