Kimberley Rural Report
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Latest Report
Aquaculture industry celebrates rare win against red tape
The Aquaculture sector in Western Australia says it's very happy with a government decision to make the Department of Fisheries a one-stop regulator for the industry.
Previously the process of getting a fish-farming licence required consent from two government departments.
General manager for Marine Produce Australia, Guy Westbrook, says the decision to end that duplication will save industry some serious dollars.
"I think it was pretty clear that there was duplication of processes that were unnecessary.
"It's been a long process to change that thinking and we're very pleased that they've been able to see that this does make sense to make something simpler."
Damage licence needed for battle against birds
Thousands of magpie geese, corellas and brolgas have begun descending on the Ord Irrigation Area, much to the distress of the regions growers.
These huge flocks can wipe out an entire crop if you don't keep on top of them and many get too cunning for the scare gun and other alternatives.
But under certain circumstances, growers and pastoralists can obtain what's known as a damage licence which gives them permission to kill a certain amount of native fauna on their property.
Luke Bentley from the Department of Environment and Conservation says a good idea for growers would be to undergo a quick and easy assessment to get a damage licence.
Contact the Department on 9168 4200
And the stubbie holder goes to.... Graham
Well done to Graham from 'Cave Springs Road' who guessed this morning's rural challenge.
The secret sound stumped many across the Kimberley, but Graham's background in the Ord Valley helped him across the line with the correct answer of: 'Electronic bird deterrent'.
Western Australia Features
Is foreign investment a problem?
How much new foreign investment is actually occurring in Australia, and should agriculture and food industries be concerned?
Young riders in International Mounted Games
Five of our top young riders head to Britain in August to compete at the International Mounted Games. Australia won last year at Calgary, Canada. Can they make it two in a row?
The Ord's largest sandalwood harvest begins
Elders forestry are harvesting 125 hectares of plantation Indian sandalwood with a projected yield of 300 tonnes of saleable timber. The Ord Valley is home to the world's largest plantation of Indian sandalwood, but its value on the world market has largely been untested.
Apple growers lose last bid with Minister
Biosecurity Australia argues chinese fruit fly doesn't attack apples. The apple growers say there's more research needed.
The first rice harvest in the Ord Valley for 27 years.
The first rice harvest in the Ord Valley for 27 years.
Station scepticism over WA drought pilot program
Bidgemia Station in north-west Western Australia is approaching one of the worst dry periods in its records which span 125 years. The drought pilot program will be launched in WA soon to assist farmers across the state, but Bidgemia owner Lachlan McTaggart is sceptical about how far it will help pastoralists.
Worst drought in history for the Gascoyne
Some say this is the worst drought in memory for the pastoral industry in Western Australia's Gascoyne region.
The days when the Gascoyne was dominated by sheep
While it's cattle that roam the plains of the Gascoyne now, sheep were once the only thing farmed in the area.
A little rain relief, at long last
At least 18 months without rain in many parts of north-west Western Australia saw station cattle hunger-stricken and feed scarce. June 2010 finally brought a rain to Lyndon and Winning stations in the Pilbara, but relief won't last long without follow-up.
Wild dogs attacking weak cattle
The amount of cattle in the Gascoyne might be decreasing but wild dog numbers have never been worse.
