Respond to biosecurity incidents
Clarence Valley residents can download a free mobile device application which provides them with fast, reliable, accurate, and current information about Biosecurity emergencies across NSW, including the nearby Fire Ant invasion.
Little Desert fires devastate local communities
The Little Desert fires, which began on Monday, January 27, in the Little Desert National Park due to dry lightning, have had a significant impact on local communities.
Staying safe in the sun
Hugh Schuitemaker. SAPOL last weekend issued a warning for locals and visitors to the Riverland regarding river safety, ahead of the Dash 4 Cash and Dinghy Derby events that were held in Renmark. The warning came following a number of recent incidents on the Murray River, including the hospitalisation of a swimmer who was struck by a boat, near Mannum, on 28 January.
Riverland grapes at risk during vintage as heatwave continues… Dry whites and dry reds
Hugh Schuitemaker. Current forecasted temperatures for the Riverland are set to remain above at least 37C until Tuesday, with a high of 41 set for tomorrow. Renmark-based Angove Family Winemakers chief winemaker Tony Ingle said the excessive heat could cause grapes on vines to appear ready for harvest without the necessary character development for quality wine.
A complex, costly web: the regulatory burden on Australia’s regional businesses: Page Research Centre
The Page Research Centre, in collaboration with Adept Economics, has released a comprehensive new report shedding light on the severe economic and social consequences of regulatory inefficiencies in Australia.
Coral health update
Last summer saw the highest global Sea Surface Temperatures on record and waters in the Lord Howe Island Marine Park (LHIMP) followed this trend. When water temperatures are warmer than average, marine "heat stress" builds up over time.
Unusual bird sightings, December and January
Ian Hutton. Some 240 birds have been recorded on Lord Howe Island ... A couple of notable unusual sightings for the past December and January have been made: A female Australian Shelduck was seen at Moseley Park Swamp, first seen by Zsolt Balogh on 21 December, and subsequently by others over the next week before it moved on.
Tragedy: Browns Beach rocks claim another victim
Michelle Daw. A notorious rocky headland at Browns Beach in Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park has claimed another victim, with the death of a recreational angler at the weekend ... Mr Mohsini, who emigrated to Australia from Afghanistan, is the fourth person since 2019 to have died while fishing at Browns Beach.
Students have to wait one more term before they’re back home
Students and parents of the flooded Broadwater Public School had hoped they would be back at their rebuilt school this coming term ... They return to school on day one of term 2, more than three years after the 2022 floods severely damaged the small school.
Dung data to help improve herbivore distribution maps
Detailed livestock models are important for land-use planning, disaster relief and food insecurity. Their new study, recently published in Nature Food, reveals a strong positive relationship between dung presence and grazing pressure, meaning the amount of dung found in a particular location could help us understand approximately how many herbivores live there.
Baringhup farmers help deliver hope
Judi Bromage. Colin and Doug Jennings are involved in the Aussie Hay Runners in a big way. On Friday 24 January at 5.30am the first truck arrived at their Carram Dale Farm, Baringhup for loading. Doug and Colin loaded 820 round bales on 24 trucks that day.
Natural Newstead – Pink, white and grey
Geoff Park. Large, noisy flocks of Galahs and corellas (a mix of Long-billed and smaller numbers of Little Corellas), are feeding in stubble.
Tourists to dive into new artificial reefs in Great Sandy Marine Park: Powell
...two new artificial reefs will be installed in the Great Sandy Marine Park in a $2.5 million project to benefit recreational boaties, fishers, snorkellers, scuba divers, kayakers. The first location, south of Bundaberg, offshore between Elliott Heads and Woodgate Beach, will provide an alternative area for recreational fishing...
Soil Acidity Workshop shares learnings, strategies and technologies: GRDC
The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) will host a national meeting in Adelaide on 19 February 2025 for grain industry participants to share knowledge on managing soil acidity in cropping systems.
Twitchers get a good guide
A new pictorial guide to wetland birds of north-east Victoria is now available to help for people to get to know their local birdlife. There are 52 species of wetland birds featured in the guide including 14 threatened species.
Drifting away on Australia Day
It isn’t often that you see flamingos, unicorns or even paddle pops floating down the Murray River, but every year on the Australia Day long weekend at Koondrook and Barham you will see that and more.
Grafton firefighter honoured with prestigious award
Grafton Fire and Rescue 306 Station Captain Garry Reardon has been awarded the Australian Fire Service Medal (AFSM) in the 2025 Australia Day Honours. Established in 1988, the AFSM is one of the highest honours an Australian firefighter can receive, and the medal is awarded to firefighters who have demonstrated exceptional service, initiative, and performance throughout their careers.
Biggest fishing comp ever
Hay Lions 2025 fishing competition has been hailed as the biggest ever, with 900 tickets sold and 690 fishing entrants ... Travelling five hours from Ballarat for a weekend of fishing with mates paid off for a beaming James Waller. He won the main prize of a 399 Stacer boat, complete with motor and trailer.
No action on allegations Aboriginal sites were destroyed
In November 2024, The Riverine Grazier reported on investigations NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) into concerns Aboriginal scarred trees had been removed from Gundaline Station’s Red Gum forests ... "The Department has decided not to continue its investigation or take any further action in response to this matter."
Hay run makes Renmark stop
Renmark provided a rest stop for more than 50 trucks carrying hay to help South Australian farmers impacted by drought. A convoy of trucks carrying hay to be donated to drought-affected farmers, through organisation Aussie Hay Runners with support of the State Government, last Saturday passed through Renmark.
New front-line weapon against mobile fire ants
A tough new product has been launched in the fight against the potentially nationwide spread of the invasive Red Imported Fire Ants (RIFA), while one expert warns that care should be taken to minimise the risk to other species and the environment from all fire ant treatments.
Opinion – Timber framing is safe and reliable in bushfire-prone areas: Frame & Truss Manufacturers Association of Australia
Kersten Gentle, CEO, FTMA. The debate on the “right” materials to use when building homes in bushfire-prone areas often sparks fierce opinions and misguided claims. While some advocate for alternative materials, timber framing remains a viable, safe, reliable and effective option when designed and built in accordance with modern practices.
