R[0]="394"; T[0]="Master tree growers program"; A[0]="By ... Editor"; Dn[0]="20020521"; Dt[0]="Tuesday 21 May 2002"; Acats[0]="a39a53"; B1[0]=" Central Queensland rural landholders are diversifying their future land use to grow plantation timber species or are aiming to manage their freehold "; B2[0]="native forest timber as long-term commercial ventures... "; B3[0]=" "; B4[0]=" "; B5[0]=" "; S1[0]=" Central Queensland rural landholders are diversifying their future land use to grow plantation timber species or are aiming to manage their freehold "; S2[0]=" native forest timber as long-term commercial ventures.
Department of Primary Industries private forestry industry adviser, Rohan Allen, Mackay, is a Central Queensland "; S3[0]=" regional coordinator of the Australia-wide Master Tree Growers Program.
Mr Allen has instigated three Master Tree Growers Programs (MTGP) at Mackay and "; S4[0]=" Whitsunday in the past three years and is currently involved in the first Rockhampton program that drew 17 participants to the introductory workshop on May "; S5[0]=" 8.
The Rockhampton MTGP was being run through the Livingstone Shire Council's Natural Heritage Trust Private Forestry Development Project under the direction "; S6[0]=" of project officer, Murray Bullock.
The MTGP course was a structured program where participants attended eight full day workshops extending over eight "; S7[0]=" weeks to critically evaluate all aspects of farm forestry.
Mr Allen said that with the program underway in Rockhampton, plans were in "; S8[0]=" hand to conduct a Callide-Dawson MTGP in August-September to meet a keen regional demand.
There were also expressions of interest from established "; S9[0]=" and potential private foresters on the Central Highlands.
'There is ample research data to show that grazing properties that strategically retain 10-15 "; S10[0]=" percent of trees for shade or shelter belts do not incur any loss in production,' Mr Allen said.
'Landholders are also benefiting "; S11[0]=" from the tree's contribution to environmental services that include enhancing water quality, maintaining biodiversity and helping to alleviate land degradation by controlling erosion and salinity.
"; S12[0]=" 'In terms of projected gross margin returns, growers can look forward to returns of between $20,000 to $40,000/hectare when selling sawlogs.
"; S13[0]=" If timber owners process and season the timber on site, they can expect to double or triple income.
As with "; S14[0]=" any enterprise, finding the right market is crucial,' he said.
Mr Allen said Central Queensland had the potential for a huge boost "; S15[0]=" in farm forestry if landholders opted to manage the region's 2 million hectares of native forests through selective harvesting, thinning and regeneration.
"; S16[0]=" The area suitable for commercial softwood and hardwood plantation timber production was conservatively well in excess of 100,000ha.
'Dependent on the tree "; S17[0]=" species selected, sawlog thinnings can be harvested in 12 to 15 years.
Harvestable logs can take 20 to 40 years to mature.
"; S18[0]=" People are establishing plantation timber to enhance property values, for use as a retirement investment and as a family inheritance resource,' he "; S19[0]=" said.
Mr Allen said private forestry operations ranged from relatively small areas through to major native timber vegetation comprising a mix of "; S20[0]=" spotted and lemon-scented gum, gum top box, bluegum and coolibah eucalyptus plus rosewood and Moreton bay ash.
There was a wide range "; S21[0]=" of high value rainforest species such as silver quandong and silky oak for the wet tropic areas and, in addition to the pine plantation species, "; S22[0]=" selections of exotic introduced timbers such as African mahogany were being planted.
Guest presenter and national MTGP coordinator at the Rockhampton introductory "; S23[0]=" workshop at the DPI Conference Centre was Melbourne University research fellow, Peter Stephen.
Mr Stephen, who has invested in his own 36ha "; S24[0]=" softwood and hardwood timber plantation, said there were dollars to be gained from farm forestry.
Growers had to make trees work for "; S25[0]=" them for all the right reasons.
Important considerations were species selection, astute management to meet product specifications and correct approach to marketing... "; R[1]="380"; T[1]="Study grants for young rural Australians"; A[1]="By ... Editor"; Dn[1]="20020509"; Dt[1]="Thursday 9 May 2002"; Acats[1]="a48a53"; B1[1]=" Fifteen young Australians from around the nation have been awarded grants to undertake rural industry study projects during the next six months, "; B2[1]="the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Warren Truss, announced today... "; B3[1]=" "; B4[1]=" "; B5[1]=" "; S1[1]=" Fifteen young Australians from around the nation have been awarded grants to undertake rural industry study projects during the next six months, "; S2[1]=" the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Warren Truss, announced today.
Mr Truss said the Federal Government's Study Awards Initiative, which "; S3[1]=" is part of its $1.3 million Young People in Rural Industries Program, will provide each person with up to $12,500 so they can undertake an "; S4[1]=" industry-related study course or project.
'The Coalition Government is strongly committed to improving opportunities for the young women and men working in "; S5[1]=" Australia's rural industries,' Mr Truss said.
'There are many enthusiastic and talented young people involved in these industries who are keen to "; S6[1]=" learn more and make a lasting contribution - all they need is the opportunity.
'The awards will allow 15 of the best "; S7[1]=" to study the latest developments and world's best practice, either here or overseas, allowing them to enhance their skills and expertise, and gain a new "; S8[1]=" understanding of the challenges facing their respective industries.
