Why did the koala cross the road? It didn’t because of a 1.5km protection fence
Lara Leahy. There is a sign on Bruxner Highway between Lismore and Casino that says five koalas died in August … A koala fence is about to be installed at that spot to help prevent further koalas deaths. Lismore City Council has hired contractors Ecoteam to install 1.5km of fencing along both sides of the Bruxner Highway, starting at Pelican Creek Bridge…
CSIRO and UQ collaborate to boost Australia’s ecosystem research
Researchers at CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, are leading the five-year ‘Landscapes’ program, looking at the health and function of Australia’s natural and managed ecosystems. Administered through the innovative TERN project (Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network), the team will deliver important soil and landscape environmental data to support sustainable ecosystem management.
Letters from Home: Will of the wasp
Once again, it was a case of act first, think later... If there were medals to be won for that trait, I could compete for Australia. It’s been a failing all my life and has, many times, got me into hot water. A nest of wasps appeared, the little European devils imported along with sparrows, rabbits, foxes and prickly pear from other places to be total pests to us Aussies ...
New national one-stop-shop website launched to help better manage feral cats and foxes
The National Feral Cat and Fox Management Coordination Program is proud to announce the upcoming launch of its new website on Threatened Species Day, 7 September. This significant day marks the anniversary of the death of the last known Tasmanian tiger in 1936 and serves as a reminder of the ongoing threats to Australia’s unique wildlife.
Vital flood mitigation program extended
A program designed to reduce the risk and impact of flood events across towns in inland NSW has been extended thanks to a $3 million Australian Government grant ... NSW DCCEEW has identified 14 Local Government Areas across inland NSW where flood works pose known risks, and have received strong support for the program.
Sparks fly at Goomburra
On Saturday morning the owner of Long Neck Farm, Corie Ross prepared for a huge last day but found power to the Goomburra Valley had dropped. When he investigated, Corie discovered a phase from a power line had fallen and being live, had started a fire on a property and roadside.
South East is drying
Cliff Hignett, Your Say. The Naracoorte Water Allocation Plan (WAP) meeting (14/8/24) was well attended, 90+ people. The purpose of the meeting was to alert irrigators that the WAP was failing to protect the groundwater resource and was in urgent need of revision. When the WAP was set up (in 2013) land owners received an ‘Allocation’, in theory - their maximum share of the resource. Then they were authorised to use some part of that allocation on a year by year basis.
Murray Darling Association 80th National Conference
Jenny Clarke was a representative of the Narrandera Shire Council at the 80th National Conference of the Murray Darling Association, on which she was the Council’s delegate ... Murray Darling Association – representing local government and community in the Murray-Darling Basin since 1944 - covers 12 Regions from Queensland down to Murray Bridge where the water runs out to the sea ... A challenge in managing the Basin’s resources is delivering sufficient water for people, crops and livestock while maintaining a healthy environment.
Storms cause minimal damage
The Upper Murray dodged a bullet on Monday when wild weather that devastated parts of Victoria only had a minor impact locally. Despite winds gusting up to 90km/h, Vic SES advised that the Corryong unit only had two callouts including a fallen tree at Cudgewa.
Murray River group of councils advocate for community
Council leaders from Gannawarra, Swan Hill, Mildura, Loddon, Campaspe and Moira shires visited Canberra and Bendigo over the last two weeks, speaking to politicians and advisors on water management, renewable energy, housing and the funding of local government ... The latest round of buybacks was a pressing issue for the group.
Cod and crays come under protection
The Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) and NSW Department of Primary industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) are reminding recreational fishers that the Murray Cod and Murray Crayfish seasons have ended. NSW DPIRD Program Leader Fishing Stocking and Enhancement, Jim Harnwell, said the Murray Cod fishery is subject to a three-month closure every year to protect our number-one native sportsfish during their breeding season.
Webinar: Planting trees on farm – implications for biodiversity, 25 September 2024
How does planting native tree species impact on farm-level biodiversity? With funding from MLA, AWI and several other partners, the "Sustainable Pathways to CN30" project team are examining this question via co-development of farm systems interventions for reducing greenhouse gas emissions while improving productivity, profitability and biodiversity.
Ergon calls for extra vigilance
Almost a dozen power poles have been lost in the past few months due to fires from what’s thought to have been a series of separate hazard reduction burns across the state. Energy Queensland Chief Operating Officer Paul Jordon said while hazard reduction burning is an essential tool for managing vegetation and reducing fire risks, it is crucial to exercise caution to prevent unintended electrical infrastructure damage.
Forestry Australia says Queensland Government have jumped gun on Greater Glider Forest Park
Forestry Australia is disappointed the Miles Labor Government is jumping the gun in declaring a Greater Glider Forest Park ... “The assumption that harvesting timber from native forests is necessarily harmful to biodiversity is not correct and there is indeed strong evidence that forests need to be managed actively. It is time to move away from the binary approach of commercial forests vs protected areas and consider a more nuanced approach ...": Dr Bill Jackson.
Miles doing what matters: Greater Glider Forest Park protected area for Queensland: Linard, Saunders
Environment Minister Leanne Linard has announced 54,000 hectares of greater glider habitat in South East Queensland state forest will be transitioned to a new natural capital tenure ... Of the 54,000 hectares, 7,500 hectares are set to be placed into Natural Capital Reserve as a potential strategic advance offset for the critical Borumba Pumped Hydro project.
Boats grounded on the Riverland
Sebastian Calderon. Houseboats traveling along a section of the Murray River are facing challenges, due to low water levels, forcing operators to limit mobility through the Riverland. Changes in the river’s water flow following environmental conditions have recently seen a group of boats unable to travel between towns like Renmark and Berri.
Seasonal Bushfire Outlook Spring 2024: Australia’s national picture of fire potential
The Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Spring 2024 shows increased risk of fire for large areas in NT and Queensland, as well as far west and southwestern Victoria, and the southeast corner of SA. Mean temperatures for the year to date have been above average to very much above average for most areas, with areas of western WA and northern SA experiencing highest on record maximum temperatures for the period.
Call to action against gold and copper mining in Clarence River catchment
Corazon Mining has begun exploratory drilling at the May Queen target on Mount Gilmore for gold and copper in the Clarence River catchment northwest of Grafton and the Clarence Catchment Alliance are calling on locals to get involved to stop a mining licence being granted.
Delve into the world of Australian wildlife and Lego. Let me explain”¦ Gone Buggo goes on tour
What do you get when you take a Fireback Huntsman home for research and photograph it in your bathroom? And not just any bathroom... Lego bathroom? And why? TEDx speaker, author and wildlife educator Steven Gill says "Let Me Explain..." with his new Australian east coast tour!
Reminder: Mt Eliza track closed for the season
Suzie Christensen. Access to the Mt Eliza track is closed annually between 1 September until early March to protect nesting sooty terns (Onychoprion fuscata) and their young. The trail and summit provide important breeding grounds for the seabirds.
Minister Penny Sharpe visit
I want to thank all the community for making my recent visit to Lord Howe Island such a wonderful experience. Lord Howe Island is a special place, with a unique and rich history. But as you know, being so remote from the mainland has its challenges, as well as advantages.
Boatharbour Landcare Country Gardens 2024
Spring has Sprung! Fairy Wren Day has been a Spring event for the past 5 years. Those interested in small bird habitat and garden lovers are invited to Boatharbour on a Sunday 8 September for Fairy Wren Day. With the numbers of attendees building each year, it was decided to share more gardens in our area.
