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The incredible rewards of supporting charitable causes

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Charitable causes have always had an important place in the world. While so many of us are truly blessed to have wonderful lives where we are in no immediate danger or disadvantage, there are so many individuals who unfortunately are not in the same position. As such, it ought to come as no surprise that charities have always had and will always have an important role to play in the world around us and the way that we navigate and appreciate the world for what it is and what it has to offer.

Individuals who are in a position of advantage and privilege often find themselves questioning if they should take the time and make the intention to donate to charity. For some individuals, the question is easy to answer and to follow through with meaningful and lasting action and impact. For others, that question sometimes comes with further questions. So, it certainly pays to acknowledge and understand the rewards that always come hand in hand with donating to charitable causes – and the lasting impacts that donations have.

Donating to charity

Making the active and conscious decision to donate to charity is a decision that is, above all else, the acknowledgement and intention of an individual in a position of privilege to donate and improve the lives of individuals (human or otherwise) and/or the world in a meaningful and lasting way. Donations to charitable causes are designed and intended from the ground up to effectively and successfully go into improving an aspect of life as we know it and for this reason they have always been important causes to support and they always will be important causes to support.

The rewards of supporting charity

The incredible rewards of supporting charitable causes are rewards that so often (if not nearly always) go hand in hand with the understanding that by investing some of your hard earned money into someone or something else meaningfully positive, you are improving the world in one way or another. That feeling of doing a good deed is one of the biggest and most important rewards. Additionally, donating to and supporting charitable causes comes with the reward of knowing that you are doing a good thing with no self interest involved in the process. And finally, there is also the awareness that charitable causes are such because they are important. And there is no better investment than an investment in bettering the world.

The overall goal of charity donation

For anyone and everyone who donates to charitable causes, the overall goal of charity donation is very much a goal that is intrinsically linked to collectively and individually working towards having an active hand in creating a better future for us all. The world can always do with more good. So, it makes all the sense in the world that the overall goal of charity donation and support is to continuously take steps towards improving the world in one way or another.

Ready for a Starter Home? 5 Things you Must Keep in Mind

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start a home and costs involved

Homeownership rates in Australia are touted to reach 64% by 2021.

Undeniably, having a place to call your own is an incredible achievement, regardless of whether you are purchasing a starter home or a forever home.

This achievement is, however, a substantial financial undertaking that calls for preparation, foresight and a lot of diligence.

Are you in the market for your first home? If yes, here are five things to keep in mind.

1. Your Credit Score Will Matter Greatly

Your credit score is among the most significant determinants of what your loan’s terms are going to be.

It’s therefore advisable to know what it is, way in advance. If it’s less than pleasant, you will have some time to try and improve it before you actually make a loan application.

Australia scores individuals on a 0 to 1200 scale, with 500 to 700 considered as average. While you might still get a financier with a below-average score, this will likely be on higher interest terms.

A good score, by and large, gets you a better offer.

2. There Will be Additional Expenses

There are several other chargeable fees over and above the actual cost of the home. Some of these include insurance, repair costs, property taxes, association fees and so on.

You should, therefore, have the budget or income to cover not just these costs, but also to cover emergency costs that might arise.

Think ahead to how you intend to furnish your home and how much house leaves you with enough to do that.

If you’re on a shoestring budget, it’s advisable to start with the basics such as living room furniture, beds and bedding and basic kitchen utensils and appliances. But don’t rush to the shop if your old stuff is still usable.

However, don’t drag dilapidated belongings into your new home. If you live in the capital, and want to throw away your mattress, consider mattress recycling in Canberra instead of sending it to a landfill.

3. A Good Realtor is Key

Each neighbourhood has unique qualities and peculiarities you should be well aware of before making a purchase.

A credible agent will have a firm handle on what these are, as well as an array of properties with different features and a wide range of budgets.

As you shop for an agent, look for one with extensive experience and coverage in the area you are looking to settle in.

4. You Need a Reputable Home Inspector

A home inspection is done to identify any problems with a house that might require repairs or overhauls.

Without a reputable home inspector, you run the risk of missing some of these issues. The last thing you need is an inspector that overlooks problem areas just to help a seller or a realtor to make a sale.

If you are referred to a tried and tested agent, you can ask them to refer an inspector to you. If not, then you’re better off finding and vetting an inspector or an inspection company by yourself.

