Australian exporters to make substantial gains in the UK thanks to new FTA

The Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (A-UKFTA) was signed on 17 December and is expected to enter into force in the course of 2022.

This ambitious agreement will help Australian goods and services exporters to diversify and grow their UK market share and make it easier to attract investment in Australia. It will also enhance provisions for workers in both countries to live and work temporarily and support the mutual recognition of professional qualifications.

Listen to a high-level briefing on the key sectoral outcomes by Austrade’s Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner in the UK and Australia’s Chief FTA Negotiator, for more detailed information: https://youtu.be/Kj1y60Pkf4I

Over 99% of tariffs eliminated on Australian goods exports

Tariffs on over 99% of Australian goods exports to the UK (by value) will be eliminated on entry into force. The agreement also opens up opportunities with strong outcomes across key export sectors such as beef, sheep meat, wine, dairy, rice, and sugar. Tariffs on honey, olive oil and most processed foods will be eliminated on entry into force.

Tariffs on Australian wine, Australia’s largest dutiable export to the UK by value, will be eliminated on entry into force, removing customs duties worth around $43m each year.

Beef tariffs will be eliminated after 10 years with immediate access to a duty-free transitional quota of 35,000 tonnes rising to 110,000 tonnes in year 10.

Sheep meat tariffs will be eliminated after 10 years, with immediate access to transitional duty-free quota of 25,000 tonnes rising to 75,000 tonnes in year 10.

Sugar tariffs will be eliminated over 8 years with immediate access to transitional duty-free quotas of 80,000 tonnes rising to 220,000 tonnes in year 8.

Tariffs on dairy will be eliminated over 5 years with immediate access to duty free transitional quotas for cheese (24,000 tonnes rising to 48,000 tonnes), butter (5,500 tonnes rising to 11,500 tonnes) and other dairy products (20,000 tonnes per annum).

Tariffs on most seafood exports will be eliminated on entry into force, including all finfish and fresh and frozen rock lobster. The remaining tariffs will be eliminated over 3 years.

Tariffs on most fruits and vegetables will be immediately eliminated, including almonds, macadamia, other nuts, avocados, cherries (excluding sour cherries), dried fruits, citrus fruits, carrots and table grapes. Tariffs on apricots, nectarines, peaches, strawberries, asparagus, beans, tomatoes, apples (excl cider apples) and pears (excluding perry pears) will be eliminated over 3 years. Remaining product tariffs will be eliminated over 7 years.

For other products, tariffs will be removed on short and medium-grain milled rice and there will be a permanent annual duty-free quota of 1,000 tonnes for long-grain milled rice. Tariffs on broken rice will be removed over 4 years with an immediate duty-free transitional quota of 11,500 tonnes per year.

$250 million to build better regions, create jobs and boost local economies

The Liberal and Nationals Government is continuing to back regional Australia by providing another $250 million to fund the infrastructure and services our communities need to grow and prosper.

Applications are now open for Round 6 of the Government’s Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF), paving the way for new projects that regional communities deserve to be funded and delivered.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the Government is focused on ensuring our regions remain strong and grow into the future.

“Regional Australians deserve the same services and opportunities that people in metropolitan cities have and the Building Better Regions Fund helps make this happen,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“That’s why we’ve committed another $250 million for projects and initiatives that will transform communities, create new jobs and drive economic growth across regional Australia.

“Backing regional communities will help secure our economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic while ensuring regional Australians can get ahead.

“This latest investment in new projects will build on the 298 fantastic regional projects that shared in $300 million in funding under the last round of the Building Better Regions Fund.

“Our Government is committed to delivering the best outcomes for regional and remote Australia, which is why we are continuing to support the businesses and people who call regional Australia home.”

Funding under Round 6 takes the Government’s total investment through the BBRF to $1.38 billion.

The BBRF supports economic and social infrastructure for the long-term benefit of regional communities. Funding the infrastructure and services that communities need for the future will create jobs and help them rebound strongly from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Projects will be funded under two streams. The Infrastructure Projects Stream supports the construction of new infrastructure, or the upgrade or extension of existing infrastructure.

The Community Investments Stream funds community development activities including, but not limited to, new or expanded local events, strategic regional plans, leadership and capability building activities.

