The Editor
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New bushfire spread prediction model keeps firefighters ahead of the fire front
Australia’s national science agency CSIRO and the NSW Rural Fire Service have released Australia’s most advanced model for predicting the speed and behaviour of eucalypt forest fires, helping to save lives and property during bushfires.
Virtual reality experiment shows most people living in high-risk fire zones are “woefully unprepared”
Allowing people to “safely” experience a raging bushfire from a 3D headset has exposed some harsh truths about Australians living in high-risk fire zones: most are woefully unprepared. By replicating a computer-generated bushfire using virtual reality, University of South Australia researchers studied the responses of 400 people in an Australian-first experiment, with some interesting results.
Dingoes in the Grampians: a dog of an idea: Bev McArthur
“This idea is so ludicrous, that when it was first floated locals didn’t take it seriously – they simply didn’t believe it was for real. Unfortunately, they now know how crazy and contemptuous it is, so much so that 4000 people have signed a petition to stop it happening,” Mrs McArthur said.
Major win for manufacturing delivers Geelong jobs
Victorian Minister for Industry Support and Recovery, Martin Pakula congratulated Hanwha Defense Australia on its successful bid to deliver the Commonwealth’s LAND 8116 program in Victoria, strengthening the state’s defence capabilities and creating 300 highly skilled local jobs in design, engineering and manufacturing.
$1 billion defence contract, sovereign defence manufacturing facility in Geelong announced
The Morrison Government has announced a $1 billion defence contract for new Self-Propelled Howitzers for the Australian Army has been awarded to Hanwha Defense Australia. The contract signing was witnessed by Prime Minister Scott Morrison and President Moon Jae-in of the Republic of Korea. Based in Greater Geelong, the contract will procure Self-Propelled Howitzers and Armoured Ammunition Resupply Vehicles, under the LAND 8116 Phase 1 project.
A new and improved ‘big battery’ for the Darwin-Katherine electricity grid
The tender has been awarded for the 35MVA (megavolt amps) Darwin-Katherine Battery Energy Storage System (DK BESS) – a ‘big battery’ – for the Darwin-Katherine grid, which will deliver cost savings of around $9.8 million per year. The DK BESS is expected to pay for itself in approximately five years ... Hitachi Energy will deliver the major components of the $45 million DK BESS to be built and located at Territory Generation’s Channel Island Power Station.
Artists respond to regenerative farming
The Museum of the Riverina is showcasing the link between artists and regenerative farmers in a new exhibition at the Museum’s Historic Council Chambers site. Earth Canvas touring exhibition explores the creative experiences of both regenerative farmers and artists, their respective engagement with the land, and their vision for a healthier world.
Warilla officially opens new dining space
Warilla Bowls and Recreation Club have officially opened the Lagoon Street Bar + Dining Piazza, transforming the area into a modern and vibrant outdoor space. Fitted with two alfresco dining outlets, a cocktail bar and a children’s playground, Lagoon Street promises to offer a brand new dining experience for members and guests alike.
What’s happening to the jarrah forest?
Jack Bradshaw. Exposing the hypocrisy of the WA government in banning sustainable timber harvesting in native forest but supporting the strip mining of the same forest.
Carbon farming safeguards welcomed by farmers
“One of the big concerns is that ‘Carbon Farms’ don’t require a workforce and don’t spend money in town ... Farmers are good land managers and take care of their neighbours, but there is a concern that if these forests aren’t actively managed they become a haven for pest animals and plants, and become a fire hazard as we saw two summers ago” : NSW Farmers President, James Jackson

