Specific ‘forever chemical’ found at unexpected levels in firefighting foam: UNSW Sydney
A new study has revealed there may be a significant underestimation of a specific type of PFAS ‘forever chemical’ in the environment. Researchers from UNSW Sydney found that branched perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) was more prevalent than expected in firefighting foam.
Consumers urged to choose quality batteries this sale season after record number of fires: Sharpe, Dib, Chanthivong
The NSW Government is warning consumers about the potential dangers of buying poor quality lithium-ion battery powered products as gifts this holiday season, which may pose a fire risk. The warning comes amid fears that substandard lithium-ion battery powered devices may flood the market during Black Friday, Cyber Monday and other pre-Christmas sales ahead of new regulations coming into effect next year.
Riverina landholders hear legal perspective on river flows and easements
Helen Castles. Landholders are voicing their concerns about proposed environmental easements on properties along the Murrumbidgee River under the NSW Government’s Reconnecting Rivers and Landholder Negotiation Scheme (LNS). The draft LNS Regulation and negotiation guidelines outline the approach the NSW Government will take when negotiating voluntary agreements with landholders affected by future environmental water deliveries at higher flow levels, or under different regimes, than current operating practice.
Fire training boosted on land and in the air
The CFA is enhancing its driver training capability across Victoria thanks to 10 new driver training trucks along with additional driving educators. Deputy Chief Officer Operational Doctrine and Training, Rohan Luke, said the new custom designed driver training trucks will be delivered to CFA training grounds across the state ... The CFA has also created a world-first mixed reality fire aviation simulator ...
Fire money funnelled to the city
Member for Benambra, Bill Tilley, has called for greater parity in funding the state’s fire services from the fire service property levy. Victorian Treasurer, Tim Pallas, released data in response to Mr Tilley’s Question on Notice in early September and said the revenue was going to Victorian firefighting. However, Mr Tilley claims that a review of the State Budget shows the bulk of the money goes to paid firefighters in Melbourne.
NSW Water Minister abandons state’s farmers
It’s not only media requests that get dodged by NSW Water Minister Rose Jackson, but the plight of NSW family farmers is just as inconsequential. Independent Member for Murray Helen Dalton has called on NSW Water Minister Rose Jackson to stand down unless she can fix the water crisis facing rural NSW. “The role of Water Minister is one of the few ministerial positions where, if you get it wrong, people’s lives can be ruined immediately,” Helen said.
Scale of big renewables laid bare
The Federal Government’s push to go ‘green’ appears to be spiralling out of control, with new costs estimated that the transition will take $1.3 to $1.5 trillion … What do we get for our money? Cheap, reliable, centralised power generation, with technology that will last for more than half a century? Or expensive, decentralised, precious metal intensive, unreliable, short-lived technology that will carve across some of Australia’s most precious landscape?
Old practices rekindled in new firefighting partnership: Forestry Corporation of NSW
The Western Bundjalung community’s Ngullingah Jugun Aboriginal Corporation is working with Forestry Corporation to bring together knowledge of cultural burning with government bushfire management. A fire training course has been held in Jubullum Village, near Tabulam … the fire training will improve both the community and government response to wildfires.
Final Western Riverina Seed Workshop near Tabbita
The last workshop in Murrumbidgee Landcare’s Western Riverina Seed Workshop Series ... brought together a group of dedicated landholders, conservationists, and seed enthusiasts to deepen their knowledge of native species seed ...
Floodplain flashbacks
A not so well-known bard once remarked that one cannot learn the lessons of the future until you thoroughly know and accept the history of the past. These prophetic words came to mind when I attended a recent meeting in Yamba and most of the people present were relative newcomers to our town. I soon realised they had not experienced the original fears suffered by most local ratepayers over the then first attempts to develop our controversial floodplain areas…
Cairns Group Farm Leaders Statement in advance of the 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29): NFF, CGFL
The Cairns Group of Farm Leaders (CGFL) are a group of farm organisations from Cairns Group countries, a coalition of agricultural exporting countries. Together, we represent farmers that grow and produce over one third of the world's agricultural exports. It is our vision to create a world with an equitable and enforceable rules-based trading system in agriculture.
