Restocking Boosts Local Fish Populations

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke visited Bethungra Dam to lend a hand during the recent fish restocking project, which is designed to strengthen the local fish population and enhance recreational fishing opportunities.

Ms Cooke said restocking projects like this help ensure lakes, rivers, and dams are well stocked for future generations.

“It was great to be involved in the release of 15,000 native fish at Bethungra Dam, with a mix of Murray Cod and Golden Perch let loose at the popular recreation spot,” Ms Cooke said.

“These kinds of projects are just so important to the long-term health of our waterways, and contribute significantly to the perseveration of threatened species,” she said.

Ms Cooke said the restocking program was also important from an economic perspective.

“These kinds of stocking events not only maintain and enhance recreational fisheries, but also benefit our local communities through tourism and economic opportunities,” Ms Cooke said.

“The recreational fishing industry contributes billions to the state’s economy every year, so ensuring our local waterways are well-stocked helps draw visitors to the region, ensuring our local economies don’t miss out.

“The NSW Coalition understands this and has provided millions in funding in recent years towards safety upgrades at Bethungra Dam, as well as towards enhancing the nearby camping facilities to ensure the best possible experience for locals and tourists alike,” Ms Cooke said.

Junee Shire Council Environmental Officer Mason Schembri explained the fish restocking was undertaken as part of the Department of Primary Industries’ Fish Stocking Program.

“The program is a Recreational Fishing Trust funded initiative that provides $2 for every dollar contributed by the local council, which has allowed us to invest a total of $12,000 into this vitally important restocking project,” Mr Schembri said.

“The last restocking event in the dam occurred back in 2021, so this latest release will help increase the number of native fish in the water, which will help balance out the number of invasive species such as the European Perch, which are also present,” he said.

Visitors Hooked on Narrandera Fisheries Centre Fun

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the Narrandera Fisheries Centre has well and truly cemented its reputation as the nation’s leading facility of its kind, following a successful open day held over the weekend.

More than 1,200 visitors filed through the centre gates on Saturday to see for themselves the conservation and research work being undertaken at the centre.

“The fisheries centre open day was absolutely fantastic, and it was wonderful to see so many people come along and experience firsthand the amazing work that’s going on right here in our own backyard,” Ms Cooke said.

“I have been a huge supporter of the centre and its talented and dedicated team for many years; I’m proud to say I’ve helped secure vital funding for the centre, including $6 million for recent upgrades, which have included a new hatchery building fitted with state-of-the-art fish breeding technology.

“I was very pleased to see the recent NSW State Labor Budget retained the $646,000 set aside by the previous NSW Coalition Government, to complete the upgrade works,” she said.

Ms Cooke said the Narrandera Fisheries Centre has been at the forefront of its field since it first opened in 1962, and plays a key role in breeding and conservation, as well as research into native and introduced species.

“Fish play such a key role in indicating the health of our river systems so it’s vital that we learn as much as we can about their numbers and locations,” Ms Cooke said.

“The researchers here do some wonderful work which gives a clear indication of fish health in NSW, as well as collating information about introduced species and their effects on feeding and native fish health.

“Some of their work also revolves around fish which are locally extinct and on the verge of extinction – in the Murray-Darling Basin for example – so it’s easy to see how critical their research is,” she said.

Talk is Good, But Action is What’s Needed Now

Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke was among the state and federal MPs who joined regional industry leaders and stakeholders at the annual Bush Summit in Tamworth, to raise concerns and discuss solutions to issues impacting rural and regional Australia.

“The summit is always a great opportunity to shine a spotlight on the unique challenges facing communities across regional NSW, including those in our electorate,” Ms Cooke said.

“The summit canvassed a wide range of topics and priority areas that most certainly deserve the NSW Government’s full attention, especially given Labor’s first budget is just around the corner.

“With dry conditions starting to bite in certain areas, water security and drought preparedness were at the top of the agenda. Some are rightly concerned about issues surrounding the supply of water in parts of regional NSW, in addition to the apparent absence of a much-needed road map to deal with the looming drought.  

“The summit also made clear the urgency around housing supply shortages in regional areas, and the need to recognise and plan appropriately for the demands of an ever-changing demographic.

“Measures to help alleviate the chronic shortage of health professionals across NSW are always welcome, but as the summit rightly identified, expanding the cash incentive scheme for health service workers is just the start; the government must do more to address critical workforce shortages across the board, including teachers, childcare workers, and police.

“As many across regional NSW are well aware, more needs to be done to safeguard against the impact of natural disasters, and I along with my colleagues will be closely scrutinising the government’s actions in this space.