Infrastructure Projects Stream: https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/building-better-regions-fund-infrastructure-projects-stream-round-6

Community Investments Stream: https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/building-better-regions-fund-community-investments-stream-round-6

Applications close on Thursday, 10 February 2022.

Shop local and keep giving with Creative Riverina this Christmas

This Christmas, find a one-of-a-kind gift that keeps on giving and support local artists with the new website creativeriverina.com.

Framed by Gregory Carosi and Timothy Crutchett
Photo by Gregory Carosi

Creative Riverina – an online community and arts directory that connects the public with artists and artistic organisations throughout the Riverina now includes artists with products ready to sell - just in time for Christmas.

Bella Ingram
Photo by Brittany Hefren

Browse and buy from painters, musicians, ceramicists, fashion designers, writers, crafters, and more from across the Riverina NSW, with products, artworks, books, music, experiences and workshops available for purchase now on Creative Riverina. 

Tim Kurylowicz, Executive Director of Eastern Riverina Arts, said "Buying a local artwork or creative experience ticks every box. There's still time to purchase something wholly original, free from postage delays, and most importantly, knowing your dollar stays local."

F.Stop Workshop
Photo by Brittany Hefren

Georgia Crowden, an emerging Wagga Wagga artist, has her work available on the Creative Riverina website and at Renew Wagga’s Thomson Street Makers’ Market on Saturday 18 December from 4pm to 8pm.

She said: “I always aim to shop locally; it's wonderful to go in-store and talk to someone who feels like a friend. The connection from others living in the same community is unmatched when buying from large companies and I want to support other creatives.

This season, I'm creating charming, hand-printed wrapping paper and tags that give a sense of personality to the gifts they hold. I'm producing a small number of prints (printed by f. stop) from my sketchbook, giving others a chance to take home a piece of affordable art. I think it's important to have accessible local products at different price points so everyone can participate in supporting local.”

Middlemost
Photo by James Farley

Whether it’s a piece of art, a song, a performance, or poetry, a work from a Creative Riverina artist is a chance to consciously choose and give a distinct, thoughtful gift.

Beyond the joy of giving and receiving a one-of-kind artwork or experience, a gift from a local Riverina artist keeps giving. 

Supporting local artists means more money is kept in the Riverina – something that benefits the whole community. Shipping delays from outside the local region are avoided. Local artists welcome and appreciate the support at the end of another year that has thrown challenge after challenge. Plus, there’s pride in sharing the talents of the Riverina. Artists listed come from right across the Riverina including Cootamundra, Gundagai, Tumut, Tumbarumba, Adelong, Batlow, Lockhart, Bland, Coolamon - just to name a few of the areas represented. Start your local creative shopping journey at www.creativeriverina.com

Creative Riverina is an initiative Eastern Riverina Arts with the support of Western Riverina Arts and South West Arts, not-for-profit regional arts organisations supporting, connecting and celebrating the arts across the Riverina.

Stage 2 of the Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistics Hub opens

L - R: Councillor Greg Conkey Mayor of Wagga Wagga City Council, Chair of RDA Riverina Dianna Somerville, CEO and Director of Regional Development Rachel Whiting of RDA Riverina, the Hon West Fang MLC and Dr Joe McGirr, NSW Member for Wagga Wagga.

Stage 2 of the Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logisitics Hub (RIFL) opened on Wednesday 24th November 2021.

The Riverina Intermodal Freight and Logistis Hub (RIFL) has been a key infrastructure priority of RDA Riverina since 2013. Funds were received from the Australian Government back in 2012 as part of the RDAF. These funds ($14.5 M) contributed to the Bomen Enabling Roads project, a game-changer for RIFL and now the Bomen SAP. RDA Riverina continues to support this project and other enabling infrastructure or business and industry growth in our region. 

RDA Riverina CEO and Director of Regional Development Rachel Whiting was at the opening of stage 2 on  Wednesday along with RDA Riverina Chair Dianna Somerville, board member David Bardos, Councillor Greg Conkey Mayor of Wagga Wagga, the Hon Wes Fang MLC and Dr Joe McGirr Member for Wagga Wagga.

