Alliance prepares for fire season
The Softwoods Working Group has engaged major stakeholders to develop a strategy to safeguard the softwood forestry industry in the Murray Region Hub ahead of the upcoming bushfire season. A $13M forestry funding package from the NSW government is aimed at protecting essential timber supplies in the region and will support key fire prevention, detection and response initiatives.
Small store of the year
The Local Grocer IGA Westbrook has been chosen from over 400 stores Australia-wide as the IGA National Small Store of the Year. The award was presented on Monday, 15 July, at an awards night attended by staff members including owners Shane and Tracy Smith who also run the IGA Pittsworth store.
New $260,000 package for wine industry
Extra funding will be allocated to help Riverland grape growers address the oversupply of red wine. The State Government last week announced an extra $260,000 for CCW Co-operative, aimed at supporting members to diversify into alternate crops and improve access to information for new revenue streams ... The support package will also see an implementation officer appointed by Riverland Wine to assist with rolling out the Riverland Wine Industry Blueprint.
Riverland chances in Accolade merger
Hugh Schuitmaker. The Riverland’s State MP is optimistic a merge of Accolade Wines with another large industry giant will provide positive opportunities for the region. Australian Wine Holdco Limited (AWL) last week announced Accolade Wines would be merged with Pernod Ricard’s Australian, New Zealand and Spanish wine businesses. Chaffey MP Tim Whetstone said the decision reflected pressure facing the commercial wine sector.
Fisheries expert shares UK lessons on how offshore wind and fishing can co-exist: BMM
Australia’s fledgling offshore wind farm sector can learn from the successes and mistakes of the UK, says an expert with a quarter century of hands-on experience in fishing and the last dozen advising offshore oil, gas and renewables industries. John Watt, Brown and May Marine’s Senior Fisheries Expert, was invited as a keynote speaker at this month’s Offshore Windtech Summit1 in Melbourne, the Asia Pacific’s largest wind energy gathering.
Koolkhan not included in coalition’s proposed nuclear sites
If a nuclear power plant that has long been touted to be constructed at Koolkhan, north of Grafton, is to proceed, the state or federal government would have to overrule a Council decision declaring the Clarence Valley a nuclear free zone. Debate about implementing nuclear power plants in Australia ignited in June when federal opposition leader, Peter Dutton said the coalition would go into the next election promising to build 7 nuclear power stations...
Racing to rave reviews at conclusion of carnival
The Clarence River Jockey Club (CRJC) have declared the 2024 XXXX July Racing Carnival an overall success ... many took advantage of the clear conditions and headed trackside as more than 460 thoroughbreds competed across 40 races ... "It’s a great time to get dressed up and head out to have some fun," Ms Dennis added.
No denying emphatic cup win
She may have been suspect at the staying distance, but Irish bred mare Deny Knowledge (IRE) proved too strong for the rest of the field in the Westlawn Finance Grafton Cup ... Racing over 2350m for the first time in her 34 start career, the European import was aided by a brilliant ride by Group 1 winning jockey Blake Shinn in his only race during the 2024 XXXX July Racing Carnival.
Victoria’s planning guidelines for transmission infrastructure threaten food security: VFF
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has raised serious concerns over the recently released planning guidelines for transmission infrastructure, saying the Victorian government continues to ignore critical farmer advice on planned transmission projects. VFF President Emma Germano said that while the area targeted for infrastructure development would be further refined, the current approach is problematic.
Report says delays to transmission builds are costing Australians
A new report by Nexa Advisory reveals that delays in building energy transmission infrastructure will lead to higher electricity bills for both households and businesses, compromise energy reliability and jeopardise emissions reduction targets. CEO of Nexa Advisory, Stephanie Bashir said the factors contributing to the slow pace of the energy transition were complex.
Simplifying moves across rural and regional Australia: Find a Mover
Howe Tran. Moving is often deemed one of life’s most stressful undertakings. From securing a reliable moving company to ensuring the safe arrival of your belongings, the hurdles can be numerous and often overwhelming. For those relocating within rural and regional Australia, the challenges are amplified ... Find a Mover, Australia's national removalist comparison booking platform is stepping in to ease the burden.
