NSW Farmers’ Association has described the 2018 federal budget as “wholesome but lacking sizzle” for the bush and regional Australia.
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That’s the feeling locally as well – and there are greater short-term concerns, Tamworth and districts branch chairman Kevin Tongue says.
Mr Tongue welcomed the biosecurity boost of $101.6 million over four years, $260 million for GPS and satellite imagery that would improve smart farming systems, and an extension of the $20,000 instant asset write-off.
“If we did happen to get a footrot outbreak in Australia, it would be unstoppable with the wild pig population expanding; that is a real concern,” Mr Tongue said.
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“Anything for biosecurity to keep us safer, cleaner and greener is great.”
He said investment in improving the accuracy of satellite imaging, getting it “closer and more spot-on” was “a great help”.
Not on the list
But the two items at the top of his wish list were water infrastructure subsidies and “four inches of rain”.
“I don’t know whether the federal politicians realise just how desperately dry we are here in the north-west and in south-east Australia.”
NSW Farmers’ president Derek Schoen said it was “fair to say we were expecting more agriculture-specific announcements”.
He welcomed the investment in biosecurity – “A new $6.6 million allocation for established pest and weeds will certainly not go astray – but there was one “big let-down”.
“[We are] disappointed there is no new commitment to further address mobile black spots.
“Poor telecommunication service is a major problem for a lot of our members.
“Some of our farmers can’t even make a phone call or send a text from their farm.
“The government’s failure to commit additional funding to the Mobile Blackspot Program is a big let-down for regional communities.”
‘We give it a B’
Meanwhile, the National Farmers’ Federation gave the budget a ‘B’, with top marks for the investment in trade and market access.
Chief executive Tony Mahar said it recognised agriculture’s contribution to the economy, especially exports.
“Developing global markets, protecting those markets and making it more efficient to transport produce is critical. Pleasingly, [the] budget delivers investment in all these areas.”
It provides for another six agriculture counsellors to be based in key global markets, taking the number of in-market counsellors to 22.
Mr Mahar said the government had heeded the NFF’s call for a farm workforce survey to assess the labour maket and labour shortfalls.
“We also welcome the investment in rural health and education – both are key to strong, sustainable regional communities.”
This includes $95 million for Murray Darling Medical School, where federally supported placements for medical students will move into regional uni campuses.
Carolyn Millet
Based at The Northern Daily Leader, Tamworth, and Namoi Valley Independent, Gunnedah. Covering general news and features on community, council, arts, business, health, education, entertainment and rural matters.
Based at The Northern Daily Leader, Tamworth, and Namoi Valley Independent, Gunnedah. Covering general news and features on community, council, arts, business, health, education, entertainment and rural matters.
