Hay demand takes off
In the past month, drought-affected farmers have contacted charity organisation Rural Aid requesting more than $1 million of hay.
Rural Aid was bracing for another wave of requests as bushfires continue to burn across more than 100 locations in Queensland and NSW.
“Rural Aid delivered $56 million of hay and other services over a two-year period between 2018-19 when drought and bushfire were ravaging the country,” chief executive officer John Warlters said.
“The drought has already arrived for thousands of farming families. We are seeing that every day through the huge demand for our services.”
Mr Warlters said Rural Aid would need another huge outpouring of support from the community and business sector to meet the rapidly escalating demand for its services.
You can buy a hay bale by visiting www.buyabale.com.au or calling 1300 327 624.
Men’s Shed grants open
Applications for grants of up to $100,000 each are now open to help establish, expand, or improve Men’s Sheds across Victoria.
Men’s Sheds provide a place for men to come together and build friendships and support networks. They improve the health and wellbeing of their members by reducing social isolation and promoting social inclusion.
There are currently more than 360 Men’s Sheds across Victoria.
In addition to helping build new sheds, the grants can help upgrade premises and refurbish facilities, to make them accessible and inclusive for people with disability.
Applications for the Victorian Government’s 2023-24 Men’s Shed Funding Program close at 5pm on Friday, December 8. For information, visit: providers.dffh.vic.gov.au/mens-shed-program
RIC act under review
Farmers and agribusinesses can provide feedback on the products and service delivery of the Regional Investment Corporation and the effectiveness of concessional loans.
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s Andrew O’Sullivan said the independent statutory review of the Regional Investment Corporation Act 2018 would be a chance to take stock of how the RIC and Federal Government could better serve agribusinesses and farmers.
Dr Wendy Craik will undertake the review, looking at the scope of the RIC’s activities and appropriate governance arrangements after June 30, 2026.
For more information, visit: https://www.agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-land/farm-food-drought/drought/assistance/ric
Boost for on-farm digital and agtech adoption
Digital and agtech adoption on Australian farms has been held back by connectivity issues and digital literacy, but this complex landscape will now be easier to navigate with the launch of the National Farmers’ Federation On Farm Connectivity Information Service.
The independent Information Service will provide free, practical, tailored support for farmers through the NFF’s Regional Tech Hub, as a key pillar of the Federal Government’s $30 million On Farm Connectivity Program (OFCP).
The OFCP will support primary producers to adopt connected machinery and sensor technology by providing a 50 per cent rebate (between $3000 and $30,000) for the cost of eligible equipment, including installation and training.
“We are urging farmers to make use of this free, independent advisory service, as well as our online information toolkit and webinars, so they can confidently participate in the OFCP to access the on-farm connectivity equipment that will make a difference to them, and the running of their business,” Regional Tech Hub manager Jen Medway said.
For more information, go to nff.org.au/on-farm-connectivity-information-service/ or infrastructure.gov.au/ofcp
Helping hand for fish habitat
More people can play a part in boosting fish populations across Victoria, with a new grant program to improve fish habitats in freshwater, marine and estuarine fisheries.
Administered by the Victorian Fisheries Authority, the $2.5 million program includes two streams of funding for recreational fishing groups and large-scale projects.
Stream one will support recreational fishing groups to apply for grants of up to $50,000 to complete small-scale works such as planting native trees and shrubs, weed and erosion control, and fencing on public or private land.
These grants will remain open until the funding amount is allocated.
Stream two enables larger-scale project partnerships to restore, recover and rebuild fish populations with up to $200,000 available and co-investment from funding partners required. These grants will remain open until March 1, 2024.
Organisations eligible to apply for the grants include catchment management authorities; local, regional and statewide fishing bodies; councils; water authorities; Traditional Owner groups; and land councils and community organisations.
For more information, head to: www.vfa.vic.gov.au/fishhabitatfund
Calling all Landcare champions
The 2023-24 Victorian State Landcare Awards are now open for nominations, and aim to recognise the outstanding contributions made by individuals, groups and organisations involved in Landcare.
Victoria has multiple Landcare award categories, recognising Australians who actively engage in climate action and work to create healthier, more resilient and productive landscapes and communities.
From volunteers, Landcare groups and other environmental volunteer groups, to farmers and landholders, from First Nations peoples to the next generation of Landcarers, the Landcare awards program acknowledges the diverse range of individuals and organisations committed to addressing local environmental issues.
Nominations close on Friday, March 1, 2024.
For more information about the awards and categories, or to nominate individuals/groups for the awards, visit: https://aulandcareawards.awardsplatform.com/