'This will not only help our rural industries become more efficient and competitive, but "; S9[1]=" also enhance the career prospects and personal development of these young people, and help encourage them to take their place as the sector's future leaders.' "; S10[1]=" Mr Truss said the awards are designed to help young Australians working in our rural industries who would normally find it difficult to undertake a "; S11[1]=" study project, particularly if it involves travel.
There is also an expectation that they will share their findings and experiences with others "; S12[1]=" in their industries and communities.
Mr Truss said there are many opportunities available for young rural Australians arising from the Government's Young "; S13[1]=" People in Rural Industries Program.
'These include the Young Rural Leaders' Course, the Young People's Rural Networks Grants, the Improved Governance Course, "; S14[1]=" the AFFA Science Awards, the Mentoring Young Leaders initiative and my department's Young People as Clients' Strategy,' he said.
'The Young People "; S15[1]=" in Rural Industries Program encourages young women and men aged 18 to 35 years to become more involved in industry leadership and decision-making, and also "; S16[1]=" helps ensure their views on agricultural issues are heard by government... "; R[2]="348"; T[2]="Rural Leadership Strategies Highlighted at PRF Charleville"; A[2]="By ... Editor"; Dn[2]="20020509"; Dt[2]="Thursday 9 May 2002"; Acats[2]="a48a53"; B1[2]=" Strategies for bringing rural and urban community leaders together to create sustainable economic, environmental and technological partnerships will be one of the "; B2[2]="highlights of American consultant, Leon Sharpe s presentation at the Charleville Positive Rural Futures (PRF) Conference next month... "; B3[2]=" "; B4[2]=" "; B5[2]=" "; S1[2]=" Strategies for bringing rural and urban community leaders together to create sustainable economic, environmental and technological partnerships will be one of the "; S2[2]=" highlights of American consultant, Leon Sharpe's presentation at the Charleville Positive Rural Futures (PRF) Conference next month.
Leon Sharpe from the Heartland "; S3[2]=" Center for Leadership Development (HCLD in the United States and director of the South Australian Museum, Tim Flannery, are the keynote speakers for the May "; S4[2]=" 9-11 conference.
Coordinated by the Department of Primary Industries and the Office of Rural Communities in partnership with Education Queensland and the "; S5[2]=" people of Murweh Shire, the 2002 PRF Conference aims to provide opportunities for communities to expand their networks and share experiences in a congenial atmosphere.
"; S6[2]=" PRF 2002 Committee member, Janet Stone, general manager of the DPI's Office of Rural Communities, said the conference would be bolstered by "; S7[2]=" the calibre of its keynote and guest speakers.
'Leon Sharpe is the founder and principal consultant of The Praxis Group LLC, a "; S8[2]=" human and organisational development firm that specializes in leadership training, strategic planning and multicultural education,' Ms Stone said.
'He conducts workshops and "; S9[2]=" seminars for companies, non-profit groups, government agencies, universities, school districts and community based organisations.
'As a senior associate with the Heartland Center "; S10[2]=" for Leadership Development, he has been a featured instructor in two internationally recognised programs for rural capacity building, 'Helping Small Towns Succeed' and 'Skill Building "; S11[2]=" for Stronger Communities'.
'He has also served as a consultant to the Kellogg sponsored HCLD initiatives, 'Managing Information for Rural America' and "; S12[2]=" 'Empowering Neighbourhood People'.' One the highlights of Mr Sharpe's presentation would be his current work with the Heartland Center to investigate strategies for bringing rural "; S13[2]=" and urban community leaders together to create sustainable economic, environmental and technological partnerships, Ms Stone said.
Mr Stone said building on the "; S14[2]=" momentum for change that was developed at Charters Towers, Biloela, Goondiwindi and Cooktown, the 2002 PRF Conference would focus on what communities could do to: "; S15[2]=" promote environmental sustainability; stimulate economic development and employment; foster enterprise; improve education and training opportunities; and stimulate and develop ecotourism.
Other guest "; S16[2]=" speakers at the conference will include Sue Beeton from LaTrobe University; Chris D'Araugo from Lead On Australia; Kath Corcoran from Volunteering Australia; Clive Roydhouse from "; S17[2]=" Abbotsleigh Citrus; and Carole Mules from the DPI.
Mr Sharpe's presentation titled 'Building social capital US style' will take place at 8:15am "; S18[2]=" on Saturday, May 11.
For further information about the conference, contact Liz Dalley on (07) 3239 3300, or link to the DPI "; S19[2]=" Web Site on www.dpi.qld.gov.au/community... "; R[3]="345"; T[3]="Report on rural youth loss to cities"; A[3]="By ... Editor"; Dn[3]="20020509"; Dt[3]="Thursday 9 May 2002"; Acats[3]="a50a53"; B1[3]=" A new report has found young people are moving to Melbourne from the country because of a lack of employment, education and "; B2[3]="recreation... "; B3[3]=" "; B4[3]=" "; B5[3]=" "; S1[3]=" A new report has found young people are moving to Melbourne from the country because of a lack of employment, education and "; S2[3]=" recreation.
The Youth Affairs Council of Victoria report has been released at the beginning of a two-day summit at Shepparton to try "; S3[3]=" to address the problem.
Executive officer Janet Jukes says depression and anxiety have been found to be the most common issues faced "; S4[3]=" by country youth, with a perceived increase in alcohol and drug use and teenage pregnancy.
