In brief
A DRAFT of the updated Condamine Catchment Natural Resource Management Plan is now available for review and comment.
The plan outlines the community’s vision for the catchment’s future and will guide how it and the region’s natural resources are looked after over the next five years.
People are being urged to have their say before the formal community consultation phase wraps up on Friday 5 December.
The draft plan can be viewed online at www.nrmplan.com.au
A briefing session will also be held at Warwick on Thursday 27 November, from 9.30am to 10.30am, at the Redbacks Function Room.
Light refreshments are provided at each briefing. For catering purposes please book with Heather on 0403 462 686 or email NRMplan2015@condaminealliance.com.au
Wise counsel
MINISTER for Agriculture Barnaby Joyce has released the National Rural Advisory Council report on the Review of the Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS).
The review examines the program and its current and future roles and made 41 findings and 33 recommendations relating to governance and administration, funding, the eligibility of clients, how well services are delivered, and the types of services the RFCS should deliver into the future.
Mr Joyce said the independent review strongly supports the continuation of the RFCS and he would ask his department to seek further input from RFCS providers as well as state and government territories who contribute funding to the service.
“Particularly, in times of drought and hardship I know the RFCS plays a key role in assisting our farmers, small rural businesses and fishers,” he said.
“Many farmers have been battling through a severe drought, particularly in Queensland and northern New South Wales, and across Australia there are also many farmers with a high level of debt. I have heard over and over of the invaluable assistance the RFCS is providing to those in need.”
To read NRAC’s Review of the Rural Financial Counselling Service, visit agriculture.gov.au/agriculture-food/drought/nrac/review-rfcs.
Export role for Crean
FORMER Labor leader Simon Crean has been appointed as the new chair of the Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council (ALEC).
Minister for Agriculture Barnaby Joyce welcomed Mr Crean to the position and said he looked forward to working with him and the industry that helped underpin rural and regoinal jobs and communities across the country.
“As a former Federal minister for the agriculture, trade and regional Australia portfolios, Mr Crean has a deep understanding of Australia’s agriculture and livestock sectors, its challenges and opportunities,” Mr Joyce said.
“The Australian livestock industry has a proud history and this government has been working in close partnership with the industry to assist Australian producers to achieve the best possible returns. The live export trade is a vital component in achieving this.”