If you buy a house with major damage, you will find yourself in a pinch months or years after the purchase as repair and labour costs can get quite high.

5. You Need to Protect Your Financial Standing

Your pre-approval will be solely set within the information given at the time you make an application.

Any amendments like a job with a different salary, additional loans or job loss can result in your loan being denied when you begin the purchase process.

As much as possible, try to hold your financial position constant so as not to jeopardize your homeownership dream.

Easy Does It

Finding and buying a house is not a process that should be rushed. When you finally decide to take the steps towards homeownership, allow yourself the gift of time.

This should enable you to shop around for a great house in an enviable neighbourhood and at a good price.

It should also allow you the time to vet agents, inspectors and lenders. Ultimately, you deserve not only the home of your dreams, but you also deserve to get a good deal on the home of your dreams.

How to Have a Better Ergonomics in the Workplace

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workplace design and space

It has become increasingly clear that workers in many industries are at ergonomic risk. This can lead to them doing painful and irreparable damage to their bodies. While this has long been true, it’s now a major concern for companies because workers are taking legal action against their employers for routinely making them work in inherently ergonomically risky workstations and courts and judges are awarding them large judgements. Further, wise and caring employers and concerned employees want to make sure workspaces and working conditions are not ergonomically risky and prevent work-related physical ailments from developing.

Assessing Ergonomic Risk

There are several things employers and employees can look at in the workplace to determine if spending 8 hours a day there puts the employee at great ergonomic risk. This ergonomic risk assessment can be accurately made by answering the following questions.

1. What is ergonomics?

Ergonomics is an applied science that is concerned with the design and arrangement of workspaces to ensure workers can do their jobs safely, effectively and efficiently. This area of applied science is sometimes referred to as biotechnology, human engineering or the focus on human factors in the design and arrangement of furniture and equipment.

2. What is ergonomics in the workplace?

Ergonomics in the workplace is making sure the design of the workstations doesn’t lead to unavoidable injuries to the workers and limit their productivity. Thoughtful arrangement of the tools and equipment in the workstation improves workplace ergonomics. Proper workplace ergonomics requires ensuring when the worker is seated, their feet can be flat on the floor and their hips held at an angle of between 90 and 120 degrees. For workers using computers, the height and angle of their chair, keyboard and monitor must be able to be adjusted to optimal positions for comfort and productivity.

3. What characteristics in the workstation improve employee well-being?

Ideally, it should be practical for employees to periodically stand while continuing to work. For employees using computers, the top of the monitor or screen should be level with their eyes. Plus, it’s best for the worker if the screen is at least 50 cm from their eyes and their wrists can remain flat when they’re typing. Further, the worker’s upper arms should be parallel to their torso and their shoulders should be relaxed. Items they use most should all be within easy reach. Those factors all help to improve the ergonomics of an employee’s workspace.

4. What are the dangers of poor ergonomics in the workplace?

Poorly designed workstations can cause worker fatigue and frustration. This leads to painful musculoskeletal injuries, lower productivity, as well as poor product quality. The most common workplace ergonomic risk factors are high task repetition done using forceful exertions in sustained awkward postures. That combination overloads muscles and tendons, puts excessive strain on joints and increases the likelihood of musculoskeletal fatigue and serious injury. The risk of injury is increased if workers don’t take adequate rest breaks.

To ensure employee workspaces are ergonomic, regular, ongoing, objective, scientific risk identification and reduction tests should be performed. Trained inspectors should see if workers regularly take awkward posture, use excessive force and put unsafe amounts of stress on their joints while performing their assigned tasks. Failure to do so can cause an ergonomic nightmare that endangers the health of the worker, lower the quality and quantity of their work and damage the company’s reputation.

5. What is an ergonomically-friendly workplace?

An ergonomically friendly workplace is one that uses proper workspace design and production techniques to protect worker health and enhance the quality of their work. But healthy, productive, workplaces don’t happen by accident. They require collaboration between the employers and employees to do what’s best for the long-term health of the workers and the success of the company.

An ergonomically-friendly workplace is one where regular, objective, scientific workplace analysis using ergonomic risk measuring tools are used to conduct ergonomic assessments that are accurate. Plus, engineering and administrative controls should be implemented. Engineering controls use ergonomic modifications to reduce or eliminate awkward postures. Administrative controls set procedures and processes like counteractive stretch breaks, proper body mechanics, job rotation and work practice controls to reduce the risk of MSD injury.