“The summit also underscored the urgency in finding a middle ground when it comes to the construction of renewable energy transmission lines on farming properties, which is an issue that The Nationals have long been vocal about.

“The government inherited a range of programs all designed to empower regional communities large and small, and it is incumbent upon Labor to not only retain, but to strengthen this support in the upcoming budget.

“Actions speak louder than words; it’s not enough to simply talk about the issues we’re facing out here in regional NSW, we need to see tangible results on the ground.

“The summit successfully and succinctly identified the areas that need the government’s full attention, and it’s now time the premier and his colleagues show they’re listening, and act collaboratively and decisively to address these concerns, and provide the support our resilient regional communities need, to continue to grow and thrive well into the future,” she said.

Minister Urged to Prepare for Mice Influx

The CSIRO and NSW Farmers have issued warnings about an expected increase in mice numbers heading into the cooler months.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said it is crucial the new NSW Government supports farmers and homeowners to prepare for the possible influx.

“There are many households and businesses across regional NSW whose daily lives, mental and physical health was impacted by the large numbers of mice two years ago.

“The pests chewed through crops, damaged farm machinery, swarmed homes and towns leading to millions of dollars of damage to crops and infrastructure.

Ms Cooke said at the time, the Government ensured bait supplies and rebates were made available with a $50 million support package for eligible landholders, households and small businesses.

“The package was very successful in supporting impacted landholders and critical in managing numbers throughout the year.

“A series of workshops were also held in conjunction with Local Land Services, which were invaluable to ensure primary producers were better informed about on-farm mouse management.”

Ms Cooke has called on the new Government to be prepared if the population spikes after what has been another bumper cropping season in many areas.

“I have written to the new Minister for Agriculture and urged her to ensure preparations are in place and support is made available if we see a repeat of the 2021 numbers.”

Agriculture Skills Program Expands to Livestock Industry

Fee-free training will be rolled out to the livestock sector in the region and across NSW thanks to the expansion of a NSW Nationals Government program investing in upskilling and growing the agricultural workforce.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has welcomed the announcement saying the program is designed to deliver industry-relevant training, drawing on new and emerging technologies, with a focus on driving efficiency and productivity.

“Our State’s agriculture sector is already extremely dynamic and responsive, and this program will help us take it to the next level by giving more people the opportunity to gain industry specific skills,” Ms Cooke said.

“It will help farmers boost productivity, profitability and competitiveness, and create a highly skilled workforce that will drive the industry, and grow the economy for generations to come.

“Today’s announcement is all about investing in the next generation of NSW farmers and ensuing our farmers are getting the workers with the skills they need.”

Under the expanded program, livestock includes beef cattle, dairy, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry, honey-bees, other livestock, animal management services used for commercial agricultural (food and fibre) production, and pest and disease management for these animals.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said from inception AgSkilled has focused on plant-based industries like cropping, cotton, viticulture and horticulture, where it has delivered approximately $9.6 million in training across the State since 2020.

“Almost 5,400 training places have been delivered through AgSkilled since mid-2020 and this expansion to the livestock sector will turbocharge the take-up of skills and training for the people driving an $8 billion industry,” Mr Toole said.

Minister for Skills and Training Alister Henskens said the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s record $3.1 billion skills budget was delivering more fee-free training opportunities than ever before.

“A single, streamlined training and workforce development program for the entire agricultural sector will generate more opportunities for people to get the skills they need for the jobs they want,” Mr Henskens said.

Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the program is about removing barriers for people to get skilled for in-demand jobs.

“This program will help address industry workforce shortages, give more people the skills they need to secure meaningful employment and provide career development opportunities for those already in the industry.” For more information about AgSkilled 2.0, visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/vocational/vet-programs/agskilled.

Fish Stocking Program Continues to Strengthen Fish Populations

The NSW Government’s Fish Stocking Program continues to play a vital role in enhancing recreational fishing opportunities and strengthening fish populations across the state.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the Fish Stocking Program saw a record number of native fish, salmonoid (trout and salmon) and marine species bred and stocked in 2021-22, with the NSW Government releasing more than 5.3 million fish into waterways throughout NSW.

“NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) Fisheries produce the fish fry or fingerlings at their state-of-the-art hatcheries that are then released across the State,” Ms Cooke said.

“Hatcheries such as Narrandera Fisheries are fitted with the latest fish breeding technology and are operated by teams of highly skilled hatchery managers.”

“I was thrilled to join Senior Fisheries Manager Matthew McLellan of Narrandera Fisheries to take part in the release of 2,000 Murry Cod Fry at Chinaman’s Dam today.”

“These ongoing stocking events not only maintain and enhance recreational fisheries, but also benefit our local communities through tourism and economic opportunities,” she said.