Koala Park panel reps selected: City of Coffs Harbour
City of Coffs Harbour will be represented as the NSW Government moves toward the creation of a Great Koala National Park on the Mid North Coast ... The consultation process - as it works toward the park’s formation - includes establishment of three advisory panels (Aboriginal groups, community and industry) ... Coffs Harbour Council resolved to nominate Cr Jonathan Cassell to the Great Koala National Park Community Advisory Panel.
Leann found 140 turtle eggs on her morning beach walk
Leann Spencer has lived in Evans Head for more than four years. Every morning, as the sun is coming up, she goes for a beach walk ... as the fog was lifting, she saw strange tracks in the sand ... On closer inspection, Leann discovered it was a turtle nest and there were 140 golf ball size eggs at the bottom of the large hole.
Whites run to start earlier this year DPIRD predicts
The annual whites run of WA rock lobsters into deeper waters will start earlier this year, scientists with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development are predicting. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) said the number of rock lobster on the move offshore was influenced by several factors including ocean temperature.
Variation in vegetation creating drought solutions: DAFF
Tens of thousands of Australian farmers have shown adaptability and sustainability this National Agriculture Day by taking part in programs under the Future Drought Fund (FDF) that are helping stock, pasture and native wildlife … provides an opportunity to celebrate the efforts of farmers like Cindy and Steven Scott from the NSW Riverina, who are looking at new ways to manage drought...
Stay safe this snake season
As warmer weather sets in, Darling Downs Health is reminding local residents to be on the lookout for snakes. In the first two months of snake season, September and October, 39 people presented to emergency departments with snake bite injuries within the Darling Downs region.
Global carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels continue to increase: CSIRO
Global carbon dioxide (COâ‚‚) emissions from fossil fuels have reached a record high in 2024 but total emissions from fossil fuel and land use changes over the last decade have stabilised, according to the Global Carbon Budget ... The report is produced by leading research international organisations, including CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, as part of the Global Carbon Project.
A walk in the park? Not anymore—cutbacks leave Victoria’s parks in peril: McArthur
Mrs McArthur highlighted the severe impact of these changes, pointing out that “Victoria’s parks, like everything else beyond the tram tracks, are a low priority. Even when the government had money, Parks Victoria was not a priority” … in the past three years, the area treated for invasive species and pest control has fallen by 33 per cent.
Murrumbidgee Council says no action on alleged Gundaline fuel spill
Murrumbidgee Council has released a report following investigations into an alleged fuel spill at Gundaline Station, east of Hay. In the report, Council’s Director of Planning and Infrastructure Garry Stoll advised no action would be taken. Mr Stoll cites the extended time frame of the alleged incident to the report, the anonymous nature of the allegations and the lack of evidence at the site when inspected in May 2024.
Wild weather to rain havoc across Clarence Valley
Several clean-up operations were in place across Grafton ... after a ferocious storm swept across southern parts of the Clarence Valley. Trees were uprooted by strong gusts of wind and localised flash flooding cut roads in half as heavy rain fell relentlessly during the afternoon and into the evening.
Cutting grass and fire risk in the Murray Goldfields: FFMVic
Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) crews are currently focused on cutting grass on public land in the Murray Goldfields District to reduce the risk of grassfires this summer. FFMVic Murray Goldfields Acting District Manager, Aaron Gay, said crews will be slashing a total of 2,000 hectares across 700 locations in the coming weeks.
Duck survey about to begin
The Game Management Authority (GMA) will begin its annual survey of Victoria’s game duck population ... The survey will be conducted by wildlife biologists, who will record the presence, species and number of game ducks at more than 850 waterbodies across Victoria including wetlands, farm dams, sewerage treatment plants, streams and rivers.
