Lyne MP Says No To Methane Tax

 BY IAN CROUCH

Lyne MP, David Gillespie fears moves to introduce a penalty on methane emissions from livestock could see meat prices skyrocket.

The Federal Government is poised to announce a commitment to a global methane pledge ahead of next month's UN climate change conference.

Dr Gillespie says this amounts to a tax on producers when their livestock "burp" and "fart".

He says Labor's plans to reduce methane emissions by 30 per cent over the next decade is nonsensical and will cost many jobs if taxes and penalties are imposed on farmers.

 

Lyne MP David Gillespie chats with Stewarts River Dairy Farmer Tim Bale

Mental health support just a call away for Hunter farmers

BY BILLIE KAAL

October marks Mental Health Month, and farming families in the Hunter are being encouraged to take advantage of Rural Aid's new counselling phone line. 

Rural Aid has created the phone line to allow individuals living in rural areas to get over the phone support, especially if there is no easy access to on the ground services. 

Farmers have faced significant challenges over the last month, with heavy rainfall in NSW causing an abundance of problems. 

Mental Health and Wellbeing Manager Lauren Stracey says the initiative will be beneficial. 

"Having someone they feel they can have a bit of a debrief or a vent to that's not their family can be something that provides a little bit of lift that just makes everything else flow a bit more effectively," she said. 

The service will connect individuals with counsellors who are knowledgeable in all things rural.

It's available from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, at 1300 175 594.

Rural Aid counsellor Heidi Gray talks to a farmer.

Oyster farmers face uncertain future as disease plagues Port Stephens

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Hunter's oyster industry could be on the brink of collapse, as a deadly disease forces farmers to destroy millions of dollars worth of produce.

QX, short for Queensland Unknown, doesn't affect humans, but it is fatal for Sydney rock oysters.

It's caused by the Marteilia sydneyi protozoa, which reproduces in the oysters, restricting their growth and killing them.

XL Oysters at Lemon Tree Passage has lost $500,000 worth of juvenile stock, which has had to be dumped.

Director Don Burgoyne says some of the affected farmers have been in the industry for five generations, and it's painful to see their livelihoods in crisis.

"Eight farmers of the 41 in Port Stephens are really looking to just walk away," he said.

"Everything has been wiped out as such. They have no crop. They can't afford to get new stock."

"80 percent dead, and the ones that are dead don't thrive either. It's quite across the board, and this has happened very quickly, which is the big surprise."

It's estimated, Port Stephens contributes around $8.5 million to the NSW oyster industry each year.

QX was only detected in the Port Stephens estuary in August last year - it's believed flooding has created stressful conditions for the oysters, heightening their risk of the disease.

Port Stephens MP Kate Washington has met with local farmers to discuss the impact of the disease and the future moving forward for the industry.

She says it's a heartbreaking situation.

"The more I hear, the worse it gets," she said.

"It costs to walk away from an oyster farm and it's going to cost them to stay in it. And to stay in it is a risk as well. There are some very difficult decisions being made all around the place."

There are calls for the Agriculture Minister and the State Government to get involved and lend a lifeline to the industry.

It's understood, a switch to disease-resistant or alternative species of oysters is possible, but is highly capital-intensive.

While the long-term fix could be on the horizon, farmers are hoping the Government could step in to help alleviate ongoing costs such as leasing fees for the use of crown land, and free up cash to be used on making the transition.

"We need stock that we can grow," Mr Burgoyne said.

"There is resistant stock that is available, but it's only coming on slowly and there's a lag time that you have to get through.

"Oysters take two-and-a-half years to grow, at best, and so you have to get through that hollow of no income and a lot of outgoings."

Image credit: Port Stephens MP Kate Washington.

Farmers say they're not reaping the profits of Hunter shoppers' price pinch

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Hunter shoppers are feeling the hip-pocket pain at the supermarket, but farmers are describing it as a rort on the part of supermarkets.

NSW Farmers is slamming the price gouging, saying producers haven't raised their own prices for produce.

While increased fuel costs do lead to slightly increased costs, the organisation claims the price hikes are beyond what's necessary.

Horticulture Committee Chair Guy Gaeta says people should know what they're paying for.

