R[0]="2213"; T[0]="A good start to the new year: Rain in NSW and Victoria"; A[0]="By ... Editor"; Dn[0]="20030102"; Dt[0]="Thursday 2 January 2003"; Acats[0]="a35a64a65"; B1[0]="      Good rain across parched areas of Victoria and New South Wales in the past 36 hours has given many drought-hit farmers a "; B2[0]="bright start to 2003... "; B3[0]=" "; B4[0]=" "; B5[0]=" "; S1[0]="      Good rain across parched areas of Victoria and New South Wales in the past 36 hours has given many drought-hit farmers a "; S2[0]=" bright start to 2003.
      Some of the best falls have been 60 millimetres near Mildura, 30 millimetres near Wellington, 42 millimetres at "; S3[0]=" Nyngan and 20 millimetres at Walgett.
      The front was less kind in South Australia, with centres such as Kadina (four millimetres) and "; S4[0]=" Mount Gambier (six millimetres) getting light falls to yesterday morning, according to the Bureau of Meteorology.
      While some farmers said they hoped "; S5[0]=" the falls would send a trickle into dry dams, the feeling was that without follow-up, it would do little more than lay the dust.
  "; S6[0]="     Retired farmer Dawn Welsh, on a grazing property 16 kilometres from Eugowra, in western NSW, said 139 points (about 35 millimetres) had fallen.
"; S7[0]="       'There's no way it's solved the drought problem on the property and this has run a little dribble into the dams,' she "; S8[0]=" said.
      'I mean, it's wonderful, we're most grateful, but we're a long way off.' Mrs Welsh said her property had 16 dry "; S9[0]=" dams.
      In Victoria's parched north-west, Tempy farmer Milla Kerr said her family wheat and barley property had recorded 150 points (nearly 40 "; S10[0]=" millimetres) on Tuesday.
      The rain would help with plantings in the next few days, she said.
      On the other "; S11[0]=" side of the state, near Granya, just south of the Murray River, sheep farmer Joanne Taprell said the 20 millimetres that fell on her property "; S12[0]=" would put nothing in the dry dams.
      'We've just been out feeding the sheep and all it's done is damp down the "; S13[0]=" dust,' she said.
      In the NSW wheatbelt, Narromine recorded 56 millimetres of rain, and Peak Hill recorded 50 millimetres.
      "; S14[0]=" To the north-west, Enngonia recorded 22 millimetres, and its neighbour Brewarrina 12 millimetres.
      Cowra and Orange, in the NSW central west, both "; S15[0]=" recorded 19 millimetres, with 18 millimetres at Bowral on the Southern Highlands.
      NSW Bureau of Meteorology spokesman Derek Coales said that for "; S16[0]=" the next few days inland areas would be mainly dry... "; R[1]="2212"; T[1]="Proud farmers refusing drought aid"; A[1]="By ... Editor"; Dn[1]="20030102"; Dt[1]="Thursday 2 January 2003"; Acats[1]="a07a35"; B1[1]="      Pride and fear are preventing tens of thousands of drought-stricken farmers from seeking government drought assistance.... "; B2[1]=" "; B3[1]=" "; B4[1]=" "; B5[1]=" "; S1[1]="      Pride and fear are preventing tens of thousands of drought-stricken farmers from seeking government drought assistance.
      Despite more "; S2[1]=" than 68,000 farmers being eligible to apply for taxpayer-funded relief, only a fraction have taken up the offer.
      Federal Government figures "; S3[1]=" released before Christmas show just 5000 calls to the Centrelink drought hotline.
      The Government and farming bodies said this was because farmers "; S4[1]=" did not like to ask for hand-outs.
      'There's traditional reluctance .
      .
      .
    "; S5[1]="   for farmers to access what is regarded as welfare,' a spokesman for Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson said.
      For a lot "; S6[1]=" of people, the circumstances were difficult, 'but not dire' and 'they don't access (assistance) until they really need it'.
      NSW Farmers "; S7[1]=" Association president Mal Peters said pride and independence got in the way of farmers seeking aid.
      'To be out in the "; S8[1]=" bush and to survive you have to be very self-reliant, so the circumstances have to be very dire for them to approach (for help),' he "; S9[1]=" said.
      Applications for interim income support and interest rate relief are available from Centrelink offices or by calling 132 316... "; R[2]="2210"; T[2]="WA drought aid criteria made easier"; A[2]="By ... Editor"; Dn[2]="20030102"; Dt[2]="Thursday 2 January 2003"; Acats[2]="a07a35"; B1[2]="      The State Government has changed its $6.8 million drought assistance package after only 10 farmers applied for assistance in the first seven "; B2[2]="weeks of the scheme... "; B3[2]=" "; B4[2]=" "; B5[2]=" "; S1[2]="      The State Government has changed its $6.8 million drought assistance package after only 10 farmers applied for assistance in the first seven "; S2[2]=" weeks of the scheme.
      Agriculture Minister Kim Chance said yesterday changes to the package's eligibility criteria would make farmers in another 12 "; S3[2]=" shires eligible, with the closing date for applications put back to March 31.
      The new shires are Moora, Goomalling, Tammin, Cunderdin, Northam, "; S4[2]=" York, Beverley, Brookton, Pingelly, Gnowangerup, Tambellup and Albany.
      Production loss requirements have also been relaxed, with farmers now having to show a "; S5[2]=" 70 per cent fall in 2002 production measured against their 1995-99 production years.
      Previously, farmers needed to suffer substantial losses for three "; S6[2]=" consecutive seasons to be eligible for aid.
      Mr Chance said although about 250 farmers had contacted the Department of Agriculture to ask "; S7[2]=" how they could get assistance under the scheme, only 10 applications had been lodged.
      He said he still expected about 550 WA "; S8[2]=" farmers to receive assistance under the package, which allows each farm business to claim a grant of up to $6000 for water carting and feedlot "; S9[2]=" infrastructure.
      The package also includes a $1.5 million boost to the farm water grants scheme and $1.6 million to assist claims made "; S10[2]=" under the Commonwealth's Exceptional Circumstances scheme.
      Mr Chance claimed the lack of applications had more to do with the quiet Christmas-New Year "; S11[2]=" period than the failure of the scheme.
      'While the slower than expected take-up rate can be expected at this time of year, "; S12[2]=" the announcement of the ($368 million) Commonwealth package necessitated a review of our criteria,' Mr Chance said.
      'The changes will address concerns "; S13[2]=" expressed by the farming community while ensuring the State package continues to be targeted at those farmers in greatest need of assistance.' However, farmers who "; S14[2]=" received Exceptional Circumstances assistance remain ineligible for State aid, as do those whose assets exceed $2 million.
      The changes were welcomed yesterday "; S15[2]=" by the WA Farmers Federation, which said many deserving farmers had been unable to qualify for assistance under existing criteria.
      'They really "; S16[2]=" needed to make some changes because it was just far too difficult for people to access,' WAFF president Colin Nicholl said.
      'Farmers "; S17[2]=" were throwing their hands up in the air and they did see it as a political stunt - it was costing them $2000 in accountancy "; S18[2]=" fees and other research to back up their applications and it just wasn't worth it.' WA National Party agriculture spokesman Murray Criddle said the Government "; S19[2]=" was tinkering at the edges of a package that still had major flaws.
      'Six thousand dollars gets you very little when it "; S20[2]=" comes to transporting livestock or carting water,' Mr Criddle said.
      'This is a token gesture which might help a few individuals in "; S21[2]=" a minor way, but that is all.'.. "; R[3]="2201"; T[3]="Drought relief for SA private school fees"; A[3]="By ... Editor"; Dn[3]="20021226"; Dt[3]="Thursday 26 December 2002"; Acats[3]="a35a53"; B1[3]="      Independent South Australian schools have drawn up special packages to help rural families hit by the drought.... "; B2[3]=" "; B3[3]=" "; B4[3]=" "; B5[3]=" "; S1[3]="      Independent South Australian schools have drawn up special packages to help rural families hit by the drought.
      The packages, "; S2[3]=" which include deferred payment plans free of interest, fee remissions and bursary assistance, will help families to continue sending their children to board in city "; S3[3]=" schools.
      The executive director of the Association of Independent Schools of SA, Mr Garry Le Duff, said yesterday boarding facilities at "; S4[3]=" independent schools were a critical service for families in rural areas.
      'Schools are to be commended for undertaking boarding as an "; S5[3]=" important part of their social obligation to regional families, despite the escalating cost of maintaining facilities and services,' he said.
      'Families "; S6[3]=" disadvantaged by isolation and other factors rely on these schools.' Mr Le Duff said inquiries and enrolments for boarders were increasing despite many families "; S7[3]=" struggling with financial pressures.
      Four of Adelaide's major private schools - which between them in 2002 had 30 per cent of "; S8[3]=" the total number of boarding students - have reported increases of up to 9.9 per cent in 2003.
      Wilderness School, Westminster "; S9[3]=" School, Scotch College and Immanuel College in 2002 had a total of 316 boarders.
      That will rise to 342 next year.
  "; S10[3]="     'A number of families have contacted us and we've put arrangements in place to enable their children to continue to be educated as "; S11[3]=" boarders through the drought,' Wilderness School principal Carolyn Grantskalns said.
      Those measures included reduced fees and giving families longer to pay fees.
"; S12[3]="       Boarding fees for city schools can be up to $10,000 a year or more.
      In 2003, Westminster "; S13[3]=" School will be South Australia's largest boarding school, with 121 residents - up from 109 in 2002.
      Westminster principal Bradley Fenner "; S14[3]=" said no families had approached them for assistance in 2003, but they would do what they could for any that were in trouble.
    "; S15[3]="   Scotch College principal Geoffrey Fisher said the school had extended its boarding scholarship scheme for 2003 to several families 'in difficulty' through the "; S16[3]=" drought.
      Boarding numbers in independent and Catholic schools increased 2.8 per cent in 2002 to a total of 1079... "; R[4]="2197"; T[4]="Farm savings hit for $153m"; A[4]="By ... Editor"; Dn[4]="20021226"; Dt[4]="Thursday 26 December 2002"; Acats[4]="a07a35"; B1[4]="      Drought-ravaged farmers are rapidly drawing money from their special low-tax bank accounts as the cost of running their properties mounts.... "; B2[4]=" "; B3[4]=" "; B4[4]=" "; B5[4]=" "; S1[4]="      Drought-ravaged farmers are rapidly drawing money from their special low-tax bank accounts as the cost of running their properties mounts.
    "; S2[4]="   The latest figures on the accounts, sanctioned by the federal Government as a way of averaging income across several years, show farmers are withdrawing "; S3[4]=" money at 2 1/2 times the rate they did last year.
      Funds in the Farm Management Deposits scheme doubled to $2 billion "; S4[4]=" at the end of the last financial year on the back of two strong seasons.
      But with feed and water trucking costs "; S5[4]=" now soaring, farmers have withdrawn $153 million during the three months to September.
      Overall 1479 accounts were closed, with an average withdrawal "; S6[4]=" of $103,000.
      The advantage of the scheme is that income tax is paid when the money is withdrawn rather than when it "; S7[4]=" is earned, allowing farmers to average their income across good and bad times.
      The federal Government yesterday confirmed full Exceptional Circumstances relief "; S8[4]=" would be available for the western division of NSW, covering Hillston Balranald and Broken Hill.
      Parts of the Cobar rural area will "; S9[4]=" be counted as a buffer zone, allowing farmers to apply for aid on an individual basis.
      Normally money must be held in "; S10[4]=" an account for 12 months but recent amendments mean farmers in an EC area can withdraw money without losing the tax advantage.
      "; S11[4]=" 'Many farmers find themselves less financially stressed and more able to manage the effects of this devastating drought,' federal Agriculture Minister Warren Truss said yesterday.
"; S12[4]="       National Farmers Federation president Peter Corish said the figures showed farmers were dealing with the extremes of the farming cycle more professionally.
"; S13[4]="       'The figures are working proof that farmers are willing to take any informed approach to business risk management and prepare for situations "; S14[4]=" such as drought.' He said the amount still remaining in Farm Management Deposits accounts suggested some farmers would have resources to restock and replant when "; S15[4]=" the drought broke... "; R[5]="2194"; T[5]="Envirofund to the rescue for drought recovery"; A[5]="By ... Editor"; Dn[5]="20021219"; Dt[5]="Thursday 19 December 2002"; Acats[5]="a07a35a42"; B1[5]="      The Commonwealth Government is inviting community groups and individuals to apply for funding for drought-related environmental works under a special $10 million "; B2[5]="Drought Recovery Round of the Australian Government Envirofund... "; B3[5]=" "; B4[5]=" "; B5[5]=" "; S1[5]="      The Commonwealth Government is inviting community groups and individuals to apply for funding for drought-related environmental works under a special $10 million "; S2[5]=" Drought Recovery Round of the Australian Government Envirofund.
      The Federal Minister for the Environment and Heritage, Dr David Kemp, the Federal Minister "; S3[5]=" for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Warren Truss, and the Federal Minister for Fisheries, Forestry and Conservation, Senator Ian Macdonald, said the Envirofund is the community "; S4[5]=" component of the Commonwealth's $2.7 billion Natural Heritage Trust, which helps thousands of Australians undertake on-ground works such as tree planting, fencing, weeding and seed "; S5[5]=" collecting.
      The Ministers encouraged groups and individuals to apply for funding to undertake much needed environmental works in these tough times.
  "; S6[5]="     The Drought Recovery Round of the Envirofund is one of a series of new measures acknowledging the effect the drought is having on "; S7[5]=" industry, the environment and communities around Australia.
      Mr Truss said funding under the special Drought Recovery Round targets works to protect our "; S8[5]=" land and water and vegetation from drought-induced environmental damage or projects that are best undertaken when water levels are low.
      Priority will "; S9[5]=" be given to applications from areas declared as Exceptional Circumstances (EC) areas, or under consideration for EC.
      'This special round of the "; S10[5]=" Envirofund is designed to help individuals and community groups get on with practical activities to help protect the natural environment from degradation caused by the "; S11[5]=" widespread and severe drought - recognising that communities need a helping hand to respond,' Mr Truss said.
      Dr Kemp said projects funded "; S12[5]=" may include waterway protection, erosion control, or fencing to protect habitat of endangered animals and vegetation.
      Funding may also be available to "; S13[5]=" relocate watering points to prevent stock damage to fragile river frontage, and to control feral animals to reduce grazing pressure or protect native plant and "; S14[5]=" animal life.
      'This special Drought Recovery Round is about providing assistance when and where it is most needed,' Dr Kemp said.
  "; S15[5]="     'It will help protect our biodiversity resources on which farming activity is heavily reliant.' To maximise the fund's effectiveness, applications received before the "; S16[5]=" end of January will receive priority processing so that community groups who are ready to undertake action quickly can start once the project is approved.
"; S17[5]="       'Envirofund recognises that every idea and every effort - no matter what size - can make a difference.
      Small "; S18[5]=" local projects help ensure that our unique biodiversity is protected even under severe drought conditions, and our rich resources are sustained for the next generation,' "; S19[5]=" Dr Kemp said.
      Senator Macdonald said the Drought Recovery Round of the Australian Government Envirofund continued the work of the Natural Heritage "; S20[5]=" Trust - the largest environmental rescue effort ever delivered by any Australian Government.
      'To date, almost 400,000 Australian volunteers have been involved "; S21[5]=" in over 12,000 projects funded through the Howard Government's Natural Heritage Trust,' Senator Macdonald said.
      'These projects have achieved significant on-ground outcomes, "; S22[5]=" including the planting of more than 26 million seedlings, the protection of 7,730 square kilometres of native vegetation and the erection of 36,000 kilometres of "; S23[5]=" protective fencing along our waterways.
      'We strongly encourage community groups around the country to apply for funding from the Australian Government Envirofund "; S24[5]=" Drought Recovery Round to help make a real difference in their local areas,' Senator Macdonald said.
      Community groups and individuals interested in "; S25[5]=" applying for funding of up to $30,000 under the Australian Government Envirofund Drought Recovery Round should obtain a copy of the Guide to Applications by "; S26[5]=" calling toll-free on 1800 065 823, or by looking on the internet at www.nht.gov.au.