Fish Stocking happening across the electorate include:

  • 500 Murray Cod Fry at Junee Park Dam
  • 2,000 Murray Cod Fry at Lake Bethungra
  • 5,000 Murray Cod Fry at Lake Talbot
  • 2,000 Murray Cod Fry at Lake Arbortree
  • 3,000 Murray Cod Fry at Lake Centenary
  • 2,000 Rainbow Trout sub adults and 50,000 Murry Cod at Wyangala Dam

“In 2023, DPI will continue to breed fingerlings as part of the State’s largest-ever breeding program, aimed at sustaining fish populations in NSW lakes and rivers following years of drought.”

“The NSW Government is committed to breeding millions of native fish, salmonoid and marine species each year to keep our lakes and rivers well stocked for future generations.”

“Local and visiting recreational fishers will also benefit from hundreds of thousands of native sportfish stocked into local waterways.”

“We hope that these stockings continue to bolster the recreational fishing industry that contributes over $3.4 billion to the state’s economy every year.”

“The 2022-23 season is expected to be one of the biggest yet, with favourable conditions, good natural recruitment and the Government’s stocking program resulting in high-quality fishing opportunities for natives and trout across popular impoundments and river systems.”

For more information about fish stocking in NSW, visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au

Funding Boost for Paddock-to-Pate Experience

Hillview Farmstay has been successful in securing funding of $150,000 through the Destination NSW Tourism Product Development Fund.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the NSW’s Government’s investment would turbocharge visitation to the region.

“Local tourism is bursting back to life and this funding will help operators deliver the best possible visitor experiences,” Ms Cooke said.

“Destination NSW data shows overnight trips, nights spent away and spend in regional NSW are all up on pre-pandemic levels and this funding would ignite further opportunities to entice travellers to experience our diverse, compelling tourism offering.” 

Located 33km south of Gundagai in Mount Adrah, Hillview Farmstay is offering a paddock-to-plate experience by establishing a restaurant that will specialise in home-grown meat, (beef, lamb) from the farm plus organic vegetables and includes offerings of local craft beverages from local wineries and distilleries.

Owner and operator Ms Ruth Singson said they are very excited to have been selected for this grant which complements their existing accommodation and farm activities.

“We are passionate about promoting the region to local and international guests and we feel this provided new venture opens a whole new world of opportunities to promote the region. We are looking forward to the challenge and hope to help generate jobs in the local community,” Ms Singson said.

Minister for Tourism Ben Franklin said the NSW Government had outlined a clear goal through the Visitor Economy Strategy 2030 to make NSW the premier visitor economy of the Asia Pacific.

“We are passionate about creating opportunities in for businesses in regional NSW to achieve this goal, by driving demand from new and returning visitors as the state forges ahead on its path to recovery,” Mr Franklin said.

The NSW Government is investing $150,000 in product and experience development in the region to ensure the continued recovery of the local visitor economy.

Managed by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, the Experience Development Fund, targets the development of world-class visitor experiences in NSW with grants of between $80,000 and $150,000.

$7.9 Million to Help Dairy Farmers

Dairy farmers in the region will get extra support to recover and rebuild from devastating flooding thanks to a $7.9 million boost by the Commonwealth and NSW Governments.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the Dairy Sector Recovery Strategy was developed after February-March deluge to help farmers and businesses recuperate and build long-term resilience.

“Since the first round of rain earlier this year, more wet weather has inundated our dairy farms, putting our community under grave stress both financially and emotionally, Ms Cooke said.

“We are thankful this funding has been allocated to help people get back on their feet, so our region can thrive once again.”

Twelve projects will be delivered under the strategy, across three working packages focusing on:

  • Better Response and Short-Term Recovery
  • Better Preparedness, Lower Risk and Improved Resilience
  • Supporting Industry Development

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Senator Murray Watt says all levels of Government are providing relief to an industry that is hurting.

“By investing in both recovery and resilience, we can ensure farmers, consumers and rural communities are better prepared for future disasters too and we are pleased to work with the NSW Government to deliver this support,” Mr Watt said.

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said dairy farmers are among the worst hit. 

“Farmers sit in the engine room of the State, pumping more than $13 billion into the economy every year, so it’s critical we help them out so they can continue to provide us with the best milk and dairy products in the world,” Mr Toole said.

“This funding builds on the more than $202 million that has gone out the door to help flood-affected farmers across all sectors in the past 12 months alone, including the $75,000 Special Disaster Grant for primary producers, the $25,000 Rural Landholder Grants, and the $100,000 Critical Producer Grants.”

NSW Agriculture Minister Dugald Saunders said these projects will support greater industry sustainability and work on areas such as farmer emergency response, natural disaster vulnerability, mitigation strategies, workforce attraction and retention and managing feed.