6. How many hours of working in a standing position is safe?

Creating an ergonomically positive workplace is also essential for workers who spend long periods of time on their feet. According to the organization Occupational Health & Safety, standing for long periods while working leaves people susceptible to hospitalization with varicose veins. Frequently changing positions from standing to sitting to walking, works best. It’s not recommended workers remain static standing or sitting if they want the most ergonomic position.

Standing for prolonged periods

Workers whose jobs call for standing for prolonged periods often have to endure heel pain and foot arch pain that may require visits to a podiatrist. Those workers who work standing and have pre-existing heart disease are more susceptible to being hospitalized with carotid atherosclerosis. Sufficient breaks, proper posture and good ergonomic practices can protect the health and reduce the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders in workers that stand or sit for long periods at work.

Final Thoughts

Poor ergonomics in the workplace negatively impacts workers’ health and their employers’ bottom line. With a clear understanding of the importance of proper ergonomics in the workplace, diligence and regular inspections, concerned employers and employees can dramatically reduce ergonomic risk and create better workplace ergonomics.

Home Renovation Ideas & Tips to Increase Home Value

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new building design interiors australia

Renovating your home makes it more attractive and comfortable. However, there are other renovations that you can undertake that increase the resale value of the home. It doesn’t matter whether you don’t plan to sell in the near future – it makes it worthwhile for you to have a return on investment from what you put in place. Not every renovation idea adds value to the property; some might give you just minimum returns. Here are renovations that give you maximum ROIs.

Home Renovation Ideas to Increase House Value

1. Remodel Your Kitchen

Whether it is a full or partial remodel, the changes you make to your kitchen will add some value to the property. This is because this is the single most room in the home and buyers consider it a priority. If your kitchen is cramped, make it spacious. Add a fresh coat of paint and clean the cabinets and other kitchen furniture. Replace any damaged appliances and install a countertop. Finally, make sure the light is bright and airy.

2. Update Your Bathroom

The bathroom also adds to the resale value of your home. Use modern styles when updating this part of the house because it has since turned from being a room for keeping clean and now it is a place of a luxury. Install new faucets and showerheads. Next, install tiles on the wall around the bathtub.

3. Invest in Interior Lighting

Lighting makes a huge difference in the way your indoors look. You need to know that buyers prefer as much natural light as possible because this saves on energy costs. Use different types of lights for various purposes. You can use lights to set the mood or use task lights to illuminate parts of your kitchen for easier handling of tasks. Move through the house and understand where changes are needed. Go online and shop for deals so that you save on costs and save more than 50 per cent on purchases.

4. Re-do Your Insulation

Redoing the insulation in your home is one of the eco-friendly renovations that you can undertake. Extra insulation makes your home more energy efficient, which means you pay less for gas and electricity. This reduces on utility bills, something that homebuyers are looking for. Work with a qualified contractor who will check the insulation and come up with an estimate depending on what you need.

5. Install New Cabinets

If working with a decent budget, go for new cabinets. Cabinets create a dramatic look that will transform your kitchen. The cabinets will add a different style and a different tone. You can also try a new layout.

Tips to Attract Lots of Potential Buyers

Now that you’ve made the decision to sell your home, the time has come to make sure people will want to buy it. Your real estate agent will tell you a little about how others have prepared their houses for sales, but ultimately the task of getting the house ready is in your hands. Here are some basics that will ensure the house presents well and attracts the right type of attention.

  1. Taking Care of the Essentials of the House

Your first task is to ensure that the structure of the home is in great condition. To this end, you want the wiring, plumbing, and the foundation checked by a professional. If there is any type of repairs needed, you’ll want to hire handyman manly services to take care of those issues. When a prospective buyer asks if the roof has been inspected recently or if the wiring is up to date, you can answer in the affirmative. That will help keep the conversation going.

2. The Clutter Goes Now

Since you are offering the property for sale, no one really wants to look at your collection of knick-knacks or stuffed animals. As much as you like them, they are preventing buyers from seeing what the house has to offer.

