DAFFnews - Issue 190

20 July 2012

Minister releases National Food Plan green paper

The Australian Government this week launched a National Food Plan green paper which presents a series of policy options for Australia’s food future.

Minister Ludwig officially launched the green paper ahead of a forum with key representatives from the food and agriculture industries.

The green paper seeks views on possible future food policy options, including:

  • Food security
  • Market Access
  • Supply Chain Relationships
  • Research and Development
  • Infrastructure
  • Land Use
  • Skills
  • Ongoing food policy development
  • Disaster Mitigation

“Australia is food secure and we want to make sure we take the right steps now so that remains the case into the future”, Minister Ludwig said.

There are many ways stakeholders can give feedback on the green paper and help shape the government’s approach to food policy, including providing a written submission, attending a public meeting or contributing to online discussion on our National Food Plan Blog. Stakeholder consultation on the National Food Plan will be undertaken over the period 17 July, 2012 to 30 September, 2012.

For information on the consultation process and to obtain a copy of the green paper, please visit the DAFF website.

Help shape Australia’s first National Food Plan

Securing a sustainable food supply now and in years to come is something that matters to Australians the country over, and the community and industry now has a chance to help shape the future of food policy with the release of the National Food Plan green paper.

A series of consultations on the National Food Plan green paper will be held in 24 towns and cities across Australia from this week until September 30, 2012.

The conversation around our food supply is one that many Australians already have a view on, and everyone is encouraged to share their ideas and contribute to the future of food policy in our country by attending one of the consultations.

If you can’t attend a public meeting you can make a written submission or join the conversation on Twitter or via the National Food Plan blog on the DAFF website.

Schedule of public meetings for National Food Plan green paper consultations 30 July – 3 August

Monday 30 July - Berwick meeting 7-9pm
Tuesday 31 July - Bendigo meeting 7-9pm
Wednesday 1 August - Devonport meeting 7-9pm
Thursday 2 August - Hobart meeting 7-9pm

Each week we will publish the following week’s meetings - but you can find the whole list plus information about venues, copies of the National Food Plan and how to participate in the consultation process by visiting the webiste.

Community Action Grant to fund local communities to care for our country

Minister Ludwig recently announced more than $4.9 million in Community Action Grants as part of the Caring for our Country initiative.

This year, Community Action Grants will fund 293 projects which contribute to enhancing biodiversity, protecting natural resources and supporting the uptake of sustainable farm practices in their local area.

The Australian Government recognises the important contribution that volunteers and community groups such as Landcare, Coastcare and Indigenous organisations make in engaging communities and inspiring local action to protect and conserve their natural environment. As part of the 2012-13 Community Action Grants funding more than $2.4 million is invested in 142 Landcare projects.

A complete list of successful 2012-13 Community Action Grant projects is now available on the Caring for our Country website.

To date, Community Action Grants has invested $21.6 million to support 974 groups undertake 1239 projects across Australia. Learn how Community Action Grants are helping community groups make a positive difference to their landscape and waterways.

Four more draft biosecurity legislation chapters available for comment

A second tranche of draft biosecurity legislation chapters is now available for public comment until 10 August.

Secretary of the Department, Fisheries and Forestry, Conall O’Connell, said the draft chapters – preliminary, transport, governance and officials, and miscellaneous had been added to the consultation website to give interested parties an opportunity to review and provide feedback to the department.

“Work to finalise drafts of all chapters is ongoing – it’s a big job and we want to make sure that the community is as informed as possible before the final package is introduced into the Parliament,” Dr O’Connell said.

“I encourage people to read the information we have made available and to give us feedback on whether the legislation hits the right balance of better managing the risks to Australia’s human, animal and plant health while allowing for increased movements of people and goods across our borders.”

For more information about the draft biosecurity legislation consultation, go to biosecurity.govspace.gov.au.

Last reviewed:
23 Jul 2012
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