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Bush Telegraph - 2008-12-03

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1106 Haystack fires on the rise Haystack fires caused losses of more than 25 million dollars this year - spontaneously combusting in sheds and even in paddocks. 1120 Rural news Today's newspapers might be covered with photos of smiling home owners - but yesterday's cut in interest rates isn't having the same effect on farmers. 1125 Mail plane ep 3 There's something about getting a letter that gets people excited. Maybe it's the surprise or the chance to hear something new. 1132 Music from CW...

Bush Telegraph - 2008-12-02

Tue, Dec 2 Listen

1106 Our fading co-operatives It has been more than a decade since one of Australia's most well known farmer cooperatives Golden Circle opted to change its structure from a co-op to a public company, and yesterday grower shareholders took the changes one further step and voted to sell the company to American owned Heinz. 1121 Rural news The Greens and Nationals have voted together to protest about a new law which they believe will see more land taken from farmers and sold to trees. 1125 Safe...

Bush Telegraph - 2008-12-01

Mon, Dec 1 Listen

1106 First gm harvest This growing season marks the first harvest of commercially available gm canola in NSW and Victoria - the only two states to have lifted their ban on gm food crops in the country. 1126 Rural news The Federal Government has promised states millions for health and education, but how soon will money reach the regions? 12:17:27 Music from The Wilson Pickers(not in podcast) The band are a bunch of like minded friends drawn from the roots music scene in Qld and Victoria. They...

Bush Telegraph - 2008-11-28

Fri, Nov 28 Listen

12:37:31 Indigenous dementia A new report from Western Australia has uncovered some frightening statistics on dementia in indigenous communities. 12:37:34 Rural news The National Party has confirmed that the Coalition's change of stance over an amendment in the Water Amendment Bill, was influenced by a mining lobby group. 12:37:36 Waiting for mail part two Today we continue our mail plane series, as Carl Curtain joins pilot Stuart Mitchell for a mail drop through the Victoria River District...

Bush Telegraph - 2008-11-27

Thu, Nov 27 Listen

12:12:03 Rural news A $2.4 billion coal-to-fertiliser plant for the Latrobe Valley in Victoria looks set to go ahead following recent test results. 12:12:03 Increased pesticide use - pros and cons If you find bugs eating your garden, what do you do? Maybe you reach for a chemical spray and give them a blast. 12:12:15 Farmer exit grants Since September last year, 92 out of 610 applications for the Federal Government's drought Exit Payments have been successful. 12:12:19 Music from The...

Bush Telegraph - 2008-11-26

Wed, Nov 26 Listen

1106 Changing rural neighbourhoods The demographics of rural Australia are changing now more than ever. While many farmers contemplate moving out, treechangers are moving in, but they're not cashed-up baby boomers as we've been led to believe. 1128 Rural news A Senate report has attacked the Federal Government's water buyback scheme. 1133 Ngambri claim A Canberra Aboriginal man has called a halt to development on sensitive native grasslands in the Australian Capital Territory. 1138 Music...

Bush Telegraph - 2008-11-25

Tue, Nov 25 Listen

1106 Mining Industry to tackle health issues among workers As country towns across Australia grapple with the growing problem of obesity, no-where is that challenge more obvious than in mining towns. 1126 Rural news Opposition minister for water Greg Hunt has urged the Federal Government to top sitting on money meant for rural Australia. 1131 Mulligans fence Australia has a disastrous record of extinction. Many native animals have disappeared on our watch. 1137 Music from The Wilson...

Bush Telegraph - 2008-11-24

Mon, Nov 24 Listen

1107 Dire predictions for Murray-Darling Basin The CSIRO has released its most comprehensive study yet into the future of the Murray-Darling basin. It shows by 2030 there'll be 50 per cent less water flowing in the southern end of the Murray than now, if the drought continues. 1110 First year anniversary of the Rudd Government Exactly one year ago today Australia voted in a new government. But how is Labor faring now the honeymoon is over and is Kevin Rudd taking us in the right direction?...

Bush Telegraph - 2008-11-21

Fri, Nov 21 Listen

12:42:01 The future of bush food Australia's burgeoning wild or bush foods sector is reportedly worth at least 16 million dollars a year, and demand is still growing. 12:42:04 Mashed potato competition A mashed potato with honey, bacon and mustard has won the top award at a recent fine food potato festival in north-west Tasmania. 12:42:07 Pacific Workers The federal Government's controversial Pacific Island Seasonal Worker Scheme will get under way before Christmas. 12:42:09 Rural news The...

Bush Telegraph - 2008-11-20

Thu, Nov 20 Listen

12:21:12 Second generation biofuels Biofuels are maligned in many parts of the world because they consume vast quantities of edible crops like corn, wheat and sugar. They force up the cost of food, adding to fears of a global food shortage. 12:21:14 Rural news Ship operators are taking drastic actions to protect themselves against piracy. 12:21:17 Twitchers in the Kimberly Bird enthusiasts are gathering in Western Australia to do some research. 12:21:20 Farmers' Bowls Cup If you've driven...

