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Dear Frank,
On Thursday 25
March CANEGROWERS Herbert River organised two sessions for
growers wanting to hear the latest on Queensland Government reef
regulations and changes to chemical use regulations from the
CANEGROWERS Manager for Environment Policy Mick Quirk. Each
session was well attended and generated much discussion. Several
issues were raised that will require further clarification from
DES, including the uncertainty created for prospective purchasers
of land that has cropping potential. If you would like to find
out more please do not hesitate to contact myself, Mick Quirk or
the CGHR directors.
Frank Scardamaglia
Manager
CANEGROWERS Herbert River
Email: frank_scardamaglia@canegrowers.com.au
Phone: 0475 818 800
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Government Response to Industry Feedback on New
Cropping Land Regulations
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With other peak bodies,
CANEGROWERS attended a briefing from the Department of
Environment and Science (DES) on changes made, and planned, in
response to regional consultations sessions and written
submissions.
- The Standard itself has been simplified and
is now much more concise, and less ambiguous, than it was.
There are fewer Standard Conditions than before. DES plans
to provide regions with in-person and web-based
opportunities to hear directly of the changes made
- We expressed disappointment that the clear
duplication of existing requirements under the Ag ERA
Standard for sugarcane has not been recognised, and that the
need for a permit was not being removed. We have asked that,
at the very least, the approval process be simplified for
cane growers.
- DES is also looking at changes to the policy
and/or guidance material that will:
- Accommodate recognition of
BMP accreditation in the approval process
- Address concerns on
privacy
- Remove the 1 in 5 year
component of the cropping history test
- Clarify that the
reconfiguration of existing farming land can occur without
triggering the 5ha threshold
- All industry bodies have concerns about the
planned revision of the Guidance material, especially as it
will not be ready for follow up consultation before June 1
(when permit requirement will take effect). DES intends to
simplify the material. However, if the Guidance remains
onerous in its ‘suggested’ means for meeting the
requirements of the Standard, then the approval and
compliance process will remain problematic.
- DES will contact entities that submitted
written feedback and/or attended regional consultation
sessions, to let them know of their schedule of follow-up
consultation sessions.
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WISH Meeting
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WISH is holding their next
meeting on Thursday
8 April at 5.30pm at the RSL Ingham.
The kitchen will be open until
8pm for meals after the meeting.
Guest speaker Mark Poggio from
the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries will be attending to
talk about the FEAT Program.
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Tropical Cyclone Niran disaster recovery available
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Primary
producers in Cairns, Cassowary Coast, Hinchinbrook, Mareeba
and Tablelands local government
areas who suffered damage to their enterprises during Tropical
Cyclone Niran and Associated Low Pressure System 25 February - 3
March 2021 can apply for disaster recovery grants and
concessional loans.
Special
Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants of up to $25,000 are
available to assist with immediate recovery and clean-up
costs for primary producers who suffered direct damage as a
result of the natural disaster.
For
more information, including eligibility click on the link below.
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Up to $20,000 for producer groups to boost on-farm
technology adoption
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Applications are now
open for an exciting new Producer
Technology Uptake Program. AgriFutures Australia will
work with grassroots producer groups, servicing
farmers, fishers and foresters to deliver a
practical program to increase producer confidence,
know-how and ambition to adopt technology in
their businesses.
For more information and to enquire click on the
button below.
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Call to Register!
REFRESHER SAFECHEM COURSES
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DATE:
Tuesday 20 April, 2021 or
Wednesday
21 April, 2021
TIME:
7.30am for 8.00 am start – 4.30 pm
COST: $310
pp (incl GST)
WHERE:
HCPSL Training Room
REGISTER:
Sandra Coco
HCPSL 47761808 or email scoco@hcpsl.com.au
The competencies delivered are
- AHCPMG301-
Control Weeds
- AHCCHM304 -
Transport, handle and store chemicals
- AHCCHM307-
Prepare and Apply Chemicals to Control, Pests, Weeds and
Diseases
Successful participants will receive a Statement of
Attainment (SOA) and a SafeChem card from Horticultural Training
(The RTO).
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