Wives weigh into quota fight
September 1, 2010
Wives of Port MacDonnell commercial cray fishermen anticipate tough financial times in the next few months with detrimental effects to families and business in the face of a shorter fishing season and a lower commercial catch quota.
The group of women said fishing families would have to tighten their belts drastically, deckhands would lose their jobs and fishermen would be exposed to more danger at sea when the season starts in November. Read more
Trial aims to improve viticulture process
August 30, 2010
The South East Natural Resources Management board has funded Precision Agriculture Association (SPAA) to pilot a one year project to increase the adoption of precision viticulture (PV) by grape growers.
The project will involve viticulturalists from the Limestone Coast, growers, consultants and grower liaison officers. Read more
Effluent innovation cuts fertiliser cost
August 30, 2010
Fourth and fifth generation farmers at Allendale East, Trevor and Brendan Ashby, have had a long association with the land, witnessing many changes within the dairy industry.
Their “Caveview” property milks 320 cows and its annual milk production is 2.2 million litres. Read more
Fishing quota cut creates waves
August 26, 2010
An already divided South East lobster fishing community is heading for the rocks following the announcement of a shorter fishing season and lower catch quota for 2010-11, with claims the decision could force some operators out of the industry.
Fisheries Minister Michael O’Brien’s announcement that he would slash the season by two months and the total allowable commercial catch quota by 150 tonnes has been met with a wave of animosity from South East rock lobster fishermen, although it has netted approval from one sector. Read more
Lobster fishing quota slashed
August 25, 2010
Professional South East rock lobster fishermen will go to sea to earn a living later this year with a reduced catch quota and a shorter fishing season.
Fisheries Minister Michael O’Brien has set the Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC) for the Southern Zone Rock Lobster Fishery at 1250 tonnes and reduced the fishing season, which will run from November 1 this year to April 30, 2011. Read more
Farmers reject population growth claims
August 18, 2010
The South Australian Farmers Federation has claimed Mount Gambier Mayor Steve Perryman’s comments about population growth on national television last week were “irresponsible” and inaccurate.
Mr Perryman spoke about the potential for population growth in Mount Gambier on the ABC’s Q and A program on Thursday, which discussed the issue with a panel of experts, including Sustainable Population Minister Tony Burke and Greens leader Bob Brown. Read more
Locust treatment warning
August 16, 2010
Beekeepers have been urged to move hives from areas where chemical treatment of locusts are planned.
The Victorian Government has announced a $43.5m package to combat what could be the biggest locust plague in 75 years. Read more
Biomass push fails to generate support
June 28, 2010
The South East could become the generator of a national industry creating renewable energy from wood waste biomass if councils, state and federal governments heed the calls of advocates to realise the sector’s potential.
Developments in biofuel technology have created a buzz in the region with Plantation Energy’s plans for pellet plants at Wandilo and Heywood and local innovators such as Australian Kelp Products managing director Bevan Mills forging paths ahead for emerging opportunities. Read more
Water plan wait
June 23, 2010
Forestry and other water-dependent industries in the Lower South East may have to wait more than a year before the next water allocation plans are announced as uncertainty continues to cloud their futures.
Tatiara district’s water allocation plans were adopted on Friday, June 17, after four years of planning and consultation, but the process is proving more complicated for the Lower South East.
South East Natural Resource Management Board general manager Hugo Hopton said the science behind water resources and environmental and industry demands were being assessed through a government-appointed taskforce, which is expected to release its findings around September this year.
Following their report, a draft plan will be compiled and released for public consultation into next year, but Mr Hopton said a date could not be estimated for the next plan’s adoption due to the number of steps that were involved.
Currently, the lower South East is governed by a water allocation plan released in 2001.
The most recent round of public consultation for the next plan was in December 2007.
Mr Hopton said the process was slow and lengthy, but necessary to make sure the best possible science and research went into a strategy to fairly share the region’s water resources.
“There’s a lot of people waiting to see what happens,” he said.
“Industry people are keen for the plan to be brought to conclusion soon and they need that for business certainty — but I also want to make sure it’s right.
“We’re hearing people want to have the resources protected for the long-term and that reduction of licenses is done in a fair and transparent way.”
Member for Mount Gambier Don Pegler told parliament about his concern with the issue and that he feared without a suitable outcome “we will end up in the same mess that the Murray Darling system is in”.
“That would be devastating to our whole community,” he said.
“In the South East, forestry accounts for about 14pc of the land mass and uses about 30pc of the water — we need to get all the stakeholders together to come up with an agreed plan that is in the best interests of all industries and the community in general.”
Minister for Forests Michael O’Brien said he was confident the pending water allocation plan would not undermine the success of plantation forestry in the South East.
“It’s premature to speculate on the detail of the plan, but we’re not about to compromise the value of an important state asset,” he said.
Minister for Water Paul Caica said he expected “significant” progress on the plans to be made by the end of the year.
“Water allocation plans are committed to ensuring the future sustainability of water resources and the new water allocation plan for the Lower Limestone Coast will be no different,” he said.
“Clearly the needs of the forestry industry and the needs of other water using industries are being carefully considered in the development of that plan.”
Fishers call for lobster season cut
June 3, 2010
Representativesof the local rock lobster fishing industry are hopeful of a shorter 2010-11 season with reduced quotas after this year’s season ended at an all-time low for some.
Port MacDonnell Professional Fisherman’s Association president John Ashby said although efforts from fishermen were up this season, catches were down with boats hauling in just 6kg to 30kg per day, leaving the sector a predicted 100 to 150 tonnes short of its 1400 tonne total allowable commercial catch quota this season. Read more
-
Latest News
- Stage set for historic semi-final
- Tenancy struggle frustration
- Flag within Demons’ reach
- Wives weigh into quota fight
- Under-staffed psychiatric services concern
- Homeless left out in cold
- Basketball dream takes Kate to America
- Enduro action revs up
- Trial aims to improve viticulture process
- Effluent innovation cuts fertiliser cost
- Classic rock revival
- Young dancers shine at championships
- Tigers and Roos clinch junior flags
- Macdonald clears pack to claim Mail Medal
- Drug affected families find support
- Fishing quota cut creates waves
-
Links
News tip, submit article or photo
Do you have pictures or informationabout a breaking news event?
Email: editor@tbw.com.au
SMS: 0427 135 114