Coalition plan supported
The National Farmers’ Federation and GrainGrowers have welcomed the Coalition’s election pledge to establish the $20 billion Regional Australia Future Fund.
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NFF president David Jochinke said it was great to see policy options being put forward to secure, long-term funding for regional Australia, with the Coalition forecasting the fund will deliver $1 billion in grant funding for regions each year.
“We applaud the vision the Coalition has shown by committing time, money and funding to the growth of regional Australia,” Mr Jochinke said.
GrainGrowers chair Rhys Turton said the fund covered a range of priorities detailed by the industry body in its Grains for Growth: Investing in Australia’s Agricultural Future plan.
“Meaningful investments like that outlined in the proposal for the Regional Australia Future Fund would help build a modern progressive regional Australia that is well placed to meet future needs and challenges and deliver real returns to the national economy,” Mr Turton said.
US tariffs leave sour taste
Citrus Australia has expressed its disappointment at the decision by United States President Donald Trump to impose a 10 per cent tariff on Australian citrus exports.
“For many years, our citrus trade with the US has delivered consistent, high-quality fruit to American consumers while supporting sustainable jobs and growth in Australia,” Citrus Australia chief executive officer Nathan Hancock said.
“This tariff disrupts that balance,” he said.
“When barriers go up, markets respond. Our competitors may divert their exports to Asia, increasing pressure on those markets. It’s a ripple effect, and no-one wins.”
Citrus Australia said it was committed to supporting growers and exporters through this period and will continue to provide timely updates as the situation evolves.
New solar farm for Gippsland
The Victorian Government announced the start of construction on the Fulham Solar Farm and battery in Gippsland, that will create local jobs and generate enough electricity to power 40,000 homes.
The 80 megawatt solar farm will be coupled with a 64 MW/128 MWh battery.
The project will also use 67 per cent of local services, goods and materials during construction and 97 per cent once operational.
Octopus Investments will invest a further $3 million towards engagement and benefit sharing with the local community for the 35-year operational life of the project.
Once complete, the VRET projects will have supported more than 1720 direct jobs.
Farmers welcome write-off clarity
NSW Farmers has welcomed the prime minister’s announcement that the $20,000 instant asset write-off will be extended if re-elected.
Introduced in 2015, the instant asset write-off allowed businesses to claim a deduction for the cost of an asset up to a prescribed value and has been widely used for the purchase of tools, IT equipment and even small vehicles.
However, NSW Farmers president Xavier Martin said farm businesses wanted to see a permanent, practical solution to support a stronger farming future.
“It’s great that it’s been extended, but farming businesses need more certainty going forward,” Mr Martin said.
“Espresso machines and iPads are great, but you can’t get a new ute for under $30,000, let alone $20,000.”
Kings Park upgrade pledge
An elected Coalition Government will provide $500,000 for an upgrade of Kings Park in Seymour to improve facilities for major events.
Federal Member for Nicholls Sam Birrell said Mitchell Shire Council will contribute $150,000 towards the project.
“Kings Park is a great facility which hosts many user groups and major events such as the Seymour Alternative Farming Expo and Seymour Agricultural and Pastoral Show. This major upgrade will benefit all user groups,” Mr Birrell said.
Kings Park was severely impacted by the October 2022 floods, and The Nationals promise to continue to support the Seymour community to come back stronger and better.
FCA wins Banksia award
Farmers for Climate Action received the Agriculture and Primary Industries Award at this year’s Banksia National Sustainability Awards.
“Our 8400 farmer members are proving every day that agriculture is already being hurt by climate change, and is also a critical part of the solution,” FCA’s Caleb Connor said.
“Whether it’s carbon-neutral beef production, grazing sheep under solar panels, or communities rallying together after disasters, farmers are showing Australia what resilience and innovation look like.”
Looking ahead, FCA is preparing for the inaugural Farming Forever Summit in 2025 to help farmers continue thriving in a changing climate.
“To every farmer facing floods, drought, or uncertainty tonight: we see you, we stand with you, and we’ll keep fighting for you,” Mr Connor said.
Anzac Day callout
All men who were called up for National Service between 1951 and 1972 are encouraged to join this year’s Anzac Day march in Melbourne.
Personal medals are to be worn on the left side, relation’s medals on the right side.
Meet at 8am on Friday, April 25 outside Young & Jacksons on Flinders St, Melbourne.
For more information, call Peter Kemp on 0427 859 549.