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Largest Grafton nursery seedling dispatch following $1M upgrade
A record four million seedling dispatch has kicked off from Forestry Corporation of NSW’s Grafton nursery, which following the site’s $1 million expansion in 2020 ... The work has meant the nursery will have the largest dispatch on record this year, said Forestry Corporation’s Nursery Manager, Kath French.
Red meat Levy Payer Register in operation
Meat and Livestock Australia (MLA) has this month commenced the development of the cattle and livestock Levy Payer Register. The Register is a database of the details of individuals and organisations who pay red meat industry-specific transaction levies. It has been created to enable Rural Research and Development Corporations (RDCs), such as MLA, to better understand and more effectively communicate and collaborate with their levy payers.
Caboolture to Wamuran Rail Trail commended by Qld Government
Moreton Bay Regional Council has been recognised for pushing the boundaries of urban design at one of Queensland’s most prestigious awards. The Caboolture to Wamuran Rail Trail project received commendation for the highest quality at the Minister’s Award for Urban Design, in a competition that featured the likes of Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville.
New funding to fast track Covid-19 treatments
CSIRO, Australia's national science agency, will spearhead a $1.7 million project to identify new treatments for COVID-19, including 'long-COVID'. Scientists will develop a faster, smarter way of rapidly screening existing drugs and advancing those that can be used to treat COVID-19 and aim to have identified the suitable TGA- or FDA-approved drug candidates to progress to phase 2-3 human clinical trials within a year.
‘Floating Cities’ Project supports Lake Eildon houseboat industry
Murrindindi Shire Council is thrilled to announce the completion of the Lake Eildon ‘Floating Cities’ Project. The project has delivered important upgrades to the entrance road to the Lake Eildon Marina, off Sugarloaf Road, which will make access for houseboats much easier. It has also delivered a new, environmentally-friendly wash-bay facility, which will accommodate minor houseboat maintenance, mandatory houseboat inspections and allow easier access for larger houseboats.
Federal Government exacerbates farm labour shortage with new visa rules
Growcom and AgForce have come together today to slam changes to the Working Holiday Maker visa conditions which only suggest the Federal Government is totally divorced from farming reality. Growcom Chief Executive Stephen Barnard said the change defied logic and ran counter to all available evidence, including analysis from the Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries which found the Queensland horticulture sector is currently short up to 9,000 workers.
Tourism set to return to Lismore and its Villages
Lismore City Council and Rous County Council today signed a three-year lease for Rous to rent the Lismore Visitor Information Centre on Molesworth Street. Lismore City Council’s Director of Partnerships, Planning and Engagement Eber Butron said Lismore Council will work with Rous in delivering tourist information, and environmental and cultural services.
Hawke’s backpacker visa changes a cruel blow to farmers battling to find workers
The National Farmers' Federation is angered by a move by Federal Immigration Minister Alex Hawke that will likely reduce the workforce available to northern and remote farmers. The permanent changes announced by Minister Hawke are effective immediately and have the potential to particularly impact northern Australia cattle station operators, who rely on UK and European backpackers, and the northern horticulture industry.
Up, up and away! Derby to Broome flights to commence in August
The Shire of Derby/West Kimberley is delighted at the announcement today that local flights linking Derby and Broome will be available three times per week by Aviair from 16 August 2021 for a 12-month trial. Shire President Geoff Haerewa has welcomed the news as it has been a long-term priority for the Shire to have affordable and accessible flights from Derby to Perth.
Greater Shepparton welcomes Hockey Victoria for the first regionally hosted Junior State Championships
Greater Shepparton City Council is excited to welcome Hockey Victoria for the prestigious Junior Boys State Championships (JSC). “It is a wonderful opportunity for Greater Shepparton to be able to host a high-profile event in our region and we thank Hockey Victoria for their hard work and dedication to delivering hockey in this very competitive and challenging environment,” Cr Kim O’Keeffe said.