RDA Riverina congratulates the agencies involved, including Margaret O'Dwyer, Jane Barnes JP, AMICDA, Joe Fealy, James Bolton, Dominic Kennedy, Phillip Thompson, Michael Keys, Azaria Dobson, Tristan Kell, Inland Rail - ARTC, Department of Regional NSW, Department of Premier and Cabinet (NSW), Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications, and Wagga Wagga City Council.  

Telstra boosts mobile site power resiliency ahead of disaster season

Telstra has boosted battery back-up power at 341 mobile tower sites in regional Australia, extending power reserves from three hours up to 12 hours for some of the country’s most remote towns. The upgrades were made with assistance from the Australian Government’s Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters (STAND) program.

Telstra’s Group Executive for Networks & IT Nikos Katinakis said the project, which included the addition of smart charging and monitoring capability, was delivered ahead of schedule.

“The Australian Government committed $11.4 million to the project, with the expectation it would be completed by the end of 2021,” Mr Katinakis said.

“We delivered the project in eight months, so we were well-prepared ahead of disaster season.

“Our teams did a phenomenal job managing the logistical challenges of COVID restrictions and border closures – transporting more than 8,600 new battery cells weighing a total of 500,000 kilograms across the country was no small feat.”

Minister for Emergency Management and Regional Communications, Senator the Hon Bridget McKenzie, said these upgrades were part of the Liberal and Nationals Government’s plan to improve telecommunications resilience across regional and remote Australia.

“Our priority is to provide Australians with better access to reliable communication services, which is why we committed $11.4 million to boost the battery back-up power of these 341 mobile tower sites – all of which were funded under Rounds 1 and 2 of the Liberal and National Government’s Mobile Black Spot Program,” Minister McKenzie said.

“Access to telecommunications is vital before, during and after an emergency, so having longer lasting backup power sources will be critical to ensuring the community and emergency services remain connected during a natural disaster.”

Mr Katinakis said the upgrades were part of a raft of measures Telstra takes to prepare for disaster season in Australia.

“In our long history we’ve had lots of first-hand experience dealing with natural disasters,” he said.

“Our teams work year-round to get ready, and we have State and hazard-specific plans in place to prepare for, respond to and recover from these events.

“Throughout the year we also use network data, customer feedback, and the experience of our field technicians to proactively strengthen our fixed and mobile networks. Our monitoring systems now capture around 100 terabytes of network data each day which helps us identify potential issues before they affect our regional customers.”

While these battery upgrades will provide vital power resiliency, Mr Katinakis said it was not technically possible to provide power back-up for extended power outages, and mains power suppliers also played a critical role in ensuring local communities stay connected.

“Mains power outages cause the vast majority of interruptions to our services during emergencies. In fact, a report by the Australian Communications and Media Authority found that almost 90 per cent of network outages over the Black Summer bushfires were caused by a lack of mains power,” he said.

“When the mains supply of electricity fails, our battery back-up or generators kick-in. But batteries and generators are not a silver bullet, especially when trying to protect this equipment during fire and floods and in the face of lengthy mains power outages of the kind we often experience during disasters.

“We have more than 10,900 mobile network sites that require power and the power requirements at these sites are enormous. A typical regional mobile site uses the same amount of power as over 60 family sized refrigerators operating 24/7. This places logistical limits on the types of back-up power and how long it can reasonably maintain operation during a failure of mains power.”

Mr Katinakis said Telstra would continue to do what it can to boost power resiliency at these sites.

“Over and above the STAND program, we have replaced batteries at over 2,100 network sites nationally since July 2019, and this will continue into the next financial year,” he said.

“Staying in touch is something most of us take for granted during the best of times, and we understand its importance during the worst of times.”

More information:

• How individuals can prepare for disaster season

• How small businesses can prepare for natural disasters

Have your say on the the draft long-term strategy to rebuild and grow the visitor economy

Earlier this year, an independent panel heard many ideas on how to provide quality experiences for visitors, prosperity for businesses and employment opportunities for thousands of Australians in the visitor economy.

In November the Hon Dan Tehan MP, Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, released their Report as well as THRIVE 2030: a proposed long-term strategy to turn those ideas into action and deliver THe ReImagined Visitor Economy.

The visitor economy was Australia’s fourth largest export sector before the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, it was worth $166 billion and employed 660,000 people.

COVID-19 has compounded the challenges facing the visitor economy and has changed the landscape. Long-term strategic planning to rebuild and grow the sector is needed.