“It’s all about equipping dairy farmers with the right tools and resources to build better preparedness and allow for faster disaster recovery,” Mr Saunders said.

Funding for the strategy was provided by the jointly Commonwealth and NSW Government-funded Storm and Flood Industry Recovery Program (Sector Recovery and Resilience Grants) under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements along with $1.7 million from industry co-contributions.

In addition to the Department of Primary Industries and Dairy NSW, other organisations involved include Dairy Australia, NSW Farmers’ Association, Scibus and The University of Sydney, with the NSW SES, NSW Rural Assistance Authority and Local Land Services to be actively involved in their delivery.  

For more information about the Dairy Strategy for Sector Recovery Program, please visit: www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/regional-recovery-programs/storm-and-flood-recovery/sector-recovery-and-resilience-grant

Cootamundra Electorate Celebrates Record Year for Agriculture Production in NSW

It’s a timely day to congratulate the sector, with the Minister for Agriculture releasing data that shows the total value of the industry has increased by more than $2 billion on last year to a record $23.1 billion.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has congratulated farmers for another bumper year despite the challenging conditions on National Ag Day.

“This data shows that farmers in NSW can bounce back from even the most challenging of conditions,” Ms Cooke said.

“We’re well on our way to becoming a $30 million industry by 2030, and that is a testament to our farmers’ and their families hard work, day in, day out.”

“The NSW Nationals will always have our farmers back and will continue to support them well into the future.”

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said farmers continued to go above and beyond despite many challenges.

“National Ag Day is an opportunity for everyone to come together and thank our farmers for the world-class food and fibre grown on our doorstep,” Mr Toole said.

“Farmers are the backbone of bush communities and the State’s economy, and have shouldered the burden to keep supermarkets shelves stocked despite unprecedented challenges in the past year.”

Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders released the annual Performance Data and Insights report today, which shows the ag sector is continuing to break records despite a string of natural disasters.

“Farmers have also battled disease and pest incursions, continued biosecurity threats, increasing farm input costs like fuel and fertiliser and geopolitical events causing supply chain pressures,” Mr Saunders said.

“The fact the sector continues to prosper during all of this highlights the resilience and determination of our primary producers.”

“Our cropping sector reaped the benefits of strong seasonal conditions to record a 43 per cent increase on last year to reach $11.9 billion.”

“Livestock industries also achieved a record value of $7.9 billion due to a recovery in sheep meat and wool production and higher lamb, beef and wool prices. This demand supported higher farm gate prices and drove a 13 per cent increase on the previous year.”

“This year, we’ve also seen our exports reach a new record high of $10.9 billion, up a huge 64 per cent.”

The NSW Nationals in Government have announced a number of initiatives and reforms for the agriculture industry in 2022, highlights including:

  • $229 million to prepare and protect NSW against Foot and Mouth Disease and Lumpy Skin Disease;
  • More than $202 million in the last 12 months to help flood-affected farmers;
  • An emergency plan to eradicate Varroa mite in NSW, including an $18 million compensation package;
  • A coordinated pest management program with farmers on more than 60 million hectares of land; and,
  • A comprehensive review into on-farm renewable energy projects.

The 2021/2022 Performance Data and Insights report is available at www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/dpi

Well Done Cootamundra Show

Cootamundra Show was bigger and brighter this year with a newly completed fit-out of the showground’s multi-purpose livestock and equestrian facility, thanks to $157,667 of funding under the NSW Government’s Club Grants Category 3 program.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said she was delighted to attend the Cootamundra Show and officially open and inspect the completed fit-out on the multi-purpose livestock and equestrian facility.

“I also had the privilege to officially open the newly completed rooms at the showground, built by the local Absolon family and named after them. These rooms are equipped with a kitchen and meeting area and will be of ongoing benefit to everyone who uses the grounds,” Ms Cooke said.

The livestock and equestrian facility upgrades include animal loading ramps, safety gates, rails, livestock tie-up panels, wash bay along with electrical fit-out, bringing to the community an undercover livestock facility that they have not had in the past.

Cootamundra APH&I Association Inc has also been supported by the NSW Government, receiving $30,000 in funding under the Country Shows Support Package to deliver this year’s 2022 show.

Heather Bush of Cootamundra APH&I said the show society was delighted to have the support of the NSW Government for this year’s Cootamundra Show.

“The Country Shows Support Package has helped us with running costs and upgrades and allowed local organisations to have free stalls at this year’s show,” Ms Bush said.

“All of these improvements will enhance the experience of all showground users and is a welcomed injection to the local economy.” Ms Cooke said.