Senator Ron Boswell

AWBI split deserves consideration - Boswell

Leader of The Nationals in the Senate, Ron Boswell, said today that a plan put forward to split AWB’s commercial operations from AWBI and its operation of the single desk deserved serious consideration by government and by growers.

“In the absence of another scenario that would allow growers to maintain strong, defined single desk marketing arrangements for Australian bulk wheat exports, this plan must be seen as a serious attempt to move away from the status quo and address concerns raised by Cole,” Senator Boswell said.

Senator Boswell said that there was still a significant majority of growers who wanted to maintain the single desk, but that there was an issue arising among supporters of different marketing systems who were putting forward ideas based on varying definitions of what constitutes a single desk.

“To me, the single desk is defined by five clear principles,” Senator Boswell said.

“These principles are that a single desk entity is grower-owned, is the operator of the national pool, is the holder of the export veto, is the buyer of last resort, and provides security of payment for growers” he said.

“I believe most growers, The Nationals and many of our Liberal colleagues support this definition, so then the next step in the decision-making process is determining what alternatives are being put forward that uphold the five principles of the single desk?

“Suggesting that we can have more than one operator in a single desk system simply doesn’t make sense to me, and it would be unreasonable to take ownership of the marketing system or the pool from growers.”

Senator Boswell said that the plan to re-invent AWBI would have to be supported by growers, and would need strong and open corporate governance procedures and a highly capable, qualified new board and staff in order to regain the full confidence of international grain markets.

“A grower-supported plan for a re-invigorated AWBI would need to work to rebuild AWBI’s reputation over a period of years.

“However, I believe it is essential to keep the single desk selling arrangements in place to assist Australian wheat growers to operate in a corrupt world market, and that rebuilding of AWBI and its reputation should be possible in the medium term if this is the pathway that is taken.

“The single desk marketing system, which has delivered a $15 per tonne premium to Australian wheat growers, must not be undermined to allow multiple Australian bulk wheat sellers to undercut each others’ prices in overseas markets.”

ENDS

Media Contact - Paul Leven 02 6277 3244

2 comments November 30th, 2006

$60,000 in grants for Kennedy volunteer groups

30 Kennedy volunteer groups will receive grants totalling around $60,000 from the Australian Government to purchase equipment to help local volunteers continue their valuable work in the community, Leader of The Nationals in the Senate, Ron Boswell, announced today.

The funding has been made available through the Volunteer Small Equipment Grants scheme which is providing more than $6 million in this round of funding to more than 2,800 community organisations across Australia. 

“The Australian Government recognises the important role played by volunteers in towns and cities across Australia, particularly in regional areas,” Senator Boswell said.

“Volunteers are ordinary people who give up their own time to help their regions in a variety of fields including emergency services, the environment, sport, tourism, and family and community support.”

Senator Boswell said the Volunteer Small Equipment Grants scheme provides funding of up to $3,000 to community groups to purchase equipment to benefit their volunteers, items which the organisation may often not be able to afford.

A full list of successful applicants is available at http://www.facsia.gov.au/internet/facsinternet.nsf/aboutfacs/programs/sfsc-vseg_2006.htm
More details about the funding program can be obtained by calling 1800 197 760.

Contact – Leah Nicoll in Senator Ron Boswell’s office – 3001 8150

ENDS - List of successful grant recipients below

Organisation
Funding $
Equipment item (s)

Adventist Development Relief Agency 
$1896 
Cash Register, Iron, Laminator, Microwave, Washing Machine and Dryer

Australian Red Cross Society (Innisfail) 
$2698 
Chair(s), Conference Phone

Australian Volunteer Coast Guard Assoc Inc QF 14 Ingham 
$2634 
Computer/Laptop (including operating software), Data Projector

Barabadeen Scout Camp 
$2665 
Brushcutter, Esky/Cooler/Thermos/Hot or Cold Pack, Gardening/Landcare Tools/Equipment, Generator (portable), Water Cooler (Portable)

Barrine Rural Fire Brigade 
$1046 
Back pack blower

Black River & District Rural Fire Brig 
$2728 
Automated External Defibilator

Burketown Rural Fire Brigade 
$1484 
Case for GPS, Case for Radios, Water Cooler (Portable)

CHARTERS TOWERS ATHLETIC CLUB 
$1719 
BBQ

Etty Bay Surf Life Saving Club Inc. 
$2577 
Boxing Bag (150cm), Magnum Leather Boxing Gloves, Medicine Balls/Wobble Boards, Megaphone, Weight Bench & Chin Dip Station