      Applications must be received by 14 February 2003.
"; S27[5]="       Applications received by 30 January 2003 will get priority processing and early announcement.
      It is expected that the "; S28[5]=" remainder of the projects to receive funding under this round will be announced late March 2003... "; R[6]="2192"; T[6]="Free access to dry season book"; A[6]="By ... Editor"; Dn[6]="20021219"; Dt[6]="Thursday 19 December 2002"; Acats[6]="a07a35a66a72"; B1[6]="      As a gesture to assist Queensland's cattle producers through the current drought, Department of Primary Industries has opted to make the previously "; B2[6]="saleable publication - Dry season management of a beef business - freely available... "; B3[6]=" "; B4[6]=" "; B5[6]=" "; S1[6]="      As a gesture to assist Queensland's cattle producers through the current drought, Department of Primary Industries has opted to make the previously "; S2[6]=" saleable publication - Dry season management of a beef business - freely available.
      DPI Queensland Beef Industry Institute director, Dr Greg Robbins, "; S3[6]=" said the 52-page booklet provided producers with management plans and practical advice for supplementary feeding during dry seasons.
      Dr Robbins said the "; S4[6]=" A5-size booklet released in late 2001 carried the pooled experience of 10 statewide DPI beef cattle extension officers.
      Bonefide cattle producers can "; S5[6]=" acquire the book through the DPI Call Centre on 13 25 23.
      Alternatively, the complete book can be accessed via the Internet "; S6[6]=" at www.dpi.qld.gov.au.
      Visitors to the DPI web page should look for 'Dry Season Management' at the on-line bookshop and follow the link "; S7[6]=" to download a free copy of the publication.
      'This year there has been an unprecedented demand for all forms of supplementary feed "; S8[6]=" including hay, grain, whole cottonseed, concentrates and lick blocks.
      The booklet contains advice on basic supplementary feeding relating to ration formulations.
  "; S9[6]="     This includes a practical weight and volume ready-reckoner to help producers make up their own cost-effective supplementary feed mixes,' Dr Robbins said.
  "; S10[6]="     Dr Robbins said the book gave the guidelines for long term dry season management plans that took into account the effect on the "; S11[6]=" land, pasture, property finances and the people.
      'Droughts are a fact of life and early planning sets the benchmarks for good decision-making.
"; S12[6]="       Cattle should be used as a tradeable asset to maintain the land resource and to ensure the business is well placed to "; S13[6]=" restock after an extended dry period.
      Flexible management plans can reduce the environmental, financial and social impacts and when the drought does "; S14[6]=" break, the recovery process can be well underway,' he said.
      Dr Robbins said the advice for implementing long term strategies to tackle "; S15[6]=" drought was free but to actually have those management plans and infrastructure in place was invaluable... "; R[7]="2191"; T[7]="Climate change: Can't Beat it, Bear it"; A[7]="By ... Editor"; Dn[7]="20021219"; Dt[7]="Thursday 19 December 2002"; Acats[7]="a05a89"; B1[7]="      Australia's fishery, tourism and agricultural sectors should brace themselves for the impact of warmer global temperatures, a climate change conference was told "; B2[7]="yesterday... "; B3[7]=" "; B4[7]=" "; B5[7]=" "; S1[7]="      Australia's fishery, tourism and agricultural sectors should brace themselves for the impact of warmer global temperatures, a climate change conference was told "; S2[7]=" yesterday.
      The tourism industry is most under threat.
      In a worst-case scenario, snow cover is predicted to all but "; S3[7]=" disappear, and coral bleaching on the Great Barrier Reef is likely to rise, a report by the Australian Greenhouse Office warned.
      The "; S4[7]=" federal Environment Minister, David Kemp, said the projections were 'far reaching, touching most sectors of the community'.
      Loss of grain revenue in "; S5[7]=" the Riverina could be up to $152million a year.
      A rise in sea temperatures could also affect profits in the fisheries sector.
"; S6[7]="       CSIRO research presented to the Canberra conference predicted that the wheat industry was also likely to suffer by 2070.
      "; S7[7]=" 'The potential impact on Australia's tourism industry due to climate change could also have substantial economic implications,' the Greenhouse Office paper, released yesterday, said.
  "; S8[7]="     Snow cover on ski fields was predicted to decrease dramatically.
      The best-case scenario was a 39 per cent reduction in "; S9[7]=" snow by 2070 - based on a temperature increase of 0.6 per cent.
      The worst case could be the almost total disappearance "; S10[7]=" of snow.
      Cover could be reduced by 96 per cent if Australia's average temperature increased by 3.4 per cent.
      "; S11[7]=" 'Potential direct causes of losses to the [tourism] industry include coral bleaching damage, damage to beaches and coastal resorts due to rising sea levels and "; S12[7]=" possible increased storm surge activity, reductions in the extent and duration of snow cover in the Australian Alps and an increased risk of contracting serious "; S13[7]=" insect-borne diseases,' the report said.
      The report is based on calculations by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which predicts that by "; S14[7]=" 2100 the average global temperature will have risen between 1.4 and 5.8 degrees on 1990 levels.
      A rise in temperature of that "; S15[7]=" scale could mean the sea level would rise by nine to 88 centimetres, while extreme weather events like droughts and tropical cyclones would likely increase "; S16[7]=" in some areas.
      Australian cities could expect more summer days with temperatures over 35C and fewer winter days below zero degrees.
  "; S17[7]="     Increasing domestic energy consumption is a significant contributor to the emission of greenhouse gases, which in turn contribute to global warming.
    "; S18[7]="   Dr Kemp told the conference he was preparing to release a detailed strategy for dealing with the problem next year... "; R[8]="2180"; T[8]="Big Dry hits the buffalo industry"; A[8]="By ... Editor"; Dn[8]="20021218"; Dt[8]="Wednesday 18 December 2002"; Acats[8]="a31a35"; B1[8]="      The drought could spell the end for the fledgling buffalo industry in the nation's southern states.
      Buffalo herds in "; B2[8]="Victoria are now being sold-off or killed-off as producers, unable to afford feed or a place to agist their animals, leave the industry... "; B3[8]=" "; B4[8]=" "; B5[8]=" "; S1[8]="      The drought could spell the end for the fledgling buffalo industry in the nation's southern states.
      Buffalo herds "; S2[8]=" in Victoria are now being sold-off or killed-off as producers, unable to afford feed or a place to agist their animals, leave the industry.
  "; S3[8]="     The industry is concentrated on the Northern Territory, with some producers trying to establish themselves closer to niche restaurant and gourmet food "; S4[8]=" markets in Victoria and NSW.
      President of the Australian Buffalo Industry Council Milton Stevens said the drought was just making the "; S5[8]=" situation worse for those producers in southern states.
      He said in one case a Victorian buffalo farmer faced a $50,000 hay "; S6[8]=" bill just to keep his animals alive through the next few months.
      The farmer decided to sell-off his holdings.
    "; S7[8]="   Other farmers have trucked their herds through to the Northern Territory to sell them into the Brunei market.
      Mr "; S8[8]=" Stevens said buffalo farmers also faced large legislative hurdles which made it tougher for them to survive the drought.
      'You've got "; S9[8]=" to be licensed to have buffalo agisted on your property, so most farmers just don't do that,' he said.
      'It means "; S10[8]=" that if you want to keep your stock and agist them, there's no where to send them.
      'We've got more people "; S11[8]=" wanting to get out of buffalo than getting into it.' Mr Stevens said those likely to survive were producers who sold direct to restaurants, "; S12[8]=" made their own smallgoods or supplied gourmet foods such as mozzarella cheese.
      He said apart from the drought the industry was "; S13[8]=" suffering from substantial meat substitution and marketing problems.
      In some cases retailers believed they were getting quality meat which instead were "; S14[8]=" cheaper and heavier cuts, Mr Stevens said.
      The Northern Territory remains the focus of the buffalo industry, with exports through South-East "; S15[8]=" Asia the mainstay of producers... "; R[9]="2176"; T[9]="SA's Central North East and Mallee eligible for Federal drought relief"; A[9]="By ... Editor"; Dn[9]="20021218"; Dt[9]="Wednesday 18 December 2002"; Acats[9]="a05a07a35"; B1[9]="      Federal Agriculture Minister Warren Truss today announced that a further 6,000 farmers in three drought-affected areas of South Australia and Victoria can "; B2[9]="now apply to Centrelink for interim income support and interest rate relief... "; B3[9]=" "; B4[9]=" "; B5[9]=" "; S1[9]="      Federal Agriculture Minister Warren Truss today announced that a further 6,000 farmers in three drought-affected areas of South Australia and Victoria can "; S2[9]=" now apply to Centrelink for interim income support and interest rate relief.
      Mr Truss said he was satisfied prima facie cases had "; S3[9]=" been made for drought Exceptional Circumstances (EC) assistance for areas in the Central North East Pastoral Region and the Southern Mallee in SA, and the "; S4[9]=" North Western Victoria (Mallee) region.
      The applications have been referred to the National Rural Advisory Council (NRAC) for a full assessment.
"; S5[9]="       In addition, EC applications for the NSW North-West, Riverina and Casino areas, and the Victorian Goulbourn Valley irrigation district, have been "; S6[9]=" referred to the NRAC.
      'With today's approval of prima face cases for EC, about 300 farm families in the South Australian Central "; S7[9]=" North East, and 400 farm families in the Southern Mallee, are eligible to apply for interim income support and interest rate relief on new loans "; S8[9]=" of up to $100,000,' Mr Truss said.
      About 5,300 farmers in the Victorian Mallee area are also eligible to apply for "; S9[9]=" assistance.
      The Government's decision of 9 December 2002 to provide interim assistance to areas of low rainfall covered all of NSW and "; S10[9]=" parts of Victoria, including the Goulbourn Valley Irrigation District EC application area.
      Farmers in these areas are already eligible to apply "; S11[9]=" for interim assistance.
      'The South Australian Government's EC application for the Central North East states that events over the past six years "; S12[9]=" will make recovery from the drought slow and expensive.
      'Major floods in 1997 have been followed by five years of below average "; S13[9]=" rainfall, most of which has fallen outside the peak growing season of April to August.
      From 1997 to 2000, plague locusts and "; S14[9]=" grasshoppers caused significant damage to pastures across the region.
      'The application also states the 12 months to October 2002 were the driest "; S15[9]=" on record for many properties across the region.
      'In the Southern Mallee, the impact of severe frosts in 2000 and 2001 has "; S16[9]=" seriously reduced the capacity of properties in the application area to cope with the region's drought conditions.
      'The Victorian Government's Mallee EC "; S17[9]=" application showed that much of the area qualified for interim assistance as this year's rainfall deficiency followed several years during which rainfall had been below "; S18[9]=" average, severely depleting subsoil moisture.
      'The major rainfall deficiency over the 2002 growing season led to a substantial decline in grain "; S19[9]=" production.
      Average farm losses are expected to exceed $100,000 for much of the area this year.
      'The thorough assessment "; S20[9]=" process associated with EC applications will ensure that all the causes of an exceptional circumstance can be brought forward for independent consideration.
      "; S21[9]=" 'I compliment the new Victorian Agriculture Minister Bob Cameron on his prompt completion of EC applications for areas hard hit by the drought ensuring the "; S22[9]=" needs of farmers are addressed as quickly as possible.' 'Arrangements for EC have not been changed as a result of the new one-off Commonwealth drought "; S23[9]=" assistance measures announced by the Prime Minister on 9 December.
      'The Commonwealth Government will continue to assist areas that meet the EC "; S24[9]=" criteria - having suffered a rare and severe event which has led to a severe and prolonged downturn in farm income.' EC assistance includes income "; S25[9]=" support and interest rate subsidies of up to $100,000 per year for two years.
      The major impact of the current drought and "; S26[9]=" lack of action by state governments prompted the Commonwealth to provide immediate interim relief (for six months) to communities suffering from the effect of a "; S27[9]=" one-in-20-year rainfall deficiency from March to November 2002 (as announced on 9 December).
      Application forms for Interim Income Support and Interest Rate "; S28[9]=" Relief are available from local Centrelink offices or by calling 13 23 16... "; R[10]="2174"; T[10]="Cotton crop devastated"; A[10]="By ... Editor"; Dn[10]="20021217"; Dt[10]="Tuesday 17 December 2002"; Acats[10]="a15a35"; B1[10]="      Australian cotton farmers will bring in their smallest crop in 15 years, the national forecaster has said.... "; B2[10]=" "; B3[10]=" "; B4[10]=" "; B5[10]=" "; S1[10]="      Australian cotton farmers will bring in their smallest crop in 15 years, the national forecaster has said.
      The Australian "; S2[10]=" Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARE) today said total lint production would fall 65.7 per cent to 238,000 tonnes.
      The "; S3[10]=" total value of cotton exports is expected to slump 27.1 per cent to $1.1 billion in 2002/03.
      Only held-over stocks of "; S4[10]=" cotton lint, and an improvement in prices, prevented the expected export income from falling further, it said.
      ABARE said many farmers "; S5[10]=" were banking on some summer rains to help their already small cotton crops get through to harvest.
      But it warned many "; S6[10]=" crops would still be adversely affected.
      'Although the warm conditions experienced so far would typically provide ideal weather for plant development, "; S7[10]=" the low initial soil moisture has required additional waterings of the irrigated crop early in the season,' it said.
      'This has "; S8[10]=" placed even greater pressure on current low dam levels and water availability.
      'Water stress is hence likely to emerge as a "; S9[10]=" major issue in many irrigated growing regions as the season progresses... "; R[11]="2173"; T[11]="Banks pledge to give farmers a break"; A[11]="By ... Editor"; Dn[11]="20021217"; Dt[11]="Tuesday 17 December 2002"; Acats[11]="a07a35"; B1[11]="      The banking industry says it will continue to provide special measures for drought-affected farmers.... "; B2[11]=" "; B3[11]=" "; B4[11]=" "; B5[11]=" "; S1[11]="      The banking industry says it will continue to provide special measures for drought-affected farmers.
      Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson "; S2[11]=" called a meeting with banks today to make sure drought-affected farmers are not penalised by fees and foreclosures like they were in the drought of "; S3[11]=" the mid-1990s.
      Australian Bankers Association chairman David Murray says the meeting attended by seven banks was very constructive.
      He "; S4[11]=" says the banks gave assurances that measures started six months ago will continue and farmers will not pay penalty interest rates for restructuring their loans, "; S5[11]=" otherwise government assistance packages could be swallowed up in fees.
      Mr Murray says there have been very few foreclosures... "; R[12]="2170"; T[12]="Drought worst in a century"; A[12]="By ... Editor"; Dn[12]="20021217"; Dt[12]="Tuesday 17 December 2002"; Acats[12]="a07a35"; B1[12]="      What has turned out to be the worst dry spell in a century has destroyed 80 per cent from farm production in "; B2[12]="a year, and cut the nation's sheep flock to the lowest levels since the 1920s... "; B3[12]=" "; B4[12]=" "; B5[12]=" "; S1[12]="      What has turned out to be the worst dry spell in a century has destroyed 80 per cent from farm production in "; S2[12]=" a year, and cut the nation's sheep flock to the lowest levels since the 1920s.
      The average broadacre farm, which raked in "; S3[12]=" a profit last financial year of $51,800, is tipped this year to record a loss of $54,000, according to the Australian Bureau of Agricultural and "; S4[12]=" Resource Economics.
      ABARE figures, released yesterday, show farm incomes almost as low as the early 1990s.
      And Australia's "; S5[12]=" sheep flock is predicted to fall by more than 10 million animals to 91million this financial year -- the smallest since the 1920s.
    "; S6[12]="   As the federal Government yesterday pleaded with banks for clemency for overdrawn farmers, the official government forecaster warned that domestic and export producers "; S7[12]=" would suffer further from the drought.
      ABARE said farm production income would fall 78.6 per cent, after warning a month ago "; S8[12]=" that crop production figures would fall drastically this year.
      Yesterday's estimate is worse than the 62 per cent fall forecast in "; S9[12]=" September and the 40 per cent decline predicted in June.