How to share your feedback

There are 2 ways to share your feedback:

1. Send your written submission to visitoreconomy@austrade.gov.au by 5pm on 23 December 2021, or

2. Complete a 5-minute survey by 5pm on 3 January 2022.

New resources to help small businesses tender for NSW government work

Small businesses across NSW can now access free online training and an informative guide to help them improve their tendering skills and bid for NSW Government contracts.

The NSW Small Business Commission has collaborated with TAFE NSW to launch online training courses as well as a written guide to help small businesses understand and navigate the tendering and contract processes involved in working with the NSW Government. 

The NSW Government spends about $40 billion each year on the procurement of goods, services and construction, with nearly half of that going to small and medium businesses.

Tendering for Government work can, however, be challenging for small businesses. The new resources are designed to help them gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to tender for NSW Government work and can also assist them in tendering for private sector and local government contracts.

The 45-page guide, Selling to the NSW Government: A Guide for Small Business, includes templates for key tendering documents, such as a business’s capability statement and referee report.

The online training modules and the guide can be accessed via the NSW Small Business Commission Selling to the NSW Government page.

Experience Development Fund - Now Open

The Experience Development Fund is now open!

The NSW Government has announced that $2.5 million in Experience Development funding is available in 2021-22 to support the development of new tourism attractions and experiences in NSW.

Funding of between $80,000 and $150,000 excluding GST is available, per applicant, on a matched dollar-for-dollar basis for eligible project costs.

The Experience Development Fund is available for creating new tourism attractions or experiences that directly aligns with the NSW strengths identified in the Visitor Economy Strategy (VES) 2030. Local Councils, Industry Associations and new or existing tourism operators based and operating in NSW, including Greater Sydney, can apply. NSW Government owned, operated or managed businesses are not eligible applicants. Destination Networks are also not valid to apply for funding. All applicants must be registered for GST.

For every dollar in funding you are requesting, you will need to have your own funds to (at least) match the funding being requested on a dollar for dollar basis.

Applications Close at midnight on January 16th

PCYC Wagga Wagga Flythrough

PCYC Wagga Wagga held a ceremony on Friday 12th of November to officially mark the start of construction of their new Community, Sport, Recreation and Youth centre.

Watch a flythrough of their new buiding below!

EOIs open for 2022 Inland Growth Summit

The Inland Growth Summit is back for 2022 & RDA Orana are looking for speakers!

Expressions of Interest are now open to speakers for their 2022 Summit on February 2 & 3, 2022. The theme for 2022 is 'Working Together' with five main topics including:

1. Rebound & Resilience

2. Workforce of the Future

3. Infrastructure for Development

4. Industry & Innovation

5. Collaboration for Success

Do you have an interest in the development and recognition of Inland Australia just like us? Maybe your organisation is creating change and movement for the benefit of our inland regions or researching the brightest solutions to some of our critical issues? If the answer is yes, then RDA Orana would love to hear from you!

The Inland Growth Summit, hosted by Regional Development Australia (RDA) Orana has been running since our inaugural event in 2019. They believe the economic contribution from our inland regions is something to be celebrated, while also acknowledging some of the barriers to further progression that we face and can overcome together.

Rebound & Resilience

This session will be centering around the economic contribution of Inland Australia in the face of the COVID pandemic and its integral role in the rebound for the benefit of all Australians. It will also include rebound and resilience through natural disasters, fire, flood and drought, livability, and planning for the future.

Workforce of the Future

Inland Australia is experiencing critical labour shortages and is in most cases the number one barrier to business expansion and growth across industry. How do we work together to plan and secure long-term solutions for population growth and the concept of growing our own?

Infrastructure for Development

In this session we will ask the question, how do we invest in infrastructure for impact? What security and investment are required to build Inland Australia, our industries and communities require for a prosperous future and capitalise on opportunities?

Industry & Innovation

Inland Australia is the place of opportunity! In this session, we want to look at how we can continue to develop a resilient, diverse, and strong industrial base. Successful case studies on innovation within industry and harnessing opportunities will be spotlighted, so we can celebrate those who are leading the way.