Felgua State School P & C Association 
$2672 
Bain-marie, Dishwasher, Fan (Portable), Kitchen Utensils/Equipment, Stereo/CD Player (Audio equipment)

Forrest Beach Surf Lifesaving Club Inc 
$2723 
Computer software (non-operating - recommended $500 limit), Computer/Laptop (including operating software)

Gordonvale Branch of Australian Red Cross Society 
$901 
Cupboard/Cabinet

Gordonvale Scout Group 
$2720 
Camera/Digital Camera, Chair(s), Sunshade/Marquee/Umbrella (Portable), Tables (e.g. dining, coffee), Water Cooler (Portable)

Hinchinbrook Crushers Rugby League Football Club Inc 
$2570 
Computer software (non-operating - recommended $500 limit), Computer/Laptop (including operating software), Esky/Cooler/Thermos/Hot or Cold Pack, Printer/Multi-function Centre/Fax/Scanner

Innisfail State School Parents and Citizens Association 
$2728 
Computer/Laptop (including operating software), Fridge, Video Camera

Julia Creek Amateur Swimming Club Inc. 
$850 
BBQ

Mareeba Junior Rugby League Club Inc. 
$1695 
Sunshade/Marquee/Umbrella (Portable)

North Queensland Riding for the Disabled Inc 
$2200 
Chair(s), Cupboard/Cabinet, Desk/Workstation, First Aid Kit, Sunshade/Marquee/Umbrella (Portable)

RAVENSHOE GARDEN CLUB 
$1360 
CHIPPER/SHREDDER

Ravenshoe Junior Rugby League Incorporated 
$2680 
Bain-marie, Blower, GPS/UHF Radio/Transceiver, Mower/Ride-on Mower

Ravenshoe Touch Association Incorporated 
$1899 
Backpack Sprayer, Brushcutter, Cupboard/Cabinet, First Aid Kit, Mower/Ride-on Mower

Silkwood State School Junior Red Cross 
$2000 
Computer/Laptop (including operating software), Printer/Multi-function Centre/Fax/Scanner

St Vincent de Paul Society QLD Ravenshoe 
$747 
Cupboard/Cabinet, Fan (Portable)

The Salvation Army (QLD) Property Trust 
$1049 
Ladder, Trolley

The Salvation Army Family Store Atherton 
$915 
Trailer, Urn (stand-alone and $300 limit), Vacuum Cleaner

TORIMBA CULTURAL AND FESTIVAL ASSOPCIATION INC. 
$2293 
Camera/Digital Camera, Computer/Laptop (including operating software), Printer/Multi-function Centre/Fax/Scanner

Trees for the Eveyn & Atherton Tablelands 
$1220 
Trailer

Tully Branch Little Athletics Centre 
$2720 
Chair(s), Sunshade/Marquee/Umbrella (Portable)

YUNGABURRA COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION INC 
$2699 
Computer software (non-operating - recommended $500 limit), Computer/Laptop (including operating software)

YUNGABURRA SPORT & RECREATION ASSOC. INC 
$2700 
Overhead Projector, Printer/Multi-function Centre/Fax/Scanner

Add comment November 30th, 2006

Boswell calls for calm, measured approach to wheat single desk decision

Leader of The Nationals in the Senate, Ron Boswell, today called for calm in the wake of the Cole report into the UN food for oil programme.

“The very foundations of rural Australia will be shaken if the issue of the single desk is not handled properly,” Senator Boswell said.

“It is critical that we put growers first when considering the next step for the Australian wheat industry, and make sure that they are not punished for the actions of a few.”

Senator Boswell said he agreed with Cole’s observations suggesting that the problems that have come to light within AWB were primarily a result of poor corporate governance.

“The conduct of AWB and its officers was due to a failure in corporate culture… the answer is a closed culture of superiority and impregnability, of dominance and self-importance. Legislation cannot destroy such a culture or create a satisfactory one. That is the task of boards and the management of companies. The starting point is an ethical base.” (Prologue, Cole Report. vol 1)

“I am convinced that this failure is not the result of an innately flawed marketing system,” Senator Boswell said.

“The single desk marketing system must not be altered in a way that would see multiple wheat sellers undermining prices in overseas markets to the detriment of Australia’s 30,000 wheat growers.”

