There’s no shortage of bad news around, but whether it’s fire, flood, addiction, family violence or another crisis, we believe no one should have to go it alone.

Statistics show that in a typical week, thousands of Australians turn to The Salvation Army for 100,000 meals, 2000 beds and 8000 food vouchers for Aussies in need.

It’s vital support for many, and it’s only possible because of the “army behind the Army” – we can’t do it alone. 

So right now, an amazing army of “hope-givers” – everyday people from the local community - are signing up to give us an hour or two in support of our door knock (Red Shield Appeal).

Whether it is door knocking, organising, catering, raising money, or cheering your friends on, there are plenty of easy, fun ways get involved.

You can get a group together, bring the family and make a day of it - collecting vital funds and making a real difference to suffering Aussies as you do. 

Everyone is welcome to join us on the weekend of May 28 and 29 as we pull together for those in crisis. Call 13 72 58 or register online at salvos.org.au/volunteer. 

Major Bruce Harmer

Secretary

Communications and fundraising department,

The Salvation Army

THE National Irrigators’ Council (NIC) has welcomed Federal Budget measures supporting irrigated agriculture business, building on the government’s $4 billion Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper announced in mid-2015. 

Measures underpinning the sustainability of irrigated agriculture businesses through the easing of the tax burden for small business, a continuation of the Farm Management Deposits Scheme and the removal of regulatory burdens by the government through the 2014-15 review of the Water Act, are critical for the sector. 

Irrigated agriculture producers need the right environment to grow their businesses to take advantage of trade and market access opportunities and to transition to latest technologies and modern farming practices.

The newly-announced $2 billion National Water Infrastructure Loan Facility supporting major water infrastructure projects over 10 years signals the government’s commitment to strengthen its plan for irrigated agriculture.

The loan facility follows the $500 million National Water Infrastructure Development Fund designed to support the future development of water infrastructure, including the construction of dams and/or pipelines, waste water reuse and managed aquifer recharge. 

The Sustainable Rural Water Use and Infrastructure Program investment in rural water use, management and efficiency is a key mechanism to “bridge the gap” to the sustainable diversion limits under the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. The majority of funds are directed to projects in the basin for improving the operation of off-farm delivery systems and help irrigators improve on-farm water use efficiency.

Irrigators will continue to support parallel measures to ensure the environmental health of the Murray-Darling Basin, recognising that Basin Plan reforms should not focus solely on water as the only management tool, but must include a mix of measures equally focused on food and fibre production, the socio and economic outcomes for regional communities and the environment.

Gavin McMahon 

Chairman

NIC