Collaboration for Success

How do we work together to create a strong and united voice for Inland Australia? What does true collaboration mean in real life between government policy, infrastructure plans, and the great divide between our coastal counterparts? How can we truly collaborate to highlight and differentiate Inland Australia as the powerhouse it is? These are the questions we are looking to explore in this session of the event.

EnergyConnect Information Sessions

Transgrid is holding a series of information sessions on the EnergyConnect transmission line proposed for the region. Drop in anytime to ask questions and learn more about the project.

The upcoming sessions will be held in Jerilderie, Urana, Wagga and Lockhart in November.

Jerilderie

Monday 8 November 2021, 2pm – 5pm

Outside the IGA, 75 Jerilderie Street, Jerilderie

Wagga Wagga

Tuesday 9 November 2021, Midday – 2.30pm

Lake Albert Hall, Apex Park, Lake Street, Lake Albert

Urana

Wednesday 17 November 2021, 2pm – 5pm

Urana Soldiers Memorial Hall, Anna Street, Urana

Lockhart

Thursday 18 November 2021, 9am – midday

Lockhart Memorial Hall, 71 Green Street, Lockhart

Inland Rail: Albury to Illabo Project Update

The Albury to Illabo project is about 185km of existing rail corridor from the VIC/NSW border to Illabo in regional NSW.

The rail line in this section is already at the standard required to meet future operational demands, but we need to make enhancements or modifications to structures such as footbridges and road bridges, signal structures, aerial cables and level crossings to create the height and width (horizontal and vertical clearances) required for double-stacked freight trains. In addition, there will be locations where existing tracks will be: ™ moved sideways (track slews) to provide clearances between tracks and lowered to provide clearance under some road bridges.

Find out more about where the project is up to and what’s coming next.

Find out more about Inland Rail

New hardship panel to provide more businesses with COVID-19 financial support

A new Hardship Review Panel has been established to consider financial support for businesses experiencing financial hardship that do not qualify for COVID-19 business support measures.

The panel will assess on a case-by-case basis businesses which did not meet the eligibility requirements for the 2021 COVID-19 Business Grant, Micro-business Grant and JobSaver payments.

Minister for Finance and Small Business Damien Tudehope said the Review Panel would help those businesses experiencing genuine financial hardship that were previously ineligible for support payments and grants.

“COVID-19 has affected so many businesses in NSW and even though we have a number of support measures in place, there are still some businesses under severe financial strain that aren’t eligible for assistance for a number of reasons. We want to plug that gap as much as we can,” Mr Tudehope said.

The Review Panel will include representatives from Revenue NSW, NSW Treasury and Service NSW and will make recommendations on businesses’ eligibility for relevant support payments and grants. 

It will consider a broad range of factors in determining whether a business has experienced financial hardship, with the Chief Commissioner of Revenue NSW to be ultimately responsible and make the final determination for applications.

“My message to small businesses is this – no matter what corner of the state you're in, we will be there with you all the way as we navigate this global health pandemic,” Mr Tudehope said.

Factors that the hardship panel will consider include, for example, whether the business is an employer, in a highly impacted industry, in an LGA of concern or has unavoidable costs for which no other support is available.

Businesses will be back paid to the fortnight where they can demonstrate the required decline in turnover with the Panel. Hardship applications for JobSaver are now open with hardship COVID business grants and Microbusiness grants to open later this month. More information about hardship applications are available.

New pulse check to measure your workplace’s mental health

The NSW Government has launched a new Workplace Pulse Check tool to help businesses improve their mental health support and access relevant training and materials from SafeWork NSW.

Minister for Better Regulation, Kevin Anderson said by undertaking the pulse check as part of October’s Mental Health Month, business owners and managers can implement the right proactive measures to support their staff’s mental health while at work.

“Our research consistently tells us that mentally healthy workplaces have more productive staff who feel more positive about work, with less absenteeism and better retention rates,” Mr Anderson said.

“By completing a pulse check, you will be able to establish how your business is doing in terms of its approach to mental health, as well as receive advice on how to provide a supportive culture for your employees.”

To help businesses become mentally healthy, SafeWork is offering free, one-on-one practical coaching for small and medium sized businesses, as well as mental health training workshops tailored for employers, managers and employees.

Minister for Mental Health Bronnie Taylor said business leaders can play a substantial role in supporting their employees mental health at work.