Senator Boswell said that the single desk selling arrangements for wheat had been shown to produce a $15 per tonne premium price to growers in a market distorted by huge subsidies in other countries.

“These subsidies are not going to be traded off in the short to medium term and therefore any hasty moves to change the marketing arrangements overnight are only likely to disadvantage our growers who have already been hard hit by a devastating drought and the irresponsible actions of some within AWB.”

ENDS
Media Contact - 02 6277 3244

2 comments November 28th, 2006

$560,000 for community water saving projects in Central Queensland

Leader of The Nationals in the Senate, Ron Boswell, announced today that the Australian Government would fund 10 community groups in the Rockhampton, Capricorn Coast and Central Queensland areas, injecting more than $560,000 for the local projects designed to save, recycle or improve the health of local water resources.

Senator Boswell said the projects would be funded under the $200 million Community Water Grants programme, which is part of the $2 billion Australian Government Water Fund.

“It is expected that Community Water Grants projects will save 9 billion litres of water per year across Australia, and that community groups will donate 560,000 volunteer hours to implement the projects,” Senator Boswell said.

“These projects clearly show just how much water everyday Australians can save by applying practical solutions.

“I encourage all Central Queensland and Capricorn Coast community groups to take part in the next round of Community Water Grants,” Senator Boswell said.

For more information on Community Water Grants and the next funding round visit: www.australia.gov.au/communitywatergrants

ENDS

Grants list attached

Organisation Funding amount (Incl GST) 
Description 

Mount Archer Primary P and C $46,213.63 
This project will save water at Mount Archer Primary School through the installation of water tanks, flow restrictors, timer taps and water efficient shower heads. Collected rainwater will be used for flushing the schools toilets. The irrigation system will also be upgraded with moisture sensing sprinklers. This project will save 2,082,300 litres of water per year.
 
Yeppoon Golf Club Incorporated $49,000.00 
This project will recycle surface water, stormwater and run-off at the Yeppoon Golf Club. A water storage wetland will be constructed to store and treat stormwater run-off. This wetland will provide a controlled release to the Land for Wildlife habitat downstream. This project will save 500,000 litres of water per year.
 
Blackwater State High School $49,717.00 
This project will save water at Blackwater State High School by installing rainwater tanks to flush toilets. The amenities block will be upgraded, installing dual flush toilets, waterless urinals and slow flow devices to taps. This project will save 1,417,600 litres of water per year. 

Iwasaki Sangyo Company $250,000.00 
This project at Yeppoon will connect the golf course at the Capricorn International Resort to a recycled water source. This will allow the course to be watered using recycled effluent instead of potable water, resulting in less effluent being discharged to the ocean. This project treats water from a catchment area of 9,000 hectares. 

Central Queensland University $18,650.00 
This project will recycle water at Central Queensland University. The project will install a recirculating filter system, to allow the reuse of quantities of potable water being used in the plant research activities such as irrigation, root washing and cleaning. Stormwater will also be harvested and recycled using the system. Overall, this project is expected to reduce the use of mains water by approximately 3,650,000 litres per year.
 
Lutheran Church of Australia Queensland District $45,573.00 
This project will save water at Lutheran Church School in Biloela through the installation of water tanks. This project will harvest rainwater to flush three ablutions blocks by installing series of tanks and pumps. It will also install dual flush toilets, waterless urinals, and flow devices on all taps and showerheads. Collected rainwater will also be used to irrigate the lawn play area. This project will save 575,000 litres of water per year.
 
St Ursula’s College Limited $26,706.00 
This project will save water at St Ursula’s College by upgrading the amenities block with dual flush toilets, waterless urinals and slow flow devices. This project will save 283,000 litres of water per year. 

Stanwell State School $9,806.50 
This project will save water at Stanwell State School by installing a water tank for drinking and irrigation. The project will save 250,000 litres of water a year.
 
Rockhampton Golf Club Incorporated $49,629.90 
This project will recycle stormwater and run-off at Rockhampton Golf Club. The recycled water will be collected by enlarging the existing dam to improve water retention. A pump connected to the main irrigation line will also be installed so the water can be used to irrigate the course. This project will save 25,000,000 litres per year.
 
Rockhampton Golf Club Incorporated $15,934.00 
This project will save water at Rockhampton Golf Club by replacing the leaking main irrigation line with new PVC pipe and installing isolation valves. This project will save 1,200,000 litres of water a year. 

