The Authority is aware there are existing providers who fully intend to comply with the Act and wish to obtain a licence but were not able to apply by the end of the transition period. It is vital to the success of the licensing scheme that all providers who are compliant with their legal obligations and who express an intention to continue to provide labour hire services in Victoria in accordance with labour hire laws are licensed.

It is for this reason the Authority has decided that, where a complete application is submitted to the Authority before midnight on 31 December 2019, and there is no evidence of non-compliance, it will not take enforcement action against a provider for providing services without a licence, or a host who enters into an arrangement with that provider.

Visit the Labour Hire Authority website for further information...

The on-farm energy tier 2 grants are available to eligible primary producers until March 2020 or until available funding is exhausted (whichever comes first). Apply early so you don’t miss out.

The Victorian Government can provide $50,000 to $250,000 (excluding GST) for on-farm energy tier 2 grants matched against a cash contribution of at least 50 per cent.

*Please note that when you receive your original assessment, you do not automatically advance to the next stage. You will need to apply for the grant funding.

For more information on the Grants or to apply, visit the Ag Vic website...

 

Rural Aid is proud of its support of farmers and rural communities. The Buy a Bale program is a natural disaster assistance program for those suffering flood, fire or the effects of drought in rural communities.

The Buy a Bale program has become more than fodder.... Today the Buy a Bale campaign is part of the charity Rural Aid to expand services and support to rural communities not only suffering through natural disasters but communities that need help remaining in existence, our rural communities are disappearing and need help.

To anyone seeking Rural Aid over the Christmas period, please visit link...

The Food Innovation Voucher Stream is a new initiative of the Victorian Government that helps companies access the know-how needed to innovate, diversify, improve productivity and take new and innovative products to market. The vouchers and associated Food Innovation Network will deliver on the Victorian Food and Fibre Sector strategy. Click here for more info...

The Victorian Government (through Agriculture Victoria of the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions (Agriculture Victoria) is offering a rebate to drought affected farmers who invest in urgently-needed on-farm water infrastructure that addresses animal welfare needs. The rebate funding is being made available from an allocation from the Australian Government.

The Scheme provides a one-off 25 per cent rebate up to $25,000 (GST exclusive) to eligible primary producers for the costs associated with the purchase and installation of on-farm water infrastructure that addresses animal welfare needs and improves resilience to drought.

Click here for more information including eligibility and applying online...

The Australian Government has released a drought response, resilience and preparedness plan.

The plan is focused on 3 themes:

• Immediate action for those in drought.
• Support for the wider communities affected by drought.
• Long-term resilience and preparedness.

Read the detail in the Australian Government’s Drought Response, Resilience and Preparedness Plan.

Click here for more information on Immediate action for those affected right now...