Farmers Wary of IR Bill
A nationwide overhaul of industrial relations laws has passed through the House of Representatives, angering farmers who had urged Federal Labor to take the “catastrophic” legislation back to the drawing board.
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Kidman buys Aussie icon Driza-Bone brand
Mining magnate Gina Rinehart is expanding her investment footprint into country apparel, with the purchase through her S. Kidman & Co pastoral company of bush outfitters Driza-Bone. From sheltering soldiers at Gallipoli during World War One, to being worn by our Olympians for the Sydney Olympics, Driza-Bone has been an emblem of Australian quality and resilience,” she said. “We are honoured to carry forward Driza-Bone’s pioneering legacy while supporting its growth. Our family’s and company’s long association with the outback seems to be a natural fit,” Mrs Rinehart said. Kidman & Co chief executive Adam Giles said the company’s investment had ensured Driza-Bone remains in Australian hands and sees two iconic Australian brands unite.
Hancock adds to its backgrounding capacity with purchase of Northern NSW property
GINA Rinehart’s Hancock Agriculture has expanded its Wagyu cattle backgrounding capacity, with the purchase of a New South Wales property. The 1918ha Split Rock Dairy, situated north of Manilla in the Tamworth region in New South Wales will compliment other backgrounding properties within the Hancock Agriculture portfolio in the region. The property includes irrigated and dryland cropping with 366ha irrigated through 11 pivots.“ The acquisition complements other agricultural acquisitions in the last twelve months including Moolan Downs and Ottleyas well as other smaller acquisitions around Australia that compliment other aggregations.
Projects regulated to death
As the minister overseeing the process, he has been unable to effect any real change in seven years, so there’s little confidence that change will happen quickly. According to the CCIWA, there are about $381 billion of investment projects in the pipeline that are yet to receive environmental approval that could create an estimated 106,000 jobs. Of those the CCIWA surveyed, 40 per cent were at risk of abandoning their project due to longer-than expected approval times. As outlined in the WA CCI’s Green Web report, businesses have described working with the State Environmental Protection Authority as “laborious and frustrating” with “ever-changing guidelines and shifting goal posts”. Currently, the normal expectation for a mine to come online is eight to 10 years, double traditional expectations of four to five years.
Cornering a different market?
Mining billionaire Gina Rinehart has taken a majority stake in the Bunbury Farmers Market, heralding a new era for the South West business. The West Australian can reveal that Hancock Prospecting, Mrs Rinehart’s key investment vehicle, has reached a deal with the market’s current owners — Kevin Opferkuch and Graham Heath — but the exact terms were not disclosed. In a statement, Hancock said the investment would help to accelerate plans to grow the much-loved market, including the development of the recently announced Vasse Village Bunbury Farmers Market, which is set to open in late 2024. “Additional future sites, including Perth locations, will also allow new customers to enjoy the unique BFM experience,” Hancock said.
Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting out to market with Bunbury Farmers Market purchase, eyes Perth expansion
Gina Rinehart’s Hancock Prospecting out to market with Bunbury Farmers Market purchase, eye Mining billionaire Gina Rinehart has taken a majority stake in the Bunbury Farmers Market, heralding a new era of big growth plans for the iconic South West business. The West Australian can reveal Hancock Prospecting, which is Mrs Rinehart’s key investment vehicle, has reached a deal with the market’s current owners — Kevin Opferkuch and Graham Heath — but the exact terms were not undisclosed.
