Hang on, what about inadequate fuel reduction burning and consequent build up of 3 D fuels? : John O’Donnell
John O'Donnell provides a number of points in response to CSIRO findings on fuel loads, prescribed burning, climate change and forest fire activity in Australia over the last three decades.
Don’t risk your life relying on scheme water during a bushfire
Water Corporation is reminding Perth and Peel residents not to rely on scheme water supply during a bushfire, as another challenging southern fire season is forecast for coastal WA. Power outage, heat-damaged infrastructure and high demand can all result in a rapid loss of water pressure or supply.
Millicent Saleyards saved by community
Sheryl Lowe. Faced with powerful deputations from members of the community at the Special Council meeting on Tuesday 30th November 2021, Wattle Range Council moved a motion to keep the Millicent Saleyards open. The vote was unanimous. The Special Council meeting was scheduled to provide elected members with an update on the operations of the Millicent Saleyards. Included in the agenda was a prepared Millicent Saleyards Review authored by CEO Ben Gower, five deputations and numerous submissions from the public.
A new and improved ‘big battery’ for the Darwin-Katherine electricity grid
The tender has been awarded for the 35MVA (megavolt amps) Darwin-Katherine Battery Energy Storage System (DK BESS) – a ‘big battery’ – for the Darwin-Katherine grid, which will deliver cost savings of around $9.8 million per year. The DK BESS is expected to pay for itself in approximately five years ... Hitachi Energy will deliver the major components of the $45 million DK BESS to be built and located at Territory Generation’s Channel Island Power Station.
Flicking the switch on Australia’s biggest battery
Victorian Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio has officially launched the battery − developed by renewable energy specialist Neoen and located at the Moorabool Terminal Station near Geelong. The 300-megawatt Tesla system is the largest battery in the southern hemisphere and created more than 150 jobs during construction.
Yamba’s yesteryears – Light on the Hill
John McNamara and Sue Spence. Strolling across the grassy threshold of Pilot Hill towards the lighthouse you feel you are entering a timeless realm steeped in history and unspoilt natural beauty. The stark white tower is a spectacular sight up close, especially when you look up at it against a bright blue sky; it defies its humble beginning. When the Pilot Station was established in 1854 crossing the river bar was a major obstacle to navigation.
Carnarvon’s $19.9 million Gnullingoo Mia Residential Care officially opens
WA Health Minister Roger Cook has officially opened Carnarvon's $19.9 million Gnullingoo Mia residential aged and palliative care home. This new aged care home has been integrated with the existing hospital to ensure residents have access to skilled aged care assessment, older patient initiatives and subacute programs, education and telegeriatrician services, while feeling comfortable, supported and at home.
Goulburn Hospital delivers first class care
The Southern Tablelands community will benefit from a major upgrade of hospital services with the official opening of Goulburn Hospital’s clinical services building ... Minister Hazzard said the four-storey building brings state-of-the-art healthcare services together under one roof, providing seamless care in a modern health facility.
Councillor pleads for hospital action
Gabrielle Duykers. A local councillor has implored council to “interfere” and take immediate action to address the shortage of emergency doctors at Naracoorte Hospital. As previously reported in The News, Naracoorte Hospital has been without a duty doctor three to four days each month during 2021, as a result of expired contracts with rural doctors across the state, as well as locally.
Geraldton commemorates 100 years of air services
This year marks 100 years since the first subsidised air-mail service in Australia, and Geraldton holds a rich history in the momentous milestone. In 1921, Major Norman Brearley, a decorated pilot with the Royal Air Force, was awarded a Government tender to deliver the country’s first subsidised air-mail and passenger contract. Tragically, during the inaugural flight, one of the three planes flying from Geraldton to Carnarvon met with disaster near Murchison House Station. 100 years later, that milestone is being commemorated with an RAAF aerial acrobatics display and the launch of a historical booklet.
Rain: road closures and photos flooding in
It rained all night. And continues today. BOM rain monitor Lyn Walters reported 95mm of rain fell in the last 24 hours to 9am this morning at Green Pigeon in Kyogle LGA. The Bureau of Meteorology has kept the minor flood warning in place for Richmond and Wilsons rivers. The constant rain is causing issues.