      Total farm export values will fall 12.8 per cent, down from "; S10[12]=" the previous prediction three months ago of a 7.4 per cent fall, the ABARE figures show.
      Crops will be the worst-hit export, "; S11[12]=" down 18.7 per cent for the year, in a blow to the economy.
      While agriculture makes up only 3 per cent of "; S12[12]=" the economy, it accounts for 25 per cent of exports.
      But, despite a flurry of recent announcements offering farmers special assistance, "; S13[12]=" Agriculture Minister Warren Truss conceded yesterday that only 30 per cent of farmers would receive special aid if they applied.
      After "; S14[12]=" meeting the banks, federal ministers conceded that many farmers had not drawn on extensive reserves and so far were coping with the stress.
    "; S15[12]="   'Some don't ask for the special aid,'' Mr Truss said.
      'We have always budgeted for only a 30 per "; S16[12]=" cent uptake (of exceptional circumstances funding).' Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson said yesterday he was surprised at the small number of farmers who had "; S17[12]=" drawn down on the low-tax, government-backed Farm Deposit Scheme, and that many had not looked at refinancing their operations.
      But Mr "; S18[12]=" Anderson said farmers could suffer most financial stress when the drought broke.
      'Our fears (are) there'll be real difficulties when the "; S19[12]=" drought breaks and farmers go to replant their crops, that is when the stress will come,' he said.
      Mr Anderson said "; S20[12]=" the Government would consult MPs about farmers in their electorates complaining of bad treatment by the banks.
      After meeting Mr Anderson, "; S21[12]=" Australian Bankers Association chairman David Murray said banks should not counteract government financial assistance by increasing fees or applying 'penalty' interest rates.
      "; S22[12]=" ABARE's latest figures suggest the drought will cut economic growth by 0.75 per cent.
      Dairy farmers who stayed in the "; S23[12]=" industry after deregulation are facing a particularly sharp drop in prices and exports.
      But the ABARE figures include positive outlooks for "; S24[12]=" minerals and energy, with growth forecasts for iron ore and steel, gold, aluminium and nickel after recent declines.
      The ABARE forecasts "; S25[12]=" depend on an Australian dollar around US56c.
      Any sudden fall in the greenback, and with it a loss of competitiveness of the "; S26[12]=" Australian dollar, may dramatically alter the predictions... "; R[13]="2166"; T[13]="Some graziers re-thinking management strategies"; A[13]="By ... Editor"; Dn[13]="20021217"; Dt[13]="Tuesday 17 December 2002"; Acats[13]="a35a72"; B1[13]="      The climate outlook and feed and cattle prices are causing some graziers to re-think their management strategies for coping with the drought.... "; B2[13]=" "; B3[13]=" "; B4[13]=" "; B5[13]=" "; S1[13]="      The climate outlook and feed and cattle prices are causing some graziers to re-think their management strategies for coping with the drought.
"; S2[13]="       Department of Primary Industries beef extension officer, Kay Taylor of Miles, said some of the several hundred graziers who attended an extensive "; S3[13]=" series of livestock business decisions workshops had indicated they would be modifying their drought management strategies.
      Ms Taylor, who was one of "; S4[13]=" the presenters at the workshops, said key messages from discussions included: · The climate outlook is not encouraging · There is not enough paddock feed "; S5[13]=" to go far into next year · Supplementary feeds will continue to be in short supply and expensive · Pastures may be extensively damaged through "; S6[13]=" continual stocking during drought.
      · The outlook for beef prices in the short term is not positive.
      She said "; S7[13]=" the options these graziers were considering included selling more stock now, radical weaning (weaning at five or six weeks) and other ways of reducing feeding "; S8[13]=" costs.
      The workshops were held at 18 centres throughout southern Queensland and included discussion topics covering climate, assessing pasture quality and quantity, "; S9[13]=" understanding market specifications and trends, determining feed requirements, available supplements, values and costs, and comparing management strategies to maximise long-term business returns.
      "; S10[13]=" Another DPI presenter John Bertram said one of the views to emerge from the meetings was that graziers who could not hold cows until mid "; S11[13]=" to late January would be better off financially by selling before Christmas.
      He said influences on the United States beef market, a "; S12[13]=" strengthening Australian dollar and reduced demand through the closure of Queensland meatworks for the Christmas break would impact on market prices.
      The "; S13[13]=" workshops were held free of charge.
      The last workshop in the series will be held in the AgForce Building, Roma, on Thursday, "; S14[13]=" December 19, from 8.30am to 3.30pm... "; R[14]="2165"; T[14]="Rain is a great morale booster"; A[14]="By ... Editor"; Dn[14]="20021217"; Dt[14]="Tuesday 17 December 2002"; Acats[14]="a35a48"; B1[14]="      Department of Primary Industries stock inspectors report a significant lift in the morale of stock owners following the rain in parts of "; B2[14]="southern Queensland... "; B3[14]=" "; B4[14]=" "; B5[14]=" "; S1[14]="      Department of Primary Industries stock inspectors report a significant lift in the morale of stock owners following the rain in parts of "; S2[14]=" southern Queensland.
      Falls recorded on the eastern Downs ranged from 40 to 75mm, with some western and northern parts of southern Queensland "; S3[14]=" receiving 10 to 20mm DPI drought project coordinator (South Region), Brett McCahon of Goondiwindi, said although the rain had been patchy and inconsistent, it had "; S4[14]=" clearly boosted the morale of stock owners.
      Mr McCahon said in some areas the rain would provide planting opportunities for forage crops, "; S5[14]=" and also some growth in pastures.
      Both would be a respite for those graziers who were drought feeding stock.
      "; S6[14]=" He said future temperatures and follow-up rain would determine the extent of the benefits for forage crops.
      'The rain will certainly provide "; S7[14]=" a green pick on some properties but the recovery of pastures and the quantity of feed they produce will depend on how run-down the pastures "; S8[14]=" are.
      'Some are quite depleted, with most having less than 1000kg/ha of dry matter, which will slow recovery.
      'Unfortunately "; S9[14]=" it doesn't rain feed.' He said the feed situation was reflected in livestock condition, which was continuing to decline He said another benefit of the "; S10[14]=" rain was to replenish some stock water supplies, with some creeks having run.
      Mr McCahon said few if any graziers were contemplating "; S11[14]=" returning stock from agistment on the basis of the rain.
      'Apart from the uncertainty about future rainfall, there is the issue of "; S12[14]=" temporarily losing benefits available through the Drought Relief Assistance Scheme,' he said.
      Mr McCahon said drought information was available through the DPI "; S13[14]=" drought hotline, telephone 1800 025 656... "; R[15]="2159"; T[15]="Relief funds for 400 more farming families"; A[15]="By ... Editor"; Dn[15]="20021216"; Dt[15]="Monday 16 December 2002"; Acats[15]="a05a07a35"; B1[15]="      Four hundred wheat, barley and canola farming families in the southern Mallee have won access to drought-relief funds.... "; B2[15]=" "; B3[15]=" "; B4[15]=" "; B5[15]=" "; S1[15]="      Four hundred wheat, barley and canola farming families in the southern Mallee have won access to drought-relief funds.
      The "; S2[15]=" Federal Government announcement yesterday extends in less than a week drought relief to 700 South Australian families.
      The Advertiser reported on Wednesday "; S3[15]=" that 300 northeast cattle country farming families would also benefit.
      Under the exceptional circumstances scheme they are eligible to apply for interim "; S4[15]=" income support and interest rate relief on new loans of up to $100,000.
      SA Farmers Federation president John Lush yesterday welcomed the "; S5[15]=" EC decision as a 'relief' after the farmers were previously denied assistance.
      The two areas that had missed out before 'were as "; S6[15]=" badly affected by drought as any areas in South Australia', Mr Lush said.
      'They are desperate, they are as bad as anywhere "; S7[15]=" in the eastern states, they've got nothing.' Banking bosses will also be urged today to support farmers at a meeting in Sydney with Deputy Prime "; S8[15]=" Minister John Anderson.
      Mr Anderson called banks to the meeting amid fears the drought could ultimately lead to a repeat of the "; S9[15]=" mass foreclosures that occurred during the early 1990s.
      Applications for interim income support and interest rate relief are available from local Centrelink "; S10[15]=" offices or by calling 12 23 16.
      Anyone wanting information on how to apply for EC in SA should call Primary Industries "; S11[15]=" and Resources Australia on 1800 182 235... "; R[16]="2150"; T[16]="Political torrent on drought relief"; A[16]="By ... Editor"; Dn[16]="20021213"; Dt[16]="Friday 13 December 2002"; Acats[16]="a05a07a35"; B1[16]="      Federal Agriculture Minister Warren Truss is disappointed that Labor State Governments are not doing more to meet their duty of care to "; B2[16]="farmers by providing a serious commitment to drought relief to match their rhetoric... "; B3[16]=" "; B4[16]=" "; B5[16]=" "; S1[16]="      Federal Agriculture Minister Warren Truss is disappointed that Labor State Governments are not doing more to meet their duty of care to "; S2[16]=" farmers by providing a serious commitment to drought relief to match their rhetoric.
      Mr Truss was responding to State Labor Government rhetoric "; S3[16]=" suggesting more areas of Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia and Queensland should get Commonwealth assistance.
      The State Governments between them have so "; S4[16]=" far committed only $1 for every $25 offered by the Commonwealth.
      'If State Governments had not been so tardy with their Exceptional "; S5[16]=" Circumstances (EC) applications, the Federal Government would not have had to step in to help out struggling farmers in this way,' Mr Truss said.
  "; S6[16]="     'Monday's extension of interim relief to large areas of the country was based on the rainfall deficiency over the previous nine-month period - "; S7[16]=" what actually fell or did not fall in the rain gauges.
      As a farmer, I know that on occasions rain that falls "; S8[16]=" and is registered by the Bureau may not come at a useful time.
      That is part of the reason why we have "; S9[16]=" a more thorough assessment process for EC applications.
      It is purely because the States have been unhelpful that we have had to "; S10[16]=" use simple data meet the objective of getting the funds out quickly.
      Questions about the boundaries could be resolved by comprehensive EC "; S11[16]=" applications.
      'When a State brings forward an EC application on behalf of a group of farmers, that triggers on-the-ground inspections by an "; S12[16]=" independent committee of farmers and agribusiness professionals - a detailed assessment of the real situation locally, which can effectively discount rain that may not have "; S13[16]=" been useful.
      'In this particular instance, we wanted to move quickly, we wanted to provide benefits to as many farmers as we "; S14[16]=" could in drought situations in as simple a way as possible with a minimum of paperwork.
      But public money is involved and "; S15[16]=" the distribution must have a basis in science.
      'For those whose rain gauges may have recorded enough rain to preclude them from "; S16[16]=" this measure but who still consider themselves in drought, the option for going down the EC route remains and the Federal Government stands ready to "; S17[16]=" help them.
      'I encourage State Governments to lodge EC applications for those areas which they consider would qualify for assistance if factors "; S18[16]=" other than weather bureau rainfall data were taken into account.
      'The interim relief for about two-thirds of the country announced on Monday "; S19[16]=" is not a substitute for EC.
      It is something in addition that we could do quickly with a minimum of fuss to "; S20[16]=" enable farmers to receive benefits while they and others wait for an EC application to be lodged.'.. "; R[17]="2145"; T[17]="Drought-weakened cattle at risk on trucks"; A[17]="By ... Editor"; Dn[17]="20021212"; Dt[17]="Thursday 12 December 2002"; Acats[17]="a27a35"; B1[17]="      Cattle producers are being urged not to transport drought-weakened cattle unless they were confident the animals were strong enough to withstand the "; B2[17]="travel and associated stress... "; B3[17]=" "; B4[17]=" "; B5[17]=" "; S1[17]="      Cattle producers are being urged not to transport drought-weakened cattle unless they were confident the animals were strong enough to withstand the "; S2[17]=" travel and associated stress.
      Department of Primary Industries Animal Welfare officer, Warren Lehmann, Blackall said the rapidly deteriorating seasonal conditions were forcing "; S3[17]=" an increasing number of people to reassess their livestock management options.
      Mr Lehmann said stockowners had a legal 'Duty of Care' to "; S4[17]=" provide for the needs of their animals including providing food and water and handling stock in an appropriate manner.
      'To determine what "; S5[17]=" is appropriate, welfare officers take into consideration the current seasonal conditions and a reasonable expectation of the stockowner,' he said.
      'Consigning poor-conditioned, "; S6[17]=" weak cattle that go down in the truck will undoubtedly bring some of the stronger animals down to further increase the in transit mortalities.
  "; S7[17]="     That not only exacerbates the financial losses but creates an animal welfare issue,' Mr Lehmann said.
      'While the DPI acknowledges "; S8[17]=" that these are tough times, animal cruelty or a breach of duty of care cannot be condoned.
      Maximum penalties for cruelty under "; S9[17]=" the Animal Care and Protection Act are $75,000 or two years imprisonment for individuals and $375,000 for companies,' he said.
      Mr Lehmann "; S10[17]=" said owners of drought-weakened stock had three basic management options to deal with the issue.
      Cattle deemed too weak to travel should "; S11[17]=" be retained on the property of origin and be provided with a drought survival maintenance ration.
      Another option was to feed the "; S12[17]=" animals sufficiently to improve their strength over time to enable them to cope with the rigours of transport.
      'Should the animals have "; S13[17]=" reached a point where neither of these options are viable, the only other option is to humanely destroy the stock.
      We would "; S14[17]=" urge cattle producers to make their stock management decisions as early as possible to avoid this devastating last resort scenario,' he said.
      "; S15[17]=" DPI stock inspectors were supervising saleyards activities and would take action in cases of cruelty involving drought-weakened cattle.
      Mr Lehmann said producers "; S16[17]=" could discuss their stock management options including the most cost-effective nutritional feeding recommendations with the regional DPI beef extension officers or by contacting the DPI "; S17[17]=" Call Centre 13 25 23 for the cost of a local call... "; R[18]="2138"; T[18]="Rain beats fires but bypasses farmers"; A[18]="By ... Editor"; Dn[18]="20021212"; Dt[18]="Thursday 12 December 2002"; Acats[18]="a35"; B1[18]="      The rain which fell across parts of NSW in recent days may have provided firefighters with some welcome relief, but it has "; B2[18]="done little to calm the state's drought-affected farmers... "; B3[18]=" "; B4[18]=" "; B5[18]=" "; S1[18]="      The rain which fell across parts of NSW in recent days may have provided firefighters with some welcome relief, but it has "; S2[18]=" done little to calm the state's drought-affected farmers.
      Farm groups and the NSW Government say much more substantial rain is needed before "; S3[18]=" the drought's grip begins to loosen, with both also saying it is 'virtually impossible' for the drought to break during an Australian summer.
    "; S4[18]="   Since Monday, falls of 150 millimetres have been recorded in parts of the Hunter Valley and along the state's mid-north coast between Bulahdelah and "; S5[18]=" Port Macquarie, but throughout most of the state the rainfall was either moderate or elusive.
      At the start of the week, nine "; S6[18]=" NSW towns depended on water being trucked in.
      Tyalgum, near Murwillumbah, was the only one of those towns to receive any rainfall "; S7[18]=" this week.
      A spokesman for the NSW Minister for Land and Water Conservation said the rainfall had 'provided a slight easing but "; S8[18]=" no permanent solution'.
      The rain in the state's north produced little run-off, and the Department of Land and Water Conservation's North Coast "; S9[18]=" regional director yesterday announced tighter water restrictions.
      A statement by the department said: 'The storms and rainfall that we have had in "; S10[18]=" the past few days [haven't] fully contributed to the flows in the system and some of the waterways have reached critical flow levels.' NSW Agriculture's "; S11[18]=" drought co-ordinator, Geoff File, said the recent rain was welcome, but it was by no means drought-breaking.
      'The ground in NSW is "; S12[18]=" as dry as it's ever been,' he said.
      'Theoretically it would take 300mm of slow-falling rain to fill the soil profile and "; S13[18]=" produce the run-off you need to fill dams and rivers.' He said the drought would not break over summer because any further rain would inevitably "; S14[18]=" be followed by hot, dry conditions.
