Creating art and ice cream out of Rappville’s bushfire
Rappville ice cream and a special tablecloth are part of a recovery project in response to the 2019 bushfires. Leading the Creative Recovery Project are artists Charlotte Haywood and Lyndall Phelps who have spent time in Rappville this year working with the community as part of the Arts Northern Rivers initiative.
The vermin are coming back
Warnings about the potential onset of a mouse plague come springtime have further justified the advocacy work of NSW Farmers in securing a $150 million state government support package.
Bathing in traditional culture and geological wonders
Visitors on the “Savanah Way” west of Cairns can soak up traditional culture and enjoy the enchanting landscapes of Ewamian country with the official opening of Talaroo Hot Springs, as part of the Palaszczuk Government’s Covid-19 Economic Recovery Plan. Assistant Qld Tourism Minister Michael Healy said Talaroo Hot Springs, beside the Einasleigh River, was opened by the Ewamian Aboriginal Corporation.
Relief for Cecil Plains as Toowoomba Regional Council winds back water restrictions
Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) will wind back restrictions in Cecil Plains from Medium Level to Low Level effective immediately. The decision comes after localised winter rain increased water levels at Leslie Dam near Warwick along with good upstream flows and a full Cecil Plains’ weir.
Greater use of small planes, helicopters and drones in prescribed burning in order to achieve safe and healthy landscapes
John O'Donnell. Real data gathered from almost 60 years of historical data from the forests of south west WA unequivocally shows that when the area of prescribed burning trends down, the area of uncontrolled bushfires (wildfires) trends up. There is a simple explanation: bushfires are more difficult to put out in long unburnt, heavy fuels ... New technology is assisting in increasing the safety and efficiency of prescribed burning programs.
Australia’s carbon capture and utilisation opportunity
Australia could turn carbon dioxide waste into a valuable revenue stream according to a new report from Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO.
Rain boosts confidence
The Farmhand. Winter is here and rainfalls for the past month are at levels at the high end of averages. Even have heard the odd farmer say we had enough for the moment. Feed supplies in the areas north of town are still tight but we can see the spring having a great feed result based on the amounts of moisture already received.
What can we improve now to prepare for future catastrophic and cascading disasters?
While a truly catastrophic disaster is by definition unmanageable, emergency managers can still help reduce loss of life and property and assist in sustaining the continuity of affected communities.
Space seeds start extra-terrestrial biosecurity clearance
An extra-terrestrial parcel of Australian Golden wattle seeds has returned safely to earth and is undergoing biosecurity screening following its journey into space.
Viewpoint from “Euralie”, Yass – environment and energy
This week, the Federal Government excused itself from its obligation to reduce our carbon emissions which lead to extreme weather situations. Of course, many other farmers across the nation (as well as householders) have installed solar panels. With our abundant natural resources of sunshine, wind and water, we’ve taken a leaf out of nature’s book and for example, last year, installed solar panels for both sheep properties so that we have an independent supply of power for all our needs.
MDBA starts small releases from Hume Dam as storage reaches 90 per cent
The Murray–Darling Basin Authority has started releasing a small volume of water from Hume Dam to maintain airspace for the inflows expected from rain forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology over the coming months.
Pumps started in Guttrum
Diesel irrigation pumps started pumping into the Guttrum Forest last week ... Australia’s most endangered bird, the Australasian bittern, is now part of the public relations push for watering the reed bed. There is only one official documented sighting of the bittern in the swamp from December 1960, and anecdotal reports up until the 70s ... “As farmers, the proof has to be in the pudding. If things don’t work, we go broke, what skin do they have in the game?”
“Let’s invest in our future, not in water profits” – SRI
“Last week it was revealed in media reports the chair of the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists is a significant shareholder in Duxton Water. This is the organisation that gloats about the investment potential of water, with the price naturally increasing as more is taken from farmers. So, we have a situation where the Wentworth Group is calling for more water buybacks, while its chairman is investing successfully in a company that benefits from more buybacks. That is a massive conflict,” Darcy Hare, Deputy Chair of Southern Riverina Irrigators.
IPCC report sobering reading, farmers continue to cut emissions
The National Farmers Federation says Australian farmers are the amongst the world’s most progressive in their approach to mitigating climate change and are poised to go even further.
Native timber industry key to tackling climate change
Timber Towns Victoria argues that native timber production in public forests promotes carbon storage and must be taken seriously if Victoria is to tackle climate change.
Put the nuclear option on the table
Nationals Senators have announced they will move amendments to the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Act to remove Australia’s prohibition on nuclear energy.
Beating a pathway to water security at Lake Wyangan
The Lake Wyangan Water Sustainability Project is among 40 water infrastructure projects nationwide which will share in $108 million in federal funding under the National Water Grid Connections funding pathway ... Senator Davey said Lake Wyangan is located ten minutes north-west of Griffith and is a popular location for tourists and locals to enjoy the best nature has to offer.
The crucial role of cattle in the carbon cycle
The first of a series of themed animations being produced to debunk myths about the environmental impact of red meat production in Australia has been launched by Meat & Livestock Australia. The animation explains how methane from cattle is part of the natural carbon cycle, demonstrating how the environmental impacts of emissions of methane from cows and carbon dioxide from fossil fuels, are fundamentally different.
Basin Inspector-General must deliver improved outcomes for farmers, communities & the environment
The National Farmers’ Federation has welcomed the formal appointment of Troy Grant as Inspector-General of Water Compliance for the Murray Darling Basin. "We expect the role of Inspector-General will deliver improved outcomes for Basin farmers, communities and the environment," NFF CEO Tony Mahar said.
New rangers ready to give back to traditional country
Four Hope Vale locals with family ties to the Lama Lama people have begun work as rangers with Yintjingga Aboriginal Corporation thanks to the support of the Hope Vale Community Development Program. Marcus Bowen, Levi Flinders and Dylan and Harold Nipper have now joined the team undertaking land management works in the Lama Lama National Park, 300km north-west of Cooktown.
Birdwatchers get a taste of Cape’s diverse species
Organisers of Weipa’s first birdwatching event of 2021 were rapt with the turnout over two sessions, with more likely to be added to the calendar next year.
Mallee on high alert for mouse outbreak this season
Grain growers in Victoria’s Mallee region are being urged to ‘walk through paddocks’ to check for signs of mouse activity and crop damage and apply bait where necessary to help drive down numbers before spring.