"It's been a rort now for at least 15 or 20 years," Mr Gaeta said. "It's just a rort."

"The prices change every day - they manipulate the people.

"And when I'm in town, and I hear people talking, 'Oh, capsicums $18 a kilo, we can't afford that,' and that's $170 per box. There's no farmers that get that kind of money."

The claims come as Australia records its highest inflation rate in 20 years. 

NSW Farmers says staff visited supermarkets and green grocers in Sydney last week, finding bananas, potatoes, oranges, tomatoes, and cucumbers sold at supermarkets were each at least a dollar a kilo cheaper at a green grocer less than 100 metres away.

Mushrooms, celery, and seasonal produce were also significantly cheaper, with onions less than half the price.

Mr Gaeta says the issue should be a hot topic on the campaign trail.

"Anthony Albanese and Scott Morrison should be doing something about it," Mr Gaeta said.

"It's part of the inflation, the problem that they've got now. You can't have people getting ripped off.

"Let's put the farmers aside. We can say 'no, we're not going to supply you'.

"But the consumer has to purchase food - it's an essential item."

There are calls for the next Federal Government to step in and reform competition law across Australia.

But in the meantime, Mr Gaeta says Hunter shoppers should consider going straight to the source.

"Go to the farmers markets, go to the small green grocer, and they'll do a lot better," Mr Gaeta said.

"[The supermarkets] will sell some things for as much as they can, and it's not right, it's just theoretically not right.

"When I see the prices in the supermarkets, I just burst up, I get really upset."

Hunter farmers call for clearer commitment on net zero targets

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Farmers across the Hunter and Australia are calling on the next Federal Government to offer certainty the country will meet its net zero targets.

It comes as the Coalition faces internal dissent on the issue, with Queensland Senator Matt Canavan insisting the party isn't committed to the 2050 goal.

It's understood, the Nationals senator has been reprimanded by his colleagues.

But Farmers for Climate Action remains concerned, it's a sign of the path to come.

Alistair Tulloch, a fifth-generation grape grower at Tulloch Wines in the Hunter Valley, says the confusion is disappointing.

"On the ground, the effect of climate climate on agriculture is just profound," Mr Tulloch said.

"Our ability to consistently grow the food, or in my case, the grapes that end up as wine on the table, or vegetables in the supermarket, or meat in the butchery.

"These are all things that are becoming more unpredictable."

It's believed a strong climate policy and switch to renewables could create around 30,000 jobs in regional Australia.

Mr Tulloch says a lack of action won't just mean losing current jobs, but losing a way of life.

"We've been here growing grapes for almost 200 years in the Hunter Valley, and we plan to be here for another 200 years," Mr Tulloch said.

"We want to see that reflected in the sustainability of our industry - if there's a threat to that sustainability, then we want to see it addressed."

Cease-to-pump rules scrapped for the Lower Hunter

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Cease-to-pump rules put forward by the State Government have been scrapped for the Lower Hunter, after farmers across the region raised the alarm, it could cripple agricultural activities.

The move would have restricted the amount of water that irrigators could draw from the Hunter River in summer, in hopes to safeguard the freshwater supply downstream and the health of the system.

Farmers voiced their concerns, saying crops wouldn't survive and measures are already in place to manage salinity and water usage.

Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell says the Water Minister has confirmed, the rules will not be included as part of a water-sharing plan in the Lower Hunter. 

Once it's set in stone in July, the plan will be in effect for ten years.

Mr Layzell says he's worked hard with the community, and is hoping to see the rules abandoned in the rest of the Hunter as well.

Farmers get behind push for Newcastle container terminal

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Former Agriculture Minister is backing a push for the Port of Newcastle to open to container trade and grain exports.

The Port of Newcastle is currently in the courts, disputing restrictions which make it financially unviable for the port to operate container traffic.

As part of privatisation agreements, the Port of Newcastle is required to reimburse Port Kembla, Port Botany, and the NSW Government for container traffic beyond a given cap.

Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall says the State Government could take action to resolve the situation, if they wanted to.

Farmers NSW Vice President Xavier Martin is welcoming the move.

He says opening up the port to more agricultural trade is an obvious decision.

"Many of the storages up-country are full to the brim, and so we've got a major task on getting the produce to the market," Mr Martin said.

