Since the previous 2004 strategy was released, new issues impacting koalas have emerged and others have become more significant, including climate change, genetic diversity and extreme bushfires.
The strategy was developed by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, in collaboration with Traditional Owners, scientists, animal welfare organisations, wildlife carers, the blue gum plantation industry, veterinarians and other government agencies from Victoria and interstate.
Estimates from the first statewide koala abundance model, which was developed by scientists from the Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, are also reflected in the draft strategy.
The model estimates a statewide koala population of 460,000, with an estimated 413,000 koalas in native forest and woodland and a further 47,000 koalas in eucalypt plantations.
Koalas have recently been listed as endangered in the Queensland, the ACT and NSW, but are not threatened in Victoria.
To view the draft strategy or provide feedback visit: engage.vic.gov.au/VKMS
Peaches and nectarines to Vietnam
Australian peach and nectarine exporters once again have market access into Vietnam following successful completion of technical negotiations between the two countries.
Summerfruit Australia chair Andrew Finlay welcomed the achievement, which has been some five years in the making.
“I would like to thank all those who have played a part in achieving this market access, and who worked hard to negotiate a set of protocols agreed to by both countries,” Mr Finlay said.
“After the COVID pandemic put a stop to face-to-face meetings, negotiations continued, via video conference and the Australian agriculture counsellor based in Vietnam.
“As part of the process we worked with DAWE and a number of growers, packers, exporters and treatment facilities to undertake a ‘virtual visit’ of the authorities from Vietnam.”
Vietnam is Australia’s seventh largest market for agriculture, forestry and fisheries products (two-way trade valued at $4.39 billion in 2021, split 77/23 in Australia’s favour).
Reflecting on 200 years
The Royal Agricultural Society of NSW has launched a new commemorative book.
Sydney Royal: Celebrating 200 Years of the Royal Agricultural Society of New South Wales, celebrates the history and milestones of the RAS and the people of NSW who have affectionately embraced the RAS and Sydney Royal Easter Show for two centuries.
Written by Gavin Fry, the book delves into the history of Australian agriculture, the legacy of a 200-year-old organisation and its leaders who have worked tirelessly to support the development of agriculture and rural communities in Australia.
The book will be on sale for $75 ($50 for RAS members) via the RAS website and at the Sydney Royal Easter Show from April 8 to 19 in the heritage pavilion and members’ stand.
Indian free trade deal is closer
A free trade agreement between Australia and India could be finalised in a matter of weeks.
Federal Trade Minister Dan Tehan said the long-awaited agreement would conclude in the "next three weeks".
It comes after multiple rounds of negotiations between the two countries, with former prime minister Tony Abbott even called in last year to help the stalled negotiations.
Two-way goods and services trade with India is worth more than $24 billion.
Mr Tehan said such an agreement with India would be critical for Australia, following recent export bans from China.
"We will continue to very strongly defend our exporters and the current actions that have been taken by China,“ he told ABC Radio on February 21.
“In the meantime we will continue to find alternative markets.”
He said the proportion of Australian trade covered by agreements had risen from 27 per cent almost a decade ago to 75 per cent.
The trade deal, formally known as the Australia-India Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement, would seek to boost opportunities in education, agriculture, energy, tourism and infrastructure among other areas.
17°C