Before you have the first person come to look at your house, get rid of the clutter. See this as the opportunity to decide what makes the move with you and what needs to be donated or given away to friends. Pack up all but a few accent pieces to help give some character to the rooms. Everything that you plan on keeping can go into storage for now.

3. Clean Everything

Once the clutter is out of the way, every inch of the home must be cleaned thoroughly. You may not detect the scent left by the dog because you are used to it. Buyers entering the home will quickly notice the smell and begin to be turned off immediately.

Leave nothing undone when it comes to the cleaning. Wash down the walls, have the window treatments cleaned, and hire a service to steam clean all the carpeting. Don’t forget to clean all the bathrooms thoroughly and go over the hardwood floors and tiles. Even the kitchen cabinets need to be cleaned. All this hard work will leave the home smelling fresh and looking great.

Remember if you don’t have the time or are not that great at cleaning, you can always hire a professional house cleaning service to do the job. Rest assured that the money will be well spent.

4. Staging: Less is More

With the clutter gone and everything cleaned, you need to turn your attention to staging the home. This will likely mean putting some pieces of furniture in storage. Your goal is to leave enough in each room to provide inspiration for using the space while providing the opportunity for buyers to see the architectural details of each room. This provides them with the ability to envision their belongings in the space, something that could lead to receiving an offer.

Remember that while your real estate agent will do a great job of finding potential buyers and bringing them to the property, preparing the house for sale is up to you. Get things in order, and ensure that the house is always at its best. Doing so will mean receiving an offer sooner than later, and maybe even getting an offer that is a little more than your original asking price.

This article comes courtesy of Rokco Builds, trusted customer-centric services in building and construction based in Morningside, QLD.

Simple Steps to Starting Your Small Farm Business in Australia

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farm and trailer australia

If you’ve already got land and are looking to start a farm – whether it’s for practical reasons, such as using your own organic farm to provide food for you and your family, or just because you’re looking for something to do with your time and your land – getting started is a fun and approachable process! Farming in Australia does require some planning and foresight, but setting up your own farm is a highly rewarding process that can be as enjoyable as it is useful.

The Basics

First, before anything else, make sure that you know what you’re getting into! Farming is a large commitment of time and energy. Plan out the steps you’ll need to take to get your farm up and running – shop around farm machinery sales for equipment to make your life easier, such as small tractors for both organic farms and standard farms. You can also opt to use proper diesel engines and generators from Kubota to improve fuel efficiency on your farm. Accord fertilizer spreaders are really handy tools to help make sure you’re using your time and energy efficiently – don’t create more work for yourself than you have to.

Getting Up and Running

Look carefully at your land to decide what you’ll be able to grow and maintain. You might need to be looking at a customised trailer for your farm site. Farming in Australia presents several unique challenges, and you shouldn’t be afraid to ask for help or advice along the way. Move at a slow and steady pace while you determine the needs of your particular farm’s crops; an easy way to burn out both physically and financially is to move too quickly and take on more than you’re ready for.

Maintaining Your Farm

Remember that you’ll be putting a good amount of money into your farm for a year or two before you start becoming comfortable with the process and that it can take even longer to turn a profit if that ends up being your goal.

No matter what the length of time, make sure you’re maintaining your finances – keeping a budget (and keeping it up to date!). It is one of the most useful ways to make sure you’re sticking to a sustainable pattern of work.

Maintaining your farm equipment regularly to extend their life-cycle. Some parts such as auto-glass might need to be replaced more often than other parts. Be diligent in the physical work you do and the records you keep; this will ensure that you minimize risks among the factors you control, leaving you to work with factors you can’t control, such as weather and wildlife.

Planning and Thought: A Winning Combination

Make sure you’re putting careful thought into the start and development of your farm and you’ll find the process both challenging and rewarding! Modern technology has made the ancient systems of farming much more manageable and maintainable, and you’re in an excellent position to take advantage of the benefits these technologies offer.

Make sure you plan and move slowly when you get your farm up and running and you’ll be able to look out over your work in relatively little time, full of the pride that only an endeavour like farming can give.

