Chuffed with J’s return home!
The excitement was getting a little too much at times. Not only for the team at Victorian Goldfields Railway (VGR) but also for locomotive J549 (J) ... And last Saturday at 12.30pm, an excited driver Paul McDonald brought J home to Maldon, with around 90 passengers equally excited to be part of the ‘chuff-chuff, woo-wooo’ journey.
Investment to deliver a future made in Australia: King, McBain, Brown, Chisholm
The Albanese Government’s reforms to the Infrastructure Investment Program, to make it more sustainable, mean we can invest in new projects around the nation. This Budget provides $16.5 billion for new and existing projects across Australia over ten years to improve productivity, liveability, and sustainability.
History made on $1.2 billion new Bundaberg Hospital project: Miles, Dick, Grace, Fentiman
The Miles Government has made a landmark investment of $1.2 billion towards a new Bundaberg Hospital which will transform healthcare for patients, carers and staff for generations to come ... The new hospital will have more than 400 beds, including 320 overnight beds, expanded emergency department, additional operating theatres and a wider range of outpatient and diagnostic services.
Federal budget a missed opportunity: GrainGrowers
The federal budget is another missed opportunity to increase regional support through targeted agricultural investments directed at boosting the long-term profitability of grain farming communities. GrainGrowers Chair Rhys Turton said while the budget delivers some positive initiatives, rural industry was looking for a “cost of production” budget to address some of the underlying pressures now being felt across the rural sector.
Final crossing – as future for Ulmarra to Southgate ferry service sinks
When asked if there was any community consultation undertaken by Transport for NSW prior to the announcement on May 10, Ms Kearney and Mr Pickering revealed there was none and said if there was any targeted consultation carried out it was not done locally. Describing himself as devastated and disappointed when he learned of the fate of the ferry, Mr Pickering said the Ulmarra and Southgate communities are in turmoil ...
2024-25 Budget analysis: Waterfind
On 14 May 2024, the Treasurer delivered the Federal Budget. The key themes of the Budget were addressing cost of living pressures and a ‘future made in Australia.’ ... Waterfind has analysed the May 2024 Budget, and has provided commentary from a ‘water’ perspective on the key initiatives, funding and changes from previous budgets.
2024-2025 Federal Budget – What it means for regional and agribusiness: NAB
Overnight, NAB’s team of leading economists has analysed the 2024-2025 Federal Budget, looking at what it means for regional Australia and agribusiness. The government is allocating $519.1 million from the Future Drought Fund over the next eight years from 2024-25...
Driving force behind truck delivery
Michelle Daw. The efficiency and sustainability of high productivity, heavy vehicles should be taken into account when responding to the challenges of maintaining roads. That’s one of the main points made in a developing submission representing a dozen farming and transport businesses in response to the Heavy Vehicle Access Strategy proposed by Yorke Peninsula Council.
Transmission lines and turbines – how will they affect you?
Quill. A meeting was held at Birchip Leisure Centre ... Anne Webster, Gerald Feeny, Glenden Watts, Barry Batters and Di Lehmann attended to discuss the issue of renewables coming into the area, the construct company Cubico moving into Curyo West with idea of developing 100 to 200 wind turbines and the ramifications it might have on landholders and the community, should it go ahead.
Message delivered at public hearing
A federal government review has heard that poor telecommunications in regional communities can jeopardise lives and impact on people’s livelihoods. Federal Member for Indi, Helen Haines, hosted the Regional Telecommunications Review in Benalla last Friday which was attended by more than 50 people, many of whom spoke about the challenges they face.
World-class race track: Bordertown Speedway Club asks for a $150,000 loan
Major upgrade works have begun at the Bordertown Speedway to make the facility a “world-class” race track. Once completed, the project aims to put Bordertown on the map, with a facility big enough to attract all types of racing. While the project has hit many speedbumps, the Bordertown Speedway Club says budget has been a big factor.
