It has been a horrific beginning to the fire season, with worldwide attention focusing on the severity, size and early nature of the bushfires affecting much of the eastern states.

With many months left to go this fire season, it’s not too late to develop and execute proactive risk management plans, even for those nursery businesses that may not be near typical high-risk areas.

Whilst production nurseries may not be able to influence significant risk factors such as weather or the gradient of the land, the amount of fuel available to burn is one area where nurseries can take immediate action.

Effectively managing any volatile fuels such as grass, fallen leaves and bark from around farm buildings will lower the intensity of the fire, should it occur.

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Wednesday, 27 November 2019

A new research project is looking to boost Australian nursery industry’s resilience when it comes to natural disasters and severe weather events.

‘Nursery industry natural disaster risk mitigation and recovery plan’ (NY18008), commenced in July 2019, as a means to identify and examine key vulnerabilities facing the nursery industry. The results will be used to develop a risk mitigation map with the assistance of independent agency, Cohga Pty Ltd.

The risk map aims to prepare production businesses for severe weather events by identifying natural hazard zones for bushfires, cyclones and flood.

This two-year project is managed by Nursery & Garden Industry Queensland (NGIQ) and funded by Hort Innovation using nursery industry levies and funds from the Australian Government.

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Wednesday, 20 November 2019

The Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) poses a significant threat to the nursery industry, and tighter biosecurity measures must be taken to keep this pest out of Australia.

This exotic pest has high establishment potential in Australia, and could cause major damage to agricultural crops, nursery stock and ornamental plants, so keeping this pest out is a top priority.

Biosecurity agencies and departments are on high alert with peak BMSB season happening from 1 September 2019 through to 31 May 2020.

Past incidents of BMSB arriving at the Australian border have occurred during spring and summer, when climatic conditions and host availability in temperature regions are suitable to the pests feeding and development.

In response to the increased threat during these months, the Department of Agriculture has strengthened seasonal measures to manage the risk of BMSB arriving in Australia. The Department is working with the Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests (CCEPP), of which NGIA is a party, to provide a platform where information can be shared, and emergency pest incursions managed.

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Monday, 4 November 2019

The 202020 Vision has evolved, as the next phase of this urban greening initiative takes root under a new title – Greener Spaces Better Places.

Working to build on the momentum, networks, and ambassador program grown through 202020 Vision, the mission of this next phase is to make Australia’s urban areas the greenest in the world.

This national program works to engage growers and encourage greater collaboration with councils, developers and landscapers to increase green life in Australian cities and towns.

In October, the Greenlife Industry Australia (GIA) team headed to the Sydney launch event, held at the Dove & Olive in Surry Hills. More