Local photographers can enter the 2024 Nicholls electorate calendar competition.
Photo by
Contributed
Tax exception for vacant farmhouses
The VFF has welcomed clarification by the Victorian Government on the potential application of the new Vacant Residential Land Tax to farm properties.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
VFF president Emma Germano said Treasurer Tim Pallas had clarified the extension of the tax would not apply to houses on primary production land.
“The application of this tax to vacant farmhouses would be completely unfair, given these houses are used for seasonal workers, or where a vacancy has been forced due to workforce shortages,” Ms Germano said.
She said while the tax would not be applied to houses on primary production land, it could still apply to other properties used by farm businesses for worker accommodation.
“We remain concerned that there may be circumstances where houses used for farm workers are not located on farmland, and therefore may be subject to this new tax.”
Entries open for 2024 Nicholls calendar
Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell wants established, amateur and budding photographers from across the region to submit photographs for his 2024 calendar.
Mr Birrell said the calendar was a great opportunity to shine the spotlight on our region, capturing the characters, culture and charms that define the Nicholls electorate.
The top 12 entries as judged by Mr Birrell will be used in the calendar, with photo credit, while the photo chosen for the front cover will receive a $100 gift voucher to a Goulburn Valley photography store of their choice.
Pictures should be named and must be in landscape form, and either be in colour or black and white. The photo may be lightly edited, and pictures taken on a mobile phone are welcome.
People can submit entries via email to sam.birrell.mp@aph.gov.au or drop it in at 426 Wyndham St, Shepparton, by Wednesday, November 1.
Resilience course for regional Victorians
Resilience Builders, a leading provider of resilience and leaderships programs, has launched eResilience, an online course designed to equip people with the tools to build their own resilience and navigate life’s adversities.
“eResilience is a game-changer for people who are looking to positively shift their resilience and mental wellbeing,” co-founder David Buttifant said.
The program is currently available for free for up to 2500 eligible regional Victorians, thanks to funding from the Victorian Government’s Department of Health.
The course is self-paced and designed to fit around people’s busy schedules. It includes interactive modules, expert insights and practical tools and techniques to help build resilience in all areas of life.
Greater Bendigo City Council has launched its Rural Regeneration Grants, aimed at assisting local farmers and lifestyle property owners to implement best practice sustainable land management that benefits the farm, community and the environment.
“Farmers and landholders living in a Greater Bendigo farming zone or rural conservation zone can apply for up to $2000 per year for projects that manage environmental problems or improve the health and productivity of the landscape,” City of Greater Bendigo climate change and environment manager Michelle Wyatt said.
“A limited amount of funding is available and the grants will be awarded through a merit-based, competitive process. A co-contribution of at least 50 per cent is required from landholders.”
Proposed projects must be situated within the City of Greater Bendigo municipality. Applications opened on October 16 and close on December 15.
Australian Farm Institute research and communications officer Teresa Fox demonstrating the Carbon Opportunity Decision Support Tool.
The Australian Farm Institute is helping farmers navigate the complex and rapidly changing carbon farming landscape, with an easy-to-use online tool that helps users determine which, if any, carbon project suits their business.
AFI executive director Richard Heath said as options to engage in new carbon markets had grown, a “confusopoly” had developed, with many primary producers unsure if the perceived cost of participation is higher than the return.
The Carbon Opportunity Decision Support Tool (CODST) guides users through a series of questions to find a project best suited to their business, risk appetite and personality.
Along the way there are links to stories about farmers who have put the various methods into practice, contacts for advisers and experts, and helpful resources such as AgriFutures Australia’s A farmer’s handbook to on-farm carbon management.
AFI plans to continually improve and refresh the CODST to ensure it keeps pace with new technology and the changing regulatory environment and is exploring its potential for use on other emerging opportunities, such as biodiversity credits.
A new project funded by the NSW Government will give women in agriculture the chance to develop their own small business and skills training.
The innovative Empowering Women in Farming Businesses project, delivered by NSW Farmers, will give local women a hand in designing their own development opportunities, networking and learning programs.
“Women make an immense contribution to the agriculture sector, and we want to provide regional, rural and remote women with business-focused networking and skill development opportunities to further develop their confidence and support systems,” NSW Farmers projects manager Georgia Campbell said.
“We will be delivering between eight and 10 events next year, and we’re looking for interested communities/groups/prominent women to put their hands up to be involved and help shape these events.”
Options will include skill-based workshops, networking events, and farm or business tours in their local region, which NSW Farmers will organise and facilitate.
Milestone for farm data protection
The National Farmers’ Federation has announced the first three products to be certified under the Australian Farm Data Code.
Pairtree Intelligence, FarmSimple, and Western Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development have all had products certified.
NFF vice-president David Jochinke said the voluntary code was a yardstick for farmers to easily evaluate what can be an overwhelming minefield in data terms and policies.
“Data about soils, yields and finances are part of modern farming. Farmers need to know and trust their data is secure, not being shared or sold to third parties, and they have control of it,” Mr Jochinke said.
Gorse is an established weed that is widespread and beyond eradication from Victoria.
A new community grants program targeting established weeds and pests will be top priority for the new Victorian Invasive Pest Advisory Board.
Established weeds and pests are widespread and beyond eradication from Victoria. This includes species such as rabbits, blackberries, gorse and serrated tussock.
“The board will co-design the new grants program, aimed at building community capacity and capability to support place-based management of established weeds and pests across Victoria,” Biosecurity Victoria executive director Katherine Clift said.
“VIPA allows us to bring together the knowledge, skills and views of people from community, industry and government to decide together where to put our resources, which risks to combat and how we can adapt to changing conditions.”
The new community grants program is funded through the Victorian Government’s 2023-2024 Backing Victoria’s Producers budget initiative, with $5 million available over the next four years.
