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The Aboriginal Heritage Legislation Amendment and Repeal Bill 2021 is currently before the State Parliament. This bill, a response to industry concern about the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2021, includes amendments to ensure equal rights of review and requirements to report new information about an Aboriginal site. Draft regulations supporting these changes have been released for stakeholder consultation. vegetablesWA is actively seeking access to the draft and will advise members on this. “We have worked to keep the restored process for managing and protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage simple – to focus on important amendments that will address key concerns without adding complexity and confusion,” Aboriginal Affairs Minister Tony Buti said at the announcement of the Bill. It was also expected at the time of going to print that additional technical amendments, including clarification of ‘native title party’ and provision for the transfer of a Section 18 Consent, would be announced. The Cook Government is also progressing a state-funded, governmentled Aboriginal heritage survey program and a capacity building program for native title parties. Feedback on the draft will be reviewed to inform the final revised Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 1974 for Gazettal once the Bill passes Parliament. “Ultimately, our aim is to implement the new system as soon as practically possible once the Bill is considered and passed by the House,” says Buti.

The good news is that West Australian biosecurity efforts in relation to the Qfly outbreak in the Bayswater area have been fruitful. The Quarantine Area Notice is expected to cease on October 17 from 11.59pm. All current requirements must be adhered to until that time. The Department of Primary Resources and Regional Development (DPIRD) will continue baiting, surveillance and inspections as the warmer weather sets in, which will also bring increased risk with Qfly being more active. If more Qfly are detected, a Quarantine Area Amendment Notice will be published to extend the duration of quarantine and requirements for residents and industry to stop the spread of Qfly. Remember to check the DPIRD website for Qfly advice and updates, www.agric. wa.gov.au/qflyupdates.

Drones are fast-becoming a must-have in many industries, and agriculture is one of them. If you would like to get your hands onto the controls of a drone to see what it can do for you, vegetablesWA is offering two demonstration opportunities – one in the north (Gingin/ Carabooda) and the other in the south metro area of Perth. Drones are already being used in different capacities in horticulture, plus there are regulations around their use, so if you want to get up close and personal with a professional and their drone, email your interest to our CEO Stephen Brown on ceo@vegetableswa.com.au.

Cellular horticulture, agriculture and aquaculture – the production of plant, meat and seafood products in vitro – is at the cutting-edge of food technology. If you were at Hort Connections in June, you may have heard a little about this at the food trend talk. The benefits of growing food from cells are the use of fewer resources and lower environmental impact.

Food by Design program leader, Plant & Food Research scientist Dr Ben Schon says controlled environment and cellular food production is in demand (more than 80 companies are looking to commercialise lab-grown meat and seafood).

"Cellular horticulture currently has a smaller profile than cellular agriculture and aquaculture, but we believe this is a really exciting area of science where we can utilise our expertise in plant biology and food science to explore what could become a significant food production system in the future," he says.

The team is now 18 months into a five-year Food by Design program (funded by Plant & Food Research’s internal Growing Futures investment of the MBIE Strategic Science Investment Fund). The research has also gained support from New Zealand company Sprout Agritech, which is in its accelerator program designed for agrifoodtech start-ups. Will vegetables make it into the petri dish? Source: plantandfood.com

If you’re 17-25 and looking for a gap-year opportunity in horticulture, or if you’re a grower looking to bring onboard a young worker to mentor them in your business, this AgCAREERSTART program is for you. For the student, it’s a paid job with training and development, plus the ability to build networks in the industry. You receive a $4500 (AUD) training and engagement bursary, funding for travel to industry events, a dedicated support team, a network of peers across the country and a passionate host farmer. For the farmer, the team behind the initiative works with you to find a suitable candidate, then supports you through the 10-12 month placement. The program provides you with the opportunity to develop skills as an employer and mentor, plus access a new labour market and support not only a young person passionate about entering the industry, but also contributing to the future agriculture workforce. The AgCAREERSTART team works through a matching process for participants and host farmers. If you are interested, head to www.agcareerstart.com.au.

Previous WA winner Louise O’Neill

Applications are now open for the 2024 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award and the AgriFutures Rural Women’s Acceleration Grant. The Rural Women’s Award has been celebrating women leaders for the past 21 years, and is now one of the highest profile awards in agriculture and wider afield. Each state and territory winner receives a $15,000 Westpac grant for their project, business or program, plus access to alumni networks and professional development opportunities. The Acceleration Grant is for women who aren’t yet ready for the Rural Women’s Award. Through this award, seven women each year are granted a learning and development bursary (not cash) of up to $7000 for professional development to enable them to bring their idea, cause or vision to life. To apply, click on to www.agrifutures.com.au and head to Opportunities.

Have you sent in an application for the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development Carbon for Farmers Voucher Program? Planfarm, through its collaboration with TerraWise carbon farming consulting, is asking for those interested to get in contact. The voucher program provides funding for developing a comprehensive plan for a carbon farming project on your property. TerraWise has experience in this area, developing carbon farming projects (although mainly in the WA wheatbelt). If you are interested in this opportunity and want to reach out to a professional, visit terrawise.au and get in touch.