Reinforcing PALM’s importance
The National Farmers’ Federation and Solomon Islands have reinforced the importance of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility worker scheme in a landmark meeting.
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NFF president David Jochinke said it was an honour to welcome Solomon Island’s High Commissioner Robert Sisilo to NFF House.
Mr Jochinke said the PALM scheme was an important mechanism for both countries.
Mr Sisilo said the meeting was productive and positive, and it was “fantastic to discuss the vital PALM scheme”.
As of March 2025, there were 4945 Solomon Islander workers participating in the PALM scheme in Australia.
$1m road upgrade begins
A vital safety upgrade for a connector road near Invergordon has begun following a series of vehicle accidents.
The $1.08 million initiative will transform a 3.9km unsealed stretch of Wunghnu Rd between Labuan Rd and Katamatite-Shepparton Rd into a safer, wider, sealed surface.
“This is a really important road upgrade, and we are pleased to see construction now under way following a rigorous procurement process,” Moira Shire Council chair administrator Graeme Emonson said.
Motorists should be mindful of traffic detours and intermittent road closures throughout the construction period.
Works are expected to be completed by late June.
Backyard chooks on the rise
Love them or hate them, there is no denying it — backyard chickens are on the rise as more Australians opt to keep their own poultry for pets or fresh produce.
An online survey titled ‘Your Insights into Backyard Poultry Management and Health’, is open to backyard chicken owners who own less than 100 backyard poultry that produce less than 20 dozen eggs a week.
Charles Sturt University PhD student and research conductor Tahura Khanam Munmun said there had been an increase in backyard poultry keeping in Australia, particularly since COVID-19, as a reliable source of eggs and a friendly pet.
“It is estimated that approximately 416,000 families across Australia now keep at least one chicken,” she said.
The online survey is now open and closes on Monday, June 30.
Take action against weeds
Victorian Agriculture Minister Ros Spence has opened round four of the $5 million Partnerships Against Pests grants program, which will help community-led organisations build the skills and resources to manage invasive species in their area.
Grants of $10,000 up to $50,000 are available for projects focused on managing established weeds and pest animals.
This new round of funding totalling $637,000 will allow groups to develop and deliver community education programs and action for up to two years and can include up to $10,000 for capital items.
Capital items can include monitoring technology and weed and pest management equipment, such as monitoring cameras to track feral pigs, hoes to eradicate serrated tussock or bait laying equipment to manage rabbits.
Equipment for demonstration and education such as projector screens may also be eligible for funding.
Applications for this grant round will close on Friday, July 4. For more information and a full list of previous recipients, visit: agriculture.vic.gov.au
New water supply pipeline
Goulburn Valley Water is set to begin construction on a new 7.5km pipeline that will ensure a long-term drinking water supply to the Katunga community.
The new pipeline will transfer drinking water from the Numurkah Water Treatment Plant to storages at the Katunga Water Treatment Plant.
Initial works were scheduled to begin mid-May, with the project expected to be completed by late 2025.
Landowners along the pipeline route will be contacted directly by Goulburn Valley Water with additional information about the project timeline, and any possible interruptions to property access.
For more information and to follow the project’s progress, go to: gvwater.vic.gov.au/projects
Scholarships to advance ag
Australia’s agriculture industry is racing towards an ambitious $100 billion goal by 2030, and reaching it requires bold ideas, fresh thinking and passionate leaders.
Woolworths and the NFF have partnered to launch the AgriEmpower Scholarship — investing $400,000 over four years in future agriculture changemakers.
They’re offering 20 scholarships of $20,000 each to individuals aged 25 to 40 across the agricultural supply chain.
“This is an innovative approach, investing in the young thinkers and doers who will help us get there,” NFF president David Jochinke said.
Applications are now open, closing Monday, June 30.
Looking for fairer fuel
Victorians are invited to have their say on draft fuel regulations that will level the playing field between multinational fuel companies and consumers.
The government has opened public consultation on proposed regulations which would require more than 1500 fuel retailers across the state to report their fuel prices.
This data will feed directly into a new Service Victoria Fuel Finder feature, allowing motorists to make informed decisions about when and where they fill up.
Extensive consultation held with industry since January has informed the proposed regulations and the new fuel finder feature. Public consultation will further expand on the engagement to date.
Submissions close on June 22 via the Engage Victoria website: engage.vic.gov.au/victorias-fair-fuel-plan