Migration to regional Australia more than double pre-COVID
The numbers are in on the accelerated escape from the city trend, with quarterly migration from capital cities to regional areas over the past two years up 15% on the two years prior to the global pandemic. According to the latest Regional Movers Index, produced in partnership by the Commonwealth Bank and the Regional Australia Institute (RAI), the December quarter index showed net migration to the country’s regions is more than double what it was in the two years pre-COVID.
Petrol prices jump to new high
Petrol prices across Narrandera jumped to a new high last week, with local service stations charging almost $1.80 for a litre of Unleaded 91. The average unleaded petrol price in Narrandera was $1.77.4 per litre. The town’s motorists could be forgiven for pointing the finger at nations throughout the world which are flexing their military might.
Observatory offers tourism and education opportunities
Charles Sturt, in collaboration with Lockhart Shire Council and The Rock Progress Association, officially opened The Rock Regional Observatory on Friday. The observatory will be used for educational astronomical observation and research activities for residents and visitors.
Painting a mural with joy as Casino water tower gets its first colours
It’s not until you’re up close to the mural drawn onto Casino’s water tower that you can really know the scale of the artwork. It is huge. Mural painters Steve Falco and Jordan Bruce are aware of the impact the mural will have on the town’s residents. The water tower can be seen from nearly everywhere.
Wyan sawmill sold, unlikely to operate again
The timber mill at Wyan has been sold. The Tarmac Sawmilling site on Tenterfield Rd went into liquidation last July and recently sold. The Tarmac Sawmilling Pty Ltd parent company is in South Australia and a staff member there said the mill was forced to close after the 2019 bushfires.
NSW Government rules out commercial offshore exploration and mining
Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Resources Paul Toole has announced the NSW Government will not support commercial applications for offshore mineral, coal or petroleum exploration or mining, in or adjacent to, NSW coastal waters.
Breakfast meeting offers plenty of food for thought
Emma Pritchard. The Grafton Chamber of Commerce hosted its first breakfast meeting of the year at the Clocktower Hotel last week ... In assuming his new role with the Chamber, Mr Jablonski, a passionate advocate for local youths, spoke to the crowd about encouraging mentorships for young people and getting them actively involved in entrepreneurships and business.
Atlassian co-founder and Tennant Creek solar farm investor, Cannon-Brookes’s bid for AGL
Given the importance of AGL’s assets in the eastern seaboard energy network and the stated intention of Cannon-Brookes and Brookfield to bring AGL’s current net zero target forward by 12 years to 2035, principally by closing some of AGL’s coal-fired power stations early, Kookaburra decided to take a closer look at Cannon-Brookes and the company with which he is most associated, Atlassian Corporation plc (NASDAQ: TEAM).
Union call to scrap Ag Visa ‘shortsighted’: NSW Farmers
The state’s peak agricultural body has criticised union calls to scrap the Ag Visa, saying it will only lead to further disruption in food supply chains. The Australian Workers Union waded into the political chaos this week claiming the Ag Visa had failed to attract workers to farms, ignoring the impact of COVID on international travel.
Cairns MIST facility shaping the future of energy in Queensland
Cairns is now home to one of the most sophisticated energy R&D hubs in Australia with the arrival of Ergon Energy’s Microgrid and Isolated Systems Test (MIST) Facility.
Metallica raises cash for project
Metallica Minerals has raised more than $3 million to continue funding its silica sand project at Cape Flattery. The placement was completed with support from new institutional investor Deutsche Balaton Group – which purchased shares to the value of $2 million – as well as Metallica’s largest pre-placement shareholders Ilwella and Dostal Group.
$86 million on offer to grow Australia’s plantation estate in Cowper: Conaghan
“This is the largest direct investment of any Australian Government in plantation establishment for more than 30 years. We want to partner with NSW to grow this renewable, sustainable industry so that it can continue to create jobs in Cowper and deliver quality, Australian-made products to markets": Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan
Have your say on domestic organics regulation
Public consultation is now open on Australia’s domestic organic regulatory framework, including how to support industry growth and build consumer confidence ... “This is a growing part of the agriculture sector and we are keen to seek a wide range of views": DAWE
Rockhampton Airport gives a ‘Bonza’ welcome to the new airline
Rockhampton Regional Council has recently announced an historic partnership with Australian low cost carrier Bonza Airline and has welcomed Bonza’s Chief Commercial Officer to the region to celebrate the milestone ... “The benefits of Bonza offering budget flights to currently unserviced routes, is going to benefit many sectors of our community”: Mayor Tony Williams.
Cuttlefish Craig up for a national award
An unusual sculpture that pays homage to Whyalla’s giant cuttlefish has been named as one of the best public art experiences in the nation. The ‘Accessible Cuttlefish Throne’ at the Whyalla jetty has been shortlisted for the 2021 Australian Street Art Awards’ Best Landmark Sculpture gong.
TEYS – the canary in the coalmine
Sheryl Lowe. "What followed ‘saddened” me, Member for MacKillop Nick McBride MP said on 5THE FM radio. “I realise there is a lot of fear around covid but Teys employees were refused service at businesses in Naracoorte and there was even a threat of the Woolworths Fuel outlet closing so staff wouldn’t have to serve them. The media continued to connect the outbreak to Teys but, Teys was the ‘canary in the coal mine,’ if you like. They detected covid in Naracoorte but were not responsible for bringing it to Naracoorte. It was already there.”
Barkly Plumbing takes out Territory-wide business award
Barkly Plumbing Services has taken out a major award in the Chamber of Commerce NT’s Territory wide Business Excellence and Customer Service Awards. The family-owned business took out the Best Business in the Small to Medium category.
Normie Rowe returns
SteamPacket. It’s a golden voice. A high tenor. And it comes with the rich overtones of a life lived hard and full. Normie Rowe is booked to play at the Maldon Golf Club, Saturday 12 March. Tickets on sale now.
Lifeguard shortage to impact final weeks of outdoor pool season
“Unfortunately there’s a lack of available trained lifeguards in the region, which is also reflected in the wider aquatic and recreation industry at the moment": Karen Evennett, Mount Alexander Shire Council.
Return-to-office suit sale recovery set to support wool sector in 2022 – Rabobank
Demand and prices for fine and mid-micron wool are forecast to pick up as workers return to offices around the world, according to a report by agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank ... Rabobank agricultural analyst Dennis Voznesenski said while consumer confidence is waning in the world’s two largest markets for wool, the US and China, there are positive factors that will push prices higher.
New Barellan PO owners excited to provide services
Sean Cunningham. Barellan Post Office, which is also the town’s financial centre, is under new ownership. The new owners Fiona Kibble and Cameron Rouse believe that investing in the post office has been the "best decision" they've made in a long time.
Border athlete leads triathlon from go to whoa
The 2022 Ganmain Open Sprint Triathlon saw 111 individual competitors line up to kick start the Riverina Tri Series ... Albury’s Jesse Featonby, in his green and gold Australia tri suit, was impressive from start to finish. He led the field from the starting gun and set a cracking early pace.