“There are so many things business leaders can do to ensure their workplace is mentally healthy – from regular check-ins and discussions around mental health, to proactively identifying and addressing risks,” Mrs Taylor said.

“Mental Health Month is a great time to do a pulse check and start making your workplace a a happier and healthier one for everyone.”

For more information access the Mentally Healthy Workplaces ‘Workplace Pulse Check’ on the NSW Government website.

Regional Housing Report reveals causes behind Riverina housing crisis

An independent report reflecting the community’s experiences of housing and the planning system in regional NSW has been released by the NSW Government.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the Regional Housing Taskforce report details feedback from consultation with more than 500 people across regional NSW.

“The Regional Housing Taskforce’s report gives us a clear picture of the unqiue factors affecting housing in each regional community, and I want to thank every person who took part for their contributions,” Mr Stokes said.

“The report confirms COVID-19 has accelerated an existing trend of people moving from the city to the bush, and this has had an acute impact on regional housing markets.

“The findings tell us what regional communities need to better support their housing needs and I look forward to receiving the taskforce’s detailed recommendations in October.”

Chair of the Regional Housing Taskforce Garry Fielding said the taskforce would now prepare recommendations for the NSW Government to consider in October.

“The communty’s feedback will be used to develop recommendations outlining how the planning system can address housing needs and stimulate supply,” Mr Fielding said.

“I want to thank each person who gave us their time and ideas to help us prepare such a comprehensive report that identifies housing trends, what we’ve heard, detailed findings and the next steps.”

The key issues raised in the findings report include:

• Greater prioritisation on the coordination and delivery of infrastructure to support new homes;

• A need for collaboration between all levels of Government, the housing development industry and the community to develop the right type of housing where people need it;

• Calls to speed up planning processes and reduce duplication, particularly where opportunities to provide housing are time-critical; and

• Demand for more affordable and diverse housing in line with changing demographics, jobs growth, natural disasters, and migration trends.

A Roof Over Her Head: Women, Homelessness and Affordable Housing in the Riverina

The A Roof Over Her Head: Women, Homelessness and Affordable Housing in the Riverina the online event hosted by the Country Women’s Association (CWA) Riverina Group was held on Wednesday 22 September.  

More than 80 people joined us via Zoom to listen to online to guest speakers Lynne Graham (Carevan Wagga Wagga Inc.), Wendy Middleton (Argyle Housing), Belinda McMahon (Sisters Housing Enterprises Inc.) and Dr Joe McGirr MP, Member for Wagga Wagga. 

Watch the Recording

Share the Link

A recording of the online is available via the following link: https://youtu.be/LqU_pBHGgew. We encourage you to use this link to listen or listen again if you joined the conversation on Wednesday night. Most importantly, this link is available for you to share with your fellow CWA members, friends and colleagues and continue to raise awareness of the important issue of homelessness and the need for social and affordable housing in rural and regional NSW, and the solutions being provided by Carevan, Argyle Housing and Sisters Housing Enterprises. 

Q&As 

The answers to the questions raised by participants during the online event have been captured and answered by our guest speakers. Click below to download the Q&A document.

Make a Donation 

Donations can be made direct to Carevan or Sisters Housing Enterprises by contacting the organisations.

• Carevan
  Email: carevanwagga@gmail.com
  

• Sisters Housing Enterprises Inc.

  Phone: 02 6291 6793

  Email: info@sistershousing.org.au

Please note: Carevan is the current CWA Riverina Group Project. A number of  Branches have already made a donation to Carevan. However, Branches which have not yet made a donation may wish to do so by contacting Lynne Grahame at Carevan using the above email address.

Find Out More 

Visit the organisation’s websites for more information about what they do: 

Carevan Wagga Wagga Inc.

Sisters Housing Enterprises Inc.

Argyle Housing

Thank you for your support.

Feedback

Printed in the Daily Advertiser on the 30th of September 2021

Printed in the Daily Advertiser on the 28th of September 2021

RDA Riverina supported this event as part of our capacity building to local community organisations

NSW's first Trade Statement maps way for global success

The NSW Government has released the first ever NSW Trade Statement, a bold plan to transform the State’s exports and trading performance on the world stage, create jobs and support economic recovery.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Industry and Trade, John Barilaro said the NSW Trade Statement puts trade at the top of the agenda giving a clear direction on future support for NSW business, creating more and better jobs for NSW.