"There's no point growing the fibre unless you can get it to your customer, and it's great that we've got transport and rail options, but the most efficient ones into the most efficient ports, such as Newcastle, are critical."

It's believed a multi-purpose deepwater terminal at Newcastle could create more than 15,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly, as well as $2.5 billion to the Commonwealth economy.

Mr Martin says it would benefit the economy in both the country and the city, and provide more certainty when it comes to planning.

"A vessel loaded with canola in Newcastle, is worth 20 to 30 percent than the pricing offered for a vessel loaded in Vancouver," Mr Martin said. 

"These sorts of discounts, coming back to the farm gates, are affecting the returns on the economy, farmers, the whole community. The money just is not being efficiently returned."

"Even to deal with the constraints of the landscape, you know, if we are going to upgrade rail, for example, let's make sure that a tunnel through the range has the capacity to transport double-stacked containers. We need to get more efficiency into the port."

Maitland farmers say cease-to-pump plan will cripple agriculture

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Maitland farmers are concerned a cease-to-pump rule put forward by the State Government would cripple agriculture across the Hunter.

The move would restrict the amount of water irrigators can draw from the Hunter River throughout the summer in a bid to safeguard the freshwater supply downstream.

It's part of a NSW Planning and Environment Department management plan, which the Government says will bring the region in line with the rest of the State and safeguard the waterway against increases in salinity.

But farmers have raised their concerns at a meeting of the Lower Hunter Agricultural Water Users Incorporated group on Friday afternoon, arguing crops won't survive such a change.

Secretary Julia Wokes says the Government is out-of-touch with the community, and farmers are already capable of managing water issues themselves.

"The way the water works in the Lower Hunter is managed by generations of farmers," Ms Wokes said.

"They know to manage salinity, they know how to manage their crops, they know how to manage their land, and they provide local food, local seasonal production for the Maitland and Newcastle area, and they're very important."

There's concern the local agricultural industry, and from there, the entire regional economy, would be devastated if the decision is to go-ahead.

The plan is available for feedback until February 27, and farmers are putting together submissions in opposition to the rule.

An online petition already has 1300 behind it, and will be submitted alongside other materials.

Ms Wokes says a blanket fix isn't the right solution for the region.

"We want everyone to put petitions in, we want everyone to put submissions in," Ms Wokes said.

"We want them to understand that we're looking after the environment, they need to go away, they need to go and monitor the river, they need to go and really understand what they're asking us to do."

"They haven't done their triple bottom line research - they've no idea of the socioeconomic impacts of their decision."

Q Fever Causing Extreme Fatigue in Hunter Farmers, with 20 Cases Recorded In Local Health District This year

 BY ISABEL EVERETT

Hunter New England Local Health  (HNELHD) is strongly urging farmers and people who work with livestock to get vaccinated against Q fever as lambing and calving continues throughout spring.

Q fever is a bacterial infection carried by animals - such as cattle, sheep and goats - and can lead to chronic lethargy that may last for several months.

So far this year, there have been 20 recorded cases of Q fever in the Local Health District. The District records about 50 cases per year with many more cases remaining undiagnosed in the community.

Population Health’s Peter Massey, said a single dose vaccine is recommended for people who work in high-risk occupations, as well as for people aged 15 years and over who could be exposed to Q fever.

“The risk of ongoing health issues, such as heart disease and chronic fatigue, can really hit individuals and families hard,” Dr Massey said.

“With all the pressure on farmers and livestock handlers with the drought and now COVID-19, the last thing we want is for them to be needlessly drained of energy for months on end after being struck down by Q fever.”

People can become infected when they breathe in dust particles contaminated by infected animal secretions or just close contact with livestock and even some native animals. Q fever can lead to high fevers and chills, sweating, severe headaches, muscle and joint pains and extreme fatigue.

Dr Massey urged anyone who might be at risk to consult a GP who can screen for Q fever and vaccinate them, if needed.

“We want people to proactively talk to their doctor about Q fever,” he said.

Children who help with farm animals may also be at risk, but the vaccine is not recommended for children younger than 15 years.

Dr Massey said many of the behaviours adopted during COVID-19 can help keep people safe including regular handwashing and masks.