Bush Telegraph - 2008-11-19

Wed, Nov 19 Listen

1106 'That' movie premiered in Kununurra 1125 National local government awards 1136 Music from TheStillsons One of our country viewpointers Carlo Canteri sent us this album 'Circus' featuring his daughter Cat on vocals, drums and percussion. We heard 'Fiona's Party Talk.' 1140 Sustainable Living - what are RECs?

Bush Telegraph - 2008-11-18

Tue, Nov 18 Listen

1106 High rate of suicide on farms Statistics worldwide show the suicide rate in rural communities is generally higher than for people living in the city. 1126 DJ farmer During the week, Andrew Sarakinis is your average grape grower from Loveday in the Riverland, but on weekends he dons the headphones and mans the mixing desk and becomes DJ Sarez. 1131 Music from the Fireside Bellows(not in podcast) This band are duo Jordie Lane and Tracey McNeil, and their debut album 'No Time To Die' is...

Bush Telegraph - 2008-11-17

Mon, Nov 17 Listen

1106 Medical model As many towns around Australia struggle to keep their doctors and other medical services, Elmore in northern Victoria is bucking the trend. 1128 Rural leadership 1134 The return of Casper Casper is a three legged sheep dog who lost his leg in a four wheel motorbike accident last year. But now after months of rehab he's back on the competition circuit and pulling in the crowds. 1139 Mei Lai Swan Mei Lai Swan is a cellist who moved to Alice Springs after falling in love with...

Bush Telegraph - 2008-11-14

Fri, Nov 14 Listen

1106 Phosphorus workshop What's millions of years old, but is used by farmers every day? The answer is phosphorous - an essential ingredient in fertiliser applied to food crops. 1122 Rural news Nursing staff in a remote Aboriginal community in the Northern Territory have been forced to leave, after the death of a local man last week. 1126 Music from The Basics This Melbourne pop trio performed in the Bush Telegraph studios prior to leaving on their tour of remote Australia, so today we...

Bush Telegraph - 2008-11-13

Thu, Nov 13 Listen

12:38:16 Why weeds have an image problem A new survey commissioned by the soon to be defunct Weeds Co-operative Research Centre shows that when it comes to public awareness of environmental damage, weeds run a long way behind climate change, land clearing and river health. 12:38:18 Rural news Fertiliser and explosives company Incitec Pivot has denied claims, made this week to a Senate committee, that it influences CSIRO research. 12:38:21 Healthy grapes It may not be as enjoyable as drinking...

Bush Telegraph - 2008-11-12

Wed, Nov 12 Listen

12:21:54 Environmental philanthropy Nature conservation is big business. But it can also be quiet business. While some well known conservation groups like to send people out on the streets to spruik for your money, there are others that beaver away behind the scenes, almost unnoticed. 12:21:57 Rural news Federal Agriculture Minister Tony Burke has reassured farmers that government support will continue through the current drought. 12:22:01 Music from Nikka Costa(not in podcast) Recorded with...

Bush Telegraph - 2008-11-11

Tue, Nov 11 Listen

1106 Regional Planning If you had to rate Australia's ability to plan for the future... what score would you give it? An A, a C, maybe even a fail? 1126 Music from 'Fireside Bellows'(not in podcast) Music from Tracy McNeil from Canada and Jordie Lane from Australia. They make up a new bluegrass roots duo who go by the name of 'Fireside Bellows'. "Hypochondriac Blues" is from their new CD - "No Time to Die". 1129 Counting birds Thousands of hours in the air, 4 tiny planes flying low from the...

Bush Telegraph - 2008-11-10

Mon, Nov 10 Listen

1106 South Australian farmers leaving in droves The continuing drought accross some of the major agricultural areas of the south-east is starting to take a serious toll on farmers in the region. 1123 Rural news New Zealand has had a change of government, but what will the change mean for the country's farmers. 1127 Me Change competition launch If you walked down the main street of your town, how many people would be overweight? 1130 Me Change: One town's health issues How did people in Colac...

Bush Telegraph - 2008-11-07

Fri, Nov 7 Listen

12:36:25 Turning deserts into tourist destinations When you hear the word "outback" what images spring to mind? Perhaps red sand, endless skies, heat shimmer, indigenous culture, cattle stations? 12:36:40 Rural news Chinese authorities intercepted over 23 tonnes of Australian milk products that failed to meet quarantine standards in July. 12:36:44 Artists in Moree This week, eight of our leading non-Indigenous artists visual donned their bush hats and headed to Moree in NW NSW to work with...

Bush Telegraph - 2008-11-06

Thu, Nov 6 Listen

1106 Barack Obama and US farmers The eyes of the world today are on the man of the moment, United States president elect Barack Obama. 1119 Desert Leadership What does it take to be a leader in a remote area during times of economic and environmental hardship? 1128 Rural news The election of Barack Obama as US President has caused some concern for Australia's National Farmers' Federation. 1133 Music from Augie March (not in podcast) From their new CD 'Watch Me Disappear' we heard 'Becoming...

