Grape growers preparing for ‘devastating’ frost damage
Sebastian Calderon, Hugh Schuitemaker. A senior local wine industry figure says some Riverland grape growers will experience "devastating" damage to vineyards from frost conditions. The Riverland recorded its lowest-ever Spring temperatures on Monday night and Tuesday morning, after near-zero temperatures were also seen last week.
Endangered Coastal Emu chicks hatch
Logging has been stopped by the NSW Forestry Corporation in a Clarence Valley state forest after eggs found in an endangered Coastal Emu nest hatched last week, prompting calls for a wider exclusion zone to protect the species ... The FCNSW spokesperson said SoS program team members have seen the male emu and the chicks in the state forest.
Open letter to CFA management, District Controllers, VFBV and CFA Brigades in Renewable Energy Zones
We are a collective of CFA Brigades in Districts 16 and 18 who have taken a position where our Brigade will not commit to operating on or around electricity generation and transmission infrastructure by taking a perimeter only defence position except for where lives or safety of public is threatened. Specifically, this is Renewable Energy Infrastructure (REI) being wind turbines, large-scale solar and battery installations, high voltage (220 kva plus) transmission lines and connection hubs.
Number 8 Bio’s unique methane solutions attract $7 million in seed funding
Number 8 Bio has successfully raised $7 million in its seed round, marking a significant milestone in its mission to dramatically reduce methane emissions in the livestock sector. ARR.News asked some questions of Dr Tom Williams, CEO and Co-Founder of Number 8 about 90 per cent reductions in stock emissions and, goodness, even carbon negative cattle.
Audit reveals major gaps in government’s Basin Plan compliance: NFF
An independent audit into the Federal Government’s compliance with the Basin Plan 2012 and water resource plans has exposed significant shortcomings in its systems and processes, according to the National Farmers’ Federation. NFF Water Committee Chair Malcolm Holm said the audit into the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water's (DCCEEW) confirmed concerns about the Government’s ability to manage Basin resources effectively.
Firefighter back on home soil after US mission
Joanna Tucker. "Our primary mission was to utilise our skills and existing expertise to provide assistance to US teams who have been battling these fire complexes since July. Our secondary mission was to provide learning opportunities, and to understand how (the US experience) may improve our existing capabilities and strategies when managing fires in SA": Kadina CFS volunteer Justin Baxter.
Commonwealth annual water for the environment delivery second highest on record
The figures are in, and the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder (CEWH) delivered the second highest amount of water for the environment on record, in 2023-24. The CEWH, Dr Simon Banks, said around 1800 gigalitres of commonwealth water for the environment had been used to maintain or improve conditions in river and wetland systems across the Murray–Darling Basin.
Beggars belief
Antoinette O’Brien. On Wednesday 21st August the community in North Lismore and beyond was hit with another wave of destruction and devastation as the house at 13 Wotherspoon Street was demolished without notification ... Luke had been given 12 months to organise the relocation of his beloved home and was looking at land in Tenterfield.
Board defends powers
The Limestone Coast Landscape Board says it seeks to engage with landholders and offer support and information to manage an issue. Limestone Coast media and communications officer Andrea Bartetzko also explained how landscape boards can in some circumstances enter homes and properties without permission from landholders, and without a warrant ... some farmers dismayed by the Landscape Board’s “threatening” approach and who fear retribution have turned to fellow farmer, hunter and businessman Jake Nicholson.
Local leaders share stories of how they tackled tough times together: FRRR
Leaders from eleven community groups across Australia have shared their stories about the projects their communities embarked on in the depths of the drought that affected so much of Australia over the last decade. The stories can be heard on FRRR’s new Tackling Tough Times Together podcast.
Blast from the past: The kangaroo dog
Recently an episode of Radio National’s ‘The History Listen’ discussed the kangaroo dogs that were first bred about 1800 in Sydney by crossing Scottish deerhounds with greyhounds. Their ability to hunt and kill kangaroos provided early colonists with a plentiful supply of fresh meat.
Plan and prepare NOW
It's not even Fire Season yet and already there are many fires across the State. In the MIA this week there were numerous grass and structure fires ... These fires highlighted that even though the weather was cooler and the environment wet with a lot of green growth, fires are still possible.
Locked and loaded
The Queensland Fire Department (QFD) has assembled its air fleet to help fight outbreaks of fire in what is expected to be a busy season across Queensland. On standby at the Toowoomba Airport for the fire season are two Bell 214B helicopters, two AirTractor AT-802 fixed wing bombers, two air attack supervision platforms and a specialist intelligence gathering light helicopter.
Where has all the water gone?
Sophie Baldwin. The last time the Bullatale Creek ran dry was back in 2007 – at the peak of the millennium drought. And yet, in 2024 and after three consecutive wet years, the creek is dry. Again. Which begs the obvious question – where has all the water gone?
Menang elders lead festival river tours
Menang elder Aunty Vernice Gillies and Menang man Larry Blight will lead guided walking tours along the Kwoorabup riverbanks at the Kwoorabup River Festival [on Saturday 21 September] ... This cultural and environmental experience aims to help everyone better appreciate the Kwoorabup River and the Wilson/Nullaki inlet as they paddle, row and swim through the events of the day.
Farmers unite to fight stress
Serena Kirby. David Wright was named as the Inaugural Denmark Cattle Farmer of the Year at the recent Drought Muster Buster held at The Dam ... The award was part of a broader event organised by Raintree Farm owner Steve Birkbeck, who wanted to create ‘a reason to celebrate in a time of stress and trouble for the farming industry’ ... An integral part of the event was the discussion of issues surrounding bushï¬res by a panel of local experts.
Methane emissions increase by 20 per cent in 20 years: CSIRO
The Global Methane Budget 2024 ... highlights methane emissions from human activities have increased by 20 per cent in the past two decades. Methane is one of three core greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. It lasts in the atmosphere for just a few decades, which is shorter when compared to its counterparts, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide.
Water matters: Who controls our river?
Rosalie Auricht. The states in the Murray-Darling Basin have been arguing, seemingly forever, about how to look after and share the rivers ... At the MDBA River Reflections conference in Albury, the audience was asked to explore ‘what does a healthy river mean to you?’ ... "no carp, native fish are increasing in abundance, and no dead fish ..."
Terra nullius, aqua nullius, farming nullius
Remember ‘terra nullius’ the legal term that rose to prominence in the Mabo case? ... my focus in this opinion piece is not on terra nullius and who owns the land but on aqua nullius and who owns the water ... the Albanese government shows no sign of learning from the referendum disaster and is pushing ahead with building indigenous veto powers into a new National Water Agreement plus revving up the Commonwealth's Heritage Act.
Island set to return to Narungga Nation
Rachel Hagan. Since 1966, Scotch College has had a licence agreement with the Department for Environment and Water which has allowed them to use Mayibarrdu/Goose Island for immersive outdoor camp experiences ... Narungga Nation Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Doug Milera said the board was thrilled the island was returning to the Narungga people, who plan to open it up for everyone to use and visit.
Koondrook levee funding welcomed
Construction of a flood protection levee along Gunbower Parade at Koondrook will occur after Gannawarra Shire Council successfully received Federal Government funding. The National Emergency Management Agency announced in late August that the Federal Government would invest $851,774 in the project, which is the first in a series of planned stages to construct a levee network to mitigate the risk of riverine flooding in the Koondrook township.
Water security for Wilcannia
A drop in session was held at Baker Park last Thursday to inform the community of the progress of the proposed new bore to supplement the town water supply. Interestingly, the presenters, Maddy, Chris and Shaun, were able to explain a few details that probably have not been conveyed properly to the community.
