Current News

The Victorian Government (through Agriculture Victoria of the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (Agriculture Victoria) is offering a rebate to drought affected farmers who invest in urgently-needed on-farm water infrastructure that addresses animal welfare needs. The rebate funding is being made available from an allocation from the Australian Government.

The Scheme provides a one-off 25 per cent rebate up to $25,000 (GST exclusive) to eligible primary producers for the costs associated with the purchase and installation of on-farm water infrastructure that addresses animal welfare needs and improves resilience to drought.

Click here for more information including eligibility and applying online...

Farmers in the southern connected Murray–Darling Basin will be able to apply to purchase water at a discounted rate. Eligible farmers will be able to apply to purchase an allocation of exactly 50 megalitres from the South Australian Government for $5,000. You must use this water to grow fodder or pasture in the water year it is allocated. This program will be delivered in two instalments:

• 40 gigalitres of water available this water year (2019-20)
• 60 gigalitres available in the next water year (2020-21).

An evaluation of the program will occur after the first 40 gigalitres has been allocated. This will allow the Federal Government to amend or improve the program design before the second instalment of water becomes available.

Applications opened on Wednesday 11 December 2019 at 10:00 AEDT. Application forms are available on the Department of Agriculture website. Applications must be submitted electronically using this form. Download a sample form. (This is for information only)

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The Department of Agriculture are enhancing Australia’s traceability arrangements across animal, plant and food industries. This will help with managing pest and disease outbreaks, food safety, trade and market access requirements, and address increasing consumer interest in product sustainability, ethics and providence.

You can now provide feedback on the draft guidelines and principles. These have been developed by a working group comprising of all state and territory governments and the Commonwealth.

'Have your Say'- Complete the Property ID reforms survey here...

End of transition
You can find the Victorian Government media release regarding the end of the transition period here. 

The Labour Hire Authority received 3841 licence applications during the six-month transition period - 37 percent of applications were submitted in the last 48 hours. The Authority will continue to provide education to industry through engagement with labour hire hosts and providers

Late licence applications
Providers who submit a complete application by midnight 31 December 2019, and there is no evidence of non-compliance, may continue to operate until their application is assessed. Click here for more information.

Visit the Labour Hire authority website for more information...

Have Your Say... Share your feedback through the online form. You can take the survey, upload a written submission, or both.

You will need to register or sign in to participate. Please read the department’s privacy notice before you register. Before you submit your feedback, please read the draft Drought Resilience Funding Plan (PDF, 996 KB)

Take the Survey or upload a submission...

The temp is warming up and the ground is getting drier meaning it’s time to ask yourself: are you and your property bushfire prepared?

AustralianFarmers have put together a concise to-do list to prepare for bushfire season and what to do in the event of a bushfire.

Visit the Australian Farmers website for more information...