ENDS

1 comment November 24th, 2006

$558,000 For community water grants in Kennedy

Fifteen community groups across the Kennedy electorate will share $558,375 in Australian Government funding for projects to save, recycle or improve the health of local water resources, Leader of The Nationals in the Senate, Ron Boswell, announced today.

The projects will be funded under the second round of the $200 million Community Water Grants programme, a component of the Australian Government’s $2 billion Water Fund.

“These diverse and practical projects initiated by communities across the Kennedy electorate will help ensure a sustainable and water-wise future,” Senator Boswell said.

“I am pleased that the Australian Government will provide funding to sporting clubs, schools, local government and community organisations to assist with their ideas on water saving, water recycling and water treatment.

“Under this round of Community Water Grants, 1,444 community groups across Australia will receive a total of approximately $61.7 million for projects which, when completed, are expected to save 9,518 mega litres of water for Australia.

“These potential water savings demonstrate that community-based projects can make a real difference to the way water is used,” Senator Boswell said.

Community groups are encouraged to apply for funding through Round 3 of the Community Water Grants programme which is expected to open to applications in early 2007. More details about Community Water Grants can be found at www.australia.gov.au/communitywatergrants or by calling 1800 780 730.
Details of Community Water Grants allocated to the Kennedy electorate under Round 2 can be found on the following page

Applicant Type of project Funding (Incl GST) Region 
Project Description

Barron River Integrated Catchment Management Association Incorporated Treatment $38,400.00 ATHERTON TABLELANDS 
This project will treat water at Atherton by constructing water detention structures to manage agricultural run-off. This will reduce flow peaks, resulting in less damage to the banks and riparian vegetation. This project treats water from a catchment area of 51 hectares.

Atherton Shire Council Saving $50,000.00 ATHERTON TABLELANDS 
This project will save water in the Atherton shire by installing a polyester roof on the reservoir to reduce evaporation. The project will save 27,276,325 litres of water a year.
The Roman Catholic Trust Corporation for The Diocese of Cairns Saving $33,030.00 ATHERTON TABLELANDS This project will save water by installing slow flow devices at Mareeba. The school will install constant flow control valves, dual flush toilets, water efficient urinals. The project will save 3,110,000 litres of water per year.

A S S G School Incorporated Recycling $49,966.00 CHARTERS TOWERS 
This project will enable increased use of treated blackwater at for irrigation at All Souls St Gabriel’s School. Additional water savings will be achieved by upgrading the irrigation system with timers and moisture sensors. This project will save 58,452,500 litres of water per year.

Gulf Barramundi Restocking Association Incorporated Saving $6,250.44 KARUMBA 
This project by the Gulf Barramundi Restocking Association will save water by installing rainwater tanks to collect water for irrigation. This project will save 40,000 litres of water per year.

Georgetown Primary P and C Association Saving $48,446.60 GEORGETOWN 
This project will save water at Georgetown Primary School by installing a water tank to harvest water for flushing toilets and irrigation. Dual flush toilets will also be installed. The project will save 14,620 litres of water a year.

Gordonvale Bowls Club Incorporated Saving $33,162.15 GORDONVALE 
This project will save water at Gordonvale Bowls Club through the installation of water tanks. The harvested rainwater will be used for indoor and outdoor purposes. The existing toilet facilities will be upgraded with dual flush toilets and waterless urinals. The irrigation system will also be upgraded with timers and moisture sensors. The project will save 458,700 litres of water per year.

Eacham Shire Council Saving $49,700.00 ATHERTON TABLELANDS 
This project will save water within Eacham shire by installing dual flush toilets and waterless urinals at six public amenities blocks. The project will save 1,300,000 litres of water per year.

Undaval Proprietary Limited Recycling $26,926.52 MOUNT SURPRISE 
This project will save water at Undara National Park by installing water tanks for drinking and visitor usage. The water will be treated using a UV system. This project will save 228,000 litres a year.

Happy Valley State School Saving $34,454.00 MOUNT ISA 
This project will save water at Happy Valley State School through the installation of slow flow devices. Dual flush toilets and bio-enzyme urinal systems will be installed in washrooms and constant flow control valves will be installed on all taps. This project will save 2,101,000 litres of water per year.

Bohlevale State School Saving $47,661.00 BOHLEVALE 
This project will save water at Bohlevale State School by installing rainwater tanks to flush toilets. The amenities block will be upgraded installing dual flush toilets, waterless urinals and slow flow devices. This project will save 1,387,200 litres of water per year.