'There's of course another group of young "; S5[3]=" people I guess who feel like they're not welcome in their country towns, that their country towns don't value the diverse youth cultures that we "; S6[3]=" have today and so obviously there's a role there around to talk about the good things young people do and creating opportunities in our towns "; S7[3]=" for young people to contribute in a positive way,' she said... "; R[4]="316"; T[4]="AFFA Awards for Young People: Apply Now!"; A[4]="By ... Editor"; Dn[4]="20020501"; Dt[4]="Wednesday 1 May 2002"; Acats[4]="a53"; B1[4]=" Time is running out to apply for the AFFA Science and Innovation Awards for Young People, with applications closing on 17 May.... "; B2[4]=" "; B3[4]=" "; B4[4]=" "; B5[4]=" "; S1[4]=" Time is running out to apply for the AFFA Science and Innovation Awards for Young People, with applications closing on 17 May.
"; S2[4]=" Dr Peter O'Brien, Executive Director of the Bureau of Rural Science (BRS), encourages young people with bright ideas on ways to advance "; S3[4]=" the future of Australia's rural industries to apply.
'Innovative use of science and technology is vital to the ongoing success and sustainability "; S4[4]=" of rural industries,' Dr O'Brien said.
'The Awards are open to young people aged between 18 and 35 years, working, employed or "; S5[4]=" studying in an agricultural, fisheries, food or forestry related industry.
'There are up to seventeen awards available, and successful applicants will "; S6[4]=" each receive up to $8,000 for innovative projects.
The $8000 will be used by the recipient to pursue a nominated project that "; S7[4]=" will benefit the long-term future of their industry.
'Eligible applicants may include young producers (farmers, fishers, foresters), extension officers, researchers, processors, students, "; S8[4]=" or industry advisers.
'The research and development corporations are also supporting the Science and Innovation Awards by funding awards for young people "; S9[4]=" involved in specific industries.'This is the second year that the awards have been held.
The 2002 awards launched on 15 March 2002 "; S10[4]=" by Federal Agricultural Minister Warren Truss, are jointly supported by the Commonwealth Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, and several Research and Development Corporations, including "; S11[4]=" major sponsors Land and Water Australia and Australian Wool Innovation, as well as Rural Industries Research & Development Corporation, Sugar Research & Development Corporation, Grains "; S12[4]=" Research & Development Corporation, Grape and Wine Research & Development Corporation, Fisheries Research & Development Corporation, Cotton Research & Development Corporation and Forest and Wood "; S13[4]=" Products Research & Development Corporation.
Further information on the awards can be obtained by visiting the website: http://www.affa.gov.au/youth_science_awards or by contacting Suzanne "; S14[4]=" Blake on (02) 6272 4197... "; R[5]="301"; T[5]="Study scholarships for outback women"; A[5]="By ... Editor"; Dn[5]="20020501"; Dt[5]="Wednesday 1 May 2002"; Acats[5]="a48a49a53"; B1[5]=" Dr Kevin Sheridan, Director General of NSW Agriculture, today called for applications from outback women for two special Year of the Outback "; B2[5]="Women s Overseas Study Scholarships valued at up to $10,000 each... "; B3[5]=" "; B4[5]=" "; B5[5]=" "; S1[5]=" Dr Kevin Sheridan, Director General of NSW Agriculture, today called for applications from outback women for two special Year of the Outback "; S2[5]=" Women's Overseas Study Scholarships valued at up to $10,000 each.
The scholarships are offered to support women living in the NSW Western "; S3[5]=" Division who may not otherwise have the opportunity to travel overseas to undertake a short-term study trip.
Dr Sheridan said the scholarships "; S4[5]=" would benefit the individuals by enabling them to gain additional knowledge and skills that they can then apply at a local or regional level.
"; S5[5]=" 'The scholarships can be used in a variety of ways such as examining innovative overseas approaches to community development, or new ways of "; S6[5]=" dealing with isolation,' he said.
'Alternatively it could be used to develop leadership skills through participation in a conference, course or seminar.' "; S7[5]=" The scholarships are open to women over the age of 18 living in the local government areas of Balranald, Bogan, Bourke, Brewarrina, Broken Hill, Carrathool, "; S8[5]=" Central Darling, Cobar, Hay, Walgett, Wentworth and the Unincorporated area.
Applicants do not need any academic qualifications but must demonstrate to the "; S9[5]=" selection panel how they will make the most of the opportunity.
An application form needs to be submitted which requires an outline "; S10[5]=" of activities to be undertaken, how the activities will benefit them and the outback community, and how their key findings will be shared with others.
"; S11[5]=" Applicants will also be asked to provide a draft itinerary and budget for the trip.
The two successful applicants "; S12[5]=" will be awarded their scholarships at the Annual Women's Gathering to be held in Bourke from September 27 to 29.
Further information "; S13[5]=" and application forms are available from Allison Windus at NSW Agriculture's Rural Women's Network, telephone 6391 3620... "; R[6]="268"; T[6]="GP training goes bush"; A[6]="By ... Editor"; Dn[6]="20020416"; Dt[6]="Tuesday 16 April 2002"; Acats[6]="a09a53"; B1[6]=" The Federal Government is spending at least $20 million this year on extra rural training places and incentive programs for doctors-in-training, as "; B2[6]="part of a push to get more doctors into the bush, according to the CEO of General Practice Education and Training (GPET), Dr Bill Coote... "; B3[6]=" "; B4[6]=" "; B5[6]=" "; S1[6]=" The Federal Government is spending at least $20 million this year on extra rural training places and incentive programs for doctors-in-training, as "; S2[6]=" part of a push to get more doctors into the bush, according to the CEO of General Practice Education and Training (GPET), Dr Bill Coote.
