Steph Cooke | 29 Jun 2022 | Agriculture All LGAs Bland Shire Coolamon Shire Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council Cowra Shire Hilltops Council Junee Shire Narrandera Shire News Temora Shire Uncategorized Weddin Shire
NSW Agriculture Minister Dugald Saunders has encouraged beekeepers to be aware of their responsibilities under expanded biosecurity zones which have come into force as part of the emergency biosecurity response to Varroa mite.
Minister Saunders said NSW Department of Primary Industries biosecurity officers had now traced a total of 7 infested premises, including the initial detection at sentinel hives near the Port of Newcastle.
“A new report of an infected property in the Bulahdelah area has been identified resulting in another 10km Eradication Zone being established,” Minister Saunders said.
“Critically, these new infested premises are directly linked to a previously identified property which shows the prompt and efficient response by the NSW DPI is working well.”
Minister Saunders said DPI had put significant measures in place to arrest the spread of the threat and was being assisted in the field by Local Land Services (LLS) and NSW Police
“Since Varroa Mite was first identified at the Port of Newcastle last week, NSW DPI has been working with apiary industry bodies and stakeholders to ensure beekeepers are informed and empowered to be part of this critical response,” he said.
“Australia is the only major honey producing country free from varroa mite, the most serious pest of honeybees worldwide. It’s critical we get on top of this incursion fast and the assistance of beekeepers and the community will be critical to that success.”
Under orders issued by NSW DPI no bee hives can currently be moved within NSW, and no honey or honeycomb can be harvested.
Beekeepers within the 10, 25 and 50 km biosecurity zones around infested properties must also notify NSW DPI of the location of all bees by calling the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline, 1800 084 881, or visiting www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/varroa
Eradication plans include treatment of beehives within a 10 km emergency zone around infested sites and inspection of managed and feral honeybee colonies within a 25 km surveillance zone.
Beekeepers work side-by-side with government as part of Australia’s early warning system to detect exotic honeybee pests, the National Bee Pest Surveillance Program, which includes surveillance hives and catch boxes at strategic locations around our ports and airports.
NSW Agriculture Minister Dugald Saunders has encouraged beekeepers to be aware of their responsibilities under expanded biosecurity zones which have come into force as part of the emergency biosecurity response to Varroa mite.
Minister Saunders said NSW Department of Primary Industries biosecurity officers had now traced a total of 7 infested premises, including the initial detection at sentinel hives near the Port of Newcastle.
“A new report of an infected property in the Bulahdelah area has been identified resulting in another 10km Eradication Zone being established,” Minister Saunders said.
“Critically, these new infested premises are directly linked to a previously identified property which shows the prompt and efficient response by the NSW DPI is working well.”
Minister Saunders said DPI had put significant measures in place to arrest the spread of the threat and was being assisted in the field by Local Land Services (LLS) and NSW Police
“Since Varroa Mite was first identified at the Port of Newcastle last week, NSW DPI has been working with apiary industry bodies and stakeholders to ensure beekeepers are informed and empowered to be part of this critical response,” he said.
“Australia is the only major honey producing country free from varroa mite, the most serious pest of honeybees worldwide. It’s critical we get on top of this incursion fast and the assistance of beekeepers and the community will be critical to that success.”
Under orders issued by NSW DPI no bee hives can currently be moved within NSW, and no honey or honeycomb can be harvested.
Beekeepers within the 10, 25 and 50 km biosecurity zones around infested properties must also notify NSW DPI of the location of all bees by calling the Exotic Plant Pest Hotline, 1800 084 881, or visiting www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/varroa
Eradication plans include treatment of beehives within a 10 km emergency zone around infested sites and inspection of managed and feral honeybee colonies within a 25 km surveillance zone.
Beekeepers work side-by-side with government as part of Australia’s early warning system to detect exotic honeybee pests, the National Bee Pest Surveillance Program, which includes surveillance hives and catch boxes at strategic locations around our ports and airports.
Steph Cooke | 20 Jun 2022 | Agriculture All LGAs Bland Shire Coolamon Shire Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council Cowra Shire Environment and Heritage Hilltops Council Junee Shire Narrandera Shire News Temora Shire Uncategorized Weddin Shire
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has welcomed the NSW Government’s $28 million investment to bolster support for the region’s Farm Forestry producers.
The $28 million package will provide a funding boost to Local Land Services’ Farm Forestry Program to enhance on-ground education, training and support local producers to drive innovation and promote best practice.