The Roman Catholic Trust Corporation for The Diocese of Cairns Saving $49,398.00 ATHERTON TABLELANDS 
This project will save water at St Stephens Catholic College through the installation of water tanks. Collected water will be used for toilet flushing and irrigation. This project will save 480,000 litres of water per year.

Russell Landcare and Catchment Group Incorporated Treatment $24,730.00 MIRIWINNI 
This project will treat water at the Russell River Catchment by implementing erosion control measures. The project will reduce weed populations and native species will be replanted. This project treats water from a catchment area of 117 hectares.

The Trustee for Carusi Family Trust Saving $31,251.05 ATHERTON TABLELANDS 
This project at Mareeba will save water by upgrading the existing irrigation system with timers and moisture sensors to minimise water lost through evaporation. The project will save 11,656,000 litres of water per year.
Babinda District Cane Growers Organisation Limited Treatment $35,000.00 BABINDA This project will treat water at Babinda by revegetating riparian areas, altering drain designs for improved stability, installing silt traps and constructing artificial wetlands. This will reduce the amount of fertilizer and nutrients entering the nearby creek. This project treats water from a catchment area of 9,300 hectares.

ENDS

19 comments November 24th, 2006

Launch of strategic framework for Burnett Inland Shires

Leader of The Nationals in the Senate, Ron Boswell, today officially launched the Burnett Inland Strategic Action Framework project which received more than $117,000 in funding from the Australian Government’s Sustainable Regions programme. 

Senator Boswell said the Australian Government funds went to the Burnett Inland Economic Development Organisation to develop the Strategic Action Framework launched at the Burnett Inland Bio-Fuels Forum in Kingaroy.

“The Framework will provide the region with a clear and common direction, help to reduce duplication by having better partnerships and co-ordination between agencies and stakeholders,” Senator Boswell said.

“The Framework also identifies major challenges, key opportunities as well as nurturing leadership within the region.  Essentially, it is a blueprint for regional collaboration,” he said.

Senator Boswell said the Framework closely aligns the inland region with the coast, recognising that the inland and coast share strong economic, social and cultural linkages, and can achieve greater and more sustainable outcomes through working together.

“The 11 shires of the Burnett Inland now have a growth management framework,” he said.

“This project is another example of the Australian Government working in partnership with local communities to build a stronger regional Australia.”

“The Australian Government is proud to be associated with this project, and it is a great example of what can be achieved through the Government’s Sustainable Regions programme.

“Although the Sustainable Regions programme is now closed to applications in this region, it will leave a legacy of significant projects which will continue to have a positive impact in the region for years to come,” he said.

The Sustainable Regions programme helps regional communities address locally identified priority issues.  The programme has provided assistance to 10 designated regions across Australia facing economic, social and environmental change. 

The Wide Bay Burnett region was allocated up to $8 million under the programme to support projects that will provide long-term strategic benefits to the community. The Sustainable Regions funding followed the Invest Wide Bay programme which provided $4m in structural adjustment funding for the region.

Future funding for local projects is available through the Regional Partnerships programme and contact should be made with the Wide Bay Burnett Area Consultative Committee on telephone (07) 4121 7099.
Ends

Add comment November 24th, 2006

Net tightens on green prawn imports

Leader of The Nationals in the Senate, Ron Boswell, said today that restrictions on the importation of uncooked prawns to Australia would be significantly tightened if recommendations in the Draft Prawn Import Risk Assessment (IRA) released today by the Federal Government’s independent quarantine watchdog, Biosecurity Australia, were adopted.

Senator Boswell said that the Draft IRA proposed tightening the net on uncooked or ‘green’ prawn imports to Australia by effectively restricting imports to areas that are free from deadly prawn viruses including White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) and Yellow Head Virus (YHV).

“In recent years, increasing volumes of uncooked imported prawns and prawn meat have raised considerable concern among Queensland commercial fishermen who have worked through their peak body, the Queensland Seafood Industry Association, to bring serious concerns about the possible spread of viruses to the attention of Biosecurity Australia and the Government,” Senator Boswell said.

“One of the fishermen’s fears was that, because of changes in the market for imported green prawns, and increased availability, a recreational fisherman could unwittingly introduce a foreign virus into Australian wild stocks by using infected prawn parts for bait or berley. We cannot allow this to happen.”