"; S3[6]=" A national roll-out of regional training providers for general practice will see the decentralisation of training for Australia's next generation of GPs, "; S4[6]=" away from the central control of Sydney and Melbourne to regional areas.
The new structure will also provide new rural jobs and "; S5[6]=" infrastructure and create the momentum to get doctors into country areas and keep them there.
On the eve of the 'Finding a "; S6[6]=" Cure' NSW Summit on the Rural Doctors Shortage, Dr Coote said the importance of sound, structured and quality-accredited education for GPs-in-training could not be overlooked.
"; S7[6]=" Dr Coote said a major factor in attracting doctors to rural areas was finding a balance between quality medical education and at "; S8[6]=" the same time meeting the health needs of rural communities.
GPET was established by the Federal Government in 2002 to implement and "; S9[6]=" foster regionally-provided high quality general practice training and education.
Next month, Regional Training Providers (consortia), including several in rural NSW, will begin "; S10[6]=" rolling out the first GPET national selection process for the Australian General Practice Training Program for 2003.
It will replace the former "; S11[6]=" program run by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
Dr Coote said GPET was committed to maintaining already-existing infrastructure and local "; S12[6]=" expertise in rural and remote areas, while at the same time overseeing a rigorous national education scheme.
'One key to getting doctors "; S13[6]=" into rural areas is finding a balance between providing medical services to rural people and maintaining quality education for GP registrars, which is vital not "; S14[6]=" only for the registrars, but to the communities they serve,' Dr Coote said.
'The Federal Government's belief is that a quality education "; S15[6]=" structure is one factor that will attract doctors to, and keep them in, rural areas, while also acknowledging that there are other factors involved such "; S16[6]=" as facilities, education for children, spouse careers and isolation.' Dr Coote, who will attend this week's NSW Summit in Tamworth, said GPET was keen to "; S17[6]=" utilise whatever local expertise and facilities were already available, as well as offering important national support and services for rural general practice educators, supervisors and "; S18[6]=" doctors-in-training... "; R[7]="251"; T[7]="Future of amenity horticulture secured: QLD"; A[7]="By ... Editor"; Dn[7]="20020404"; Dt[7]="Thursday 4 April 2002"; Acats[7]="a48a51a52a53a57a76"; B1[7]=" The recent launch of a future directions plan will help secure the future of Queensland s burgeoning amenity horticulture industry.... "; B2[7]=" "; B3[7]=" "; B4[7]=" "; B5[7]=" "; S1[7]=" The recent launch of a future directions plan will help secure the future of Queensland's burgeoning amenity horticulture industry.
"; S2[7]=" Amenity horticulture is a diverse primary industry that incorporates nursery, landscaping, turf production, flowers and cut foliage, indoor plant hire, parks and gardens, grounds maintenance "; S3[7]=" (such as golf course maintenance) and other sectors such as tree lopping and arboriculture.
Amenity Horticulture Industry Development Council chair Anne Story "; S4[7]=" said the launch of the plan and associated industry leaders summit were landmark events.
'Some 70 industry leaders from across Queensland's diverse "; S5[7]=" amenity horticulture industry met for the first time to discuss strategic issues and identify actions to best position the industry in the future,' she said.
"; S6[7]=" 'Through the future directions plan, a range of key challenges are addressed to enable the industry to capitalise on its place as "; S7[7]=" one of the State's largest primary industries, worth around $900 million annually.' Ms Story said the Future Directions Plan encapsulated an industry vision of 'Enhancing "; S8[7]=" Queensland's Lifestyle.
'The industry has extensive expertise in tropical, subtropical and outback aspects which truly underpin the Queensland lifestyle,' she said.
"; S9[7]=" 'The successful implementation of the future directions plan will ensure that amenity horticulture delivers further economic, social and environmental benefits to Queensland through "; S10[7]=" additional employment growth, improved living environments and increased sustainability through world best recycling practices and environmental remediation,' she said... "; R[8]="224"; T[8]="Call for schools to make city kids farm-wise"; A[8]="By ... Editor"; Dn[8]="20020327"; Dt[8]="Wednesday 27 March 2002"; Acats[8]="a53"; B1[8]=" Federal Agriculture Minister Warren Truss has called for changes to the school curriculum to help city children become better informed about Australian "; B2[8]="farms to help bridge a growing divide between city and country... "; B3[8]=" "; B4[8]=" "; B5[8]=" "; S1[8]=" Federal Agriculture Minister Warren Truss has called for changes to the school curriculum to help city children become better informed about Australian "; S2[8]=" farms to help bridge a growing divide between city and country.
Mr Truss used Sydney's Royal Easter Show to launch a campaign "; S3[8]=" for a 'country-friendly' review of state school curriculums after a survey by the not-for-profit farm improvement organisation the Kondinin Group found 88% of school children "; S4[8]=" surveyed had not visited a farm.
'Where once most Australians would have known a farmer or been regular visitors to regional towns, "; S5[8]=" now most Australian children live their entire lives in the city and have little understanding of rural industry, with the survey finding only 24% knew "; S6[8]=" a farmer,' Mr Truss said.
'I am also concerned that many children saw farmers as the stereotypical man dressed in checks, chewing "; S7[8]=" a piece of straw with a sheep dog by his side.
Only 10% of children surveyed thought farmers regularly used the Internet.
"; S8[8]=" In reality, access to the Internet is now considered a standard in the majority of farm offices.
