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Shock WA native timber decision shows total ignorance of global policy: FWCA
The shock announcement by the WA Labor Government to end native timber harvesting in the state in just two years shows complete lack of understanding of forestry. Forest & Wood Communities Australia said it was unfathomable how any government can ignore IPCC advice that forest management was an important tool to reduce and sequester carbon ... “Climate Action Minister Amber Jade Sanderson even categorised sustainable forest management, which sees a tiny fraction of WA’s native forest is harvested and regenerated under the most stringent restrictions of anywhere in the world, as deforestation!": FWCA MD Justin Law
Media statement: McGowan Government’s historic move to protect native forests
The McGowan Labor Government announces that it has made the historic decision to protect the State's native forests from 2024, and will invest a record $350 million to expand Western Australia's softwood timber plantations to create and support sustainable WA jobs. The decision to end logging of native forests in the upcoming Forest Management Plan 2024-33 will preserve at least an additional 400,000 hectares of karri, jarrah and wandoo forests.
The crowd was Wowed at Mareeba!
A great day of racing and associated events was held at the Mareeba Turf Club on Saturday 4th September 2021. The large crowd enjoyed the day which was made all the more pleasant by the fine weather and a five race programme which produced some very competitive racing.
Record canola spurs another wonder winter crop
Australian winter crops are set for another bumper year with favourable conditions and a record amount of land sown to winter crops. ABARES Executive Director Dr Jared Greenville said the Australian Crop Report forecast another harvest well above the historical average.
Conservation dog takes the lead in sniffing out pests!
Rocky the conservation dog will be sniffing out fox dens this month as part of an expanded Coastal Fox Control Program. Rocky and his handler Tom Garrett will survey coastal areas south of the Maroochy River to detect fox dens between September 10 and September 27, 2021. Previously Rocky worked in areas north of the Maroochy River.
Blackbutt launches art trail exhibition
The team behind Blackbutt Avocado Festival is pleased to launch the Blackbutt Shopfront Art Trail from Saturday 11 September ... Arts Project Officer Olivia Everitt said, “The Blackbutt Shopfront Art Trail celebrates an opportunity for artists and businesses to come together. We thank the businesses involved for embracing this exhibition concept, and encourage locals and visitors to enjoy the artworks as you shop in town, stop for a coffee or enjoy the Rail Trail.”
Port builds North Queensland’s hydrogen future
Minister for Resources and Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the Port of Townsville was a key piece of infrastructure when it comes to developing hydrogen exports. “Sun Metals is one of Townsville’s most innovative businesses and it’s exciting to have their sister company, Ark Energy, plan to export renewable hydrogen to South Korea from Queensland’s publicly-owned port,” Mr Stewart said.
Hume Dam water releases increase to create airspace and reduce future flood impacts
The Murray-Darling Basin Authority has increased daily releases from Hume Dam to 31GL to manage airspace. The flow rate will keep Murray River levels similar to what they have been in the past few days – a little above channel capacity but well below minor flood level at Albury. The release rate is likely to change in response to changing conditions in the catchment.
Lismore’s first Electric Vehicle charging station
Lismore City Council recently accepted a tender to design and construct a $600,000 ‘Solar Carpark’ in the Council-owned Clyde Campbell carpark. The infrastructure includes the installation an architectural ‘butterfly-shaped’ awning, clad with photo-voltaic solar panels and covering 40 carparks. It also includes the installation of two EV fast chargers, making them Lismore’s first.
New report offers beach safety warning ahead of lockdown restrictions easing
As the state prepares for the anticipated relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions over the coming months, the release today of the 2021 NSW Coastal Safety Report by Surf Life Saving NSW has highlighted the need for hyper-vigilance on our beaches, with a spike in coastal visitation expected following large-scale lockdowns.
