Contributor, ARR.News

A Charles Sturt University researcher has developed a mobile phone app that provides information about NSW river levels in a 50-kilometre radius from the user. The ‘RiversNearMe’ app was developed by Dr Darren Yates, a postdoctoral research scientist in the Charles Sturt School of Computing, Mathematics and Engineering and in the Charles Sturt Gulbali Institute of Agriculture, Water and Environment.

Following Rex Airlines’ decision to exit its operations from Whyalla, Qantas has announced additional flights to help address the gap that will be created by Rex’s departure ... “There is still a lot of work to be done to fill the gaps in service, so we are working extensively with the broader airline industry to explore options to help minimise the impact of Rex’s decision”: Mayor Phill Stone.

From timber and metal to stationery; and crafts and organics to soils, a range of material otherwise destined for landfill is being traded – and given new purpose - using the online marketplace-style ASPIRE platform ... Early adopters of the platform are two local businesses Rockcote, Australia’s leading paint manufacturer, partnering with the Yandina Community Gardens’ Food Loop program.

Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio confirmed that the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) can progress the critical VNI-West project, which will better connect the Victoria and NSW energy grids ... A Ministerial Order has been implemented to progress AEMO’s preferred option, which connects VNI West to the planned Western Renewables Link (WRL) at a terminal station at Bulgana in Victoria’s west, then linking to a terminal station near Kerang in north central Victoria, before crossing the Murray River north of Kerang.

The State Government’s decision earlier this week to end the native forestry industry effective January 2024 came as a shock to the whole sector, clearly with zero consultation with any forestry industry representatives. Timber Towns Victoria calls the decision ‘reckless’ and ‘irresponsible’, condemning the decision.

Cook Shire Council has made formal its continued commitment to Reconciliation by adopting its first  ‘Innovate’ Reconciliation Action Plan 2023-25 (RAP)  at the May Ordinary Council Meeting, and ahead of Reconciliation Week. The RAP outlines the internal organisational framework Council will employ over the next two years to target the four key focus areas outlined by Reconciliation Australia: Relationships, Respect, Opportunities and Governance.

Millions of years after Dinosaur nests were dotted around Outback Queensland, the Eromanga Natural History Museum (ENHM) is unveiling a newly created bronze nest at the internationally renowned Museum and home to Australia’s biggest dinosaur ... Designed by artist Phill Wharton and developed by 3d printing firm StudioKite the bronze artwork is a scaled representation of a dinosaur nest of the large sauropods found in the Eromanga region.

So far in May, the S&P GSCI Agriculture Index has declined a modest 0.6% amid the renewal of the Black Sea Grain Initiative (BSGI) and ample grain and oilseed supplies ... Losses across most G&O markets (-2.6% on average) were largely offset by gains across softs (+2.2%).

National Reconciliation Week 2023 has been launched at TribalLink in Mapleton with a fire ceremony, traditional dance and presentations from Sunshine Coast Elders. Hundreds gathered on Jinibara Country to celebrate and learn more about First Nations’ history and culture.