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.
Ministry of Truth
The government regulator, ACMA, could soon have more powers under a proposed misinformation and disinformation bill put forth by the Albanese Government ... According to the bill, misinformation is defined as information that is false, misleading or deceptive. The devil will be in the detail and how the new laws, if passed, are enacted. During the recent Covid-19 pandemic, governments around the world conspired with tech giants to remove, suppress and even deplatform the accounts of experts whose views differed from the government line.
Implementation on track for new Aboriginal cultural heritage laws: Cook, Buti
The system which protects and manages Aboriginal cultural heritage in Western Australia will be modernised and improved from July 1 to prevent another incident like what occurred at Juukan Gorge. The improvements include new practical exemptions and a simpler, fairer system to manage activities that may harm Aboriginal cultural heritage across WA ... The State Government has also announced the appointment of four new members to the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Council, including former Federal Indigenous Affairs Minister and respected Yamatji and Wongi Elder Ken Wyatt.
Byron Writers Festival 2023 (11-13 August) reveals full program. All tickets now on sale
Australia’s largest regional writers festival explores the theme of 'Wild Imagination' - Featuring more than 120 writers, thinkers and commentators ... The festival also offers writers’ workshops, an engaging program for children and several feature and satellite events in venues across the Northern Rivers.
Long range drone test shows huge potential for public safety: SLSNSW
Surf Life Saving NSW (SLSNSW) is excited for the future after the trial of specialised long-range drones on the state’s Far North Coast provided a glimpse into the enhanced coastal safety and emergency response capability the technology can provide.
Popular local attraction for sale
Owners of the Darling Downs Zoo, Steve and Stephanie Robinson have reluctantly placed the popular tourist attraction on the market due to Steve’s health. The Robinsons opened the Darling Downs Zoo in 2005 after many years of working with authorities to enable the project to go ahead.
Nhill Airshow highlights
The arrival of a DC3 aircraft on the morning of the Nhill Airshow on April 13th 2024, will be a special treat for visitors. For older Nhill residents, the sight of the magnificent DC3 landing on the airstrip will bring back memories of the regular passenger service that ran between Adelaide, Nhill and Melbourne from the 1940s to ’60s.
Outage outrage
Patrick Goldsmith. Southern Yorke Peninsula residents are concerned about their phone coverage after being hit with a 12-day outage. Angela Schmidt, who operates Charles Street Hair and Beauty, Yorketown, was without phone reception from Saturday, June 10 until Wednesday, June 21.
Potential reforms for food provision
Fin Hansen. All local hotels could soon be forced to serve meals, pending a review into the Liquor Licensing Act. Moonta Hotel has been the only licensed venue serving regular meals since the Black Rhino Group purchased all three hotels in Moonta last year ... Copper Coast Council elected member Brent Walker says he is incredibly disappointed in the lack of communication from Black Rhino Group.