“Today marks a significant step forward for our State, with the NSW Trade Statement outlining a vision that will ensure economic growth and prosperity into the future,” Mr Barilaro said.

“Despite the challenges of the past few years and COVID-19 changing global trade patterns, the demand for NSW products and services continues to grow.

“Exports make up 15% of the NSW economy, worth $96 billion, and we are setting ourselves an ambitious target to double that to $200 billion by 2031.

“As we move forward with our roadmap to freedom, there has never been a more important time to advance our industries and give NSW businesses the support and connections they need to succeed beyond our borders, boost jobs and establish our State as the nation’s premier exporting hub.”

Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the NSW economy was the nation’s engine room, with exports today supporting one in five jobs in Australia.

“The NSW Trade Statement responds to challenges identified for our State and also details how we’ll double exports in the next ten years, with the first milestone anticipated to be reaching $130 billion in exports by 2024,” Mr Perrottet said.

“Work is already well underway in delivering the actions set out in the NSW Trade Statement, including the appointment of six global Commissioners to facilitate new export growth opportunities and open doors for NSW businesses overseas.

“We’re also increasing our NSW overseas trade presence from 21 to 55 specialists in more than 21 high potential locations, to give businesses access to the local connections and networks for success.”

Co-chair of the Trade and Industry Advisory Committee (TIAC) Margaret Jack AM said the NSW Trade Statement will help boost NSW’s economy following the impacts of COVID-19.

“Our world is experiencing rapid economic, social and geopolitical changes and to thrive in a COVID-19 resilient world, we must understand and adapt to the key challenges and opportunities that exporting has to offer,” Ms Jack said.

The NSW Trade Statement outlines strategies to expand NSW exports including:

1. increasing the number of exporting businesses from NSW, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs);

2. exporting a more diverse range of goods, services and technologies, reflecting the true breadth and depth of NSW's world leading capabilities;

3. not only growing exports in established markets, but also increasing the number of overseas markets that we export to, and

4. building new pathways like ecommerce for how we export to reach a global customer base of billions of consumers.

Mr Barilaro said the NSW Trade Statement gives clear direction on how government will assist exporters to harness new global market opportunities.

“This is an ambitious challenge, but NSW has never settled for ordinary,” Mr Barilaro said.

“From our north to our south, east to west, I want everyone to maximise their potential and this NSW Trade Statement is our guide to get there.”

2021 Australian Infrastructure Plan

The 2021 Australian Infrastructure Plan is a practical and actionable roadmap for infrastructure reform.

It is intended to deliver infrastructure for a stronger Australia, and support the national recovery from the still-unfolding COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the bushfires, drought, floods and cyber-attacks that have tested the nation's resilience in recent years.

Infrastructure Australia’s vision for 2036 is to have infrastructure that improves the sustainability of the country’s economic, social, environmental and governance settings, builds quality of life for all Australians, and is resilient to shocks and emerging stresses.

Key opportunities include:

• Supporting growth outside our largest cities, in regional centres and northern Australia

• Investing in transformative technology to deliver affordable and sustainable infrastructure services

• Promoting changes to the behaviour around infrastructure use, empowering Australians to make sustainable choices

• Greater transparency and coordination of the project pipeline and reforms to improve industry productivity

• More collaborative models of infrastructure delivery to support productivity and innovation.

Productivity Commission to investigate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Visual Arts and Crafts

The Morrison Government has requested the Productivity Commission undertake a study into the nature and structure of the markets for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander visual arts and crafts, and policies to address deficiencies in these markets.

Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, the Hon Paul Fletcher MP, said the study will provide valuable information as we build on our current investment to strengthen and safeguard this important creative industry.

“Australian Indigenous visual art is internationally acclaimed for its quality, innovation and cultural richness. Art is an important way for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to tell stories, share and strengthen cultures, and drive economic opportunities,” Minister Fletcher said.

“That is why we’ve asked the Productivity Commission to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the value and structure of the current markets for First Nations visual art and crafts, which will propose possible policy and regulatory responses that will seek to support a professional, viable and ethical sector.”

Minister for Indigenous Australians, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP, said Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art is a vital part of Australia’s identity, but is undermined by inauthentic material.