'Another alarming "; S9[8]=" figure was that just 0.2% of children described farmers as female - we all should recognise that women play an enormous role in our farming "; S10[8]=" industries and should attempt to break this stereotype.
I was, however, pleased to note that 86.4% of children believe farmers look after "; S11[8]=" the environment - farmers care for more land than all of the environmental groups in this country put together.
'I encourage State "; S12[8]=" and Territory Education Ministers to contact the Kondinin Group, who have developed teacher resource kits as part of its WORKBOOT SERIES - which aims to "; S13[8]=" provide children with information about modern Australian farming through colourful, fun books explaining the story of farming industries from paddock to plate.' The Kondinin Group's "; S14[8]=" school program began in 1995 and its success has meant that 4,000 primary schools across Australia now have access to these important agricultural resources.
"; S15[8]=" With 9,000 primary schools nationally, there is still a long way to go and its time the standard school curricula included material like "; S16[8]=" that developed by the Kondinin Group.
'I would encourage farmers to volunteer their farms for school visit and State education departments to "; S17[8]=" take them up on their offers.
I would hope that the WORKBOOT SERIES finds its way into city classrooms and that a "; S18[8]=" serious country-friendly curriculum review is undertaken to make city kids more farm-wise,' Mr Truss said... "; R[9]="206"; T[9]="Science and Innovation Awards for Young People"; A[9]="By ... Editor"; Dn[9]="20020320"; Dt[9]="Wednesday 20 March 2002"; Acats[9]="a04a53"; B1[9]=" The second round of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry - Australia s (AFFA) science and innovation awards represent an exciting "; B2[9]="opportunity for young people working or studying in Australia s rural industries, the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Warren Truss, announced today... "; B3[9]=" "; B4[9]=" "; B5[9]=" "; S1[9]=" The second round of the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry - Australia's (AFFA) science and innovation awards represent an exciting opportunity "; S2[9]=" for young people working or studying in Australia's rural industries, the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Warren Truss, announced today.
"; S3[9]=" Mr Truss said the awards are open to people aged between 18 and 35, with the winners receiving up to $8,000 to pursue a project "; S4[9]=" of long-term benefit to their industry.
'These awards help young people involved in Australia's agricultural, fisheries, food or forestry industries to make "; S5[9]=" an important and lasting contribution, as well as an opportunity to reward and recognise excellence,' he said.
'Building on the success of "; S6[9]=" last year's inaugural awards, and with increased support from many of Australia's leading R&D corporations, this year there will be 10 industry and seven State "; S7[9]=" awards on offer.
'I am also pleased to announce that Land and Water Australia and Australian Wool Innovation have agreed to be "; S8[9]=" the major sponsors of the 2002 awards.
'With the involvement of eight rural R&D corporations, a broad range of industries and disciplines "; S9[9]=" are involved, including wool, natural resource management, cotton, forestry and wood products, grains, sugar, grape growing and wine making, fisheries and aquaculture as well as "; S10[9]=" other new and emerging areas.' Mr Truss said that, as part of the awards, the winners are expected to promote their work and share the "; S11[9]=" results with colleagues in industry, government and tertiary institutions.
The Bureau of Rural Sciences (BRS) within AFFA will once again be coordinating "; S12[9]=" the awards.
BRS provides scientific advice to policy makers on matters relating to rural and regional Australia.
For more "; S13[9]=" information on how to apply, and details of last year's winners and projects, please call Sonia Fedorow in BRS on (02) 6272 4271 or 0411 "; S14[9]=" 241 460, or visit the web site - www.affa.gov.au/youth_science_awards.. "; R[10]="176"; T[10]="Water diviners put to the test"; A[10]="By ... Editor"; Dn[10]="20020312"; Dt[10]="Tuesday 12 March 2002"; Acats[10]="a40a53"; B1[10]=" The world s largest gathering of water diviners will take place at Mitta Mitta in Victoria s north-east today as they attempt "; B2[10]="to prove their skill exists... "; B3[10]=" "; B4[10]=" "; B5[10]=" "; S1[10]=" The world's largest gathering of water diviners will take place at Mitta Mitta in Victoria's north-east today as they attempt to prove "; S2[10]=" their skill exists.
'Divining' is a system of using rods to detect water located underground.
The Australian Borderline Skeptics "; S3[10]=" group has organised the event and is offering a $110,000 prize to the diviner who can find water.
Russell Kelly of the "; S4[10]=" Borderline Skeptics says the challenge is intended to put to bed years of speculation.
'Our view is that there is no scientific "; S5[10]=" evidence, it's more of a belief system,' he said.
'But water diviners are challenging us and saying they can do it and "; S6[10]=" they can prove they can do it, and we're saying, 'well, put up or shut up, and if you can show us you can find "; S7[10]=" water, we'll give you the money'.'.. "; R[11]="168"; T[11]="Older Australians taking to the net"; A[11]="By ... Editor"; Dn[11]="20020308"; Dt[11]="Friday 8 March 2002"; Acats[11]="a46a48a53"; B1[11]=" Senior Australians are taking up using computers and the Internet almost four times faster than the nation s youth.... "; B2[11]=" "; B3[11]=" "; B4[11]=" "; B5[11]=" "; S1[11]=" Senior Australians are taking up using computers and the Internet almost four times faster than the nation's youth.
Australian "; S2[11]=" Bureau of Statistics figures reveal a 38 per cent growth in computer use among 55 to 64-year-olds, compared with 9 per cent for adults of "; S3[11]=" all ages.