Featured Photo © Pixabay

About The Author:

Caroline Bird is a creative writer and digital marketer. She loves sharing her perspective, tips and how-tos related to home improvement, productivity, business, technology, and SEO through her writing. Connect with Caroline via @bCarolinebird12

4 dangerous costs your business has been ignoring

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retro dot matrix with yellow design

Whenever you step into the field of business, you have to be very calculative about your expenses. Usually the product’s selling price includes the cost incurred during the manufacturing of the product, but there are many regular and petty expenses that the business needs to account for to ensure they attain profitability. These costs can include the employees’ salaries, promotional and marketing campaigns that are always budgeted for carefully. However, there are a few costs that many business owners ignore, to the detriment of their bottom line. The dangerous costs your business may have been ignoring could include…

Office supplies

There is a considerable cost that comes with purchasing office supplies if your business doesn’t get it right. These costs include papers, pens, staples and other items that can be purchased from a wide range of suppliers, and you should certainly shop around to try and get the best deal- you don’t have to put all of your eggs in one basket. Among the costlier of office supplies are printer cartridges. Printer cartridges can be expensive but are commonly used in every business in some form so there are options to lower your printing costs if you shop around. Negotiating the best deal on each and every one of these office supplies, from pencils to printer cartridges, and doing so regularly will ensure your office supply cost is kept to the absolute minimum.

Maintenance costs

Overheads are often seen as a necessary evil, and therefore office maintenance costs are often ignored. Office costs usually include electricity, heat, water, power back-ups, air-conditioning and cleaning and are usually in place once a business starts trading. These costs can be left to run at their starting rate for years after implementation, but there is money to be saved here. Looking at the costs regularly in order to negotiate the best deal may seem like a lot of work, but ignoring these costs can leave you paying over the odds, having a real effect on your bottom line. Twice yearly checks on maintenance costs are enough to ensure you’re taking care of your overheads.

IT Costs

Many businesses fear technology will always be expensive and without looking into the ins and outs of IT services, may stick with what they know, paying over the odds for a service they barely use, or that doesn’t help them do business better. Overhaul your IT Costs by speaking to various service providers and ask for their advice on what you need. There are a wide variety of options out there for every size of business and there are scalable solutions for every type of business, from ecommerce to marketing sectors. Cloud based solutions are becoming extremely popular, and you may be able to pay monthly for a solution that grows with your business, meaning you’re not throwing money away for a service you’re not using.

Staffing Costs

The temptation when business is booming is to recruit, but companies that think twice about the way they go about this will be better off in the long run. Firstly, you should consider whether you need someone permanently or whether this is a temporary busy period that can be coped with by either paying existing staff overtime, or by looking for a temporary employee. Another possibility would be to hire a freelancer for certain tasks. The freelance market is becoming an attractive talent pool where employers can pick the most qualified people for certain tasks and save on unnecessary employment. Secondly, consider recruiting without an agency if you need to take on someone permanently. Although businesses usually have a relationship with recruitment agencies, it’s entirely possible to find good candidates through social media platforms such as LinkedIn.

Whatever sized business you’re running, there are always costs that are ignored, so why not take a good look at yours today and start to improve your bottom line.

10 tips on getting approval for a housing loan in Australia

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what is non conforming loans

I had a friend who approached me recently to get a loan and suggest a good broker. She was applying for a loan and got rejected multiple times. The first thing I told her was to stop and take a break from applying for loans as she was just making things worse for herself.

Banks often have a poor rating for people who applied for loans at many places and have been rejected, so make sure you really either get a good broker who will get you a loan with minimum tries for a loan from the right institutions and not further lend to your bad credit record by multiple applications for loans.

There are other options like a non –conforming loans that people who have been rejected for loans might qualify for. Non conforming loans assist those borrowers who do not meet standard lending criteria These loans often help a person in business who needs money, or to renovate a home or pay a tax debt.

 

how to get a home loan

 

First checkout, 7 reasons why you could be refused a home loan

 

1. Avoid paying bills late, where it leads to your bill being collected by collection agencies or solicitors.

2. If you have too many loans already and a low income you got very low borrowing capacity and so can be refused a loan.

3. You can increase you borrowing capacity by paying of personal loans , credit cards being paid off and cancelled, and having lower outgoing expenses

4. Don’t become bankrupt or insolvent as this will appear on your credit file and stop you from getting loans at least for a minimum period of three years.

5. Make sure when you apply for a loan that your chances of getting the loan are high, loan brokers normally know which bank has more relaxed rules compared to another bank or credit union

6. Having savings for a deposit helps you gain loan approval. Conventional lenders typically require at least a 5 percent down payment, while the minimum on FHA loans is 3.5 percent.

