Australian posties helping assess regional mobile coverage: Rowland
Part of the Government’s Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia, the audit will test around 180,000 km of regional and rural roads across the country, capturing data to better determine coverage and capacity of the mobile network signals ... Australia Post will host mobile-measurement devices on delivery vans and long-haul delivery vehicles. They will cover a significant portion of the regional and rural roads to be tested through the audit.
Sea the growth of algae industry with plans to grow ten times its size
Among the canefields of Woodburn, a new, nutritious industry is blooming. The Sea02 Nanno Agriculture is a biotechnology company that is growing algae.
Getting tourism back on the rails
For most people travelling is a means to an end – getting somewhere. For us in the vastness of outback Australia it’s an end in itself, an adventure, a buzz, something you brag about to your mates ... the five star hotel on rails, The Ghan, named after the Afghans who were doing it on camels ... may well have the formula for rescuing our ailing tourism industry.
Clarence and Richmond Valley businesses suffering in ongoing energy dispute: Williamson
Nationals MP for Clarence, Richie Williamson is urging the Minns Labor Government to step in and resolve the ongoing industrial dispute between the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) and the state’s major energy companies, which is heavily impacting local businesses across the Clarence and Richmond Valleys. Months of strike action by the ETU has delayed thousands of projects, including critical infrastructure such as housing and roadworks, while driving some businesses to the brink of bankruptcy.
Mortlake Energy Hub to power South West Victoria: D’Ambrosio
Renewable energy developer BrightNight now has the green light to begin construction on the $700 million Mortlake Energy Hub in the state’s southwest. The project will combine a 360-megawatt solar energy facility with a 300-megawatt battery energy storage system capable of powering 140,000 homes and cutting emissions by 41.4 million tonnes annually.
Landholders the priority for VNI West route update: TCV
Transmission Company Victoria (TCV) is prioritising contact with landholders in communications about the planned route for the new transmission line. TCV has narrowed the draft corridor for VNI West to a preferred easement of 70 metres along most of the route, subject to the Environment Effects Statement (EES) ... Landholder Liaisons will seek to meet in person to listen to concerns, answer questions on topics such as compensation, and discuss the next steps.
Spotlight on SA’s largest yards
Around 82,500 cattle and 480,000 sheep grossed $149.9 million last financial year at the Naracoorte Regional Livestock Exchange, South Australia’s largest saleyard facility. Currently valued at more than $13.3 million by Naracoorte Lucindale Council it is also considered one of Australia’s premier saleyards, helping to underpin Naracoorte’s economy.
Roseneath, Allora’s first self-contained B&B
Looking back on how Roseneath started 25 years ago with Lynn Close. "Our journey to Roseneath really started back in 1985 when we moved with our 3 children to acreage at Mt Marshall 6kms out of Allora. For 18 years afterwards we built a house and gardens, had thoroughbred horses, a Southdown sheep stud and numerous bird life.
Shine on Gimuy 2024 kicks off
The light installations are installed, and following last night’s rehearsal for Calling Country ceremony - Shine on Gimuy kicked off on 3 October 2024 - with a Friday to Sunday program of music, poetry, comedy and conversations and more at the Salt House HQ. The stunning light installations that comprise the Artstory Light Walk will be in place until 13 October.
If in doubt, get tested!
The Tarrangower Times caught up with Maldon Fire Brigade Captain Sean McCubbin last week, with the intention of talking about his recent cancer diagnosis and ongoing treatment. In the end, the interview ranged far and wide. Sean speaks his mind, is passionate about many issues, knows Maldon like the back of his hand and has a bunch of entertaining stories.
Six irrefutable truths when managing people
No matter how you cut it, every leader must manage people. Whether you are an employer, farmer, leader of a sporting club, or head a volunteer organisation, if you oversee just one person or thousands of people, you are in the people management game ... Let’s face it, some people are easier to manage than others, but that should not be an excuse for not trying to engage, inspire, and develop someone.
