No logging on public land motion deferred
Clarence Valley Council has deferred a motion calling for native forest logging on public land to be phased out until its October meeting to allow a report to be prepared and feedback to be sought from industry groups ... The motion was brought to council after it had been discussed several times by the Biodiversity Advisory Committee and Eurobodalla Shire Council, Bellingen Shire Council and Mid Coast Council have recently adopted resolutions calling for the phasing out of logging on public land.
QEnergy no longer operating
Local businesses that have been using QEnergy may have received notification from Origin in the mail. This is not a scam. QEnergy has been shut down and Origin is one of the providers who have been selected by the Australian Energy Regulator to take over the accounts.
End of an era for local Kaniva Bus Service
After 33 years in business, the family-owned and operated business Kaniva Bus Service owned by Steve and Annie Austin, has been sold to Wimmera Roadways. Kaniva Bus Service was originally begun by Norm Austin, Jack and Sandy Goldsworthy in 1953 whilst they were running Kaniva Motors.
Call to delay 60-day dispensing
Michelle Daw. Yorke Peninsula pharmacists and the pharmacy industry peak group are concerned about the impact of 60-day dispensing on their future. This comes as medical leaders have thrown their support behind the initiative.
Australian agriculture mid year outlook 2023 – Seasonal, trade conditions, economic headwinds to shape outlook for 2H 2023: Rural Bank
Rural Bank’s Australian Agriculture Mid-Year Outlook 2023 report finds that favourable seasonal conditions and strong production over the first half of 2023 ensured strong winter crop establishment and pasture growth, particularly on the east coast, but despite a positive start to the year, softening commodity prices are now impacting Australian farmers following several seasons of strong prices.
NAB caught out in data lie over branch closures
The National Australia Bank (NAB) has been pulling a swifty on customers that have lost branches since September last year, using incomplete visitation data to justify the decisions ... The deception was revealed when the use of the phrase “over the counter interactions” on NAB’s West Lakes “branch closure fact sheet” was questioned, with information sought on what activities were being counted as foot traffic.
Expert comment – “How do we stop declining school attendance in remote Australia?”: MCERA
Recent research reveals that school attendance in our First Nations communities is declining despite the continuation of the remote schools attendance strategy ... MCERA has reached out to First Nations education experts to invite solutions towards a responsive education system that strengthens First Nations culture and student engagement in remote Australia.
South Australia locks in international wine event: Bettison, Scriven, Champion
South Australia has secured the hosting privileges to an international wine event which attracts major purchasers from across the globe, in a coup for the State. Adelaide will host the November 2026 International Masters of Wine Symposium, bringing together around 500 delegates from premier wine importing nations around the world.
New biosecurity regulatory fees and charges take effect on 1 July: DAFF
Deputy Secretary of Biosecurity and Compliance Dr Chris Locke said new fees and charges for importers would better reflect the true cost of delivering Australian biosecurity services. “While some importers will experience slightly larger increases in the prices, the average increase across all importers is around 28 per cent,” said Dr Locke.
$80 million to protect NSW against red imported fire ants: Moriarty
The NSW Government will spend an additional $80 million to protect the state from red imported fire ants, with the invasive and aggressive pest now on the march towards the NSW border. Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said red imported fire ants cause serious social, economic and environmental harm.
Frequent question: Is it safe to go to Alice Springs?
The current drop in crime in Alice Springs coincides with a decrease in tourism of around 40 per cent in several sectors, triggered largely by the nation-wide reporting of crime in Alice Springs ... Mayor Matt Paterson says following his speaking out the Stronger Futures was brought back and a $48.8m grant came from Canberra, partly to be used for more police.
Buloke Times editorial: Implications of banning live sheep exports
As reported, the federal Agriculture Minister had the awkward task of confirming that the government intended to phase out sheep exports, but would do so in an orderly way “after consulting the industry”, although no action would be taken during the current term of government. The government has appointed a panel, which is part of the “phasing out”. The result so far of its “consulting the industry” is that the industry, backed up by the 3,000 people and their families dependent on the export, is against the ban.
Community feedback key for new transmission line
Transmission Company Victoria (TCV) is refining the 5 to 50 kilometre-wide area of interest to a 500m to 1km corridor in the next couple of months using valuable information from landholders, Traditional Owners and community members, along with extensive engineering and environmental assessments including ecology, cultural heritage, landscape and visual amenity, agricultural activities and proximity to settlements.
How’s business, Maldon Newsagency?
Barry Robinson. Maldon Inc members openly share their thoughts and experiences. #2 of a series: Barb and Graeme Ford, Maldon Newsagency ... they’ve seen lots of businesses come and go, and so we thought it would be good to hear any tips, traps, and tricks to running a successful business in Maldon.
Newstead Bank closes
Viv Markham. The news out of Newstead was not good last week, with the announcement that the Newstead branch of the Community Bank Maldon & District will be closing ... The Bank branch has been a key service provider at Newstead’s Rural Transaction Centre for the past 20 years or so. The Tarrangower Times spoke with Community Bank Maldon & District Board Chair Ross Egleton about the closure.
Community camera alliance launched
Police from the Darling Downs District have launched the Community Camera Alliance at the Denise Kable Youth Services Centre in the Toowoomba suburb of Centenary Heights. Community Camera Alliance is an opportunity for members of the community across the region to register their closed circuit television (CCTV) system with the Queensland Police Service (QPS).
Study reveals rainfall and bushfires are major concerns
Information that is relevant, accessible and trusted is critical to those farmers seeking to adapt their agricultural businesses to changes in climate according to a study which examined the results of surveys taken by the North East Catchment Management Authority (CMA) while working with approximately 1800 land managers in the region during the past four years ... A significant majority of the land managers surveyed (88%) believed the local climate and weather patterns in north east Victoria had changed.
Preston Peak accommodation approved
Lockyer Valley Regional Council has approved a development application made by Preston Peak Events Pty Ltd to use a house in Preston as accommodation for its visitors ... The ‘Motel’ is to be available to be booked for guests’ stays for a maximum of 170 nights in any calendar year.
How businesses will benefit from new procurement policy
Increased opportunities for local suppliers and a continuing commitment to environment and sustainability are a highlight of Sunshine Coast Council’s 2023-24 Procurement and Disposal Policy. Outstanding Organisation Portfolio Councillor Ted Hungerford said the new policy would continue to prioritise and support local businesses.
Filming to start in Narrandera
Following on from films shot in the area over the last several years, Backyard Ashes, Stakes, The Merger and the short Inside Water, another production is once again making its way to country NSW, this time in Narrandera. The feature film, "When The House Is Empty" directed by Timothy Hills, is being shot in Sydney and Brisbane as well as the Narrandera area.
Ganmain Arts Festival brought town to life
The streets of Ganmain came alive for the weekend for the second ever Ganmain Arts Festival. The festival featured art in different forms such as sculpting, painting, photography and even an ecofabric creator.
Plan to ease rent shortage
Patricia Gill. The upper level of heritage-listed Edinboro House is set for a $2.3 million redevelopment for 10 ‘micro’ apartments to ease Denmark’s shortage of rental housing. The charity, Denmark Futures Ltd, has an option to purchase the property expiring in October and awaits the outcome of Department of Communities funding applications for the project.