      'During the past three or four weeks, we've had some substantial falls in the north of "; S15[18]=" the state - up to 100mm - and three days later you wouldn't know it has rained,' Mr File said.
      The NSW "; S16[18]=" Farmers' Association president, Mal Peters, said the rain would have a short-term benefit, but he feared it would be short-lived.
      'We will "; S17[18]=" get green shoots over the next few weeks, but if we don't get follow-up rain, they will just burn off,' he said.
      "; S18[18]=" 'The key issue is that because of the prolonged dry, sub-surface moisture is pretty well non-existent in a lot of areas and it is going "; S19[18]=" to take a lot of rain over a long time to get it back.
      'If you get 100mm followed up by another "; S20[18]=" 50mm and then preferably some more follow-up after that, then you might be able to start talking about a breaking of the drought.' Mr Peters "; S21[18]=" said this week's rain might entice some farmers in the state's north to plant summer crops, but he said this would be risky given the "; S22[18]=" late time of year and the need for further rain.
      This week's rainfall had bypassed those farmers who needed it the most, "; S23[18]=" he said... "; R[19]="2135"; T[19]="Victoria claims its farmers are disadvantaged with drought funding"; A[19]="By ... Editor"; Dn[19]="20021212"; Dt[19]="Thursday 12 December 2002"; Acats[19]="a05a07a35"; B1[19]="      Premier Steve Bracks has accused the Federal Government of treating Victorian farmers as second-class citizens because of limits applied to the Commonwealth's "; B2[19]="$368 million drought assistance package... "; B3[19]=" "; B4[19]=" "; B5[19]=" "; S1[19]="      Premier Steve Bracks has accused the Federal Government of treating Victorian farmers as second-class citizens because of limits applied to the Commonwealth's "; S2[19]=" $368 million drought assistance package.
      Mr Bracks yesterday wrote to Prime Minister John Howard to express disappointment over the details of the "; S3[19]=" package and to reiterate his offer to take him on a tour of Victoria's drought-stricken north-west.
      'I believe if he sees first-hand "; S4[19]=" the plight of farmers in the Wimmera Mallee, I believe he'll change his mind,' Mr Bracks said.
      'I cannot understand why you "; S5[19]=" can get assistance one side of the Murray River and not get assistance the other side of the Murray River.' Farmers and businesses throughout New "; S6[19]=" South Wales are eligible for aid under the package but in Victoria assistance is available only in a narrow strip running through the centre of "; S7[19]=" the state, along with a small area around Maryborough.
      The state's own $40 million drought package is available to farmers in Victoria's "; S8[19]=" north-west.
      'Why should we be treated as second-class citizens when NSW get the benefit of drought relief?' Mr Bracks said.
    "; S9[19]="   A spokesman for Mr Howard said NSW was 'clearly hardest hit' by the drought and would therefore receive more aid.
      'More "; S10[19]=" than 80 per cent of NSW farmers are facing a one-in-20-year rainfall deficiency,' he said... "; R[20]="2127"; T[20]="Mallee farmers plea for drought aid"; A[20]="By ... Editor"; Dn[20]="20021211"; Dt[20]="Wednesday 11 December 2002"; Acats[20]="a05a07a35"; B1[20]="      The State Government has not applied for emergency drought relief funding from the Commonwealth for farmers in the state's parched north-west corner "; B2[20]="because the area has not suffered a 'prolonged drought', Victorian Agriculture Minister Bob Cameron said last night... "; B3[20]=" "; B4[20]=" "; B5[20]=" "; S1[20]="      The State Government has not applied for emergency drought relief funding from the Commonwealth for farmers in the state's parched north-west corner "; S2[20]=" because the area has not suffered a 'prolonged drought', Victorian Agriculture Minister Bob Cameron said last night.
      Under the Federal Government's tough "; S3[20]=" 'exceptional circumstances' assistance rules, farmers must suffer a severe downturn in farm income for more than a year.
      It seems last year's "; S4[20]=" bumper grain crop in the Wimmera and Mallee regions is counting against them.
      Because the 'EC' rules were so hard, Mr Cameron "; S5[20]=" said, the state had applied for funding for only two areas, the Goulburn Valley and an area in the Eastern Mallee.
      Under "; S6[20]=" the federal rules, a district must be suffering a 'one in 20-25-year event', and a significant number of farmers in the region must have suffered "; S7[20]=" a severe downturn.
      Mr Cameron's comments follow criticisms from farmers in the state's north-west angry at the bickering in recent weeks between "; S8[20]=" the state and federal governments over their drought response.
      The Wimmera and most of the Mallee missed out on a $368 million "; S9[20]=" relief package announced this week by Prime Minister John Howard.
      Ron Hards, president of the Victorian Farmers Federation's grains council, said there "; S10[20]=" had been an unhelpful stand-off between the two.
      'There have been political games played over the drought and I think we have "; S11[20]=" got to be big enough to get past that and stop playing games with peoples livelihoods,' Mr Hards said.
      Mr Cameron said "; S12[20]=" the State Government recognised that farmers in the north-west were hurting badly, and had pledged to assist them via the state's $27.7 million drought package.
"; S13[20]="       'Our concern is that we have had a new drought package released by the Federal Government yesterday, and we have these communities "; S14[20]=" which are hurting which have not been included on the federal map.' A federal source said Victoria's application for 'exceptional circumstances' funding for the Eastern "; S15[20]=" Mallee and Goulburn Valley did not put boundaries on the two 'EC' areas in question and did not say how many farmers in those areas "; S16[20]=" had been affected or describe the financial impact.
      Meanwhile, Victorian Premier Steve Bracks called on Mr Howard to join his tour of "; S17[20]=" the drought-affected Wimmera and Mallee for a first-hand account of the effects of low rainfall and to urgently review access limits on the federal package.
"; S18[20]="       Offering to act as Mr Howard's guide, Mr Bracks said it was 'inconceivable' that farmers and businesses would be denied aid.
  "; S19[20]="     He said the Federal Government had applied the law 'to the letter' and not considered that the test was not appropriate in hard-hit "; S20[20]=" areas.
      'This is a severe problem which needs an immediate response, and I'd urge the Federal Government to reconsider as a matter "; S21[20]=" of priority,' he said... "; R[21]="2124"; T[21]="WA farmers missout on drought aid"; A[21]="By ... Editor"; Dn[21]="20021211"; Dt[21]="Wednesday 11 December 2002"; Acats[21]="a05a07a35a67"; B1[21]="      Many West Australian farmers have missed out on the Federal Government's drought aid package, rural groups say.... "; B2[21]=" "; B3[21]=" "; B4[21]=" "; B5[21]=" "; S1[21]="      Many West Australian farmers have missed out on the Federal Government's drought aid package, rural groups say.
      The farm "; S2[21]=" lobby group, WAFarmers, accused the Government yesterday of tailoring its $368 million drought package for NSW with an eye on next year's State poll.
  "; S3[21]="     President Colin Nicholl said he thought WA would have only 10 to 20 farmers eligible for the package, which Federal Agriculture Minister Warren "; S4[21]=" Truss said would benefit 62,000 of the nation's 100,000 farmers of whom 10,000 are in WA.
      Mr Nicholl said the criteria favoured "; S5[21]=" small, livestock-based farms.
      But most of the drought-hit farms in WA were big grain-producing farms which had shares in national wheat marketer "; S6[21]=" AWB.
      The shares were integral to wheatgrowing but were classed as off-farm assets and put them over the $200,000 threshold.
    "; S7[21]="   He said the package announced on Monday was a breakthrough.
      It provides interest rate relief on new and existing loans up "; S8[21]=" to $100,000 for small businesses in declared exceptional circumstance areas and to farms in areas suffering once-in-20-years rainfall deficiencies as well as income support and "; S9[21]=" work-for-the-dole provisions.
      The Government should not hand out money willy-nilly but if the package was not taken up in WA the criteria "; S10[21]=" should be changed so the money could flow, he said.
      Four areas in WA are declared exceptional circumstances zones and the State "; S11[21]=" Government is believed to be preparing applications for two other areas.
      But Mr Nicholl said only $1 million of the $16 million "; S12[21]=" set aside for funding in the north-eastern Wheatbelt zone in March this year had so far made its way to farmers.
      A "; S13[21]=" spokesman for Mr Truss said the package would give State Governments time to prepare applications to make areas eligible for exceptional circumstances relief.
    "; S14[21]="   He said that there might be farmers in WA who would not be eligible for the full interest rate relief due to the size "; S15[21]=" of their loans but the package was not intended as a permanent solution.
      The State Government has welcomed the package, especially support "; S16[21]=" for small businesses in drought areas, but is seeking clarification why some shires were excluded.
      WA National Party leader Max Trenorden said "; S17[21]=" he had written to Mr Howard asking him to include 15 WA shires beset by drought.
      WAFarmers said the shires of Beverley, "; S18[21]=" Cue, Dumbleyung, Kellerberrin, Mt Magnet, Mullewa, Murchison, Northampton, Quairading, Sandstone, Shark Bay, Tammin, Trayning, Upper Gascoyne, Westonia, Wyalkatchem and Yilgarn should be included... "; R[22]="2121"; T[22]="Queensland farmers angry at drought aid exclusion"; A[22]="By ... Editor"; Dn[22]="20021211"; Dt[22]="Wednesday 11 December 2002"; Acats[22]="a05a07a35a66"; B1[22]="      Farmers in some of Queensland's drought-declared shires are bitter over the Federal Government's decision to exclude them from the drought rescue package.... "; B2[22]=" "; B3[22]=" "; B4[22]=" "; B5[22]=" "; S1[22]="      Farmers in some of Queensland's drought-declared shires are bitter over the Federal Government's decision to exclude them from the drought rescue package.
"; S2[22]="       State Primary Industries Minister Henry Palaszczuk said he had called for an audit of rainfall in all shires to see if others "; S3[22]=" would qualify under the new federal scheme.
      Queensland has 52 drought-declared shires, two part drought-declared shires and a further 484 individual properties "; S4[22]=" which are also officially in drought.
      While the Commonwealth has also named 52 shires as eligible for the new assistance, it does "; S5[22]=" not include areas from the Livingstone Shire, north of Rockhampton, through to the Stanthorpe Shire on the border.
      However, it has included "; S6[22]=" parts of north Queensland and Mt Isa which have not been officially drought-declared by the State Government.
      Mr Palaszczuk said he was "; S7[22]=" seeking clarification from the Federal Government but said the assistance was a 'step in the right direction'.
      Rosalie Shire grazier Neville McNalty "; S8[22]=" believes the shire should qualify for the new drought relief, but the shire has been left out.
      Rosalie is drought-declared by the "; S9[22]=" State Government and the southern part has qualified for exceptional circumstances relief but the shire failed to qualify for the new package.
      "; S10[22]=" The McNaltys have sold half their cattle since July as food and water became scarce.
      The family property 'The Palms' at Cooyar, "; S11[22]=" 80km north of Toowoomba, has developed an Angus herd producing export cattle for the Japanese market and is desperately trying to hang on to the "; S12[22]=" breeding herd, which would take 10 years to rebuild.
      'We've spent $12,000 on hay since July and now we're feeding 35 month-old "; S13[22]=" calves to take the pressure off their mothers,' he said.
      'The outlook is pretty grim.
      The community is starting "; S14[22]=" to feel down in the dumps.
      If you mention weather they won't talk because they're sick of hearing about cattle dying.
  "; S15[22]="     'If we could get EC we'd get some income like the dole and we could apply for interest subsidy.
      We "; S16[22]=" need EC and 15 inches (400mm) of rain.
      So far we haven't qualified for any drought aid.' AgForce said several more Queensland "; S17[22]=" shires should have been included in the Federal Government's new relief package, allowing the whole state to be declared eligible for extra drought relief.
  "; S18[22]="     The farm lobby group is gathering rainfall information and will present it to the Federal Government tomorrow so the extra shires can be "; S19[22]=" added to one-in-20-year droughted areas qualifying for extra help.
      'We know there are shires not on the list that should be there.
"; S20[22]="       I would not be surprised if there were another 10 or 20 shires added to the list,' AgForce president Larry Acton said "; S21[22]=" yesterday.
      Mr Acton said even more shires were close to qualifying early in the new year, which could bring Queensland to the "; S22[22]=" 80 per cent threshold for the whole state to qualify.
      The Federal package effectively eases EC criteria so that droughted farmers can "; S23[22]=" claim the equivalent of job start, or $676 per fortnight and up to $5,000 interest subsidy on new loans up to $100,000.
      "; S24[22]=" Drought affected Darling Downs shires are included in the relief measures announced yesterday but the shires were omitted from a map released yesterday... "; R[23]="2120"; T[23]="Nine NSW towns now out of water"; A[23]="By ... Editor"; Dn[23]="20021211"; Dt[23]="Wednesday 11 December 2002"; Acats[23]="a35a64"; B1[23]="      Nine towns in New South Wales have run out of water, the state government has said.... "; B2[23]=" "; B3[23]=" "; B4[23]=" "; B5[23]=" "; S1[23]="      Nine towns in New South Wales have run out of water, the state government has said.
      Land and Water "; S2[23]=" Conservation Minister John Aquilina said five towns were now relying totally on water carting at a cost of $5,000 a week each, while supplies in "; S3[23]=" a further four had also run dry.
      Releasing the latest town water supply figures, Mr Aquilina said almost all of regional "; S4[23]=" NSW was under some level of water restrictions.
      'Five towns in the central west - Bigga, Bimbi, Burcher, Cargabal and Fifield "; S5[23]=" - are relying totally on water carting.
      'Supplies have failed in Garwin, near Walgett, Milparinka and Tibooburra in the far west "; S6[23]=" and in Tyalgum on the far north coast.
      'Water carting is now "; S7[23]=" in operation at some level in 21 towns across the state.
      'A further seven towns are expected to require carting within "; S8[23]=" the next few weeks.' About 50mms of rain across the NSW east coast over the past 10 days had provided some short-term relief to "; S9[23]=" the mid-north coast areas, Mr Aquilina said.
      Supplies in Barrington and Gloucester have improved, but with 99 per cent of the "; S10[23]=" state now drought-affected up to 30 towns risk running out of water.
      Among them are Binnaway, Comboyne, Coonabarabran, Emmaville, Gunning, Sofala "; S11[23]=" and Telegraph Point.
      'The systems causing most concern are those on the north coast north of the Hunter, the towns of "; S12[23]=" the Barwon/Darling river system, Parkes, Goulburn and the Eurobodalla Shire on the far south coast,' Mr Aquilina said.
      Storage levels at "; S13[23]=" the 20 major dams and reservoirs in NSW were sufficient, but some dams were down to critical levels, he said.
      The "; S14[23]=" latest regional water supply figures follow repeated warnings from Premier Bob Carr that water restrictions for Sydney, the Illawarra and Blue Mountains are inevitable before "; S15[23]=" Christmas... "; R[24]="2119"; T[24]="Victorian farmers offered emergency cash help"; A[24]="By ... Editor"; Dn[24]="20021211"; Dt[24]="Wednesday 11 December 2002"; Acats[24]="a05a07a35"; B1[24]="      About 3000 Victorian farmers battling severe drought are expected to apply for emergency income assistance valued at up to $8710 each under "; B2[24]="a Federal Government drought rescue package... "; B3[24]=" "; B4[24]=" "; B5[24]=" "; S1[24]="      About 3000 Victorian farmers battling severe drought are expected to apply for emergency income assistance valued at up to $8710 each under "; S2[24]=" a Federal Government drought rescue package.
      The farmers are in 39 regions of the state that are encountering a once-in-20-years drought, including "; S3[24]=" Strathbogie Shire and parts of Murrindindi and Whittlesea Shires.
      Farmers close to Melbourne in Pakenham, Berwick and Cranbourne also will be eligible "; S4[24]=" for the funds, worth at least $670 a fortnight for a farming couple over six months.
      The 'interim income assistance' is part "; S5[24]=" of an extra $368 million in drought relief announced yesterday by Prime Minister John Howard.
      The measures include interest-rate subsidies on loans "; S6[24]=" of up to $100,000 to help farmers replant once the drought breaks, to buy new animals and to keep intact key breeding herds.
