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North West producers are invited
to participate in the Landcare Australia Farm Benchmarking Project.
The project will establish a Carbon Footprint benchmark for each of the major commodities in this region (beef, sheep and cropping) based on actual farm input and production data.
The program is targeted to entry level Producers genuinely interested in knowing how carbon footprint and/or natural capital schemes will underpin the farming sectors sustainability strategy reporting, future investment and potential new markets.
How it works:
• You will join in a 3-4 hr group session to learn about the process, and receive one-on-one sessions with an Integrity Ag consultant to guide the collection of your farm data. Data supplied remains confidential.
• You will receive a brief carbon account report with a high level carbon footprint based on the data you have provided, and an action list to reduce emissions which will be summarized in the report.
• You can choose the actions to apply (or not) to your business and use any method or technique appropriate to your farming system.
• As a rough guide, the amount of time you should expect to spend in the workshop, consultant interviews and gathering your data may be about 2 - 3 days over a period of 4 weeks.
The farm data required:
Depending on your chosen commodity the consultant will be looking for;
• Livestock inventory: livestock numbers, live-weight, growth rates, sales and purchases throughout the year.
• Purchased inputs: quantities of fertiliser, fodder, herbicides/pesticides, fuel and electricity used over the same 1-year period.
• Data regarding crop yields, fertiliser application rates etc.
• Property boundary details to be used to generate a report detailing carbon stored in vegetation on the property where likely to be significant.
The aggregated (anonymised) data from all producers will provide an invaluable benchmark for the region and may be used to communicate environmental stewardship credentials and/or support future projects or grant applications.
Register:
We are keen to get started. Register your interest here https://form.jotform.com/210900375730852 or contact Craig Pullman, Regional Landcare Coordinator North West, craig@trla.org.au, 0428 649581.
Environmental Accounting.
A second stream of the project is available where for producers will receive training in natural capital (also known as “environmental”) accounting to better manage and consistently track the condition of environmental assets of their enterprises using a trusted and repeatable scientific standard. This stream includes;
• A 1 day intensive workshop
• A series of group webinars
• Monthly/fortnightly check on progress with contractor.
• Self paced online learning modules
As a rough guide, the time commitment you will require for the Environmental Accounting stream is about 6-7 days over 6 months.
We recommend to visit this link for more information. https://landcareaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/LandcareFarming_EnvironmentalFootprintWorkshop.pdf
You can Register your interest here https://form.jotform.com/210900375730852 or contact Craig Pullman, Regional Landcare Coordinator North West, craig@trla.org.au, 0428 649581
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Northern Slopes Landcare successfully supports Farmer "Cuppa Chats" by
- Facilitating the opportunity for peer to peer learning from other local farmers
- A network for like minded producers who are either already engaged in or who were interested in implementing practice changes on their properties
- Farmers that are interested in increasing soil health and carbon management on their properties
- Providing support and guidance to achieve landholders' goals
If you would be interested in being a part of a "Cuppa Chat" group in your area please contact
Local Landcare Coordinators - Shelley McDouall 0474 887 982 or Penny Kelly 0438 353 682
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The Tackling Tough Times Together
(TTTT) grant program helps communities access the resources they need to support one another through the ongoing effects of the drought.
Grants are available for a broad range of grassroots, community-led initiatives that directly and clearly benefit local communities. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and assessed quarterly.
https://frrr.org.au/funding/disaster-resilience-and-climate-solutions/tackling-tough-times-together/
Strengthening Rural Communities
The Strengthening Rural Communities (SRC) program aims to give the thousands of small rural, regional and remote communities across Australia an opportunity to access funding to support broad community needs.
Given the events of summer 2019/20, it has also been expanded to offer funding to support recovery in bushfire-affected communities. https://frrr.org.au/funding/place/strengthening-rural-communities/
Grants are available for a broad range of grassroots, community-led initiatives that directly and clearly benefit local communities. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis and assessed quarterly.
Flood Relief
The NSW and Australian Governments have announced assistance measures to support people who have been impacted by the March 2021 storms and floods. Assistance is now being provided to 63 local government areas in NSW through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Primary Producers
Primary producers recovering from the devastating impacts of floods are receiving vital support, with Special Disaster Grants of up to $75,000 announced.
Visit the RAA’s Declared Natural Disasters webpage for a full list of eligible LGAs.
https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/disaster-assistance/special-disaster-grants-floods
Small Business Grants
Grants of up to $50,000 will be available next week for small business owners and not-for-profit organisations through Service NSW.
The Disaster Customer Care Service on 13 77 88 or visit The NSW and Australian Governments have announced assistance measures to support people who have been impacted by the March 2021 storms and floods.
For more information contact the Disaster Customer Care Service on 13 77 88 or visit www.service.nsw.gov.au
Concessional loans
Loans of up to $130,000 at a fixed concessional interest rate may be available to small businesses, primary producers and non-profits (subject to certain eligibility criteria) that have been directly impacted.
Disaster Recovery Payment
One-off financial assistance for individuals at a rate of $1000 per eligible adult and $400 per eligible child. Claims for this payment can be lodged with Services Australia for a period up to 6 months.
Disaster relief loans
A range of assistance is available to businesses. Visit the NSW Rural Assistance Authority or call 1800 678 593 for:
- Primary producers – may be eligible for urgent loans at a concessional interest rate and transport subsidies for the carriage of livestock, fodder and supplements for dairy cattle.
- Small businesses – urgent loans are available at a concessional interest rate to eligible small businesses.
- Not-for-profit organisations – loan assistance is available to churches and voluntary not-for-profit organisations for the restoration of essential facilities.
- Sporting clubs – a grant or a concessional fixed rate loan is available for sporting and recreation clubs and associations for clean-up, removal of debris and/or restoring essential facilities.
Disaster Recovery Allowance
A fortnightly income supplement that is available to primary producers and sole traders who have lost income as a direct result of the disaster.
For more information on disaster and recovery assistance, visit Service NSW or phone 13 77 88 for assistance.
Help for affected small businesses to meet their tax obligations
The ATO also offers assistance with meeting tax obligations for businesses impacted by floods.
Help from your financial institution
The major banks and others have announced special support for flood-affected clients. Contact your institution for further details.
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