Water security and Dunoon Dam: Richmond Valley Council candidates respond
We asked the 18 Richmond Valley Council candidates about water. There has been much heated debate about the Dunoon Dam expansion, tapping into groundwater and using recycled water. Here’s what the candidates said.
Flood focus shifts to crumbling roads
Farmers and rural communities across the state are bracing for an enormous cleanup effort as floodwaters subside, with concerns about the condition of local roads once the water retreats. After weeks of heavy rain during harvest season, many roads across regional NSW have developed deep potholes and ruts that are proving problematic for motorists, farmers and truckies alike.
Scarborough final investment decision a vote of confidence: Pitt
“The US$12 billion project is a real shot in the arm for the industry, for Western Australia and for the nation ... It’s estimated the project will have a peak construction workforce of over 3,000 and 600 operational jobs including 230 jobs in the heart of Pilbara at Karratha with the first LNG cargo expected in 2026 ... Woodside says that Scarborough gas will provide enough energy to power the homes in 10 cities like Perth for more than 30 years" : Minister Pitt.
BHP approves Phase 1 of the Scarborough Project: BHP
"Scarborough via Pluto will be one of the lowest carbon emissions intensity global LNG projects projected to be in production in 2030 and will have the lowest carbon emissions intensity of an Australian originated LNG project at around 0.5 tonnes CO2 per tonne of LNG. The project will minimise its greenhouse gas footprint through development of low CO2 reservoir fluids coupled with energy efficient LNG processing, in close proximity to the end market – meeting market demand at lower emissions intensity" : BHP
Thousands of jobs to be created as LNG development progresses: WA Govt
The WA State Government has welcomed Woodside's and BHP's final investment decisions for the Scarborough and Pluto Train 2 projects that will create more than 3,200 Western Australian jobs ... Consistent with the WA Domestic Gas Policy, the Scarborough Joint Venture will make gas equivalent to 15 per cent of its LNG exports available to the domestic market.
Coalition continues to push through legislation that no one wants: The Greens
The Security Legislation Amendment (Critical Infrastructure) Bill 2021 was passed into law yesterday despite some key stakeholders opposing it. Senator Lidia Thorpe moved an amendment to the Bill to alert the Senate of these concerns, including the lack of proper consultation and the overregulation of industry ... "The Government and its spy agencies can now take over the operations of an industry based on the decision of the Minister”: Senator Lidia Thorpe
Raw concerns about saleyards future
Sheryl Lowe. Members of the Millicent and surrounding district rural community converged on the Wattle Range Council owned saleyards on Tuesday 16 November at 5 pm to find out if Council was going to sell or repair the facility. Millicent Saleyards was discussed at the October and November Council meetings in confidence, amidst claims Council was seeking expressions of interest for the facility.
Travelling on Tesla time – for next to nothing
Angela Tillier. We drove our Tesla on a holiday in WA in August and September after buying the Model 3 SR+ - a get to know the car and the charging options. A Plug Share app shows where to charge and I calculated the distances. Wanting to see wildflowers and visit some favourite coastal towns, the trip required careful planning as some areas had no chargers.
Construction begins on $3 million Albany State Emergency Service facility
Construction has begun on a new home for the Albany State Emergency Service (SES), which will also serve as a Level 3 Incident Control Centre to manage large-scale emergencies in the region.
Council opposes SA Water’s desalination plant location
The immediate need for the development of a Desalination Plant on the Eyre Peninsula was fully supported by the District Council of Cleve at its November Council meeting. However, the Council also decided that it does not support SA Water’s proposed location of Billy Light’s Point in Boston Bay, Port Lincoln.
Interest in space centre skyrockets around Cape
More details have emerged about a proposed spaceport that would result in a billion-dollar industry in Cape York. Space Centre Australia visited Weipa and Napranum last week to meet with stakeholders and community members and discuss plans for the project, to be built near RAAF Base Scherger.