    "; S7[24]="   Half of a farmer's interest bill on commercial loans would be paid for under the loans scheme.
      Struggling farming families could "; S8[24]=" also receive a health care card and youth allowance and family tax benefit payments.
      Agriculture Minister Warren Truss said more than 62,000 "; S9[24]=" farmers around Australia would benefit from the package, which comes on top of $360 million of disaster relief funding for farmers.
      If "; S10[24]=" the farmers live in areas that subsequently are declared eligible for 'exceptional circumstances' funding, the interim income assistance would continue for another 18 months.
  "; S11[24]="     Small businesses in drought-affected areas also could be eligible for interest-rate subsidies under which the Commonwealth would pay half of their interest bill "; S12[24]=" for two years on loans of up to $100,000.
      The government will extend the work-for-the-dole scheme in a bid to keep unemployed "; S13[24]=" people in country areas from moving to the cities and reducing the local labour force.
      Under the 'Droughtforce' program, the unemployed would "; S14[24]=" be given tasks on drought-affected properties.
      Mr Howard said about three-quarters of the country was facing either severe drought or a major "; S15[24]=" rainfall deficiency.
      Some areas were experiencing the worst conditions in 100 years.
      'When a drought of this severity affects "; S16[24]=" Australia, we must not only provide income support for people who are left without income, but we must also provide them with the wherewithal to "; S17[24]=" maintain their breeding stock and also lay the basis for recovery,' he said.
      'A drought of this severity robs country towns and "; S18[24]=" their businesses of the liquidity and purchasing power that is in the hands of farmers when they are enjoying better times, and it is therefore "; S19[24]=" very important that small businesses in areas that are declared as being in 'exceptional circumstances' receive some kind of support,' he said.
      "; S20[24]=" The Australian Bureau of Statistics estimates the drought will cut the value of agricultural production by about $5.1 billion this financial year.
      "; S21[24]=" Scientists believe the drought will not break until March.
      Mr Howard warned: 'Even if it poured tomorrow and the heavens opened and "; S22[24]=" the rivers flowed again, it would be quite a while before people were able to get out of it.' Cabinet took more than a week "; S23[24]=" to finalise the drought relief package, mainly because of differences between ministers on how much it would cost.
      Some ministers fear that "; S24[24]=" the relief package, which is open-ended, could blow out to cost $1.5 billion.
      The cost of the package - $728 million over "; S25[24]=" three years - has been calculated on the basis that the drought will break next March.
      But if it does not, the "; S26[24]=" cost of the package could increase dramatically.
      Deputy Prime Minister John Anderson said yesterday that he and Mr Truss would meet bank "; S27[24]=" leaders next week and urge them not to foreclose on struggling farmers... "; R[25]="2117"; T[25]="Managing Drought Information Day at Gympie"; A[25]="By ... Editor"; Dn[25]="20021211"; Dt[25]="Wednesday 11 December 2002"; Acats[25]="a35a66"; B1[25]="      The Gympie region's beef, dairy and horticultural producers are being invited to attend a managing drought information day in Gympie next week.... "; B2[25]=" "; B3[25]=" "; B4[25]=" "; B5[25]=" "; S1[25]="      The Gympie region's beef, dairy and horticultural producers are being invited to attend a managing drought information day in Gympie next week.
"; S2[25]="       Department of Primary Industries principal extension officer, Graeme Elphinstone, said the Managing Drought Information Day would be held at the Gympie Showgrounds "; S3[25]=" Pavilion from 10.00 am to 3.00 pm on Friday 13 December.
      With the climate predictions indicating that the current drought conditions may "; S4[25]=" continue into the New Year, it is very timely to provide an update on drought management information, he said.
      The DPI, Cooloola "; S5[25]=" Shire Council and the Wide Bay Burnett Area Consultative Committee are jointly sponsoring the information day.
      Mr Elphinstone said producers who attend "; S6[25]=" the day will be able to meet with the key service providers and obtain wide-ranging, relevant information on managing their particular drought situation.
    "; S7[25]="   This will include the latest climate outlook for their region, updated information on financial counselling services, Queensland Rural Adjustment Authority, (QRAA) loans and Centrelink "; S8[25]=" and social services available to farmers.
      'The day will also involve discussion on drought feeding of livestock, irrigation management options for poor "; S9[25]=" quality water, animal welfare issues, claims under the freight subsidy scheme, an update on Exceptional Circumstances applications and information on the results of the recent "; S10[25]=" water quality monitoring in the Mary River Catchment.
      'Farmers are invited to bring a water sample for on the spot water testing "; S11[25]=" for salt levels at the information day.
      They are asked to bring a freshly pumped one-litre water sample taken after the pump "; S12[25]=" has been running for 15 minutes.
      The sample container should be wrapped in newspaper to prevent the effect of strong light.
  "; S13[25]="     A forum will be conducted during the day to look at strategies for post-drought recovery.
      The discussion will focus on "; S14[25]=" the important property management areas including the condition of the land, pastures and the cattle herd, as well as financial management and banking services... "; R[26]="2107"; T[26]="Drought resistance, yield and grain size in new wheats"; A[26]="By ... Editor"; Dn[26]="20021210"; Dt[26]="Tuesday 10 December 2002"; Acats[26]="a22a35"; B1[26]="      Researchers believe that it will be possible to develop wheat varieties that combine both high yield and moisture stress tolerance while maintaining "; B2[26]="grain size... "; B3[26]=" "; B4[26]=" "; B5[26]=" "; S1[26]="      Researchers believe that it will be possible to develop wheat varieties that combine both high yield and moisture stress tolerance while maintaining "; S2[26]=" grain size.
      Dr Jack Christopher of the DPI Agency for Food and Fibre Sciences said the dry conditions in 2002 had highlighted "; S3[26]=" the need for wheat varieties that yielded more than the current commercial varieties in dry years, while maintaining grain size to reduce the problem of "; S4[26]=" downgrading due to screenings.
      Dr Christopher said he had developed a way of identifying wheat lines with these characteristics that could be "; S5[26]=" used in breeding programs.
      'This was always difficult because of the possible complex interactions between a number of genes.' He said DPI "; S6[26]=" researchers had devised a method to simplify the problem by breaking it down into its component processes.
      'This new approach integrates components "; S7[26]=" of crop modelling, physiological measurement and genetic mapping.
      'Recent advances in these areas have combined to make this research feasible.' He said "; S8[26]=" the technology was similar to that used in the highly successful 'stay-green' grain sorghum program led by DPI researchers Dr Andrew Borrell of the Hermitage "; S9[26]=" Research Station and Dr Graeme Hammer of the Agricultural Production Systems Research Unit in Toowoomba.
      Dr Christopher said that in wheat it "; S10[26]=" might be possible to achieve a yield increase of 10 or 12 percent over standard varieties in seasons of below-average rainfall, while maintaining grain size.
"; S11[26]="       'Researchers need to know how genes are controlling this trait and how to get the genes in the right combination,' he said.
"; S12[26]="       The advantages of wheat varieties with improved drought resistance would be enormous and would go some way to reducing seasonal production extremes "; S13[26]=" presently being experienced.
      'Such wheat varieties would provide added economic security for farmers, and marketers and the intensive livestock industries that rely "; S14[26]=" on a continual supply of feed grain.'.. "; R[27]="2102"; T[27]="Federal drought relief package"; A[27]="By ... Editor"; Dn[27]="20021210"; Dt[27]="Tuesday 10 December 2002"; Acats[27]="a05a07a35"; B1[27]="      More than 62,000 farmers around Australia, as well as many small businesses in regional areas, will benefit from the Federal Government's additional "; B2[27]="drought relief package, Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Warren Truss, said yesterday... "; B3[27]=" "; B4[27]=" "; B5[27]=" "; S1[27]="      More than 62,000 farmers around Australia, as well as many small businesses in regional areas, will benefit from the Federal Government's additional "; S2[27]=" drought relief package, Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Warren Truss, said yesterday.
      'Today's announcement by the Prime Minister demonstrates the "; S3[27]=" determined effort on the part of the Commonwealth to provide immediate and practical assistance to drought-affected farmers and small businesses,' Mr Truss said.
    "; S4[27]="   'Drought is a part of the natural cycle of farming in Australia, but the severe and extremely widespread impact of this current event has "; S5[27]=" necessitated a special response.
      'The failure of State governments to show any commitment to support those suffering the consequences of drought has "; S6[27]=" made extra Federal Government help all the more necessary.' Under the measures announced today by the Prime Minister, eligible farmers in severely drought-affected areas will "; S7[27]=" have access to new income and business assistance, while small businesses will join farmers in having access to Interest Rate Relief in areas declared to "; S8[27]=" be in Exceptional Circumstances (EC).
      In addition, new initiatives have been announced to assist employees and apprentices in drought-affected communities.
    "; S9[27]="   'For the first time, eligible farmers will be able to access Interim Income Support and Interest Rate Relief from the Commonwealth in advance of "; S10[27]=" their State government lodging an application for Exceptional Circumstances (EC),' Mr Truss said.
      'Commonwealth Interim Income Support will now be made available "; S11[27]=" for six months to all eligible farmers in areas suffering a one in 20-year rainfall deficiency over the nine months March 2002-November 2002.
    "; S12[27]="   'Because over 80 per cent of farmers in NSW fall into this category, the Commonwealth has decided to declare the entire State eligible for "; S13[27]=" Interim Income Support.
      (A list of the areas to benefit is attached.) 'If another State reaches the 80 per cent trigger used "; S14[27]=" in NSW, a similar declaration will be made.' Mr Truss said that, in addition to making it easier for severely drought-affected farmers to access income "; S15[27]=" support, the Commonwealth has also introduced a significant new measure to assist farmers meet the cost of stock feed and to manage drought recovery.
  "; S16[27]="     'Farmers in EC-declared areas, and those currently in receipt of Interim Income Support, as well as those in areas who meet the new "; S17[27]=" Commonwealth criteria, will be eligible for Interest Rate Relief for two years on new and additional commercial loans of up to $100,000 at a rate "; S18[27]=" equivalent to five percentage points or 50 per cent of the prevailing interest rate.
      'This will provide direct support, especially to farmers "; S19[27]=" experiencing difficulty due to the high price of fodder and stock feed.
      Ensuring that the nation retains its core breeding stock is "; S20[27]=" a high priority, and these loans will help our farmers to preserve that stock.
      'If Exceptional Circumstances is subsequently declared, farmers will "; S21[27]=" still also be eligible to apply for the existing EC business support measure of a 50 per cent interest subsidy for two years.
    "; S22[27]="   'The Federal Government has also recognised that drought is ravaging not only primary producers, but is impacting heavily on rural and regional businesses as "; S23[27]=" well.
      'Eligible small businesses in EC-declared areas will receive Interest Rate Relief of five percentage points or 50 per cent of the "; S24[27]=" prevailing interest rate on new or existing commercial loans up to $100,000.' Minister Truss said that these new initiatives will be delivered through Centrelink, and "; S25[27]=" the usual concessions to the assets and income tests will apply.
      'I would like to acknowledge the input of the National Farmers' "; S26[27]=" Federation to these new initiatives and the strong representations of my Coalition colleagues who represent rural Australia.
      'I should also acknowledge the "; S27[27]=" work within my own department, Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry - Australia (AFFA), of the Drought Task Force, the Bureau of Rural Sciences (BRS) and the "; S28[27]=" Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics (ABARE), which has been vital in developing the Federal Government response to the current drought.' Mr Truss said "; S29[27]=" that existing and future applications for Exceptional Circumstances assistance would continue to be processed under the normal criteria, with detailed assessment involving independent advice from "; S30[27]=" the National Rural Advisory Council (NRAC).
      'States should use this six months' interim relief period to prepare any further applications for Exceptional "; R[28]="2099"; T[28]="El Nino likely to continue"; A[28]="By ... Editor"; Dn[28]="20021209"; Dt[28]="Monday 9 December 2002"; Acats[28]="a35"; B1[28]="      Acting director of the Queensland Government Centre for Climate Applications Dr Roger Stone says there is still no sign that the current "; B2[28]="El Nino pattern is breaking down... "; B3[28]=" "; B4[28]=" "; B5[28]=" "; S1[28]="      Acting director of the Queensland Government Centre for Climate Applications Dr Roger Stone says there is still no sign that the current "; S2[28]=" El Nino pattern is breaking down.
      Dr Stone was commenting on reports that the El Nino influence would dissipate between now and "; S3[28]=" the end of March, resulting in a return to normal rainfall.
      Dr Stone said the El Nino influence was still firmly in "; S4[28]=" place and he was concerned that primary producers and others might be misled by comments from sources in southern Australia.
      He said "; S5[28]=" while relief rain was likely in January and February, this did not mean an end to the El Nino and the drought.
      "; S6[28]=" Dr Stone said the Queensland Government Centre for Climate Applications would not be indicating an end to the El Nino until clear climate signals showing "; S7[28]=" a breakdown of the current pattern were firmly in place.
      He said overly optimistic and possibly inaccurate information about the breakdown of "; S8[28]=" the El Nino could cause primary producers and others to make inappropriate management decisions.
      He said the drought was now considered to "; S9[28]=" be the worst in 100 years in many parts of Australia... "; R[29]="2097"; T[29]="Drought to devastate summer crops too"; A[29]="By ... Editor"; Dn[29]="20021209"; Dt[29]="Monday 9 December 2002"; Acats[29]="a35a57"; B1[29]="      'Substantially reduced supplies of irrigation water have resulted in major cuts to the areas sown to the main irrigated summer crops of "; B2[29]="cotton and rice in 2002-03', Dr Brian Fisher said today in releasing ABARE's latest Australian Crop Report.
      'The area sown to cotton "; B3[29]="is estimated to be down 45 per cent from last season, while the rice area has been cut back by nearly 70 per cent.'.. "; B4[29]=" "; B5[29]=" "; S1[29]="      'Substantially reduced supplies of irrigation water have resulted in major cuts to the areas sown to the main irrigated summer crops of "; S2[29]=" cotton and rice in 2002-03', Dr Brian Fisher said today in releasing ABARE's latest Australian Crop Report.
      'The area sown to cotton "; S3[29]=" is estimated to be down 45 per cent from last season, while the rice area has been cut back by nearly 70 per cent.' According "; S4[29]=" to Dr Fisher, 'Presowing rains for the dryland summer crops such as sorghum and sunflowers have been disappointing, and while there is still time to "; S5[29]=" plant these crops during December, the outlook is not promising.' He noted that, 'Overall, the area sown to summer crops is forecast to drop by "; S6[29]=" 41 per cent in 2002-03, with grains production forecast to be down 59 per cent to 2 million tonnes.' Such an outcome would make it "; S7[29]=" the smallest summer crop since the drought of 1982-83.
      Rice production is forecast to decline by 70 per cent to 380 000 "; S8[29]=" tonnes, cottonseed production down 65 per cent to 337 000 tonnes and sorghum production down 52 per cent to 855 00 tonnes.
      "; S9[29]=" 'The poor summer crop outlook follows on from a disappointing winter cropping season', said Dr Fisher.
      'Total winter grain production is estimated "; S10[29]=" at 16.2 million tonnes, down 21 million tonnes from last season, and the lowest winter grain harvest since 1994-95.' Wheat production is forecast to decline "; S11[29]=" to around 10 million tonnes, down 14 million tonnes from last season, barley down 4.2 million tonnes to 3.3 million tonnes, canola down 1 million "; S12[29]=" tonnes to 0.6 million tonnes, while winter pulse production is forecast to have been nearly halved to 1.3 million tonnes.
      The greatest "; S13[29]=" fall in production is in New South Wales, with production forecast to fall from 9.9 million tonnes in 2001-02 to 2.8 million tonnes in 2002-03.
"; S14[29]="       In Victoria, production is down from 5.4 million tonnes to 1.6 million tonnes, and in Queensland, from 1.1 million tonnes to 0.65 "; S15[29]=" million tonnes.