“WSSV and YHV have the potential to devastate Australia’s wild catch and aquaculture prawn industries, as well as affect many other marine creatures which contribute to Australia’s economy and biodiversity,” Senator Boswell said.

“Today’s release of the Draft IRA vindicates the concerns expressed by the QSIA that the current importing arrangements for prawns required tightening to protect the local environment. 

“Biosecurity Australia has independently examined the available science and this Draft IRA represents their plan to fix holes that may exist in Australia’s quarantine fence when it comes to uncooked prawns.”

Senator Boswell said that industry stakeholders would now have 90 days to make comments on the Draft IRA.

The text of the Draft IRA, and details on how to make a stakeholder submission in the allowed 90 day period could be accessed through the Biosecurity Australia website – www.affa.gov.au/biosecurityaustralia .

ENDS

1 comment November 23rd, 2006

Sweet news for food processors

3c/kg sugar levy removed from next month…

Leader of The Nationals in the Senate, Ron Boswell, today welcomed the announcement made in Brisbane by the Treasurer, Peter Costello, and Agriculture Minister, Peter McGauran, that the Government was removing the 3 cents per kilogram levy on sugar introduced to fund essential sugar industry restructuring in 2003.

“The levy was not due for removal until early 2008, but we recognise that it has impacted on food processors, like Golden Circle, who were using tonnes of sugar in processing Australian product for the domestic market, and it will now be removed from next month” Senator Boswell said.

“Golden Circle approached me with a strong argument for removal of the levy which I took to the Government through Peter Costello and Peter McGauran.”

“Today’s announcement is sensible and responsible and will be widely welcomed by our domestic processors, who were facing an unfair disadvantage to foreign processors because of the levy impost.”

ENDS
Media Contact - 07 3001 8150

2 comments November 23rd, 2006

$1 million to reduce cattle poisoning

…Federal funds for Pimelea research project
 
The Australian Government will provide $975,000 (plus GST) over two years to help reduce the number of cattle being poisoned by the Pimelea plant in Queensland, New South Wales, South Australia and the Northern Territory, the Leader of The Nationals in the Senate, Ron Boswell, announced today at a cattle sale in Roma.

In making the announcement of Natural Heritage Trust funding for a Pimelea research project to be co-ordinated by AgForce Queensland, Senator Boswell said problems associated with Pimelea had been raised with him by The Nationals’ State Member for Warrego, Howard Hobbs, western Queensland cattle producers and AgForce representatives.

“This funding is an example of how The Nationals work best.  We extract terrific benefits for our constituencies through a collaborative approach of state and federal counterparts working together, and I acknowledge the efforts of Howard Hobbs in putting Pimelea on the radar in Canberra,” Senator Boswell said.

“AgForce has also done a lot of work organising stakeholder meetings and surveys on Pimelea, and establishing a Working Group to determine what needed to be done to take the matter forward.”

“The toxicity of particular species of Pimelea to cattle has been an ongoing concern to the grazing industry and this funding demonstrates the Australian Government’s recognition of the importance of researching, understanding and managing this noxious plant.”

Senator Boswell said Pimelea flourishes after dry summer periods and rain during winter or early spring, when perennial grass cover is low.

“The dry conditions in recent years have exacerbated the problems of Pimelea in terms of high stock deaths and agistment costs, and estimates of the economic costs of Pimelea poisoning of livestock across Australia this year alone are in the tens of millions,” he said.

“In the past two years, Pimelea-related production losses have threatened the viability of some livestock farmers at a time when the drought has already had a devastating effect.”

“This funding will help improve the sustainability of cattle production in regions where Pimelea grows.”

Senator Boswell said the funding would provide cattle producers with a comprehensive guide to help them incorporate appropriate grazing land management principles into their operations. As part of the research project, field trials will investigate the use of herbicides, Pimelea poisoning density thresholds, and management strategies.

“The guide will give producers the latest information available on Pimelea, including the results of research and field trials on the poisonous plant and its effects on cattle,” he said.

“To produce the guide, AgForce Queensland will lead a consortium which includes the state primary industry departments from Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia, Meat and Livestock Australia, the universities of Queensland and Central Queensland, CSIRO and the Australian Agricultural Company.”

Cattle are the commercial production species most affected by Pimelea poisoning. There is no specific treatment for Pimelea poisoning.

ENDS

Add comment November 23rd, 2006

$1 million funding announced for Pimelea poisoning research