Northern Grampians Shire Council concern with VNI West Geotech drilling communication and council’s role in renewable energy developments
Field surveys along the proposed VNI West draft corridor have begun, with Transmission Company Victoria (TCV) initiating a Geotech drilling program in Northern Grampians Shire in May. Drilling was halted in early May and is due to restart on 13 May. According to documents provided to the public, the Geotech drilling program will assist TCV to develop a comprehensive understanding of environmental factors such as flora and fauna, as well as geological characteristics within the area.
Nhill’s solar farm takes the next step
The first stage of construction at the Nhill Renewable Energy Facility is due to begin in May 2024. GWMWater awarded a contract to Next Generation Electrical for the works. The facility is GWMWater’s first venture into large scale energy generation with direct connection into the local electricity grid.
Environment Effects Statement required
TCV (Transmission Company Victoria). The Victorian Minister for Planning has confirmed that Transmission Company Victoria (TCV) is required to prepare an Environment Effects Statement (EES) for the VNI West project ... In her reasons for the decision under the Environment Effects Act 1978, the Minister noted that the EES process would provide a “robust, integrated and transparent assessment through which the potential environmental effects can be rigorously assessed”.
Emissions from local power stations decreased
Emissions from Latrobe Valley brown coal power stations have fallen in the past year, continuing the trend of the past five and 10 years, the latest release of data from the National Pollutant Inventory (NPI) has found. Mercury emissions from the Valley's power stations fell ... noxious oxide emissions were down ... These results continued a long-term decline in Victorian emissions.
Infrastructure provider at forefront of new code of conduct: TasFarmers
The peaks body for Tasmanian Farmers today welcomes TasNetworks as the first signatory to the Farm Access Code of Conduct, reaffirming their commitment to collaborating with the Tasmanian Agricultural Community. In February of this year TasFarmers, in partnership with the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) launched, the Farm Access Code of Conduct aimed at promoting respectful and sensible access to agricultural land. 
Tilley sees red over traffic lights
Almost half a million dollars has been wasted on traffic lights rather than road fixes, according to the Member for Benambra, Bill Tilley ... "This is the real cost of a cash strapped state that can’t pay for what should be urgent repairs. $474,000 has been wasted while these roads were reduced to one lane."
Major improvements to start in Hay’s main street next week
Improvements are on the way for the main street of Hay. Work is set to start next week on improvements to the main street to provide a stronger road and a smoother and safer journey for up to 5000 vehicles that drive through the town each day. Hay Shire Council General Manager, David Webb welcomed the announcement made on Monday afternoon.
Now boarding from Bendigo Airport’s new terminal: Allan, King, Tierney, Edwards, Chesters, Metcalf
Bendigo Airport's new terminal and business park officially opens today, providing an economic boost to the region ... The terminal-which is approximately four times larger than the previous building-includes new check-in facilities and departure lounge, upgraded restrooms, provision for future security screening, and an indoor arrival area and baggage collection.
Tender awarded for $7.1m Nyinkka Nyunyu upgrade
Plans to upgrade Tennant Creek’s Nyinkka Nyunyu Art and Culture Centre (NNACC) have progressed, with the awarding of a $7.1 million construction tender to a joint venture between Territory companies ANT Galactic and M&J Builders ... the new-look site will include multi-sensory exhibitions featuring the Nyinkka (spiny-tailed goanna), and a truth-telling exhibition that shares Warumungu perspectives and personal accounts of Australia’s past.
Community urged to speak up on phone services
Independent Member for Indi, Helen Haines, is encouraging individuals and community groups to take part in a federal government review examining the existing and future telecommunication needs of regional communities ... "Regional communities are held back by unreliable NBN coverage, mobile phone blackspots and slow internet speeds during peak holiday periods," Dr Haines said.
New BoM radar improves accuracy
Images from the new Toowoomba weather radar are now live on the Bureau of Meteorology’s (BoM) website and app. The radar is located in an elevated position between Goombungee and Crows Nest. BoM Senior Responsible Officer for Queensland, Dr Peter Stone, said that the new radar will add coverage to current radar gaps to the west and south-west of Toowoomba.