      After a record harvest of nearly 9.0 million tonnes in 2001-02, production in South Australia in 2002-03 is forecast to "; S16[29]=" fall to 4.0 million tonnes, while in Western Australia, production is forecast to decline from 11.3 million tonnes to 6.65 million tonnes... "; R[30]="2094"; T[30]="Farm Management Deposit changes to ease drought burden"; A[30]="By ... Editor"; Dn[30]="20021209"; Dt[30]="Monday 9 December 2002"; Acats[30]="a05a07a35"; B1[30]="      Drought affected farmers will receive further assistance from the Federal Government with the introduction of legislation today to make access to Farm "; B2[30]="Management Deposits (FMDs) easier... "; B3[30]=" "; B4[30]=" "; B5[30]=" "; S1[30]="      Drought affected farmers will receive further assistance from the Federal Government with the introduction of legislation today to make access to Farm "; S2[30]=" Management Deposits (FMDs) easier.
      Federal Agriculture Minister Warren Truss, and the Minister for Revenue and Assistant Treasurer, Senator Helen Coonan, today announced "; S3[30]=" the introduction of amendments to tax legislation that governs the Farm Management Deposits (FMDs) scheme to allow farmers in Exceptional Circumstances (EC) areas to access "; S4[30]=" any FMDs that are less than 12 months old and keep the tax benefits.
      'The partial withdrawal of FMD monies will also "; S5[30]=" be permitted without affecting the benefits that accrue to the remaining money,' Mr Truss said.
      'The Government believes farmers in EC areas "; S6[30]=" and recognised buffer zones who are new to the scheme should not lose access to the very benefits that attracted them to the scheme in "; S7[30]=" the first place.
      'With more and more farmers using FMDs to put money away in good times in preparation for bad, it "; S8[30]=" makes sense to assist them now with large parts of the country in the grip of severe drought.
      Many farmers and other "; S9[30]=" primary producers who have taken advantage of the scheme since its inception in 1999 are now reaping the benefits.' Another amendment will mean that any "; S10[30]=" FMD product priced for less than 12 months will still be considered an FMD providing it is rolled over continuously for a 12-month period.
  "; S11[30]="     'The issue of the term of individual deposits was identified in a recent FMD review and has been of concern to farmers, "; S12[30]=" so I am pleased to be able to respond,' Senator Coonan said.
      'The management of FMDs demonstrates that primary producers are maximising "; S13[30]=" flexibility by choosing an FMD product that best suits their individual cash flow and management needs.
      This decision also resolves the current "; S14[30]=" uncertainty as to the term of a deposit.
      'The FMD scheme has been extremely successful and provided real benefits to farmers.
  "; S15[30]="     It is estimated that farmers will have received a tax benefit of around $470 million through the scheme in 2002/03,' Senator Coonan said... "; R[31]="2086"; T[31]="Bare ground is heaven for weeds"; A[31]="By ... Editor"; Dn[31]="20021202"; Dt[31]="Monday 2 December 2002"; Acats[31]="a35a85"; B1[31]="      Bare ground provides a major opportunity for weed establishment.... "; B2[31]=" "; B3[31]=" "; B4[31]=" "; B5[31]=" "; S1[31]="      Bare ground provides a major opportunity for weed establishment.
      But according to NSW Agriculture weeds agronomist Andrew Storrie producers "; S2[31]=" could help themselves by restricting grazing to maintain some ground cover to compete against germinating weeds and prevent erosion once rain falls.
      "; S3[31]=" 'A break in the season when soil is warm means weeds will get away to a flying start, quickly out-growing competing pasture plants,' Mr Storrie "; S4[31]=" told The Land.
      'Decisive management action will mean high rate herbicide applications or cultivation for effective control.
      'Although "; S5[31]=" the pressure will be on to plant forage and early dual purpose crops, planting should be delayed for up to a week.
      "; S6[31]=" 'This will allow time to control the first big flush of weeds with an application of a knockdown herbicide.
      It will "; S7[31]=" save a lot of grief later.
      'The later the break, the greater the pressure to plant crops and the greater the risk "; S8[31]=" of an uncontrollable weed problem.' Mr Storrie said a current concern was the spread of weed seed in grain brought into NSW as stock "; S9[31]=" feed.
      South Australian grain used for stock feed in central western NSW was confirmed as having up to 50 muskweed seeds "; S10[31]=" per litre and lesser numbers of wild radish and other weeds.
      'This is a disaster because muskweed is currently restricted to "; S11[31]=" the southern Liverpool Plains and a small area near Tamworth.
      Mr Storrie said.
      'It is now feared this problem "; S12[31]=" weed will establish in many other areas.' To minimise the potential spread of weeds from stock feed NSW Agriculture recommends feeding the grain in "; S13[31]=" limited areas, then restricting movement of stock.
      Andrew Storrie, with technical officer Tony Cook, says decisive management will be needed to "; S14[31]=" control weeds.
      Record the locations where stock have been fed, find out what potential problem weeds look like and revisit feeding areas "; S15[31]=" regularly for two years after the drought.
      Any new weeds found should be quickly identified to prevent seed set and to "; S16[31]=" optimise the chances of eradication.
      Mr Storrie said farmers needed to be aware of potentially toxic plants and keep hungry stock away, "; S17[31]=" at least until there was a bulk of other feed available.
      'Stockowners should remember that long dry spells of weather converts soil "; S18[31]=" organic nitrogen into mineral nitrogen that is quickly used by weeds following rain,' he said.
      'While it promotes rapid plant growth, it "; S19[31]=" also heightens the risk of stock poisoning.
      'Hungry animals in poor condition are less selective in grazing and they are less "; S20[31]=" able to cope with plant toxins... "; R[32]="2073"; T[32]="National Environmental Management Systems package launched"; A[32]="By ... Editor"; Dn[32]="20021129"; Dt[32]="Friday 29 November 2002"; Acats[32]="a37"; B1[32]="      The Commonwealth and State Governments joined forces today to launch a national Environmental Management Systems (EMS) framework at Belgenny Farm, Camden, NSW.... "; B2[32]=" "; B3[32]=" "; B4[32]=" "; B5[32]=" "; S1[32]="      The Commonwealth and State Governments joined forces today to launch a national Environmental Management Systems (EMS) framework at Belgenny Farm, Camden, NSW.
"; S2[32]="       Commonwealth Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Senator Judith Troeth, and NSW Minister for Agriculture, Richard Amery, launched the framework.
  "; S3[32]="     The EMS framework will encourage practical collaboration between landholders, catchment and land care groups, industries and all levels of government.
      "; S4[32]=" It was recently agreed on by all Commonwealth, State and Territory governments at the Natural Resources Management Ministerial Council.
      EMS is a "; S5[32]=" business management tool that can help producers provide credible evidence of their commitment to the environment.
      The national framework provides a supportive "; S6[32]=" and consistent way for the voluntary adoption of EMS through a set of simple generic principles.
      It encourages people such as "; S7[32]=" farmers to sit down and work out, on an individual basis, ways in which they can reduce the environmental impact of their farms.
    "; S8[32]="   The Commonwealth Government has funded a national EMS training course, which was developed by NSW Agriculture through the Tocal Agricultural College.
      "; S9[32]=" Landholders that have attended such training courses (subsidised by Farm Bis) may then be eligible for Commonwealth Government funding through the EMS Incentives Program.
"; S10[32]="       “I am delighted that Commonwealth, State and Territory Governments have made a commitment to cooperative partnerships and a single national approach to "; S11[32]=" EMS,” Senator Troeth said.
      “The national framework provides a support for the voluntary adoption of EMS and recognises that individuals need "; S12[32]=" to enter at the level appropriate to their enterprise, their position in the marketplace and environmental situation.
      “The national framework also emphasises "; S13[32]=" the links in management systems such as quality assurance, OH&S, natural resource management, food safety, market chains and business goals.” Mr Amery said the national "; S14[32]=" framework would be a template for productive partnerships on issues critical to the sustainability of agriculture and the competitiveness of Australia’s export markets.
    "; S15[32]="   “We look forward to continue working with land managers, industries and community groups in ensuring that EMS is a useful tool and appropriately "; S16[32]=" supported,” Mr Amery said.
      “An Environmental Management System requires a farm business to identify all its potential environmental impacts and prioritise actions "; S17[32]=" for managing those impacts in a cost-effective way.
      “Australian industries are positioning themselves to meet changing community, legislative and market demands for "; S18[32]=" environmental assurance and improve natural resource management.” The Commonwealth Government has produced an EMS National Training kit, with input from NSW Agriculture, to make "; S19[32]=" training more available for interested landholders.
      The kit includes an instructor’s manual, a training video and examples of how to incorporate catchment/regional "; S20[32]=" objectives and biodiversity into an EMS... "; R[33]="1908"; T[33]="Victoria's Ironbark forests win protection"; A[33]="By ... Editor"; Dn[33]="20021017"; Dt[33]="Thursday 17 October 2002"; Acats[33]="a37a39a65"; B1[33]="      Victoria's box ironbark forests will be protected after the state Opposition backed a proposal to include them in new national and state "; B2[33]="parks... "; B3[33]=" "; B4[33]=" "; B5[33]=" "; S1[33]="      Victoria's box ironbark forests will be protected after the state Opposition backed a proposal to include them in new national and state "; S2[33]=" parks.
      The Victorian government last night introduced legislation into parliament to create about 120,000 hectares of new or expanded parks and reserves "; S3[33]=" to preserve the native forests.
      The Labor legislation also applies greater restrictions on mining and phases out timber cutting from nearly half "; S4[33]=" the area previously available.
      Liberal Party leader Robert Doyle today said the party would support the legislation, ensuring passage of the Bill "; S5[33]=" through both the lower and upper houses of parliament.
      'The Liberal Party has undertaken an extensive consultation process with stakeholder and interest "; S6[33]=" groups over many months and has made the decision to support the legislation as an appropriate balance between conservation values and access for park users,' "; S7[33]=" he said... "; R[34]="1893"; T[34]="Outlook for Australia's natural resources?"; A[34]="By ... Editor"; Dn[34]="20020926"; Dt[34]="Thursday 26 September 2002"; Acats[34]="a38a40a42a90"; B1[34]="      The final report of the National Land and Water Resources Audit was released today by the Federal Minister for the Environment and "; B2[34]="Heritage, Dr David Kemp, and the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Warren Truss... "; B3[34]=" "; B4[34]=" "; B5[34]=" "; S1[34]="      The final report of the National Land and Water Resources Audit was released today by the Federal Minister for the Environment and "; S2[34]=" Heritage, Dr David Kemp, and the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Warren Truss.
      Entitled Australia's Natural Resources 1997-2002 and Beyond, "; S3[34]=" the report summarises the condition and management opportunities for Australia's soils, water, rivers, estuaries and biodiversity.
      'Having all this information in the "; S4[34]=" one publication, not only improves our understanding of the scale of the challenges we face, but also helps farmers and regional communities identify workable and "; S5[34]=" lasting solutions,' Dr Kemp said.
      'Focussing on soil erosion and fine tuning farming practices to avoid salinity and acidity are essential to "; S6[34]=" increasing on-farm productivity and protecting the natural environment,' Mr Truss said.
      'The challenge for governments, scientists and business is to support our "; S7[34]=" farmers in their efforts to turn around Australia's soil management challenges.' A second, significant issue highlighted in the report is the importance of Australia's rangelands.
"; S8[34]="       'These vast areas - more than 75 per cent of Australia - are sparsely settled but have important multiple values, including grazing, "; S9[34]=" mining, indigenous activities, biodiversity and tourism,' Dr Kemp said.
      'Government and community resources are limited, so it is vital that we take "; S10[34]=" an Australia-wide approach and get true value for our investment dollar.
      To do so, an approach that transcends governments, agencies and interest "; S11[34]=" groups, and delivers high quality and practical support to outback Australia is required.' Mr Truss said water was the third big issue, with the Audit "; S12[34]=" providing much of the information needed to make decisions about a range of water allocation and management issues.
      The report also includes "; S13[34]=" nine recommendations for continuing with an information-based approach to natural resource management in this country.
      'The recommendations will help us develop the "; S14[34]=" next phase of National Land and Water Resources Audit activities,' Dr Kemp said... "; R[35]="1889"; T[35]="Land clearing assessments simplified in WA"; A[35]="By ... Editor"; Dn[35]="20020925"; Dt[35]="Wednesday 25 September 2002"; Acats[35]="a90"; B1[35]="      Amendments to the Environmental Protection Act 1986 proposed by the State Government will streamline assessment and approval procedures for land clearing, removing "; B2[35]="the involvement of multiple Government agencies... "; B3[35]=" "; B4[35]=" "; B5[35]=" "; S1[35]="      Amendments to the Environmental Protection Act 1986 proposed by the State Government will streamline assessment and approval procedures for land clearing, removing "; S2[35]=" the involvement of multiple Government agencies.
      Clearing of native vegetation anywhere in Western Australia would require a permit, except where the clearing "; S3[35]=" is within gardens or plantations, is specifically authorised under other legislation, is essential for firebreaks, or for building envelopes and necessary roads.
      "; S4[35]=" Discussing the legislation in parliament today, Environment and Heritage Minister Dr Judy Edwards said the permit system would be quicker and simpler for parties involved, "; S5[35]=" while ensuring thorough consideration of possible environmental impacts.
      'All applications will be submitted to the Department of Environmental Protection, with assessment taking "; S6[35]=" into consideration the comments provided by other agencies and interested parties,' Dr Edwards said.
      'This process will mean that the time taken "; S7[35]=" to assess most proposals should be wound back from, in some cases years, to a matter of months - providing greater clarity for all involved.
"; S8[35]="       'The new system will be also fairer, with urban and rural areas assessed on the same basis, and Government subject to the "; S9[35]=" same controls as private landowners.' Dr Edwards said key environmental issues would also be considered upfront, through broader assessment criteria, which considered biodiversity, soil erosion, "; S10[35]=" water tables, salinity, waterways and potential impact on neighbouring and local native vegetation areas.
      'As a result of considering bio-diversity and other "; S11[35]=" issues, far fewer proposals will need to be referred to the Environmental Protection Authority,' she said.
      Current proposals being assessed under the "; S12[35]=" existing provisions would be transferred to the new DEP Clearing Permit system once the new legislation had been enacted.
      'Clearing in accordance "; S13[35]=" with a permit will protect the landowner from prosecution under the proposed environmental harm provision,' the Minister said.
      'However, those who undertake "; S14[35]=" unauthorised clearing will face tougher maximum penalties, with $250,000 for individuals and $500,000 for corporations, as well potentially restoring the cleared site at their expense.' "; S15[35]=" Dr Edwards said current clearing proposals remained in accordance with existing controls, with approvals given in the past two years under the Soil and land "; S16[35]=" Conservation Act continuing to be valid.
      Details of the amendments are available from the Department of Environmental Protection website http://www.environ.wa.gov.au.
    "; S17[35]="   For further queries contact the DEP hotline on 1800 061 025... "; R[36]="1871"; T[36]="Victorian Firefighters prepare early"; A[36]="By ... Editor"; Dn[36]="20020918"; Dt[36]="Wednesday 18 September 2002"; Acats[36]="a37a48a65"; B1[36]="      Department of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) firefighters are preparing early this year to ensure they are fully equipped to tackle fire "; B2[36]="during the current dry seasonal conditions, the Minister for Agriculture, Keith Hamilton, said today... "; B3[36]=" "; B4[36]=" "; B5[36]=" "; S1[36]="      Department of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) firefighters are preparing early this year to ensure they are fully equipped to tackle fire "; S2[36]=" during the current dry seasonal conditions, the Minister for Agriculture, Keith Hamilton, said today.
      Mr Hamilton said recruitment for additional summer forest "; S3[36]=" firefighters in rural areas was underway in anticipation of an earlier and more severe fire season.
      'Applications are flowing in for the "; S4[36]=" 700 to 800 firefighting positions which we are planning to fill as part of our response to the current dry seasonal conditions,' Mr Hamilton said.
"; S5[36]="       Mr Hamilton said the number of fires in early September had been above normal monthly averages and that the NRE was closely "; S6[36]=" monitoring fire danger and forest dryness conditions.
      'Forest fires continue at near record levels and in Victoria, to date, there have been "; S7[36]=" 55 fires compared with the 20-year average of 15,' he said.
