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.
“Wind farm living”
Lyn Lenehan. It's hard explaining to city people why wind farms are so bad and why they destroy lives and livelihoods. There is a list of reasons, but one stands out the most – the loss of enjoyment of one's land ... What happens when the reason for living in a special place is ripped away?
Take a trip to Allora
This weekend you can enjoy the attractions and hospitality of Allora. It’s just an easy 15 minute drive north of Warwick and you’ve arrived at the Best little Town on the Downs.
More new homes for Elliott residents
Pompey Raymond is one of Elliott’s favourite characters, so there were plenty of cheers when he moved into a brand new home a couple of weeks ago. Pompey will be living in North Camp with his daughter Rosemary and grandchildren. Labor candidate for Barkly Lizzie Hogan was in Elliott to congratulate the Raymond family. “That old man was so happy,” she said.
NFF calls out Federal Government’s failure to protect the Great Artesian Basin
The National Farmers’ Federation has expressed profound disappointment and frustration at the Federal Government's ongoing neglect in safeguarding the Great Artesian Basin (GAB), one of Australia's most vital groundwater resources. As AgForce prepares to bring its case before the Federal Court next month, the Government has questioned the agricultural organisation's right to take legal action.
Families hold the nation’s sporting hopes in their hands at Barellan
Families from around the Riverina converged on Barellan sportsground to don a white glove and hold one of the nation’s most iconic sporting trophies, the Lexus Melbourne Cup. The tiny town with no racecourse was the final NSW leg of a global and Australian tour of 39 destinations for the $750,000, 18 carat gold and 3.85kg Lexus Melbourne Cup.
RDA welcomes new Riverina board members
Regional Development Australia (Riverina) is now officially halfway through the year and the first half was filled with exciting opportunities for the Riverina with momentum only increasing for the rest of the year. An Economic Development Officers Forum was recently held in Narrandera.
Melbourne firm awarded Koondrook’s $500,000 transition fund
Gannawarra Shire Council staff have awarded the $500,000 State Government’s Community Development Fund to Melbourne based Urban Enterprises. The $500,000 grant from the Victorian Labor Government was in response to the Andrews – Allan Government’s decision to end over 150 years of native forestry in the state. Urban Enterprises edged out three rival bids for the contract, two being Barham-based and from Bendigo.
Positive six month outlook for Australian ag
The Rural Bank has predicted that the 6-month outlook for Australian Agriculture is broadly supportive thanks to strong export demand and favourable price forecasts while challenges from a consumer spending perspective remain, with a dry seasonal outlook also a concern for some regions.