Ms Cooke said Farm Forestry plays a key role in the local economy and this investment demonstrates the NSW Government’s commitment to the sector.
“This is a milestone investment for our state’s farm forestry sector, and local producers will benefit greatly,” Ms Cooke said.
“Producers will have greater access to the expert advice they need to improve the management of their forests, which will help them to sustainably grow their operations.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the funding boost follows the introduction of new Farm Forestry Codes of Practice earlier this year and provides increased support to farmers through enhanced education and training.
“This investment will fund a suite of programs and partnerships to facilitate and expand the development of the State’s sustainable Farm Forestry industry,” Mr Toole said.
“This is the largest investment in Farm Forestry in more than a decade, and it reflects the increasingly important role it will play in supporting our sustainable timber industry.”
Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders said the package will provide farmers with practical advice and support services to ensure forestry becomes a central part of on-farm planning.
“Farmers manage their forests for multiple values, by producing the goods and environmental services we all rely on,” Mr Saunders said.
“This investment will ensure farmers have the information they need to improve productivity and environmental outcomes on our Farm Forests for themselves and the whole community.”
Steph Cooke | 14 Jun 2022 | Agriculture Hilltops Council Local projects News Uncategorized
Young Show, Bribbarree Show and Murrumburrah Harden Show are all set to shine brighter than ever this year thanks to the NSW Government’s Country Shows Support Package. This package has already delivered funds to many of the shows held across the Cootamundra electorate, supporting shows that have had several challenging years of being impacted by drought, flood, bushfires and the Covid-19 pandemic.
Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke said the ongoing support from the Country Shows Support Package has now seen Young Pastoral and Agricultural Association successful in receiving $29,457.15, Bribbaree Show Society receiving $14,970.93 and Murrumburrah Harden Show Society receiving $15,000 to support the delivery of their 2022 shows.
“These grants will provide certainty to show organisers to lock in suppliers, hire equipment and purchase goods, which is also great news for local businesses,” Ms Cooke said.
“Our local shows are a fantastic tradition and this grant will ensure they continue to delight people and be a part of our history for many generations to come.”
“I encourage everyone to get behind their local show and see all the amazing things they have to offer,”
“From best grown flowers, to wood chopping, petting zoos and rides for children of all sizes, there is something for everyone at our country and agricultural shows and it is something the whole family can enjoy together.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the $5 million Country Shows Support Package provides a funding opportunity for the 190 agricultural shows that are planned across NSW in 2022.
“It’s been a tough few years for country shows, with drought, bushfires, storms, floods and COVID-19 disrupting plans, but as they say, the show must go on and these grants are helping make that happen,” Mr Toole said.
“Country shows are the heartbeat of so many rural communities – they not only celebrate the best of the best in the community but allow visitors to experience the tastes, sights and sounds of the bush.”
The NSW Government’s Women in Agriculture Lunch and Learn series in Temora on June 8 will shine a light on safety for farming families.
In partnership with Essential Energy, the 20 free events kick off state-wide from 1 June until 15 July, focusing on safety while working in rural settings.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said The Lunch and Learn series is an opportunity to hold real discussions around the prevention of injury and death in the agricultural sector.
“Mothers, wives and daughters are at the heart of a lot of farms and agri-businesses, and their influence is key to seeing change for the better and improving safety on the farm.” Ms Cooke said
“Women play a central role in farm life, they often make business decisions and keep the farm running while managing family life. Inviting them to discuss ways to prevent injury and death will be critical in shifting attitudes and creating safer workplace practices on the farm.”
Minister for Fair Trading Eleni Petinos said the series will cover issues including working near electricity, emergency preparedness and response, safety around farm vehicles, and at-risk workers and contractors.
“Tragically, farming accounts for one in every five worker deaths. That’s why these events are so important for the women at the centre of farming families – to provide essential safety resources and encourage safe farming practices,” Ms Petinos said.
“After the success of last year’s inaugural sessions, we have almost doubled the number of events this year to expand our reach to more women across regional towns.”
The interactive event will provide participants with the opportunity to speak with presenters connected to the sector and network with like-minded women in agriculture.
Attendees may be eligible to apply for the following rebate programs:
Steph Cooke | 26 May 2022 | Agriculture All LGAs Bland Shire Coolamon Shire Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council Cowra Shire Hilltops Council Junee Shire Narrandera Shire News Services Temora Shire Uncategorized Weddin Shire
The NSW Government has announced an additional $10 million over the next three years to continue the NSW Rural Financial Counselling Service across the state.
Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke has welcomed the commitment, saying it will allow the Rural Financial Counselling Service to continue providing free, independent financial planning and support until at least 2025.
“The program provides a crucial service to the region, helping producers suffering financial hardship to manage their businesses after two years of severe weather events,” Ms Cooke said.
“With a number of rural financial counsellors dedicated to our smaller communities, I encourage those who may be experiencing financial hardship to make the most of this free service.”
Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Dugald Saunders said the Rural Financial Counselling Service has assisted farmers, fishers, forestry growers and harvesters experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship for 30 years.
“There are 50 Rural Financial Counsellors working in our regional communities across the state, who are undertaking immediate and long-term financial planning, succession planning, farm debt mediation and guiding people who need to access to government assistance,” Mr Saunders said.
“Ensuring this vital service will be readily available at a local level is essential to building business support networks and helps producers strengthen their knowledge and operations.” For more information, including the contact details for a Rural Financial Counsellor nearest to you, please phone 1800 319 458 or visit www.rfcsnsw.com.au
Steph Cooke | 09 May 2022 | Agriculture News Uncategorized
The NSW Government has launched a new Aboriginal Ranger Program designed to enhance Aboriginal peoples’ connection to country and provide meaningful career pathways.
The $5.95 million initiative will create employment and training opportunities for communities across the state, while also increasing the inclusion of traditional land management practices in on-ground projects.
The Rangers will work on key parts of the Local Land Services operation, including assisting landholders with livestock health, pests and weeds, biosecurity matters, native vegetation, and managing travelling stock routes.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the program is being delivered across multiple Local Land Services regions including the Riverina and Central West areas which encompass a large portion of the Cootamundra electorate.
“22 new Aboriginal staff will be recruited, including 16 trainee rangers based in local towns, and it’s so great we could be a part of it,” Ms Cooke said.
The program will provide Aboriginal people with culturally safe training, mentoring and support for their employment whilst also enabling them to remain local and connected to country.
“Culture and country is at the center of every Aboriginal person’s identity and this program is an amazing way to recognise that connection while also increasing workforce diversity in the region.”
Expressions of interest for the Aboriginal Ranger Program are now open. For more information, please visit: www.lls.nsw.gov.au/aboriginal-ranger
Steph Cooke | 14 Apr 2022 | Agriculture Community Community resources Grants News Uncategorized
The West Wyalong Show is gearing up for a huge two days of events in 2022, thanks to NSW Government support through the Country Shows Support Package.
Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke said the Country Shows Support Package, which has already delivered $99,513 to country shows around the Cootamundra electorate has another recipient, with the West Wyalong Show Society Inc to receive $13,677 to support the delivery of the 2022 West Wyalong show.
“These grants will provide certainty to show organisers to lock in suppliers, hire equipment and purchase goods ahead of this year’s show in September, which is also great news for local businesses,” Ms Cooke said.
“Our local shows are a fantastic tradition and this grant will ensure they continue to delight people and be a part of our history for many generations to come.”
“I encourage everyone to get behind their local show and see all the amazing things they have to offer. From best-grown squash, to wood chopping, petting zoos and watching which dog takes out best in show, there is something for everyone to enjoy at our country and agricultural shows.”
Diane Redman, President of the West Wyalong Show Society Inc said that the commitment by the NSW Government to country shows after a tough couple of years is greatly appreciated by all members of the society.
“We are looking forward to bringing the show back in 2022 bigger and better than ever,” Mrs Redman added.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the $5 million Country Shows Support Package provides a funding opportunity for the 190 agricultural shows that are planned across NSW in 2022.
“It’s been a tough few years for country shows, with drought, bushfires, storms, floods and COVID-19 disrupting plans, but as they say, the show must go on and these grants are helping make that happen,” Mr Toole said.
“Country shows are the heartbeat of so many rural communities – they not only celebrate the best of the best in the community but allow visitors to experience the tastes, sights and sounds of the bush.”
The $5 million Country Shows Support Package is part of the NSW Government’s $200 million Regional Recovery Package, which will deliver long term support and certainty for the regions as the state reopens.
Applications are open until Friday, 29 April 2022, or when funding is exhausted. For further information, including program guidelines and eligibility criteria, go to: www.nsw.gov.au/CountryShows.
