Minister for Agriculture, David Littleproud has announced new programs which would see farmers receive incentives for a range of projects to improve biodiversity on farms, incorporating payment for carbon if appropriate.

A $30 million pilot Agriculture Biodiversity Stewardship Program would see farmers receive incentives for projects that boost biodiversity and also, if appropriate, absorb carbon. Projects such as maintaining or enhancing remnant forest, regeneration of gullies or waterways, or mixed species native tree plantings could be examples of projects.

Additionally, $4 million will go towards creating a national and internationally recognised biodiversity certification scheme to help biodiversity-friendly farmers get an extra premium for their product at the checkout and when they trade with other countries.

The NFF will help develop this certification scheme so farm groups have ownership of and invest in it.

“I’ve always thought farmers should see the benefits managing the biodiversity on their properties, and a market based system can become a drought-proof income stream for them,” said David.

“These programs will be trailed across different commodities and in different regions and if successful, I hope it will be expanded as national policy following the trial.

“An on-farm biodiversity policy and methodology will need to be developed and we’ll be consulting with Australian National University and farm groups on this.

“Farmers are already making money from carbon payments and in the future we could potentially see farmers receiving payment for both biodiversity and carbon benefits from the same project.

“This pilot program is not part of the Carbon Solutions Fund – this is a dedicated trial aimed at biodiversity, although of course projects will likely have a carbon benefit also which farmers deserve recognition for.

“Farmers should be rewarded for having plants and animals on their farm, not penalised through banning them using that land and offering no compensation,” said David.

Gift cards are increasingly the payment method of choice for scammers. Scamwatch reports show more than $5 million was lost in 2018, a 38 percent increase compared with 2017.

iTunes cards accounted for $3.1 million in losses – a 156 percent increase from the $1.23 million reported in 2017. However Scamwatch has also seen an increase in reports involving other gift cards such as Google Play, Amazon, and Steam cards, and Australia Post Load & Go prepaid debit cards.

Losses to scams where non-iTunes gift cards were used as payment increased by 530 percent in 2018 to around $1 million.

“It’s concerning that the scammers are now demanding payment in other forms of gift cards. This is likely in response to scam warnings about using iTunes cards for paying scammers that are in stores like supermarkets and on the cards themselves,” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.

Below some common types of scams involving

gift cards:

ATO impersonation scams: The scammer pretends to be from the Australian Taxation Office and claims there is a warrant for their victim’s arrest.

Catch-a-hacker scam: The scammer calls and pretends to be from a law-enforcement agency or internet provider and convinces the victim they are trying to trace the location of a hacker who has compromised the victim’s computer.

Victims are also tricked into giving up personal details with the promise of gift cards. Scammers entice victims to participate in surveys by promising gift cards as a prize; however the surveys extract personal information such as your name, date of birth, address details and even financial details like your credit card or bank numbers.

Iconic Australian eats with an Indigenous twist will be the inspiration behind the Grazing Down The Lachlan menu in 2019, with renowned Sydney chef O Tama Carey announced as this year’s Creative Director.

The 2019 Grazing program was officially launched on Tuesday, the annual foodie adventure making its return to Forbes on Saturday, 21st September.

Now in its third year, O Tama is set to deliver an exciting, fresh take on Grazing’s successful long lunch format, which attracted over 800 people to town in 2018.

Described as “one of Australia’s most intriguing chefs”, O Tama opened her highly anticipated hopper restaurant, Lankan Filling Station in Darlinghurst last year after years of pop-ups and market appearances.

O Tama’s first solo venture has certainly lived up to the hype – awarded a chef’s hat in The Sydney Morning Herald’s Good Food Guide 2019 after only four months trading. So, what can Grazers expect in 2019?

“Dishes that are tasty, familiar yet with a twist and which hopefully they can giggle at a little too”, O Tama hinted.

“I’m approaching the food like I would a menu in a restaurant, giving a balance of flavours to create something that’s appropriate for the setting, using local produce and native ingredients. This year, I’ll also be loosely basing some of the dishes around slightly daggy Australiana from my youth.”

Set alongside the picturesque Lachlan River, guests are free to wander along the designated corridor of the nine-mile reserve between seven stations offering delicious food with a matched beverage.