      'Most fires have been controlled rapidly, but the size and suppression "; S8[36]=" effort is gradually increasing due to the drier conditions.' Mr Hamilton said most fires had been caused by escapes from campfires, private burning and deliberate "; S9[36]=" lighting.
      He said the outlook for the coming week was for above average fire starts to continue, given a weather forecast for "; S10[36]=" milder conditions generally.
      'We will work in partnership with rural communities and local councils to ensure an effective, well-timed and comprehensive response "; S11[36]=" during the Victorian fire season,' Mr Hamilton said.
      He said the early recruitment of fire fighters was part of the Bracks Government's "; S12[36]=" whole of government response to the wide range of issues emerging from the dry conditions across Northern Victoria... "; R[37]="1860"; T[37]="New Box-Ironbark parks and reserves in Victoria"; A[37]="By ... Editor"; Dn[37]="20020917"; Dt[37]="Tuesday 17 September 2002"; Acats[37]="a37a65a90"; B1[37]="      The Victorian Government has aimed for common sense outcomes in three special land management cases in the new Box-Ironbark parks and reserves "; B2[37]="system, the Minister for Environment and Conservation, Sherryl Garbutt, said today... "; B3[37]=" "; B4[37]=" "; B5[37]=" "; S1[37]="      The Victorian Government has aimed for common sense outcomes in three special land management cases in the new Box-Ironbark parks and reserves "; S2[37]=" system, the Minister for Environment and Conservation, Sherryl Garbutt, said today.
      Ms Garbutt said management solutions had been developed for the Broken, "; S3[37]=" Boosey and Nine-Mile Creek system, Black Dog Creek and Eldorado.
      'The Bracks Government has listened to local concerns, then acted to achieve "; S4[37]=" a balance between community and environmental concerns,' Ms Garbutt said.
      The Government will introduce legislation to create the Box-Ironbark system of parks "; S5[37]=" and reserves into Parliament this week.
      The three special land management changes contained in the Bill are: · Eldorado dredge and workings "; S6[37]=" (near Wangaratta): To become an Historic Reserve, rather than being part of the Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park · Black Dog Creek Crown frontage (East of "; S7[37]=" Chiltern): to be proclaimed as a Natural Features Reserve, rather than being part of the Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park · Broken, Boosey and Nine-Mile Creeks "; S8[37]=" (North of Shepparton on Victoria's northern plains): Will be managed as a chain of Natural Features Reserves, rather than being part of a chain of "; S9[37]=" Nature Conservation Reserves.
      'The Bracks Government has developed the package broadly in line with the Environment Conservation Council recommendations, but we are "; S10[37]=" also keen to promote innovative solutions that meet the needs of landholders and the wider community,' said Ms Garbutt.
      'In each of "; S11[37]=" the three cases, the land management decisions that have been made will preserve the status of the National Park and Nature Conservation Reserves classification and "; S12[37]=" also meet the needs of locals.' Ms Garbutt said the Eldorado gold dredge area had significant and nationally-recognised heritage values and a long association of "; S13[37]=" community use and enjoyment.
      'The area is very much a modified landscape with lower conservation features.
      'Reservation as a "; S14[37]=" Historic Reserve will provide protection for the significant heritage values of the area, while still allowing a range of traditional recreational activities such as dog "; S15[37]=" walking to be carried out.
      'Through our meetings with local landowners it became clear that it would be more appropriate to manage "; S16[37]=" the Broken, Boosey and Nine-Mile Creeks as a chain of Natural Features Reserves to allow a more balanced use of the land.
      "; S17[37]=" In practical terms, it will lead to a more relaxed attitude to grazing and hunting in those specific areas.' The Natural Features Reserves along with "; S18[37]=" the Broken-Boosey State Park will be managed as a unified waterway corridor.
      A co-operative approach is the best means for achieving improved "; S19[37]=" biodiversity outcomes.
      In relation to Black Dog Creek, the Government believes it would not be appropriate to add it to Chiltern-Mt Pilot "; S20[37]=" National Park as it is situated separately from the park and does not meet National Park standards.
      'A Natural Features Reserve provides "; S21[37]=" for protection of natural features, including improvement to biodiversity protection, but also allows for uses that are not accommodated in National Parks.' There will be "; S22[37]=" on-going meetings with landowners to continue to clearly identify opportunities for biodiversity protection while allowing local uses to continue.
      A long-term biological "; S23[37]=" corridor vision will be developed in consultation with landowners to develop a habitat link betweek two separate areas of the Chiltern Mt-Pilot National Park via "; S24[37]=" Black Dog Creek... "; R[38]="1850"; T[38]="Kyoto stall will damage Australia's economy"; A[38]="By ... Editor"; Dn[38]="20020916"; Dt[38]="Monday 16 September 2002"; Acats[38]="a08a37"; B1[38]="      Australia stands to lose badly by rejecting the Kyoto protocol, according to a report commissioned by the Federal Government.... "; B2[38]=" "; B3[38]=" "; B4[38]=" "; B5[38]=" "; S1[38]="      Australia stands to lose badly by rejecting the Kyoto protocol, according to a report commissioned by the Federal Government.
      "; S2[38]=" In the long term there is another problem looming -Australian produce may be labelled 'Produce from unsustainable practices', and may be rejected.
      "; S3[38]=" Australian may also miss out on the opportunity to retire hopelessly degraded land to generate carbon and biodiversity credits.
      The Kyoto protocol "; S4[38]=" will slow the global economy, resulting in less demand for Australia products, particularly coal and other fossil fuels, the report found.
      Up "; S5[38]=" until 2010, costs will be borne by Australia irrespective of whether it ratifies the protocol, the Australian National University economist Warwick McKibbin concluded.
    "; S6[38]="   But if Australia does ratify the agreement it could benefit by providing emission trading credits in the fledgling international carbon trading market.
    "; S7[38]="   This allows polluting countries to meet their greenhouse gas emission targets by investing in 'carbon sinks', such as forests or clean energy projects.
  "; S8[38]="     Australia could sell these carbon credits to countries such as Japan.
      But if it does not ratify the protocol, it "; S9[38]=" could miss out on the emerging market.
      Professor McKibbin was commissioned by the Government to investigate the consequences of ratifying the protocol.
"; S10[38]="       His report found that Australia's rejection of Kyoto would reduce demand for its exports because countries that had ratified it were more "; S11[38]=" likely to trade with other signatories.
      But Professor McKibbin said he supported the Government's claim that Australia would be hurt economically in "; S12[38]=" the long-term if it ratified Kyoto.
      He said the cost of ratification would be higher after 2010 because Australian greenhouse gas emission "; S13[38]=" targets would be more stringent than they were now.
      Until then, however, Australia would be better off to ratify the protocol, he "; S14[38]=" said.
      'I'm sure there are people who hate Kyoto who would have preferred that my results show that in every year having "; S15[38]=" Kyoto was worse than without Kyoto,' Professor McKibbin said.
      'The reality is that in some years you get benefits but, if you "; S16[38]=" add everything up, you also get substantial costs.' The report says gross national product will be cut by 0.4 per cent in 2010 if Australia "; S17[38]=" does not ratify.
      This figure drops to 0.33 per cent if it does ratify.
      Australia and the United States, "; S18[38]=" two of the world's biggest international greenhouse gas polluters, have so far refused to ratify the protocol.
      The Government released the McKibbin "; S19[38]=" report with no fanfare on Friday night, despite receiving it in April.
      The executive director of the Australian Conservation Foundation, Don Henry, "; S20[38]=" said the economic case for ratification was now as strong as the environmental case... "; R[39]="1806"; T[39]="Electronic atlas for Western Australia"; A[39]="By ... Editor"; Dn[39]="20020906"; Dt[39]="Friday 6 September 2002"; Acats[39]="a37a67"; B1[39]="      Future efforts to attract investment in the Southern Rangelands will benefit from an invaluable new information source.... "; B2[39]=" "; B3[39]=" "; B4[39]=" "; B5[39]=" "; S1[39]="      Future efforts to attract investment in the Southern Rangelands will benefit from an invaluable new information source.
      The electronic "; S2[39]=" Outback Resource Atlas (ORA) will provide an easy and effective way for potential commercial investors to learn more about the area quickly.
      "; S3[39]=" Agriculture Minister Kim Chance launched the new electronic atlas today at the 12th Australian Rangeland Biennial Conference being held in Kalgoorlie.
      Mr "; S4[39]=" Chance said the new atlas highlighted the possibilities and potential of the area, which was important information for farmers and agricultural regional investors.
    "; S5[39]="   The ORA will provide invaluable intelligence in a diverse range of areas including: · land systems and soil classifications; · vegetation; · historical climate "; S6[39]=" information; · site specific infrastructure; · current land tenure and use; · native title claims; and · conservation value.
      'The ORA will "; S7[39]=" increase the knowledge base available to primary producers and potential investors for the planning and development of new investment or the expansion of existing industries "; S8[39]=" in the region,' the Minister said.
      'It will also increase the co-ordination between the various Government departments with similar and/or aligned projects.' "; S9[39]=" The ORA was developed by the Gascoyne Murchison Strategy sub-committee, whose membership includes the Department of Agriculture, the Gascoyne and Mid-West Development Commissions and the "; S10[39]=" Department of Industry and Technology.
      Initially the atlas will be available through Department of Agriculture offices by contacting the Centre for Management "; S11[39]=" of Arid Environment at the Kalgoorlie District office.
      Mr Chance said the atlas was the perfect tool for the 200 delegates from "; S12[39]=" throughout Australia in Kalgoorlie today to examine future directions for the nation's vast rangeland region.
      The rangelands, including the arid and semi-arid "; S13[39]=" shrub-lands and the tropical savannah, cover 75 per cent or 593 million hectares of Australia... "; R[40]="1780"; T[40]="Cash for bush management on Victorian properties"; A[40]="By ... Editor"; Dn[40]="20020830"; Dt[40]="Friday 30 August 2002"; Acats[40]="a48a65a90"; B1[40]="      Landholders in Gippsland will be paid to better manage bush on their land as part of an innovative BushTender trial in their "; B2[40]="region, the Minister for Environment and Conservation, Sherryl Garbutt, announced today... "; B3[40]=" "; B4[40]=" "; B5[40]=" "; S1[40]="      Landholders in Gippsland will be paid to better manage bush on their land as part of an innovative BushTender trial in their "; S2[40]=" region, the Minister for Environment and Conservation, Sherryl Garbutt, announced today.
      Ms Garbutt said the trial was a significant initiative that provided "; S3[40]=" new and more effective ways of managing Victoria's precious native vegetation.
      'BushTender is a revolutionary program for managing farm businesses and the "; S4[40]=" environment on private property by letting landholders establish their own price for services to improve native vegetation on their land.
      'Price forms "; S5[40]=" the basis for a bid which is assessed objectively against the current conservation value of the site, the service offered and the proposed cost; with "; S6[40]=" successful bids offering the best value for money.
      'Successful landholders receive periodic payments for their services under a management agreement with the "; S7[40]=" Department of Natural Resources and Environment.
      'The trial conducted in northern Victoria last year was a great success, securing over 3100 hectares "; S8[40]=" of native vegetation in the region and we are hoping for the same results in Gippsland.' Ms Garbutt said landowners in Trafalgar, Bairnsdale East and "; S9[40]=" the Buchan-Snowy areas were invited to register an expression of interest to participate in the trial.
      'Local people have the knowledge and "; S10[40]=" wherewithal to manage Victoria's natural resources effectively, all they need is some support to do that.
      That's what the BushTender program is "; S11[40]=" all about.'.. "; R[41]="1777"; T[41]="Tougher controls on clearing bush on private land in Victoria"; A[41]="By ... Editor"; Dn[41]="20020829"; Dt[41]="Thursday 29 August 2002"; Acats[41]="a65a90"; B1[41]="      Clearing trees on private land will become more difficult under the State Government's Native Vegetation Management framework, released yesterday.... "; B2[41]=" "; B3[41]=" "; B4[41]=" "; B5[41]=" "; S1[41]="      Clearing trees on private land will become more difficult under the State Government's Native Vegetation Management framework, released yesterday.
      "; S2[41]=" The framework - which will affect landowners, farmers, developers and government authorities wishing to clear trees on public and private land - is the first "; S3[41]=" statewide attempt to stem Victoria's loss of native vegetation, estimated to be 2500 hectares a year.
      The guidelines, which will be incorporated "; S4[41]=" into council planning schemes, make clearing 'generally not permitted' for vegetation of medium to very high conservation significance.
      Vegetation of low conservation "; S5[41]=" significance may be cleared under a sustainable plan.
      At the heart of the new framework is the concept of 'net gain', which "; S6[41]=" already operates in some shires.
      Net gain means that if clearing is allowed, an offset must also occur: this may mean new "; S7[41]=" trees are planted, some other areas permanently protected or weeds controlled to enhance an area of bush.
      For the first time, the "; S8[41]=" framework defines net gain.
      For example, if one large old tree of high conservation significance is cut down, four other large old "; S9[41]=" trees must be protected and 20 new trees planted.
      Launching the framework yesterday, Environment Minister Sherryl Garbutt said it would provide a "; S10[41]=" clear, consistent approach to valuing and protecting the state's native vegetation, of which 66 per cent has been cleared.
      In places such "; S11[41]=" as the Yarra Ranges Shire - where development and farming meets bush - the issue of land clearing is a serious matter.
      "; S12[41]=" The shire's environment unit manager, Guy Pritchard, told the Age that there were disputes between landowners and conservationists, as well as illegal land clearing.
  "; S13[41]="     'Sometimes you can get into negotiations over a single tree,' he said.
      Janette and Rob Wescombe spent $50,000 and three "; S14[41]=" years trying to get permits to run 60 cattle on their Lilydale property.
      The couple and the council have now agreed on "; S15[41]=" a management plan for protecting the remnant vegetation, allowing some grazing and tree clearing and the rehabilitation of weed-infested areas.
      Although they "; S16[41]=" had not yet read the 59-page framework document, the couple said yesterday they hoped the process would become clearer and less expensive.
      "; S17[41]=" 'It has been a rocky road,' Ms Wescombe said.
      Environment groups yesterday welcomed the framework as an important first step, but said "; S18[41]=" it would only protect the state's remaining 5 per cent of native vegetation on private land if it was implemented fully.
      'The "; S19[41]=" final framework falls short of providing a policy and targets for preventing and phasing out clearing, which environment groups believe is ultimately needed,' said Environment "; S20[41]=" Victoria's Andrew Booth.
      'All of the remaining native vegetation on private land is now important for conservation purposes.
      ' "; S21[41]=" But he praised the State Government's extension of the Bush Tender trials, which offer incentives to farmers to care for and protect bushland... "; R[42]="1710"; T[42]="Sustainable agriculture projects gets support in Victoria"; A[42]="By ... Editor"; Dn[42]="20020821"; Dt[42]="Wednesday 21 August 2002"; Acats[42]="a42a65a90"; B1[42]="      Using native grasses for pasture because as one farmer states - he is sick of growing things that just want to die "; B2[42]="and killing things that just want to grow - is among 18 projects in an agriculture research initiative undertaken in Victoria... "; B3[42]=" "; B4[42]=" "; B5[42]=" "; S1[42]="      Using native grasses for pasture because as one farmer states - he is sick of growing things that just want to die "; S2[42]=" and killing things that just want to grow - is among 18 projects in an agriculture research initiative undertaken in Victoria.
      The "; S3[42]=" Ecologically Sustainable Agriculture Initiative (EASI) projects are included in a new booklet - New Approaches, Better Future - launched today by the Minister for Agriculture, "; S4[42]=" Keith Hamilton.
      Mr Hamilton said the projects encouraged productive and sustainable farming focussing on biodiversity, greenhouse issues, environmental management, recycling and small "; S5[42]=" farm enterprises.
      He launched at the Land Use Change Conference in Melbourne.
      Projects in New Approaches, Better Future include: "; S6[42]=" · Studying new technologies to reduce, re-use, recycle and decontaminate the 350 million tonnes of solid waste generated by the agricultural sector each year; · "; S7[42]=" Protection of threatened species on farm land including the giant Gippsland earthworm; · Using native grasses instead of imported pasture leading to a reduction in "; S8[42]=" the amount of fertiliser and herbicides required; and · The biological control of weeds through their natural enemies, usually insects because it is cheap, safe, "; S9[42]=" target-specific and self-sustaining.