“Really good hand washing, using protective masks, protective clothing and removing clothes worn for chores outside before entering the family home are behaviours to be reinforced because they can protect those who cannot be vaccinated.”

The NSW Government is investing around $1 million between 2018 and 2022 to help protect farmers and other people in rural areas who work with animals from Q fever.

NSW Health is currently delivering an education campaign targeting people in occupations and locations at higher risk of Q fever.

For more information on Q fever, go to the NSW Health website. 

Rural Crime Workshop for Muswellbrook Farmers

BY LAURA D'AMICO

At a time when property holders are already struggling through drought, NSW Police say they've received increasing reports of stolen equipment and fodder, as well as illegal hunting.

Muswellbrook farmers and agribusinesses are being encouraged to attend a workshop on rural crime prevention by the NSW Farmers Association.

The workshop, at Muswellbrook District Workers Club from 6pm til 8pm tonight, comes in the wake of reported cases of hay bale theft in the region last month.

It will cover tips on dealing with trespassers and illegal hunting, drone usage over properties, the use of firearms and safe storage, fuel and property theft.

Another focus of the workshop is reporting crime and what police can do to assist landholders.

Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie says the workshops are a great initiative for local police and farmers to discuss new crime prevention strategies and what both can do to help combat rural and regional crime.

"Farmers attending will hear from experienced rural crime investigators and detectives about ways they can target-harden their premises and how to reduce the levels of rural crime occurring," he says.

"People can talk to these police officers about what is concerning them at present," Assistant Commissioner McKechnie says, "and in terms of their local area and get local knowledge there and then."

The rural workshop is free and available to all farmers and agribusiness. To register and RSVP, please visit NSW Farmers.

Image sourced from muswellbrookchronicle.com.au

Hopeful Donations For Hunter Farmers

BY: ARIANA GATTI

Following a Maitland Council meeting held last night, members have agreed to allocate around $5,000 left-over from the end-of-financial-year budget toward deserving Hunter farmers.

Image Sourced: https://crackler.com.au/portfolio/maitland-city-council-branding/

The notice of motion which was proposed by Maitland Councillor, Philip Penfold, sat well with the rest of council and voted for the allocation of exactly where the funds will be distributed, up to the decision of the general manager.

Funding will be split up and allocated fairly to the farmers in areas still suffering from the results of drought.

Areas in the northern Hunter region, in particular, Merriwa and Muswellbrook, are being kept in mind firstly to receive some of the financial aid. 

Image Sourced: Simon McCarthy, Newcastle Herald - https://www.theherald.com.au/story/5218638/everybodys-looking-for-rain-drought-dries-out-the-hunter/

Cr Philip Penfold says more funding can be found elsewhere to help the suffering farmers.

"While $5,000 is only a modest contribution, I'd like to think that other Councils in the region would be able to contribute as well", he says.

The allocated money would be put to good use, as it would go towards providing enough food for livestock to survive and flourish, as well as maintain healthy living conditions for regional farmers.

Penfold says there have already been organisations getting behind causes like this and are willing to help out.

"We expect organisations, like Lions who have already done some great work to support our farmers, will receive some funding of their own to provide even more aid", he says.

Farmers hit back at Government Proposal

BY: ALEX MURRAY

A public forum was held this morning at the Wine Country Motor Inn with discussions of the government's proposed production and rural development policy and its protections for farmers.

The proposal is aiming to support sustainable agriculture and changes to planning particularly those requiring development consent. 

As Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot Macdonald says, "Primary production and managing rural development is vitally important to the Hunter." 

Although, the NSW Farmers Association is calling on the government to consider the restrictions placed on rural farmers in the development of the proposal and to have an understanding of their working conditions. 

Hunter Regional Manager of NSW Farmers, David Banham says: "The message is loud and clear from the people in the room today that there's still work to be done and it needs to be done properly."

"There was certainly discussion around the fragmentation of agricultural land and the minimum lot size which could be potentially changed or present issues." 

"It's a big change from the existing environmental planning policies we've got...including problems where certain farms won't be requiring development consent to go ahead." 

"We've identified some of the issues early on...but we're always looking for positive outcomes from these changes, we just need to need to ensure the planning department understand farming and the issues around it so they can create the right policies."