“We know that a significant and increasing proportion of products in the ‘style’ of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and crafts that are sold in Australia are imitations, which mislead consumers and provide no economic benefit to their communities,” Minister Wyatt said.

“These imitation products also cause offence and do not have any connection to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures, which is why this inquiry will enable us to maintain an equitable and authentic arts and crafts market.”

The Productivity Commission is asked to:

• Examine the nature and structure of the different parts of the domestic and international markets including authentic and inauthentic products.
• Identify deficiencies and barriers in the markets and how they affect artists and other stakeholders.
• Assess costs, benefits, governance arrangements, risks, practicalities and implementation challenges of any policy responses.

The Productivity Commission is expected to consult broadly, particularly with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and organisations, and will hand down its final report by the end of 2022.

The study is part of the Government’s tabled response to the House of Representatives Report on the impact of inauthentic art and craft in the style of First Nations peoples.

For further information, including the terms of reference, please visit the Productivity Commission’s website: https://www.pc.gov.au/ 

The Commission has released an issues paper that will set out some of the issues and questions that people raise with us in the early stage of the study.

This issues paper is a guide for people in preparing a submission or comment to the study.

Participants should provide evidence to support the views in their submission or comment, including data and specific examples where possible.

The issues paper was released on 21 September 2021.

Initial submissions are due by Monday 13 December 2021.

ARENA opens $50 million fund for regional microgrid projects

A new $50 million fund will support the deployment of microgrids and renewable energy across regional Australia.

The funding will help communities to take control of their energy needs while also improving resilience for bushfire-affected communities, boosting reliability in weak parts of the electricity grid and reducing the need for polluting diesel generation.

First announced in the 2020-21 Federal Budget, the Regional Australia Microgrid Pilots Program (RAMPP) will complement an existing fund which supports regional and remote communities to scope the feasibility of constructing microgrids.

ARENA CEO Darren Miller said the program will fund pilot projects that demonstrate the potential for microgrids to benefit regional and remote communities.

“Whether it’s maintaining electricity supply during and after emergencies such as bushfires and floods, or improving the reliability and security of power supply in remote communities, this program will showcase the diverse benefits microgrids offer regional Australia,” Mr Miller said.

What are microgrids?

Microgrids are small, localised networks that share energy from interconnected small-scale technologies like solar and batteries with small communities.

As well as improving energy independence for isolated populations, they offer a way to accelerate the shift to locally-deployed renewable energy.

While microgrids are not new, the falling cost of solar, batteries and energy management technology is making them a viable option for more regions that struggle with expensive, polluting and unreliable electricity supplies.

King Island in Bass Strait has shown what is possible, using a combination of solar, wind, wave power and battery storage to displace more than two-thirds of the diesel generation the community has relied on for generations.

This approach allows communities to benefit from affordable, dependable electricity supplies, without the cost of building and maintaining transmission to centralised networks like the National Electricity Market.

The remote town of Denham in Western Australia’s Shark Bay World Heritage area is undergoing a different type of transformation, replacing its diesel generators with a microgrid fuelled by green hydrogen.

While microgrids are often connected to larger grids that can supply energy in the event of generation shortfalls, the new funding will also be extended to ‘stand alone’ systems that are designed to operate independently.

Supporting real-world projects

The new program will provide grants to projects that have already been found to be viable through feasibility studies, with most successful applicants expected to receive between $1 million and $5 million.

Communities around the country have undertaken preliminary works through the Regional and Remote Communities Reliability Fund, including Yackandandah in Victoria’s north-east.

The picturesque town has become a microgrid pioneer, installing three systems to distribute energy amongst the local population of nearly 2000 people.

Recently, rooftop solar uptake passed 60 per cent of households in the Yackandandah Valley, with the next phase of work to focus on building energy storage to capture excess daytime generation to meet the evening peak.

Totally Renewable Yackandandah Inc is now assessing the financial viability of different technologies, including 1-2 MW of battery storage and 5-6 MW of pumped hydro.

Their study will focus on providing the capability to island the town’s power supplies to achieve the most safety and energy resilience.

Apply now

Applications for funding through the Regional Australia Microgrid Pilots Program are now open.

ARENA will hold two identical information sessions on the Program. Attendees will be able to ask questions during these sessions. To register for one of these sessions please use the links below.