Category: KCGO News

The latest news from Kalamia Cane Growers and Kalagro for Members Only.

Information Sheets for 2019 Notification for Burning of Sugar Cane

Kalagro

INFORMATION SHEETS FOR 2019 NOTIFICATION FOR BURNING OF SUGAR CANE

Qld Rural Fire Service have provided additional information sheets to assist growers correctly interpret and apply the 2019 Notification for Burning of Sugar Cane.

These are:

https://www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/Using_Fire_Outdoors/Documents/QFES-CaneBurningNotification-RoadLandParcelMapping.pdf

This explains how mapping tools (the Fire Warden Finder and Queensland Globe) can be used by growers to help determine if a parcel of cane land is eligible for burning under Clause 12 of the Cane Burning Notification.

&

https://www.ruralfire.qld.gov.au/Using_Fire_Outdoors/Documents/QFES-CaneBurningNotification-ComplianceChecklist.pdf

This compliance check-list summaries requirements for burning under the Notification. Growers must be able to answer YES to every item in this check-list for any parcel of cane land they propose to burn under the authority of the Notification.

Should members require any assistance in determining whether they meet the requirements under the gazetted “2019 Notification For Burning Of Sugar Cane” please do not hesitate to contact this office

Kalamia office also has available for members use a set (2) of temporary reflective “Smoke Hazard” signs that can be utilised during burning operations.

Les Elphinstone

KCGO Manager

Permanently increasing FHA assets test for farmers

Kalagro

Permanently increasing FHA assets test for farmers

4 July 2019

More farmers will be able to access vital assistance when they are going through tough times, with the Coalition Government today introducing legislation to maintain the net farm asset threshold for Farm Household Allowance (FHA) at $5 million.
Minister for Agriculture, Senator Bridget McKenzie, said the Government was delivering on its election commitment to keep the asset test increase and make the FHA available to more farmers.
“Australian farmers are very resilient, but like everyone else there are times when they need additional support,” Minister McKenzie said.
“The FHA is in place to help farmers facing hardship, particularly during drought, to implement plans to improve long-term financial circumstances and assess their options.
“Last year the Government temporarily increased the cap from $2.6 million to $5 million to support farmers affected by the current drought who were in financial difficulties, but were notionally asset rich.
“The change was temporary, pending the FHA Review, which ultimately recommended making the temporary increase permanent.
“This increase allows farmers to access support without having to jeopardise the income-producing capacity of their farm by selling farm equipment.
“It also recognises that farm assets can be difficult to sell quickly and, during tough times, are often sold for less than they’re worth.
“Increasing the asset threshold to $5 million increases the potential pool of FHA recipients by approximately 8,000 additional farmers.
“The changes introduced today build on the extension of the time farmers and their partners will be able to receive FHA from three to four cumulative years.”
Farmers should not guess at whether they’re eligible for FHA. For eligibility, seek advice from the free Rural Financial Counselling Service on 1800 686 175 or the Department of Human Services Farmer Assistance Hotline on 13 23 16. Any farmers experiencing financial hardship should get in touch with their local Rural Financial Counselling Service who can help work through available options. read more