Turning science to finance – New tool to help farmers tackle the climate challenge: CEFC, CSIRO
Australian farmers are set to tackle emissions from the ground up, with a free guide to develop and implement sustainable practices on farms. The Towards Net Zero Agriculture Pathfinder (Pathfinder), a joint initiative by the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) and CSIRO, is a practical guide to help farmers reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining productivity and competitiveness.
New farm fence signs raise awareness of wheel cactus threat
The Tarrangower Cactus Control Group (TCCG) has relaunched its Farm Fence Sign initiative to combat the ongoing Wheel Cactus problem in the region. Residents and visitors may have noticed updated Farm Fence Signs appearing across the area, reminding the community of the persistent threat posed by this invasive species.
Fire report
The local CFA teams are incredible: knowledgeable, brave and hardworking. The community is so fortunate to have them on standby during this period of extended hot weather, which is expected to continue for at least the next week.
DFES and Marine Rescue WA introduce Deckee
A free app designed to make boating safer and more convenient for everyone will soon undergo a public trial in selected areas including Two Rocks and Whitfords. Marine Rescue Two Rocks is holding an open day including a sausage sizzle on Sunday, February 23 where people can learn more about the app and setting it up.
Throwing good money overboard – WA Government’s aquaculture obsession
DPIRD, dated January 22, 2025, announces a $7 million splurge under the banner of “Building Climate Resilience on WA Farms.” Tucked neatly inside this generous handout is an eye-watering $1,071,770 for “future-proofing” Western Australia’s aquaculture industry. Future-proofing? Against what, exactly? Climate change? Cue the laughter.
1080 a lifeline for threatened animals
As the future of Australia’s most vulnerable species becomes ever more uncertain, the effective use of 1080 baiting remains critical to control one of their key threats: introduced predators – feral cats and foxes.
Urban Channel Pipeline Project to benefit community
Murrumbidgee Irrigation (MI) is looking forward to kicking off the Urban Channel Pipeline Project this year, which will provide a range of benefits to the communities of Griffith and Leeton ... The project is designed to replace inefficient aging channels around Griffith and Leeton with 47.5 kilometres of new pipeline.
Shire tops fire funding list
The Shire of Denmark has received $193,050 from the State Government’s Mitigation Activity Fund towards 47 bushfire mitigation works in the shire this year. The annual bushfire risk reduction works will continue with those funded through the Mitigation Activity Fund identified as priorities.
Guided walks on Country a time to listen, learn
Two Kaartdijiny Boodja events to celebrate learning from Country last month brought people together to explore the local landscape’s cultural and environmental significance.
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...
