QueenslandFarmerToday.com.au
OPINION
Resilience is important The resilience of South Burnett is important to me. Bushfire recovery funding continues to roll out, we’re working to relieve pandemic pressure on our agricultural industries through uptake of Working Holiday Maker visas, and innovation is delivering farmers the best available climate data to help prepare for future drought and climate change. $2m to south burnett under bushfire recovery funding Two key programs will build a stronger South Burnett under the Australian Government’s Black Summer Bushfire Recovery Grants program - a $1.6 million local led economic and social recovery program and a $300,000 project to build bushfire resilience in Cherbourg and surrounds. We understand that recovery from bushfires takes time and will continue to support impacted communities through their recovery. Details of funded projects are available at recovery.gov.au/programs/black-summergrants. Attracting more working holiday makers The pandemic has raised challenges for our agricultural industries and the opening of our international borders gives optimism for our farmers going forward. A new Work and Play the Aussie Way campaign encourages the uptake of Working Holiday Maker visas in the United Kingdom, Europe, Japan and Republic of Korea, by giving young travellers a glimpse of the adventures that await them while working and travelling Australia. The campaign promotes the recent announcement to refund Visa Application Charges for Working Holiday Maker visa holders (subclasses 417 or 462). These temporary measures aim to provide immediate assistance to Australian businesses that are facing critical workforce shortages. Practical drought, climate change tools Two digital tools are delivering Australian farmers the best available climate data to
FROM THE MINISTER AGRICULTURE MINISTER DAVID LITTLEPROUD help prepare for future drought and climate change. The Climate Services for Ag (CSA) platform provides farmers with historical climate data, seasonal forecasts, and future climate projections at a 5km2 resolution across the country. With the Drought Resilience Self-Assessment Tool (DR.SAT), farmers can explore their property’s current and past condition through satellite imagery. See the tools at www.drsat. com.au (DRSAT) and climateservicesforag.indraweb.io (CSA). Planting trees for the jubilee Up to $100,000 will be available in Maranoa to support community tree planting to celebrate Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee. The program is a key part of the Australian Government’s celebration of the Jubilee. Those interested in seeking funding should contact my office ahead of the program application period.. Lifeline’s crisis text services goes 24/7 Lifeline has launched a 24/7 crisis text service to expand its support for Australians struggling with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. The service is available 24/7 via confidential text message to 0477 13 11 14. Following a few questions via text, Australians are connected to a trained Lifeline crisis supporter. The expansion of the text service is backed by data showing it is the preferred channel for high-risk community members including young people, those experiencing domestic violence, and Aboriginal and Torres
The power of mother nature in Tansey. Strait Islander people. Funding finder Chart funding - Up to $3,000 is available for museums and galleries wanting to stage events or improve facilities. Applications close 29 April 2022 or once funding is expended. Visit www.amaga.org.au/chart. Saluting their service grants - Hundreds of worthy projects have been funded to help local communities pay tribute to Australians who have served during wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations. Check the guide-
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lines and if your organisation has an eligible project, apply. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for community-based commemorative projects. To learn more, visit www. communitygrants.gov.au/grants. Backing women in stem - Grants of up to $1 million and new scholarships are available to help women and girls secure science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) jobs. For more information, visit www.business.gov.au/WISE. Until next month.
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March 2022 TODAY 17