The old mobile phones providing a lifeline for domestic violence victims as demand surges
Devastatingly, new data from domestic violence support charity shows demand for help is showing no signs of slowing down, with a 29 per cent increase in people helped by their services since this time last year. In this digitally dependent society, sadly technology is often used to control and manipulate victims of domestic violence, with mobile phones commonly misused by perpetrators for tracking via spyware or location services.
Donkey, mule and camel teams compete for coveted trophy in authentic pioneering spectacle
Camels, donkeys and mules in harness pulling an array of wagons and a Cobb & Co coach will compete for the prestigious teamster’s trophies in a spectacle rarely seen in modern Australia at The Good Old Days Festival at Barellan ... Organised by the Barellan Working Clydesdales committee, the festival will comprise a full program of authentic heritage events...
Ergon service fee increase explained
Energy Minister Mick de Brenni has explained why Ergon customers have been handed a 13.4 per cent service fee increase on their latest power bill. Mr de Brenni’s explanation was in response to a Question on Notice in parliament asked by local Member for Condamine Pat Weir, who wanted to know why the service fee increased from $1.09521 on 30 June 2024 to $1.2424 on 28 July 2024 …
A fiery fiesta
The second Cohuna Chilli Festival was held on Friday night and organisers say it was a huge success. Held on the public holiday of the AFL grand final weekend, it drew visitors from across the state. With weather to wow, food to feast on, and an atmosphere to applaud, the chilli festival had something for everyone and kept patrons entertained into the night.
Barmah firewood collection
Peter Walsh MP. All roads led to Barmah at the weekend as hundreds of people scrambled for access to hundreds of tonnes of flood-damaged fallen trees rescued for use as firewood. Coming out of the Barmah Forest, the wood was originally pushed into 70 large piles and was going to be burnt by Parks Victoria staff.
Westbrook and Wyreema gardens impress
Westbrook and Wyreema are not typically known as tourist hotspots, however five strong entries in the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers have attracted thousands of visitors to the two towns over the past few weeks.
Yamba Distilling Co’s Champion Traditional Gin
Yamba Distilling Co took on the titans of the brewing and distilling industry at the Sydney Royal Distilled Spirits Show last month taking out the title of Champion Traditional Gin award for their Duke Dry Gin. The inaugural 2024 Sydney Royal Distilled Spirits Show, which is destined to be an annual showcase of some of the best spirits across Australia, is hosted by the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW.
Electricity charges
Suzie Christensen. Operationally, based on those averages, electricity generation and supply for the Island is 43 per cent more expensive than prior to the solar installation, even with the grant from [the Australian Renewable Energy Agency] ARENA. The Board’s electricity charges have only increased 10 per cent from 2021 to 2024 in that time.
LHI Distillery award
Anthony and Christian were thrilled to be awarded Champion, at the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW, Sydney Royal Distilled Spirits Show, for their Wolfe Rock Gin. The RAS of NSW has been judging Australian produce annually for an amazing 202 years! “This was an incredible accolade to receive, really putting Lord Howe Island Distilling Co on the map as a leader in Australian spirits, with our unique endemic botanicals.”
Groundwater reserves being examined for irrigation
Sebastian Calderon. An innovative project based in the Riverland is aiming to improve the potential use and benefits of groundwater. Last month, a small reverse-osmosis (RO) plant was installed on Century Orchards, in Loxton, with the objective of identifying different pathways to diversify water sources and relieve resource pressure on the Murray River.
Gone: Riverland Wine pair resign amidst wine crisis
Two leading figures at Riverland Wine – which was criticised by several members earlier in 2024, amid a disastrous year for many growers – resigned last week. Executive officer Lyndall Rowe and grower engagement officer Charles Matheson ended their paid roles with the advocacy body last Thursday. Representing over 900 local growers and around 30 wineries, Riverland Wine had been accused of a lack of action during the current industry crisis...
