International container freight costs to soften for Australia’s ag sector, but no return to pre-pandemic lows on the horizon: Rabobank
Australia’s agricultural sector can expect to contend with elevated ocean container shipping costs and ongoing supply disruptions for at least another year before a ‘normalisation’ of the global ocean freight system, according to new research from Rabobank.
Allora’s first sporting Immortals arrive this Saturday
You can be a part of this history making event at the Allora Sports Museum from 11.30am. Laura Geitz and Wayne Bennett will ofï¬cially open the park that has been dedicated to them.
Power projects in plantations could deliver major boost to NSW energy production
Installing wind turbines in just five sites in State owned pine plantations could generate up to 2.5 gigawatts of energy a year, a registration of interest process has revealed, prompting Forestry Corporation to formally call for Expressions of Interest to develop renewable energy generation and storage in plantations near Oberon, Sunny Corner, Bondo, Orange and Laurel Hill ... “Wind farms successfully operate in softwood forests overseas .. " : Gavin Jeffries.
Did you object or support the DA? Iron Gates report is in
An independent report on the Iron Gates subdivision has been completed by town planner and consultant Malcolm Scott. The report was done for the Richmond Valley Council and will go to the Northern Regional Planning Panel later this month or early in August.
Marrying varieties with conditions to accelerate hemp industry growth
AgriFutures Australia invests in research, development and extension and has partnered with the industrial hemp industry to support the industry reach the annual GVP target of $10 million by 2026. Central to this was the establishment of the Industrial Hemp Variety Trials (IHVT) which seeks to provide producers with a clear understanding of the optimal industrial hemp grain (seed) or dual purpose (seed and fibre) varieties for Australian conditions and provide growers the best opportunity for success.
AACCI and Global Victoria Trade Alliance Program: Greater Geelong, 20 July 2022
Promoting export opportunities across the Middle East and North Africa to regional Victoria. Australia Arab Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AACCI) is the proud partner of the Global Victoria Trade Alliance Program being delivered across five regional centres in Victoria.
Lost weaving practice is brought back to life for popular art fair
Samuel Davis. A grandmother's tale has linked past-to-present and revived a traditional weaving practice lost decades ago in western Cape York ... Inspired by their find, Luanna and Daphne are now sharing the practice with other artists in the region as well. The duo’s weavings have culminated with works Woven in Time and They Journey being exhibited at the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair last week.
Rare cassowary sighting near Tip
A team of researchers have come across a female cassowary in a remote section of northern Cape York, making it only the second confirmed sighting of its species in the area in four years. The encounter happened on the first day of a six-day survey that was being conducted by Ipima Ikaya Country Traditional Owners and consultant Wren McLean, facilitated by Cape York NRM.
International flights re-commence into Hobart in boost for tourism and Tasmania’s economy
"The return of direct international passenger flights is a very exciting milestone for Tasmania in a much needed boost for our tourism operators recovering from the impacts of Covid 19": Michael Ferguson.
Funding boon for Tennant Turf Club
The Tennant Turf Club will receive $1 million over the next 10 years as part of the NT Government’s new funding agreement with Thoroughbred Racing NT (TRNT) ... Tennant Turf Club President Mike Nash welcomed the announcement with open arms.
Arts About – Shroud at the EDGE
Nancy Whittaker. As the Maldon in Winter 2022 Festival becomes ever colder, another intriguing exhibition will open at the EDGE Galleries on Saturday, 9 July, from 5pm -7pm. The exhibition entitled Shroud is more than fascinating in itself. However, the opening will be further enhanced by performance artist and EDGE Galleries Director Simon Dow presenting a provocation, which is called ‘the conditioning’.
New FMD biosecurity messages for travellers from Indonesia: Watt
Biosecurity officers are boarding planes on arrival and playing a new biosecurity message on all inbound flights from Indonesia, reinforcing Australia’s strict biosecurity measures and providing FMD-specific advice to travellers. Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt said the Albanese Government is very serious about keeping this devastating disease out of Australia.
Migrant women in business expo
Come down to the Maldon Progress Hall this Saturday, 9 July, to enjoy and explore the first expo by Migrant Women in Business, with handmade food and products made by migrant and refugee women ... Migrant Women in Business (MWiB) is a Maldon business that supports a nationwide network of connection and collaboration amongst 80 plus women from migrant and refugee backgrounds.
Stop making excuses on biosecurity: NSW Farmers
NSW Farmers President James Jackson has slammed government officials for being wishy-washy on biosecurity controls such as foot baths ... “The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry says they can’t have antiseptic foot baths at airports because a child might fall in them,” Mr Jackson said.
Opposition slams national airline for failing its regional customers
Shadow Transport Minister, Shane Love, has called on Australia’s major airline to apologise to their WA customers after flights were cancelled across the state ... "this airline, which is borne of regional communities and the tyranny of distance, has shown little concern for the impact its mismanagement had on the regional families and businesses who rely on air travel to function,” he said.
Rehabilitating Carmans Tunnel
In November 2019 Worksafe conducted an audit of Carmans Tunnel which ultimately resulted in the closure of the mine that had been once been a tourist destination ... Recently a small group of Maldon residents, interested in rehabilitating the tunnel, met with DELWP Program Manager Land and Built Environment Gavin Parkes and Program Officer Damian Sharrock, who confirmed that DELWP had commissioned the independent report.
Applause for parklands native vegetation
Chris Oldfield. Concerns about native vegetation and fauna if the North Parklands were developed attracted a round of applause during a recent forum ... “Because once this land has gone and the way I see it personally, and maybe others see it the see it the same - once this land is gone and put under houses, it is gone from potential native regeneration for walking tracks and for flora and fauna, and it is gone forever.”
Council planned homes 65 years ago
Chris Oldfield. The North Parklands were earmarked 65 years ago for homes as the town expanded, according to the former Naracoorte Corporation’s official development plans. The plans were revealed by former mayor, regional president and once vice president of the SA Local Government Association, David Hood during a North Parklands meeting held on June 22.
High voltage highway
Gannawarra Shire Council and Murray River Council Local Government Areas have been earmarked by the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) for the development of 500kV high voltage transmission lines and terminal stations. KerangLink, also known as Victoria New South Wales Interconnector West (VNI West) is planned to proceed “as urgently as possible” after the government’s plan to close Australia’s main energy source, coal fired power generation, faster than expected.
Victorian towns shine at tourism awards
The best of regional Victoria has been recognised at this year’s Top Tourism Town Awards, celebrating some of the state's most attractive tourist destinations ... Accolades were handed to eight towns across the state with Bendigo, Port Fairy and Mount Macedon winning gold in their respective categories, while Echuca, Sorrento and Timboon won silver and Heathcote and Noojee were awarded bronze.
Back-to-back tourism gold for Port Fairy
Port Fairy is Victoria’s Top Small Tourist Town for the second year running and has been inducted into the Hall of Fame. The town picked up the Victorian Tourism Council’s Top Tourism Town Awards presented in Healesville on Wednesday night.
Narrandera set to showcase the best of country racing
Jeff Hanson. Narrandera Race Club is gearing up for one of their biggest ever meetings. Racing on Sunday July 17, Narrandera will host their first Showcase race day, with each of their eight races carrying a minimum $30,000 in prize money.