Bush Telegraph - 2008-11-05

Wed, Nov 5 Listen

1106 Mining companies and their licence to operate 1134 Music from Sophie Koh(not in podcast) From Sophie's second full length album called 'All Shook Up,' we heard 'He Found Out.' 1137 Retro fitting for energy efficiency Living in an energy efficient house doesn't have to be an expensive venture. 1138 Country Viewpoint: Richard Dudley-Smith: Sydney, NSW Richard Dudley-Smith is very disillusioned.

Bush Telegraph - 2008-11-04

Tue, Nov 4 Listen

1106 Yabbie Races Right around the country people are gathering in backyards, regional pubs, on homesteads and country race tracks with their own take on today's big race. 1110 Maternity services in the bush It seems Australia is in the midst of a baby boom with the number of births now the highest since 1971. 1125 Rural news Iron ore miner Mt Gibson Ltd has become the first major resources casualty of the commodities crash. 1130 Muswellbrook races Kentucky is the world's largest thoroughbred...

Bush Telegraph - 2008-11-03

Mon, Nov 3 Listen

1106 A carbon pool for farmers It's still unclear whether, or even if, agriculture will be part of a national carbon emissions trading scheme. The Rudd government's green paper on the issue, released last week called the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme, didn't commit agriculture to anything. 1126 Is English the answer? The Northern Territory continues to grapple with some of the worst education outcomes for indigenous students in Australia, with retention rates and enrollments paricularly...

Bush Telegraph - 2008-10-31

Fri, Oct 31 Listen

12:25:59 Agribusiness awards It has been a difficult year for farmers in Australia as drought continues to grip much of the country, but last night it was time for producers and agricultural businesses to celebrate as the National Agribusiness Awards for Excellence were announced. 12:26:03 Rural news Treasury modelling suggests farmers will grow more trees, and raise more chickens but fewer livestock, under Australia's proposed Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme. 12:26:06 Carp cages Researches...

Bush Telegraph - 2008-10-30

Thu, Oct 30 Listen

12:08:03 Sunshine Coast Population Cap The Sunshine Coast is one of the fastest-growing regions in Australia. Its current population of 300,000 is expected to reach half a million in just under 20 years. 12:08:07 Australian Employment Covenant It's an historic day for indigenous Australians, with great fanfare surrounding the announcement in Sydney of a plan to get a 50-thousand Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders into work. 12:08:10 Music from Ben Lee(not in podcast) Ben revisits the...

Bush Telegraph - 2008-10-29

Wed, Oct 29 Listen

12:19:30 Agribusiness to join the National Farmers' Federation The National Farmers' Federation is considering allowing membership to agribusinesses. 12:19:36 New remote health plan The Federal Government is unveiling a new primary health care service for remote indigenous communities in the Northern Territory. 12:19:41 Rural news Giant nets shot out of cannons are the latest tools being used to protect Australia from foreign diseases like Avain Influenza. 12:19:50 Rivercare Award in Tasmania...

Bush Telegraph - 2008-10-28

Tue, Oct 28 Listen

12:45:15 Paddock to Plate A new draft report for the first time gathers all our concerns about the future of food production, retailing, consumption and environmental survival in one document - it defines the problems facing us in Australia and highlights some of the amazing successes in changing thinking in other countries like Finland and Cuba. Paddock to Plate was commissioned by the Australian Conservation Foundation and it's been prepared by leading farming and environmental thinker...

Bush Telegraph - 2008-10-27

Mon, Oct 27 Listen

1106 Indigenous enterprises A federal parliamentary inquiry has recommended a new "indigenous supplier council" be set up in Australia in an attempt to boost Aboriginal involvement in small business and close the unemployment gap. 1124 Rural News The Queensland Government will regulate farming practice in the Great Barrier Reef catchment to improve the quality of water reaching the reef. 1129 Air crash history Seventy years ago three patrons of the Australian wine industry were killed in a...

Bush Telegraph - 2008-10-24

Fri, Oct 24 Listen

12:31:22 Flawed support The Federal Government recently sent a group of hand picked experts around the country for a couple of months to look at the social impact of the drought on farming families and communities. 12:31:24 Rural News State and Federal food regulation ministers meeting in Adelaide today are facing renewed pressure for all genetically modified food to be labelled. 12:31:27 Music from Charles Jenkins and the Zhivagos From this brand new album 'Blue Atlas' we heard 'Rolling Into...

Bush Telegraph - 2008-10-23

Thu, Oct 23 Listen

12:28:35 Asparagus The south gippsland area around Koo Wee Rup in Victoria is the asparagus capital of Australia. 12:28:38 Music Teacher Koo Wee Rup Secondary College, in Gipplsand in Victoria, is not just lucky enough to have its own music teacher, it's also had the same one for more than than 30 years. 12:28:41 Writing the song This year's 'Count Us In' song, which will be sung nationally at the same time, was composed by four Victorian secondary school students. 12:28:44 Singing at...

Bush Telegraph (Agriculture)