The ‘Meet Your Makers’ Q&A has been revamped, finding its new home at SYLO for 2019. Held on the Friday evening before Grazing, the Q&A provides guests with the opportunity to hear from the Creative Director and some of the local producers behind the event.

Forbes Shire Council has secured $300,000 in funding to undertake a scoping study to upgrade the Forbes water filtration plant, under the government’s $1 billion Safe and Secure Water Program.

Minister for Regional Water, Niall Blair said the Forbes filtration plant currently processed drinking water for Forbes, Calarie, Alcheringa and Daroobalgie as well as parts of the Parkes and Lachlan Shires.

“The funding will be used to undertake necessary assessments and planning for the replacement of the existing filtration plant,” said Niall.

“Everyone in NSW deserves access to reliable water services and that’s why we are getting on with the job of delivering critical water infrastructure in our regions.”

“We know that our rural and regional communities rely on access to clean, reliable and affordable water and with more than 1.9 million people living in regional areas, it is vital we continue to invest in essential local infrastructure,” said Niall.

Parliamentary Secretary for Western NSW, Rick Colless said the funding was a major boost for the region, with water security being more important now than ever before.

“We know that NSW is facing one of the driest periods on record, with ongoing drought conditions impacting not just our farmers, but our communities as well,” said Rick.

“It is great to see that government is committed to ensuring every regional community has access to a safe and reliable water supply and essential water infrastructure.”

Forbes Shire Deputy Mayor, Jenny Webb welcomed the announcement, saying the project will be a major boost for the region.

“This funding will go a long way towards completing the scoping study, with the project expected to cost around $500,000,” said Jenny.

The Program co-funds eligible water and sewerage projects that deliver economic growth in regional NSW through improvements to public health, water security, environmental outcomes and social benefits.

The Forbes District Tennis Club and the Forbes Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre were both successful in receiving funding through the 2018 Community Building Partnership Program

The good news was brought by Member for Orange, Phil Donato last Tuesday. “I am pleased to announce the Forbes District Tennis Club will receive funding of $14,000 to go towards replacement of the clubhouse roof. Sport is a vital part of our local community that unites us all,” said Phil.

President of the Club, Peter Clifton said the roof repairs were needed to keep the building in good condition. “It’s quite an old building and some nails are starting to lift,” said Peter. “We want to fix it up before it’s too big of a problem.”

Peter also added that other parts of the club were currently undergoing a beautification process, so the club is being brought up to date.

Phil also announced that the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre will be receiving $10,070, the full amount of funding applied for. “This will go towards a new Cultural Hub at the centre,” said Phil.

“This funding is important as it will improve awareness of the Wiradjuri culture and further enhance the centre,” he said.

Secretary of the Wiradjuri Dreaming Centre, Aileen Allen said the funds would be used for costs such as connecting electricity and purchasing new artefacts and would only add to what was already a great environment.

“People tend to visit and just soak up the atmosphere of the place,” explained Aileen. “It’s a space where I can offer visitors a yarn and a cuppa.”

“I was very happy to get behind these projects and provide my support,” said Phil.

The day of the highly anticipated Forbes Rugby Club President’s Lunch has finally arrived with the annual event taking place this Saturday afternoon at the Grinstead Oval.

Once again the occasion has attracted a record number of interest, with well over 1,000 people expected to attend.

Chris Sweeney, Committee Chair of Forbes Rugby Club President’s Lunch said:

“We’ve cracked the 1,000 mark with tickets sold out in approximately four weeks. The event is so popular because it brings together club and community to celebrate the start of the rugby season.”

“Members of the community and many people from far and wide get together to attend an event that provides an opportunity for conversations, chats and camaraderie, especially in tough times so that you don’t have to look at those dry paddocks,” said Chris.

The President’s Lunch is the rugby club’s major fundraiser, with a variety of community groups benefiting from the proceeds each year.

This year’s President’s Lunch will take place in an even more magical setting with the new fence that’s been put up around the oval by farmer tradespeople, which was partially funded by the Forbes Rugby Club.

The lunch will see the return of the Peter Murphy Foundation, which supports locals in need as well as an astounding line-up of auction items for the afternoon.

Special guest for this year and supplying the afternoon’s entertainment will be Vietnamese- born Australian renowned author, comedian and artist, Anh Do.