7. Regular employment- A steady regular employment history lends to your good record as the bank can see a regular income coming in. if you have a permanent job it adds even more to your good credit file.

8. Where you are seeking to buy your home are also sometimes factors considered for your home loan. A poor rated suburb of fire prone zone can further tighten lending criteria.

9. If you are an investor and already own other investment properties, the LVR on those properties can affect your borrowing capacity for the next loan you take.

10. Check your credit history through veda ( credit history organisation)

 

low doc loans in australia

 

There is a loan that some institutions offer called the “low doc loan” which is becoming scarcer as the markets tighten up. If the banks, building societies and credit unions won’t lend to you because you’re self-employed, newly arrived in the country or have a poor credit history, consider the "low doc" loan market. These loans can be risky if the value of your property declines rapidly due to the maximum borrowing capacity (95 %) taken on these loans. These loans are also called non-conforming loans and the interest rate can be generally a little bit higher.

Check out http://www.non-conformingloans.com.au/ to get further information on non –conforming loans

The good Black stuff that everyone wants– Coal

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India and china  have been scouring the Australian shores for good deals  on acquisitions this past year for  our gold in black , coking coal and thermal coal resources. Australia is  one of the world’s largest miner  and exporter of coal. Prices for coking coal, used to make steel, may rise 50 percent next year to $291 a metric ton.

Rising demand in China and India for their energy needs has pushed mergers and acquisitions globally to a record $34.5 billion this year, with 192 companies acquired .

The possible  combination of Whitehaven Coal Ltd. and Aston Resources Ltd. could create a giant of a company valued at A$5.1 billion ($5.1 billion).

International coal consumption is projected to climb by an annual 2.8 percent in the six years to 2016 due to rising demand to feed power  generation stations and steel mills in China and India.

thermal coking coal china india

Deals and acquisitions In coal sector

Yanzhou was China’s biggest takeover of an Australian company with the A$3.1 billion acquisition of Felix Resources Ltd. in 2009.

Yanzhou Coal Mining Co., China’s fourth-biggest producer, plans to buy Gloucester Coal Ltd. for at least $2 billion.

International Coal Ventures Ltd., a group of Indian state- backed companies formed to buy overseas coal assets, is one of  the bidders for Aquila Resources Ltd.’s Washpool coal mine in Australia

Peabody Energy Corp.’s impending  $4 billion takeover of Macarthur Coal Ltd.

coal-mining- thermal coal india

New Hope Corp., with a market value of A$4.7 billion, said last month  is said to be in talks with several bidders.

Tata, India’s largest business group  or JSW Steel Ltd. another large Indian steel company could possibly bid for the miner to secure thermal- coal mines.

Cockatoo Coal Ltd., with a market value of A$376 million, is another possible target.

Carabella, which has a market value of A$155 million, said in October that it had received “several unsolicited expressions of interest” in its Grosvenor West project in Queensland

Rising Prices of coking coal & thermal coal

Global imports of thermal coal may increase 5.2 percent next year to 581 million tons led by gains in India, Australia’s bureau said and analysts are predicting gains in price for coking and thermal coal  and also and increase in imports from the major growing economies.

The value of  Australian mining companies has fallen to the lowest since July 2010, dropping 35 precent from a high this year creating a  very attractive price factor for takeovers and mergers in this sector.

 

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Are Australian Wineries in trouble ?

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Sales figures show that wine sales slipped 3.3% in 2010/11 – the first fall in 15 years and
largest drop in annual wine sales for 22 years. Australian consumers have been  spending less on the spirits ad this has affected the Australian wine market.

While the sales of Australian wines  have gone down, French wines have been doing pretty well. French wine only accounts for 1.7% of all wine sales, but the share has doubled in the past five years. Apart from the low domestic demand in Australia  the high Australian dollar and domestic over-supply of grapes have also  affected the wine markets.

Some of the more popular wine growing region s in australia  is the Hunter Valley ( NSW,VIC), Swan valley , Margaret river( WA), Port Phillip and Gippsland ( Greater Victoria)

wines australia sales production

The wine grape production for the year 2009-10 is estimated by the ABS to be 1.53 million tones, around 9 percent lower than  the 2008-2009 harvest. The wine industry has been  affected by scarce water supplies in some regions and in some parts of south eastern Australia  also by the heat wave. In Victoria many  winegrowers was affected by the floods and outbreaks of  disease due to damp and humid conditions. The Murray darling  Swan hill zone has  been affected by disease  affecting wine production  in early parts of the year.

