Fine wine opportunity
Family owned wine company Casella Family Brands will support a scholarship for a Charles Sturt University PhD student at the National Wine and Grape Industry Centre.
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The $30,000 scholarship over three years of PhD research, is provided through a donation to the Charles Sturt University Foundation and also includes the opportunity for industry placement and office space at the Casella headquarters.
“As a graduate of Charles Sturt University myself, I understand the many pressures students can feel during their studies,” Casella managing director John Casella said.
“I’m proud to support the development of the next generation of talent in the Australian wine industry and believe studying is an ideal means to ensuring the industry remains resilient and future-focused.”
Find out more about the Casella Family Brands Scholarship at: https://research.csu.edu.au/study-with-us/scholarships/casella-family-brands-phd-scholarship
Have your say on boating plan
VRFish is encouraging people to have their say on the draft Victorian Recreational Boating Strategy and action plan.
Released for consultation on the Engage Victoria platform, the 10-year strategy will see more than $150 million dollars invested in boating facility builds, upgrades, improvements and maintenance.
“We’re looking at a level of investment in Victorian recreational boating facilities that will surpass both the Queensland and NSW governments’,” VRFish chair Rob Loats said.
“No (government) has delivered a win this big for Victoria’s recreational boaters and fishers since the introduction of vessel registration fees in 1961. This is true legacy building,” he said.
“Victorian boaters now have a chance to shape how the strategic plans delivers what they need to enjoy better boating now and in the future.
“I encourage anyone who goes boating to visit the engage Victoria website, read the strategy and provide feedback.”
The Draft Victorian Recreational Boating Strategy can be found at: https://engage.vic.gov.au/rec-boating-strategy
Neville back on the job
Victorian Water Minister Lisa Neville has returned from leave after surgery and treatment for Crohn’s disease.
Premier Daniel Andrews said Ms Neville would continue in her roles as Water Minister, Police Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.
“She also retains responsibility for COVID-19 Quarantine Victoria as it continues to play a significant role in our pandemic response,” Mr Andrews said.
“Preparations are now under way to establish the new quarantine facility at Mickleham, which will be run by CQV, reporting through the Police portfolio.”
Mr Andrews said on advice from her doctors, Ms Neville will drop some portfolios, which will see Attorney-General Jaclyn Symes take over as Emergency Services Minister.
Jaala Pulford will add Resources to her existing Economic portfolio responsibilities.
Virtual inspection gets real
Importers of low-risk food now have the option of booking a virtual inspection when their food is referred to the Imported Food Inspection Scheme.
Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud said the new method of inspections was a win-win for food safety and importers.
“Normally, an officer will travel to the importer’s premises to inspect food imported into Australia,” Mr Littleproud said.
“For low-risk food, these inspections involve visually checking the food for damage or deterioration or infestation, and labels for compliance with the Food Standards Code.
“During 2020, the department trialled virtual inspections in real time using a smart portable device.
“Importers are supportive of these inspections as it reduces waiting times for inspections and the risk of COVID.
“It also frees up officers to conduct inspections of higher risk foods in person.
“The fact that these inspections can be beamed anywhere, anytime, means a huge efficiency into our inspection process.
“Due to these benefits, the department is exploring similar arrangements for certain other types of inspections.”
Interested importers can find out more about virtual inspections by emailing: IFIS-InspectionSupport@agriculture.gov.au
Tool aids food and beverage manufacturers
Rural Councils Victoria has created a website to help food and beverage manufacturers expand their businesses or to invest in rural Victoria for the first time.
RCV chair Mary-Ann Brown said rural Victoria offered food and beverage manufacturers and their employees benefits that “just can’t be found in metropolitan areas or in regional cities”.
“There is a wide range of industrial landholdings, land and buildings that are much more affordable, no encroaching residential development to limit expansion plans, no traffic congestion and large buffers from other activities,” Cr Brown said.
“ABS data shows that Victoria’s food and beverage manufacturing sectors had a $4.8 billion growth in revenue with $1.9 billion, or 38 per cent, of this revenue growth based in rural Victoria.
“This trend provides food and beverage manufacturers with an amazing opportunity to grow their operations and rural Victoria is open for business.”
The website provides information about industrial assets across rural Victoria, including:
- Location (town and council).
- Type (land, greenfield, brownfield).
- Value — relative sales prices from the Victorian Valuer-General.
- Contact details for the councils in which the assets are located.
- Informative interactive maps of locations.
- Downloadable database of all assets across rural Victoria.
- Information on economic trends for food and beverage manufacturing in rural Victoria.
Visit http://ruralcouncilsvictoria.rezme.com/available-land for more information.