Category: Industry Information

Miscellaneous information

North Queensland Restocking, Replanting and On-Farm Infrastructure Grants

Kalagro

MEDIA RELEASE – Nth Qld Restocking, Replanting and On-Farm Infrastructure Grants

I’m pleased to let you know that applications for the North Queensland Restocking, Replanting and On-Farm Infrastructure Grants are now open. You’ll find more information on eligibility and applying at https://clicktime.symantec.com/36xVukpxYynavpHauh7kZkC7Vc?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.qrida.qld.gov.au%2F400kfloodgrant

These grants (not loans) of up to $400,000 to eligible primary producers can be used for:
• restocking lost livestock
• replanting lost or damaged crops or permanent plantings
• restoring or replacing lost or damaged on-farm infrastructure.

The grants require a 50 per cent co-contribution, dollar-for-dollar and applicants must have first received the $75,000 Special Disaster Assistance Recovery Grant in full.

I strongly urge all applicants not to self-assess their eligibility for these grants and to talk to QRIDA or the Rural Financial Counselling Service before submitting an application.

There’s been some comment that the next generation of graziers, those who were just starting out at the time of the floods, may miss out on these grants. That is not the case. We need to nurture those up-and-comers and make sure we have a sustainable industry.

As long as someone can demonstrate their primary production business has the potential to become viable and provide a reasonable income – for example there is a business plan and they were building up a herd – then they will be considered a primary producer under this program.

Farmers will be able to draw down on grant funds as many times as needed up to the total that’s been approved, until the end of the scheme on 30 June 2021. This means each farmer will control the timing of their restocking or replanting to suit their business needs.

I want to reiterate these are grants and not loans – we are not asking people to take on debt, rather we’re giving them a hand with re-establishing their farm businesses.

I also offer my assurance that the $300 million allocated to this grant program is certain and will not be affected by the election outcome. read more

Heavy Vehicle National Law

Kalagro

HEAVY VEHICLE NATIONAL LAW
National Class 1 Agricultural Vehicle and Combination Mass and Dimension Exemption Notice 2019 (No.1)

A new Notice is in place across large parts of regional Australia, removing the need to apply for permits to move many agricultural combinations on public roads. Farmers should check the Operator’s Guide and online maps to establish whether a permit to move a vehicle is still required.

Les Elphinstone
Manager KCGO

QUEENSLAND APPOINTS FIRST WORK HEALTH SAFETY PROSECUTOR

Kalagro

Queensland appoints first Work Health Safety Prosecutor

The Government has announced the appointment of Aaron Guilfoyle as Queensland’s first independent Work Health and Safety Prosecutor.
Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace said Mr Guilfoyle would lead a new independent statutory office focused on workplace health and safety and electrical safety prosecutions.
“Mr Guilfoyle as the former Assistant Director for the Commonwealth Director of Public Prosecutions (CDPP) has extensive experience in high-profile and complex regulatory prosecutions,” Ms Grace said.
“He is eminently qualified to become Queensland’s first Work Health and Safety Prosecutor and to provide expert workplace health and safety legal advice to government.”
Ms Grace said the new statutory office and the appointment of a Work Health and Safety Prosecutor delivered on a key recommendation of a best practice review of Workplace Health and Safety Queensland.
“The best practice review followed the Dreamworld tragedy and two workplace deaths in 2016 at Eagle Farm racecourse, which shocked and saddened us all,” Ms Grace said.
“We’ve put in place a stronger framework to deliver an independent and robust workplace prosecution system that Queenslanders can have confidence in.
“The appointment of Mr Guilfoyle coincides with tougher, best practice safety requirements for Queensland amusement rides and theme parks from May.”
Mr Guilfoyle has been appointed to a five-year term.
Further information
For more information on the Best practice review of Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, visit worksafe.qld.gov.au

Member Notice – Application of Fire Permit

Kalagro

Member Notice – Application of Fire Permit and Instruction & Workplace Health & Safety – Cane & Trash Blanket Burning Information 

A reminder to all members of the need to complete their annual “Application For Permit To Light Fire” prior to season commencement. Application form and explanatory notes are attached.

Application for a ‘Permit to Light Fire’ is made through your local fire warden. If unsure of your fire warden contact details they can be located via the “Fire Warden Finder” by using the following link  https://www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/Pages/fw_finder.aspx After receipt of your application the fire warden may impose conditions on a permit to reduce unwanted risk or nuisance to other people, property or to the environment. The fire warden may refuse to issue a permit if they believe that appropriate safety measures cannot be reasonably achieved.

It is also a timely reminder of the importance of providing a safe working environment on farms not only for growers but contractors and employees alike. Have also taken the opportunity to repost guidelines developed by KCGO to assist growers/contractors when undertaking cane and trash blanket burning. We would encourage members to utilise guidelines, as having in place a set of documentary procedures would be advantageous in any legal defence should someone be maimed or worse, whilst undertaking this task on your farm and results in action taken for a breach of WH & S legislation.

At the end of the day no one wants to experience or be involved in a workplace incident or injury but nevertheless no one can afford to ignore safe work practices.

So let’s all stay safe in 2019

thumbnail of CSO-010-ApplicationPermitLightFire

thumbnail of CSO-010-ExplanatoryNotes

thumbnail of Safe Work Guidelines Cane Trash Blanket Burning Rev4

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