Red wine grapes have been the farmers popular choice in cultivation of production in 2009-10 with  it accounting for the total of 55%

The Popular grape variety cultivated by farmers in 2009-10

1. Shiraz

2. Chardonnay

3. Cabernet-Sauvignon

vineyards wine sales figures 2011 2012

The forecast for   2011 –12 is for the wine  grape production to increase by 10 %  taking into account vines reaching full production, but so far the weather is playing a dampener on  good wine grape production and these results could get affected by any major disruptions in weather.

For more detailed information  on  wine grape  production statistics you can visit  www.abs.gov.au and www.abares.gov.au

Australian Insurance under scrutiny due to floods

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With massive floods  damaging large parts of Queensland and  currently in Victoria ,  the insurance companies   are surely going to come  under more scrutiny  than any other corporate sector  due  wide damage done to houses and businesses in Australia due to the floods.

The floods  will not only  leave many of the people with nothing much to hang on too ( specially those who are not covered) , but will also deliver a massive  blowout to the insurance companies  and their profits as well.

So, Are you covered for  floods  ? what are the different type of food Insurance  covers ?

Irrespective of the damage that has wrecked many households , the insurance companies are here to run a business , and run it profitably, so they are not going to pay out claims if it is not covered out of good generosity. In fact many will be willing to argue that  they will not cover  floods even if   the insurance cover is a sort of a grey area ( like different type  of floods  Insurance covers).

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Australian-Floods-Disaster-2011

Riverine or inland floods

Consumer group Choice examined 45 insurance policies available nationwide and found only 13 – about 30 per cent – cover riverine or inland floods, or the swelling of river and creek banks, problems commonly seen as rains battered Queensland. Riverine flooding is caused by rivers and creeks swelling “due to long duration rainfall over large catchment area.

What is my flood cover with insurance company ?

Because flood cover is not offered in most house and contents insurance policies, people may find out too late that they are not covered for the losses caused by a flood. Floods occur when rivers; creeks; lakes; dams; reservoirs; and other natural watercourses (even if modified by humans) burst their banks or overflow.

However your policy will probably cover you for stormwater and possibly rainwater damage. Insurance companies generally define these events differently.

Different type of flood covers

  • storm water damage occurs when the storm makes an opening in the roof or walls and lets water in; and
  • rain water damage occurs when the rain gets into your building because it cannot drain off the land any other way; and
  • flood damage occurs when rivers, dams, lakes and natural watercourses (even if they are often dry) overflow.

You should check with your insurance company if you are unsure whether your existing policy covers damage caused by storm and/or flood. Ask them to clearly explain that part of your policy where flood cover, or flood exclusion, is contained. This will allow you to work out whether to change your policy if you need insurance for flood damage.

 

Of the three types of flooding, the type most commonly covered is flash flooding or storm water flooding, according to the Insurance Council.

It has become common for some insurers to provide cover against ‘ flash flooding’ which is a more popular insurance that the insurance companies have sold recently. This occurs  when the damage to your property occurs within 24 hours of the rain that caused the flood. This cover may be optional (you have to pay more, and it may only cover you for a smaller amount eg 20% of the sum insured).

Deciding whether you need flood cover ?

Flooding may occur only rarely, say once ever 50 or 100 years, and reliable facts can be hard to come by. Here are some likely sources of information:

  • your Council may be able to tell you straight away if you live in a flood prone area. (Even if the Council cannot answer this question directly, Council staff or elected members of the Council may at least be able to tell you if flooding has occurred in the area.);
  • the local water authority
  • local newspapers;
  • local solicitors or conveyancers who handle property matters;
  • insurance companies who do business in the area;
  • local insurance brokers; and

Insist on getting the policy in writing before you buy, because you need time to understand and compare the wording of different policies to make sure you get the right protection. Its is best not  to  buy flood insurance over the phone without reading the policy first.

The Queensland floods may cost insurers and reinsurers worldwide as much as $6 billion in what might be Australia’s costliest disaster in history, Bloomberg has reported  and it is still growing.

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