Land & environment

A species of Gondwana era tree is being translocated for the first time, with 20 seedlings being planted across four secret sites in a NSW Government initiative to save the species. Minister for Environment James Griffin said the endangered Nightcap Oak tree is only found in one region and was severely affected by the 2019/2020 bushfires.

Eighteen Helmeted Honeyeaters have been released into a special patch of forest within the Yarra Ranges National Park, which houses one of two wild populations of Victoria's faunal emblem. Only 250 Helmeted Honeyeaters currently exist in the wild.

Robert Onfray gives an in depth examination of bauxite mining in Western Australia, its impacts on the jarrah forests, ineffective anti- mining protests and questions the McGowan government's decision to end native forest logging but support bauxite mining.

“The first brigade was established following the bombing of Darwin during World War II, making the NTFRS the only Australian capital city fire service to serve under enemy fire. At this present time, our thoughts are certainly with the courageous efforts of firefighters in Ukraine, their dedication and commitment is a true testament of what a firefighter is when protecting the community”: Chief Fire Officer Mark Spain AFSM.

Serena Kirby. This month’s ‘Knowing Nullaki Festival’ is an opportunity to learn and explore, create and celebrate what makes the Wilson Inlet special. The month-long festival, organised in partnership with Denmark’s Greenskills and artist and biodiversity educator, Angela Rossen, will feature 26 free community events.

"There are a number of opportunities for the team at Narrandera’s Koala Reserve to seek financial support and I have actively encouraged them to do so" : Federal Minister for the Environment, Sussan Ley ... With no sightings in the Narrandera area for decades, koalas were re-introduced to the area in the early 1970s and have increased their population from 19 to more than 200 in that location ... "Reading between the lines I'm confident they don't have an overall strategy" : Australian Koala Foundation CEO, Deborah Tabart.

Kirstin Nicholson. There has been a buzz of activity amongst the Cohuna Lions Club’s Leos and Cubs. The Leos and Cubs, which comprise children aged 9 to 18, have been busy sewing items for children in flood-affected Lismore, New South Wales.

A critical new tool will help Australian grain growers understand what pesticides to select to preserve ‘beneficial’ insects that play a critical role in pest management in the paddock.

If we wish to compare current observations with past performance, we need to establish a set of relevant data, or baseline ... Water Corporation’s advertisements claim that “Perth’s rainfall is declining due to Climate change” showing a graph of reduced stream-flows into the reservoirs as convincing proof that “Climate change is real”. Such claims deserve scrutiny.

Four minutes. That was the time people had to tell their story at the flood inquiry in Lismore on May 3. It was clear from the emotion in people’s voices that telling their story wasn’t easy ... For two hours, people used their four minutes on the microphone to tell the auditorium audience and the convenors who sat on stage what the flood meant to them.

Lismore City Council has released a discussion paper that presents some broad brushstrokes for how Lismore can build back better ... Lismore City Council’s General Manager John Walker said now is the time for the community to have their say in how we plan for Lismore’s future.

Scientists have uncovered evidence that suggests the diet of saltwater crocodiles has shifted away from marine prey towards land-based animals. Researchers at Charles Darwin University compared bone samples from saltwater crocodiles killed around the 1960s, held at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, to those of contemporary saltwater crocodiles.

"From Australia’s next Parliament we’re seeking support to help agriculture go further. We want to transform the treatment of agriculture and its intersection with biodiversity protection and enhancement and further develop the developing natural capital sector" : NFF President, Fiona Simson. The NFF wants a commitment from both sides of politics for a minimum $2 billion fund to reward land managers who improve the health of their landscape.

Suzie Christensen. Recent heavy rain on the eastern coast of New South Wales provided some unprecedented challenges for our biosecurity team both on and off the Island. The Hastings River rose very high and ran fresh for some time. Potentially tens of thousands of frogs were washed out of the surrounding lands and found themselves searching for refuge. Now, if you were a frog, where would you go? It seems the logical choice for our amphibian friends was the giant green lily pad also known as the Island Trader.

The Victorian Ministry for Agriculture has responded to a community-led petition by confirming that specialty timber from State forests is exempted from the 10 year phase out of native timber harvesting in Victorian public forests contained in the Victorian Forestry Plan ... James Kidman from Otway Tonewoods gave Australian Rural & Regional News some background on the 61-page petition he prepared and the Victorian Minister's confirmation of the exemption.

Two new studies led by Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS, UTAS) scientists provide an approach for accurately assessing the carbon storage capability of seaweed before it is factored into carbon offset initiatives, and highlight the need for further research into the impact of extending seaweed forests offshore into oceanic ecosystems.

Sunshine Coast Council will start coastal protection works on Stage 2 of the Maroochy Groyne Field Renewal project next week to help shield the Cotton Tree foreshore from the current and future impacts of coastal erosion.

Trees of significant community or historical value can now be recorded on the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale’s Significant Tree Register, which aims to provide further protection for the trees, as well as recognising the important roles trees play in community health and wellbeing.

Kate Foran. On 1 November last year, Gladys Brown, Dianne Stokes, Ann Marie and Janita Waistcoat and Joyce Benson happened upon a Bilby that had been hit by a car, out bush north of Tennant Creek. They found a tiny joey in her pouch and brought him into the Barkly Vet clinic for a checkup.

Australia’s most trusted rural charity, Rural Aid, has helped Northern Rivers farmers turn rotting flood waste into a healthy by-product for soil improvement, through a partnership with Multikraft Probiotic Solutions. Multikraft’s MicroBalance product was last week sprayed by helicopter onto 33 farms in northern New South Wales.

Logan City Council has opened an innovative new facility that turns human waste into energy and fertiliser ... The facility, which is the first of its kind in Australia, blasts sewage with extremely high heat to turn it into a product called biochar. Biochar can be used for a variety of purposes including as a fertiliser for the agricultural industry. It also has potential applications in the building industry.