Forty local jobs up for grabs at Rookwood Weir
Central Queensland workers stand to benefit with a number of jobs soon to be up for grabs as part of the $367.2 million Rookwood Weir project ... Water from the weir will be available for sale later this year as part of the second stage of the tender process.
New homes for victim-survivors to rebuild
Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward said it was vital victim-survivors have access to safe, affordable housing as quickly as possible to help them get back on their feet after their traumatic experiences. “We’re starting to see the important outcomes from our record commitment through the delivery of these 68 additional homes in Sydney and regional NSW, giving women and children who have suffered domestic violence a place to recover and thrive.”
Factory homes help speed up delivery of housing in regional WA
Housing Minister John Carey has announced the second tranche of homes to be delivered through the McGowan Government's social housing Modular Build Program. 21 homes will be delivered in the second tranche with contracts worth $9 million signed with multiple modular building companies.
Fuel price concern – surge to impact Cape York economy
Record breaking fuel prices are already starting to have an impact on Cape York residents and businesses but there are concerns the real pain will be felt during the tourist season ... “If these prices stay this high then I’m sure there will be many people reconsidering their travel plans. And if they do still travel, they are likely to have less money to spend on tours, souvenirs and eating out": Dave Donald, Western Cape Chamber of Commerce VP.
Calls for federal govt to drop excise tax on fuel
Hitting the pause button on a fuel excise tax would provide instant relief for motorists as the federal government faces pressure to act on soaring prices ... Queensland LNP Senator Susan McDonald said the government had to do something, and the fuel excise was the “bluntest instrument” available.
World Heritage bid set to elevate goldfields tourism to the global stage
An online forum of 90 local government Mayors, Councillors, Chief Executive Officers, key staff, Co-Patrons The Hon Denis Napthine AO and The Hon John Brumby AO, as well as representatives from regional tourism bodies and Heritage Victoria have heard how the bid will serve as a catalyst to transform the region, delivering a crucial post-pandemic economic lifeline to the Central Victorian Goldfields region.
Dairy prices – how high for how long?
Farmgate milk prices have increased significantly across the world’s major dairy export regions and further “upside” in milk prices remains, Rabobank says in its latest Rabobank Global Dairy Quarterly report. The report says that even before the Russia-Ukraine conflict, global dairy commodity prices were “soaring” due to a global supply shortfall.
$45 million recycling plant opens in Albury
“The Circular Plastics Australia joint venture between Pact Group Holdings Ltd, Cleanaway Waste Management Ltd, Asahi Beverages and Coca-Cola Europacific Partners was born out of our first ever national plastics summit, and it is wonderful to see it come to fruition in Albury today”: Minister Ley.
Retailers rally around recycling points
Woolworths are the latest supermarket chain to partner with with Ecobatt and MobileMuster to provide recycling points in Geraldton. Local Rigters IGA stores have been facilitating similar programs for quite some time.
Timber harvesting in native forests: Forestry Australia
Forestry Australia considers that active management, including timber production, is vital to the sustainability of native forests and provides many benefits to Australian society. Forestry Australia advocates for ongoing research on timber harvesting in native forests to support this capability in Australia.
SE Field Days bounce back
Chris Oldfield. Bouncing into life across 45 acres of lush grass, the 42nd SE Field Days at Lucindale will boast at least 450 exhibitors this year, on March 18 and 19.
Full steam ahead
The Victorian Goldfields Railway (VGR) is in for a bumper year with the ever popular steam train back on the tracks. Visitors are catching up on missed rides, celebrating delayed birthdays and experiencing riding beside the driver. Bookings are almost sold out for the incredibly popular Ales on Rails and Murder on the Orient Express. Tickets are still available in May for a ride on Victorian Colonial Express; one of Victoria’s oldest railway carriages dating back to the 1880s.
Know your local – Adisson Chapman
Growing up he dreamed of being a train driver, and at the age of 26 he is well on his way to realising that dream. “I was brainwashed to love trains early on,” Adisson laughs. “This is the dream job.”
The Maldon Classic – a cycling success story
Michael McCartney. This year’s Maldon Classic was a great success for the town. The two-day event, prior to the long weekend, ran as a fundraiser for the Maldon Hospital. Visitors travelled from all parts of Victoria and interstate.
Yanchep editor gives evidence at inquiry into regional newspapers
Yanchep News Online gave evidence at the Inquiry into Australia’s regional newspapers on Tuesday, March 1 speaking as a regional representative from the Public Interest Publishers Alliance.
Goldfields expands further in regional Victoria
Diversified national property development group Goldfields has snapped up three adjoining sites in Shepparton, as they continue to expand their residential platform in regional Victoria. The $15 million combined sites span 44-hectares and have been earmarked for development into a 450-lot strong masterplanned residential community, to meet increasing demand for affordable housing in the region.
Russian invasion of Ukraine pushes up farmgate prices
Australia wheat farmers can expect increased farmgate prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, although the local impact is not expected to match that seen globally. Together, Russia and Ukraine make up nearly 30% of global wheat exports. Ukraine’s military has suspended commercial shipping at its Black Sea ports, which is tipped to disrupt the supply chains of grain and oilseeds exporters.
Rockin’ on East returns
This year’s Rockin' on East Festival is set to be bigger and better to make amends for the last two events being cancelled due to COVID. It will be like a scene from yesteryear when rock and roll bands and dancers, dressed in 1950s attire, descend on Narrandera to create a fun, family event scheduled for the October long weekend.
Narrandera starting point for Light Horse celebrations
Narrandera will be the starting point for a re-enactment of the 131st celebrations of the Riverina Light Horse Association on the last weekend in March. Riders will mark the occasion by taking their mounts in a trek from Narrandera to Wagga to raise funds for a bronze statue.
Sea change for Farm 253
Alesha Millard. Nicole and Laurie Ryan and their two teenage daughters, Elly and Molly, are now enjoying freedom on the road in a fully restored bus ... Maybe the Ryans will inspire you to step out of your comfort zone and make some new adventures this year ... As someone recently said, “It’s like a whole community of travelling families out there!”
Solo locals
Kirstin Nicholson. Jan Heap and Faye Donaldson are members of the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia’s Solo Network which held its biannual rally in Cohuna ... The rally attracted over 200 solo motorhome owners from across Australia, giving them a chance to catch up with old friends, form new friendships, try new activities, and experience new adventures and locations.
Cutting-edge science sees new Blue Kangaroo Paw available to buy
Innovative research at the Botanic Gardens and Parks Authority has produced a world-first blue kangaroo paw (anigozanthos masquerade) that is now available to be purchased by Western Australians at local retailers.
