Horticulture value going down

Latest statistics by the Australian Bureau of Statistics have revealed the value of Australian vegetable, cut flower, nursery and turf industries all went backwards in the 2024-25 financial year.

National Farmers’ Federation Horticulture Council chair Jolyon Burnett said the latest data provided sombre reading despite some bright spots, and should give cause for reflection.

“Perhaps most concerning is the vegetable result, with value back $140 million on the year before despite production lifting 250,000 tonnes,” Mr Burnett said.

Brighter spots included strong growth in volumes and value of almonds, and better farm gate returns in the banana industry.

“We are reminded again by these numbers that the future success of the horticulture industry shouldn’t be assumed or taken for granted,” Mr Burnett said.

Bigger budget boost needed

Funding in this year’s NSW state budget to fight feral pests, deliver disaster relief and boost road safety has been welcomed by NSW Farmers, but more is still needed to secure a brighter future for the farming sector.

On Tuesday, June 24, the NSW Treasurer announced $2.8 billion in road safety funding had been committed to the state, alongside $9.3 million in funds to fight feral pigs and deer, and $4.2 billion for disaster relief and recovery programs.

Also $45 million was awarded to support farmer adoption of digital technology and connectivity.

“Young people are the future of our state, and we must invest in building their skills, providing the services and creating the opportunities that foster a bright future for those in our regions,” NSW Farmers president Xavier Martin said.

“New funding for TAFE and the Growing Regions program is great, but we must reinstate the Office of Regional Youth, deliver funding for the AgSkilled program and waive stamp duty for first farm buyers under the age of 36 to ensure a stronger farming future.”

Bendigo updates transfer stations

The City of Greater Bendigo’s transfer stations, including at Heathcote, have a new name and will now be called recycling centres.

City of Greater Bendigo resource recovery and education acting manager Michelle Wyatt said the change was to make the facilities’ purpose clearer to the community.

“The name change to recycling centre will help encourage the community to identify reusables and recyclables at home and maximise resource recovery at the three local centres,” Ms Wyatt said.

“It will also help promote the Strathfieldsaye and Heathcote centres as places to find and buy items for re-use or re-purposing. Nothing else about how the recycling centres operate is changing and it will continue to be business as usual.”

Many items including E-waste, polystyrene, clean unwanted textiles and shoes, and soft plastics can be dropped for free recycling at the Heathcote Recycling Centre.

For more information, go to: https://www.bendigo.vic.gov.au/residents/general-waste-recycling-and-organics/transfer-stations

Tech brings extinct to life

For the first time, the remarkable features of Australia’s unique wildlife — from platypus, bilby, kangaroo and emu to mammals gone extinct — are available for all to see.

The animals’ bones and skeletons are available in a new free online collection.

Using 3D imaging technology, Flinders University and partners have launched the Ozboneviz virtual database, which goes ‘inside’ the anatomy of dozens of Australia’s most famous animals for the public, schools, researchers, artists, nature-lovers and others to access.

The new collection of more than 1600 specimens has been collated and uploaded on to the high-tech MorphoSource repository, by Flinders University associate professor Vera Weisbecker’s ‘Bones and Biodiversity Lab’ and colleagues around Australia.

“3D models of skeletons are a charismatic way to engage adults and children alike with Australia’s precious fauna, making it a key asset in science communication and school education,” Ms Weisbecker said.

The project is Australia’s largest open-access library of 3D biodiversity data and can be found at: tinyurl.com/y3fehzwf

Cleeland on road toll

State Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland has raised concerns over the condition of roadside safety infrastructure across regional Victoria.

Ms Cleeland put questions to the Roads and Road Safety Minister about the state of roadside barriers, after repeated reports from locals across the Euroa electorate about damaged and neglected infrastructure.

“I’ve had constituents from Broadford to Benalla let me know about wire rope barriers left lying on the ground of the Hume for months on end,” she said.

“These barriers are meant to protect motorists, yet they’ve been left to deteriorate — putting lives at risk.

“It’s time they take responsibility and stop ignoring the condition of our roads before more lives are lost.”

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