Free at last
John Jiggins. The man previously known as prisoner A9379AY departed Bellmarsh prison on Tuesday 25th June and returned to Australia on Wednesday 26th June. The private jet carrying him on his 36-hour flight to Australia touched down in Canberra that night ... It was a moment that many Australians had hoped to see, but thought they never would.
Health pressure rises
Joanna Tucker. With Yorke Peninsula’s population expected to increase by up to 10,000 in the next decade, and more than 500 homes expected to be built on the Copper Coast in coming years, calls for a serious upgrade of the region’s health-care system have strengthened. Hundreds of residents are currently travelling to Adelaide regularly to access health care and with the region’s biggest hospital at Wallaroo offering only 21 beds…
3G shutdown: Senate inquiry public hearing: NFF
"Since its introduction in 2006, the 3G network has been a steadfast lifeline for many consumers across the country, but arguably for none more so than those living in regional, rural and remote Australia ... Many in the bush still consider the 3G network an essential component of reliable connectivity, a component which triggers a sigh of relief when it pops up on their phone during an emergency or natural disaster. The final alternative to no signal at all": Charlie Thomas, Deputy CEO, NFF
Sam speaks of festivals and other events
The guest speaker at the Donald History Society July meeting was local Festival Director and recycler extraordinaire, Sam Goldsmith ... Last year 10,000 people were catered for totally, camping, food wise and entertainment wise at the Esoteric Festival.
At St. Arnaud Raillery Hub Gallery: SHAC exhibition opens Saturday
The St Arnaud Raillery Hub Gallery is thrilled to announce the upcoming exhibition, “SHAC – Soldiers Hill Artist Collective,” set to officially open on July 27. This exhibition features a diverse array of artworks from the eclectic Soldiers Hill Artist Collective (SHAC), a community-based group of artists with roots in the historic Soldiers Hill area of Ballarat.
Cobb & Co Centenary gets stamp of approval
Recognising the Centenary of the iconic Cobb & Co, who played a vital role in Australia’s royal mail service, a special commemorative Cobb & Co ‘Carrying mail on Australia’s Last Run’ – First Day cover and Maxicard stamp sets with Surat Postmark will be released by Australia Post on August 13 to celebrate the 100-year milestone and Australia’s last coach run. The new stamps will form part of the centenary celebrations at the Cobb & Co Festival...
Wine, not climb
Sixty five thousand years. The world’s oldest living culture. One of the things that make Australia great. Aboriginal people and the tourism industry are clearly made for each other. Well, no.
Full River Festival program released – plan your weekend now!
The highly anticipated Rockhampton River Festival program is now live! Mark your calendars for next weekend, from Friday, July 26 to Sunday, July 28, as Rockhampton gears up to host River Fest X. This year’s festival, themed “Reflection,” celebrates a decade of growth, transformation, and community spirit in the region since its inception in 2014.
War of words
A war of words has broken out between Health Minister Chris Picton and Member of Barker Tony Pasin over the release of a feasibility study on delivering radiation treatment services for the region. Mr Pasin claimed the local health bureaucracy, the Limestone Coast Local Health Network (LCLHN), has “snubbed” the release of the report, hiding it from the public and the volunteers of the Limestone Coast Radiation Treatment Working Group.
Local architect wins international design award
International design publication BUILD, which is focused on the construction, engineering, architecture and design markets, has recognised a local company in its Architecture Awards 2024. Drawing South Homes Pty Ltd, based in Maldon, has been named Best Boutique Architecture & Interior Design Practice 2024 - Victoria and recognised as Best Completed Residential Project 2024 (Victoria) for its work on a Mornington Peninsula home. Sergio Uribe is the name behind the company Drawing South...
Illawarra cellist turns to TAFE NSW to start new career after traumatic brain injury
A well-known Wollongong musician who acquired a traumatic brain injury after a freak accident is embarking on a new career thanks to TAFE NSW ... “I still have a deep love of music, so now I am gaining new practical skills and knowledge to start a career as a composer. I’ve just released my debut compositions onto Apple Music and Spotify, which is really satisfying": Joel Moir.