Many are using the Net to stay in touch with family and friends, while others are starting new careers and "; S4[11]=" interests.
Australian Seniors Computer Clubs Association president Nan Bosler told the Courier Mail that seniors in city and country communities were setting "; S5[11]=" up computer clubs, either with groups of friends or in places such as retirement villages.
She said 50,000 people over 50 had "; S6[11]=" used ASCCA's computer clubs to learn about computers since the independent volunteer organisation was set up in 1998.
'Our seniors may start "; S7[11]=" off dog-paddling but it's not long before we're surfing with the best of them,' Ms Bosler said.
Seniors are also using their "; S8[11]=" new computer skills for part-time jobs during retirement, usually helping out in the family business.
They also use e-mail to communicate with "; S9[11]=" friends and send messages and newsletters to their computer club companions.
'It becomes a means of eliminating loneliness,' Ms Bosler said... "; R[12]="135"; T[12]="Better email access for NSW Schools"; A[12]="By ... Editor"; Dn[12]="20020220"; Dt[12]="Wednesday 20 February 2002"; Acats[12]="a46a53"; B1[12]=" By next June more than 1.3 million public school and TAFE students and teachers in New South Wales will have access to "; B2[12]="email accounts... "; B3[12]=" "; B4[12]=" "; B5[12]=" "; S1[12]=" By next June more than 1.3 million public school and TAFE students and teachers in New South Wales will have access to "; S2[12]=" email accounts.
The State Government says the $33 million project will enable access to learning resources from any location, greater collaboration between "; S3[12]=" schools and greater opportunities for schools in remote areas.
The Education Minister, John Watkins, says Internet access will be filtered by the "; S4[12]=" Education Department which will operate a blacklist of sites and will be able to be monitor email content for inappropriate use.
However "; S5[12]=" Mr Watkins says the privacy of students and teachers will be protected.
'Each user will get a security profile and that will "; S6[12]=" help ensure privacy of emails and personal details and students will also be protected from inappropriate content by Internet and email filters and intrusion detection "; S7[12]=" packages,' Mr Watkins said.
'We want to make it as safe as it possibly can be for our students.' The State Opposition "; S8[12]=" says the Government may overload the Education Department's computer system by giving all TAFE and public school students email accounts.
Shadow Education "; S9[12]=" Minister, Patricia Forsythe, says the Government must address the fundamental problem of Internet access if this project is to be a success.
"; S10[12]=" 'As I understand it from talking to teachers in many different schools, there are real problems with schools being able to access the Internet because "; S11[12]=" all schools feed through the Department of Education site,' Ms Forsythe said.
'That means that at critical times during the day there "; S12[12]=" is effectively overload on the lines and schools find it either very slow or simply have an inability to connect.'.. "; R[13]="130"; T[13]="Quicker research benefits for farmers"; A[13]="By ... Editor"; Dn[13]="20020220"; Dt[13]="Wednesday 20 February 2002"; Acats[13]="a53a55a93"; B1[13]=" NSW Agriculture s Tamworth Centre for Crop Improvement has capped off another successful year of agricultural research with an initiative aimed at "; B2[13]="speeding up the supply of new research information to farmers and their advisers... "; B3[13]=" "; B4[13]=" "; B5[13]=" "; S1[13]=" NSW Agriculture's Tamworth Centre for Crop Improvement has capped off another successful year of agricultural research with an initiative aimed at speeding "; S2[13]=" up the supply of new research information to farmers and their advisers.
A 162-page book titled 'Research Update' was launched today featuring "; S3[13]=" 42 short and concise articles of research in progress at the Tamworth Centre and 15 abstracts of scientific papers recently published or close to being "; S4[13]=" published.
Centre Director, Dr Bob Martin, said the new initiative comes in response to a strong demand from agricultural advisers and consultants "; S5[13]=" in northern New South Wales and southern Queensland.
'Results of research at the Tamworth Centre for Crop Improvement appears in a wide "; S6[13]=" variety of scientific journals and conference proceedings that can be difficult to access by advisers and consultants,' he said.
'These articles only "; S7[13]=" appear after the research is completed, which can be anything from three to five years.
Instead of waiting for final results, we "; S8[13]=" have decided to combine individual updates of research in progress at the Centre into one document that is produced annually.' The focus is on new "; S9[13]=" information, mostly the results from the previous season and not information advisers and farmers know already.
Each article has an up-front 'take "; S10[13]=" home message' and 'key findings' that can be easily understood without having to search for the facts.
However, there is sufficient technical "; S11[13]=" detail to enable the research to be used as an authoritative reference base for farm planning and preparation of advisory material.
Apart "; S12[13]=" from assisting in the development of more profitable and sustainable farming systems, 'Research Update' will be an invaluable resource for catchment management committees.
"; S13[13]=" Dr Martin said research on managing the soil water balance and dryland salinity is providing new management options that will be used in catchment "; S14[13]=" plans to achieve salinity management targets.
'We have shown that crop-pasture systems that make the most effective use of water are more "; S15[13]=" profitable and, at the same time, reduce recharge.
This is a true win-win outcome.' 'Research Update' was launched at the Grains Research "; S16[13]=" and Development Corporation Update for Grower and Advisers held at Bellata.