      One of the projects was awarded a $5000 prize at the conference for demonstrating innovation in bringing about "; S10[42]=" on-farm productivity and sustainability.
      Dr Sharon Aarons collected the prize for her team's work on Productive Grazing and Healthy Rivers.
  "; S11[42]="     The project combines research and development with practical management, to ensure the future health of biodiversity in riparian zones on intensively grazed properties "; S12[42]=" in Gippsland.
      'The project team is encouraged to use the money to travel to investigate other similar work in Australia or "; S13[42]=" to bring other scientists within Australia to review the project,' Mr Hamilton said.
      Three million dollars of funds has been invested "; S14[42]=" by the Victorian Government to support EASI.
      Demonstration sites on farms in the Gippsland area and the Western District are part of "; S15[42]=" the project... "; R[43]="1708"; T[43]="Illegal land clearing concerns in NSW"; A[43]="By ... Editor"; Dn[43]="20020821"; Dt[43]="Wednesday 21 August 2002"; Acats[43]="a42a90"; B1[43]="      Illegal land clearing in NSW is increasing by up to 20 per cent each year because the department in charge lacks the "; B2[43]="means to control it, the NSW Auditor- General found yesterday... "; B3[43]=" "; B4[43]=" "; B5[43]=" "; S1[43]="      Illegal land clearing in NSW is increasing by up to 20 per cent each year because the department in charge lacks the "; S2[43]=" means to control it, the NSW Auditor- General found yesterday.
      Green groups say the Carr Government's failure to control land clearing across "; S3[43]=" New South Wales is a 'disgrace', following a damning report by the Auditor General into the issue.
      The report has found the "; S4[43]=" government has failed to come up with a statewide conservation strategy on land clearing, as it was supposed to do under laws passed four years "; S5[43]=" ago.
      It has also failed to develop a statewide mapping system of native vegetation.
      But in the meantime, hundreds "; S6[43]=" of thousands of hectares have been approved for clearing by farmers and developers.
      Greens MP Ian Cohen says the head of the "; S7[43]=" Land and Water Conservation Department, Bob Smith, should resign.
      And Kathy Ridge from the Nature Conservation Council says all further land clearing "; S8[43]=" should be put on hold.
      'The New South Wales Premier should ensure there's a moratorium on clearing until both the native vegetation "; S9[43]=" conservation strategy and the bio-regional targets are in place,' she told the ABC.
      More than four years after laws were passed to "; S10[43]=" control and manage native vegetation only one out of 22 regional conservation plans had been implemented, the review of the Department of Land and Water "; S11[43]=" Conservation found.
      The report found more than 200 breaches of the land clearing laws were being reported every year, an increase of "; S12[43]=" 20 per cent each year.
      But of the more than 700 alleged breaches reported between January 1998 and April 2002, court action "; S13[43]=" was taken in only one per cent of cases.
      No further action was taken in almost 500 cases.
      'The "; S14[43]=" department does not have an adequate information system and operational capacity to efficiently and effectively regulate native vegetation in NSW,' the report said.
    "; S15[43]="   Environmental groups welcomed the report, saying it confirmed long-held fears that regulation of land clearing was 'unaccountable and aimless'.
      'No strategy, "; S16[43]=" no targets, no data and next to no plans - no wonder the NSW Government is being condemned,' the executive officer of the Nature Conservation "; S17[43]=" Council, Kathy Ridge, said.
      'As each day passes more land is cleared in what is essentially a policy and regulatory vacuum,' the "; S18[43]=" director of the Total Environment Centre, Jeff Angel, said.
      But the department's response to the audit said the native vegetation strategy for "; S19[43]=" the state was 'still in the developmental stage'.
      The department says the rise in the number of breaches of the act 'reflects "; S20[43]=" the increasing level of awareness of the act and its requirements, and hence increased reporting'.
      'While the reporting of alleged breaches is "; S21[43]=" increasing, whether the actual number of breaches is increasing is unclear.' The Minister for Land and Water Conservation, John Aquilina, said the report 'emphasises the "; S22[43]=" importance of having comprehensive information about the status and changes to native vegetation across NSW'.
      'The report recognises that native vegetation is "; S23[43]=" a complex and difficult area to regulate and balancing environmental, economic and social considerations is not easy.' The Auditor-General, Bob Sendt, also raised concerns about "; S24[43]=" a possible conflict of interest because the director-general of the department is also the head of State Forests.
      The report noted the "; S25[43]=" department had approved 96 State Forest applications to clear land - about 14,500 hectares.
      But the department denied there was any conflict "; S26[43]=" of interest, saying it was avoided 'through delegation of roles and responsibilities'... "; R[44]="1664"; T[44]="New Vic Guidelines for Crown Land management"; A[44]="By ... Editor"; Dn[44]="20020814"; Dt[44]="Wednesday 14 August 2002"; Acats[44]="a65a90"; B1[44]="      New guidelines for the management of the different categories of Crown land - from parks and gardens to rail trails and community "; B2[44]="halls - have now been launched by Environment and Conservation Minister Sherryl Garbutt... "; B3[44]=" "; B4[44]=" "; B5[44]=" "; S1[44]="      New guidelines for the management of the different categories of Crown land - from parks and gardens to rail trails and community "; S2[44]=" halls - have now been launched by Environment and Conservation Minister Sherryl Garbutt.
      Ms Garbutt said the new 'how to' manual, Committee "; S3[44]=" of Management Responsibilities and Good Practice Guidelines, was available for Crown land managers to better manage the land.
      Ms Garbutt said the "; S4[44]=" guidelines advise committees on: - Developing and managing the land; - Employing staff to perform works or maintain facilities; - Granting leases and licences; and "; S5[44]=" - Enacting regulations to ensure proper use of the reserve.
      The Minister said the guidelines also addressed many common questions from committees: "; S6[44]=" from public liability and complaints to the legal implications of being an incorporated body and keeping records.
      In Victoria, there are 1700 "; S7[44]=" Crown land reserves, covering much of the state's intensively used recreational land.
      The publication will be distributed to 1400 Crown land committees "; S8[44]=" of management across Victoria.
      'With the new guidelines, committees of management will be better equipped to continue their important work for the "; S9[44]=" benefit of those who use Crown land reserves,' Ms Garbutt said.
      'They now have access to a range of information, advice and "; S10[44]=" instruction to enable them to make good decisions about the important resource they manage.' The guidelines have been published in loose-leaf format so they can "; S11[44]=" be updated when contact details change or when new policy or legislation applies... "; R[45]="1662"; T[45]="Agreement to protect Barrier Reef from runoff"; A[45]="By ... Editor"; Dn[45]="20020814"; Dt[45]="Wednesday 14 August 2002"; Acats[45]="a42a66a90"; B1[45]="      Finally after much debate and politicing the Federal and Queensland Governments have joined forces to protect the Great Barrier Reef from land-based "; B2[45]="pollution... "; B3[45]=" "; B4[45]=" "; B5[45]=" "; S1[45]="      Finally after much debate and politicing the Federal and Queensland Governments have joined forces to protect the Great Barrier Reef from land-based "; S2[45]=" pollution.
      A memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed this week aims to develop and implement codes of practice, identify areas of greatest erosion "; S3[45]=" hazard and create a water quality action plan.
      'Both governments share the objective of stabilising and reversing the decline in the quality "; S4[45]=" of water entering the Great Barrier Reef,' Prime Minister John Howard said.
      'We cannot effectively manage the world heritage qualities of the "; S5[45]=" Great Barrier Reef without the commonwealth and Queensland governments working together on important issues such as water quality.' The two governments will develop a Reef "; S6[45]=" Water Quality Protection Plan by the end of 2002.
      Funding for the plan will be made available through the National Action Plan "; S7[45]=" for Salinity and Water Quality and the Natural Heritage Trust.
      Queensland Premier Peter Beattie said while at this stage there was no "; S8[45]=" compulsion by law for any initiatives to be enforced, the state government had been working for some time with land-holders to change practices.
    "; S9[45]="   'The incentive is to protect your livelihood for future generations,' he said.
      'We are talking about Australians working together to protect "; S10[45]=" on the wonders of the world.' Mr Beattie said the MOU was the first initiative which focused on the quality of water going from the "; S11[45]=" land into the reef area.
      'This is about state interests and the national interests and working together,' he said.
      "; S12[45]=" The reef has been a battleground for farmers and conservationists over the effect of run-off into the world heritage area.
      There has "; S13[45]=" been concern that run-off, especially from the sugar industry, has harmed the coral reefs, mangrove forests, sponge gardens and sea grass beds.
      "; S14[45]=" Worldwide Fund For Nature spokeswoman Imogen Zethoven welcomed the agreement.
      'We think it is an historic agreement, a landmark achievement from both "; S15[45]=" governments,' she said.
      'Land-based pollution is degrading inshore reefs and it is great to see such a high level of support being "; S16[45]=" given to tackling this problem.' Paul Bidwell, deputy chief executive of the Queensland primary producers lobby group Agforce, said the beef industry had invested money "; S17[45]=" researching sediment run-off.
      He said the research would complement the Reef Water Quality Protection Plan.
      But he did not "; S18[45]=" agree with claims the grazing industry was harming the reef.
      'Statements saying sediment is having a detrimental impact on the reef have "; S19[45]=" not been proven,' Mr Bidwell said... "; R[46]="1610"; T[46]="Australia's acid soils research recognised on world stage"; A[46]="By ... Editor"; Dn[46]="20020805"; Dt[46]="Monday 5 August 2002"; Acats[46]="a42a90"; B1[46]="      Researchers at Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute (WWAI) gained world recognition for their work on managing acid soils at a recent international agricultural "; B2[46]="symposium in Brazil... "; B3[46]=" "; B4[46]=" "; B5[46]=" "; S1[46]="      Researchers at Wagga Wagga Agricultural Institute (WWAI) gained world recognition for their work on managing acid soils at a recent international agricultural "; S2[46]=" symposium in Brazil.
      NSW Agriculture acid soils extension officer, Greg Fenton, delivered the keynote paper to more than 250 leading research scientists, "; S3[46]=" farmers and farm advisors at the Soybean and Corn Rotations in No-Till Systems Symposium at Piracicaba, Brazil.
      Mr Fenton represented the WWAI "; S4[46]=" acid soils research team at the symposium where he delivered results from Australian acid soils research projects to alert stakeholders in burgeoning Brazilian agriculture industry "; S5[46]=" of threat of soil acidity and how it is caused.
      'Agriculture, in particular summer crops maize, cotton, sorghum and corn, has huge "; S6[46]=" potential in the Cerrado districts of Brazil where 60 million hectares of a possible 220 million hectares of country that receives 1200-1600mm summer rainfall is "; S7[46]=" being farmed,' Mr Fenton said.
      'However, this huge potential entails a large risk for soil acidification if nitrate nitrogen is leached from "; S8[46]=" the soil.
      'Already, soil acidity is becoming a problem in Brazil's intensely farmed summer cropping areas and if management practices that encourage "; S9[46]=" leaching of nitrate nitrogen continue large amounts of lime will be required to counter the rising acidity levels.' Mr Fenton told the symposium that better "; S10[46]=" management of nitrogen fertiliser on crops would be critical to Brazil's soil nutrition.
      'Research at WWAI has developed fundamental principals in understanding "; S11[46]=" the process of soil acidity but also has developed practical management options,' he said.
      'The Brazilians were keen to hear about these "; S12[46]=" developments and how they could be applied to manage the threat of acidity in their soils.'.. "; R[47]="1598"; T[47]="Information system to improve Rangelands Management in WA"; A[47]="By ... Editor"; Dn[47]="20020802"; Dt[47]="Friday 2 August 2002"; Acats[47]="a37a46a67a90"; B1[47]="      A new information system has been developed by the Department of Agriculture to improve service delivery through the State's rangelands.... "; B2[47]=" "; B3[47]=" "; B4[47]=" "; B5[47]=" "; S1[47]="      A new information system has been developed by the Department of Agriculture to improve service delivery through the State's rangelands.
    "; S2[47]="   The Rangelands Reporting Interface (RRI) is designed to sit within the Department's existing Client and Resource Information System (CRIS).
      Manager of "; S3[47]=" the Department's Client and Resource Information Unit, Greg Beeston said the RRI could provide a wide range of information about the Pastoral Region of Western "; S4[47]=" Australia.
      'Data sets within the rangelands interface include information on land tenure, infrastructure, natural resources and rangeland monitoring,' Mr Beeston said.
  "; S5[47]="     'This information is then linked to the knowledge currently stored in the Client and Resource Information System for properties in the rangelands and "; S6[47]=" outputs data relating to control programs, animal diseases and the field reporting system used by Department officers.' The Department is undertaking a four year plan "; S7[47]=" to integrate existing data into a central data warehouse which will improve knowledge sharing within the organisation and ensure continued relevant resource allocations.
    "; S8[47]="   The CRIS project includes a range of web based, user friendly interfaces that can be used to retrieve information about clients, properties and events "; S9[47]=" on a local, regional or state-wide basis... "; R[48]="1576"; T[48]="$100,000 penalty for illegal land clearance"; A[48]="By ... Editor"; Dn[48]="20020729"; Dt[48]="Monday 29 July 2002"; Acats[48]="a38a39a42a90"; B1[48]="      South Australian who remove native vegetation illegally will face a maximum penalty of $100,000 under new laws proposed by the State Government.... "; B2[48]=" "; B3[48]=" "; B4[48]=" "; B5[48]=" "; S1[48]="      South Australian who remove native vegetation illegally will face a maximum penalty of $100,000 under new laws proposed by the State Government.
"; S2[48]="       The changes also mean those caught illegally clearing land could be forced to replant trees.
      Environment Minister John Hill "; S3[48]=" foreshadowed the tough new penalties at Bonython Park yesterday, where about 50 volunteers were planting 1500 trees for National Tree Day.
      'Only "; S4[48]=" 10 per cent of the natural vegetation is left,' he said.
      'That puts our native fauna under enormous pressure and also has "; S5[48]=" problems with greenhouse, erosion and salinity issues.' The maximum penalty for clearing native vegetation will increase from $40,000 to $100,000 under the proposed laws, now "; S6[48]=" before Parliament.
      In addition, landholders who apply to clear land will be required to pay money into a Native Vegetation Fund.
  "; S7[48]="     All applications to clear land will be placed on a public register on a website for public comment.
      'Most landowners "; S8[48]=" are good conservationists - it's just the rogues that we're after,' Mr Hill said.
      'The majority (of farmers) are absolutely in favour.' "; S9[48]=" Tony Cattrall and daughters Eleanor, 4, and Harriet, 2, were among the volunteers braving the rain and mud to plant bluegum, white coastal mallee and "; S10[48]=" river redgum seedlings.
      Mr Cattrall said he hoped his daughters would gain an appreciation of the importance of native trees, and added: "; S11[48]=" 'This area has been treated like a car park for too long.
      It's more important than that.'.. "; R[49]="1401"; T[49]="Cash for good environmental management; SA"; A[49]="By ... Editor"; Dn[49]="20020625"; Dt[49]="Tuesday 25 June 2002"; Acats[49]="a37a42"; B1[49]="      Some South Australian property owners are for the first time being offered a refund on their land levy for good environmental management.
"; B2[49]="      Property owners within catchment areas across the state pay a land or water levy to fund environmental projects... "; B3[49]=" "; B4[49]=" "; B5[49]=" "; S1[49]="      Some South Australian property owners are for the first time being offered a refund on their land levy for good environmental management.
"; S2[49]="       Property owners within catchment areas across the state pay a land or water levy to fund environmental projects.
      The "; S3[49]=" Onkaparinga Catchment Water Management Board has taken the lead to encourage improved environmental practices.
      Deputy general manager Stephen Smith says property owners "; S4[49]=" with heritage-listed vegetation now qualify for a partial refund.
      'What we are trying to do is encourage that retention of the vegetation "; S5[49]=" and acknowledge those people who do protect it by giving them a rebate,' Mr Smith said... ";