National Rural News

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Review demands better telco deal for rural areas

An independent review has called on the Federal Government to draw up a new agreement on a better level of telecommunication services in rural Australia.

Rural groups cautiously welcome $10 billion fund injection

Rural groups have welcomed the Federal Government's one-off payments to pensioners, first-home buyers, carers and low-income parents.

Murray Valley water allocations increase for irrigators

Water allocations have increased for some irrigators in the Murray Darling Basin.

Tractor sales down because of economy, drought and low dollar

An uncertain economy, the drought and a falling Aussie dollar is causing pain for tractor and machinery dealerships.

Diamonds lose their shine

The global financial downturn is taking the gleam off the price of diamonds.

Best crop in 50 years

Grain growers say recent rain across Southern Queensland will help the winter crop, with some farmers claiming it's the best in half a century.

Falling dollar great news for mango growers

The falling Australian currency is good news for mango growers.

Dairy Farmers' management confident buyout will go ahead

The management of milk co-operative Dairy Farmers is confident the buyout by National Foods will go ahead.

Territory fruit growers celebrate supermarket deal

Tropical fruit growers in the Northern Territory are breaking new ground this season by securing a deal with the major supermarkets that will see their fruit travel just 40 kilometres, rather than the traditional trip of more than 7000 kilometres.

Lobby group worried about Queensland rural education

A prominent remote education lobby group says it has serious concerns for children being schooled in the Queensland's regional and rural communities.

Concerned farmers use internet to promote their issues

A group of farmers in Queensland has taken its campaign to stop mining on their farmland to the internet.

Fungal grain disease threatens Victorian crops

A fungal disease is killing grain crops in western Victoria, increasing stress for drought-stricken farmers.

War on weeds on Tassie coast

The Cradle Coast region of Tasmania believes it's leading the country with its work to prevent weeds spreading.

Farm couldn't run without women

Today is World Rural Women's Day and Queenslander Mandy Bishop says her family farm couldn't survive without her.

Equestrian games begin in Coffs Harbour

More than 2000 elite athletes from across the country are in Coffs Harbour for this year's Australasian Police and Emergency Services Games.