Copies of the 'Research Update' can be obtained from NSW Agriculture's "; S17[13]=" Tamworth Centre for Crop Improvement (telephone 6763 1100)... "; R[14]="109"; T[14]="Online training program for rural health professionals"; A[14]="By ... Editor"; Dn[14]="20020220"; Dt[14]="Wednesday 20 February 2002"; Acats[14]="a09a46a53"; B1[14]=" Rural doctors and pharmacists in Victoria are set to benefit from a new online training program, aimed at helping them deliver the "; B2[14]="most appropriate treatment to drug addicts... "; B3[14]=" "; B4[14]=" "; B5[14]=" "; S1[14]=" Rural doctors and pharmacists in Victoria are set to benefit from a new online training program, aimed at helping them deliver the "; S2[14]=" most appropriate treatment to drug addicts.
The service has been developed partly in response to the Penington Report, which found a need "; S3[14]=" to train more rural practitioners in delivering drug substitution, like methadone.
The Victorian College of Pharmacy's Paul Loughran says the site will "; S4[14]=" help relieve the feeling of isolation many rural practitioners experience when dealing with drug problems.
'It's very interactive in that it allows "; S5[14]=" them to gauge their responses, their views, against their peers and that's why it's really an important program,' he said.
'It really "; S6[14]=" does bring them closer to what their peers are thinking elsewhere.'.. "; R[15]="77"; T[15]="Dairy awareness days: Queensland"; A[15]="By ... Editor"; Dn[15]="20020211"; Dt[15]="Monday 11 February 2002"; Acats[15]="a26a53a66"; B1[15]=" Southeast Queensland Dairy farmers are being invited to attend a series of dairy awareness days in Toowoomba and Gympie later this month.... "; B2[15]=" "; B3[15]=" "; B4[15]=" "; B5[15]=" "; S1[15]=" Southeast Queensland Dairy farmers are being invited to attend a series of dairy awareness days in Toowoomba and Gympie later this month.
"; S2[15]=" DPI Dairy district extension officer John Miller said that the awareness days would highlight two DRDC funded projects, Countdown Downunder and Incalf, "; S3[15]=" with two nationally recognised dairy industry leaders, Dr Pauline Brightling and Dr Bill Tranter speaking to dairy farmers at the days.
Dr "; S4[15]=" Brightling believes farmers can save time and money by managing mastitis issues smarter.
She said to many cows are being culled in "; S5[15]=" the chase for low cell counts and premium payments.
She will be outlining steps farm managers can take to manage mastitis smarter.
"; S6[15]=" Mr Miller said the other segment of the awareness days would be taken up by discussion on the Dairy Research and Development "; S7[15]=" Corporation (DRDC) funded 'Incalf' project which looks at reproductive management and fertility in dairy herds.
Queensland project Coordinator Ross Warren, Gympie, said "; S8[15]=" the program was designed to provide farmers with an opportunity to discuss herd fertility with Atherton Tableland dairy veterinarian Bill Tranter.
He "; S9[15]=" said the Incalf project has involved an enormous study of 33,000 cows in commercial herds stretching from North Queensland to Tasmania.
Mr "; S10[15]=" Warren said farmers would be provided with practical advice on herd fertility management including how to improve fertility and increase income by $11 thousand per "; S11[15]=" 200 cows... "; R[16]="68"; T[16]="CRC for the sheep industry opens in Armidale"; A[16]="By ... Editor"; Dn[16]="20020208"; Dt[16]="Friday 8 February 2002"; Acats[16]="a25a28a53a64a93"; B1[16]=" The Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Warren Truss, has welcomed today s opening of the Commonwealth Government-funded, Armidale-based Cooperative Research "; B2[16]="Centre (CRC) for the Australian Sheep Industry... "; B3[16]=" "; B4[16]=" "; B5[16]=" "; S1[16]=" The Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Warren Truss, has welcomed today's opening of the Commonwealth Government-funded, Armidale-based Cooperative Research Centre "; S2[16]=" (CRC) for the Australian Sheep Industry.
'I see this as a real step forward for the Australian Sheep Industry and an important "; S3[16]=" demonstration of the way in which the Howard/Anderson Government is funding practical measures to maintain our country's leading edge in vital industries,' he said.
"; S4[16]=" The Minister paid special tribute to former National Party MP for New England, Mr Stuart St Clair, who was instrumental in achieving this "; S5[16]=" very important outcome for the sheep industry and the people of New England.
'As local Federal Member, Stuart had been a great "; S6[16]=" advocate for this project and helped to ensure that this partnership between government, industry and university came to fruition,' he said.
Mr "; S7[16]=" Truss said the new CRC would complement the Beef CRC also based at Armidale.
'This CRC is more than just an investment "; S8[16]=" in the sheep industry and country Australia,' he said.
'It is a $19.8 million investment in agricultural knowledge and shows that "; S9[16]=" we are prepared to back Australia's ability to support our primary industries in their quest to be even more productive and more efficient.
"; S10[16]=" 'At a time when we are seeing high prices for wool, lamb and mutton - it would be easy to rest on our laurels.
"; S11[16]=" But we must always be looking for new opportunities in order to maintain and expand food and fibre exports.' Australian exports of "; S12[16]=" mutton for the current financial year are forecast by ABARE to reach $508 million, lamb $571 million, live animals $373 million with wool exports forecast "; S13[16]=" to return $3,465 million.
'I welcome today's announcement that the CRC is 'open for business' and I share the enthusiasm shown by "; S14[16]=" my colleague the Minister for Education, Science and Training, Dr Brendan Nelson.
'I congratulate Professor James Rowe on his appointment as chief "; S15[16]=" executive of the CRC and acknowledge the important role the Right Hon Ian Sinclair will play as its Chair.'.. "; R[17]="40"; T[17]="More girls attracted to farming careers"; A[17]="By ... Editor"; Dn[17]="20020201"; Dt[17]="Friday 1 February 2002"; Acats[17]="a49a53"; B1[17]=" More girls are being drawn to careers in farming, which has been made more appealing by role models and the increased complexity "; B2[17]="of the modern farm... "; B3[17]=" "; B4[17]=" "; B5[17]=" "; S1[17]=" More girls are being drawn to careers in farming, which has been made more appealing by role models and the increased complexity "; S2[17]=" of the modern farm.
Urrbrae Agricultural High School in South Australia has enrolled a record number of girls this year - and "; S3[17]=" principal Terry Tierney believes girls will soon outnumber the boys in Year 8.
'Girls are increasingly seeing the career options open to "; S4[17]=" them in agriculture,' Mr Tierney told the Adelaide Advertiser yesterday.
'As farming becomes more complex and margins get smaller, there's a lot "; S5[17]=" more room for women to become involved from driving the tractor to doing the books.' Urrbrae now has 213 students in Year 8 - 104 "; S6[17]=" girls and 109 boys.
The school opened 70 years ago as a boys-only institution.
It became co-educational in 1974 "; S7[17]=" and policies were introduced to ensure female students were not disadvantaged.
Today, almost all the single-sex classes have disappeared and girls are "; S8[17]=" getting their hands dirty in every aspect of school life from the piggery and winery to the wetlands.
'Prominent role models such "; S9[17]=" as Sara Henderson (the legendary cattle station boss and best-selling author) are having an effect on girls, I think,' Mr Tierney said.
"; S10[17]=" 'Other students come here because of a love of animals, while some want to pursue careers involving environmental science or land care.' SA Farmers Federation "; S11[17]=" president Dale Perkins said he was encouraged by the trend because women were vital to the success of life on the land.
"; S12[17]=" 'In this electronic age of banking, women are predominantly responsible for the farm finances, tracking stock movements and marketing the product,' Mr Perkins said.
"; S13[17]=" 'They're things that some men haven't done as well as they could have (in the past) because they've been too busy out in "; S14[17]=" the paddock or driving the tractor.' The state's Rural Woman of the Year, Jeanette Gellard, said agricultural careers did not always mean 'getting your hands "; S15[17]=" dirty'.
Besides production, wide opportunities existed in research and science, journalism, business marketing, exporting and importing as well as agricultural engineering and "; S16[17]=" mechanics.
'What we're seeing is a reflection of people's better understanding of the sector and the many career paths it offers,' she "; S17[17]=" said... "; R[18]="13"; T[18]="Fossil fish could bring in millions of dollars"; A[18]="By ... Editor"; Dn[18]="20020117"; Dt[18]="Thursday 17 January 2002"; Acats[18]="a34a42a53a93"; B1[18]=" A Queensland fish farmer says there is a $100 million a year export trade possible from breeding the protected lung fish.... "; B2[18]=" "; B3[18]=" "; B4[18]=" "; B5[18]=" "; S1[18]=" A Queensland fish farmer says there is a $100 million a year export trade possible from breeding the protected lung fish.
"; S2[18]=" Gordan Hides, from Howard in the state's southeast, has just successfully bred the first hatchlings for commercial use that will be ready for "; S3[18]=" sale in about two months at $1,000 per fish.
He says they are eagerly sought after by universities, zoos, museums and public "; S4[18]=" aquariums and are highly prized world wide by collectors.
'There's a very large illegal trade in them, like all our native animals "; S5[18]=" I suppose you'd say,' he said.
'They're a living fossil; (they've) been around for 300 million years unchanged, still the same.'.. "; R[19]="1"; T[19]="WA whistle device for asthma sufferers"; A[19]="By ... Editor"; Dn[19]="20020114"; Dt[19]="Monday 14 January 2002"; Acats[19]="a09a53"; B1[19]=" A research grant to the University of WA paediatrics department could result in a Perth asthma invention entering the lucrative United States "; B2[19]="market... "; B3[19]=" "; B4[19]=" "; B5[19]=" "; S1[19]=" A research grant to the University of WA paediatrics department could result in a Perth asthma invention entering the lucrative United States "; S2[19]=" market.
Inventor and senior research fellow at the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research Paul Watt developed the funhaler after he experienced "; S3[19]=" problems getting his asthmatic toddler to take his medication.
Raphael Watt, now 5, has outgrown his asthma but Dr Watt continued to "; S4[19]=" develop his idea to improve medication compliance for children between the ages of three and eight.
Dr Watt said there was a "; S5[19]=" high proportion of asthmatic children who failed to take their medication as prescribed.
Asthmatic children were usually prescribed a spacer chamber to "; S6[19]=" administer puffer medications such as ventolin and preventive inhalers.
The funhaler was an adaptation of a spacer chamber with a toy and "; S7[19]=" a whistle.
He said studies had already shown the device improved compliance.
The new three-year study would establish whether "; S8[19]=" the funhaler was as effective as standard spacer chambers, he said.
Senior research fellow at UWA's paediatrics department, Sunalene Devadason, will head "; S9[19]=" the study and has been awarded $470,000 from the National Health and Medical Research Council to do the work.
She said the "; S10[19]=" study could help to earn US Food and Drug Administration approval for the release of the funhaler.
It would involve up to "; S11[19]=" 100 children recruited from Princess Margaret Hospital... ";