CCS in the GAB – Agriculture, rural communities and conservationists say no and now the science does too: QFF
The Queensland Government has rejected the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Glencore's carbon capture and storage (CCS) project confirming the grave concerns raised by the Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF), industry and other representatives. The EIS assessment process has found that the science behind this project is inadequate, and the risk to the Great Artesian Basin (GAB) too great, meaning the precautionary principle must apply.
Funding helps council forge ahead with 1500-blocks at Fairy Hill for flood-free housing
On a bright day, next to the bridge arching across the swollen Richmond River at Woodburn, an announcement was made about funding for affordable flood-free housing. The State Government is giving $245,000 to Richmond Valley Council to scope out what is needed for the 1500-blocks at Fairy Hill to proceed.
Robert Borsak expresses deep concern over NPWS responses to aerial shooting program
Robert Borsak, Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party member of the New South Wales Legislative Council, today expressed his profound concern over the statements made yesterday by Atticus Fleming, Deputy Secretary of the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), regarding the welfare outcomes of the aerial shooting program targeting feral horses in Kosciuszko National Park ... "How can an average of 7.5 shots, up to a maximum of 15 shots, be considered humane?" Mr. Borsak questioned. "The RSPCA has deserted their principles and the people who support them."
Enjoy the Winter Walks Program
Once cropping is over, we can start to think about having a few weekends off and enjoying the autumn/winter days. And once again the Avon Plains Banyena Landcare Group will be running its regular Winter Walks Program. These events are open to all and sundry – with an interest in nature and a willingness to walk slowly through the landscape the only prerequisites.
Maldon’s living treasures
As part of a Connecting Country event held last Sunday, Mulga Urban Landcare (MULGA) Secretary Bev Phillips took a group of Landcare colleagues on a tour of some of Maldon’s oldest trees. This included trees located at the Bill Woodfull Recreation Reserve, the Police Reserve and Maldon Primary School.
Two more fire ant nests spotted
Local residents should remain on the lookout for fire ants following the discovery of two nests at Meringandan West. This discovery comes just weeks after 80 fire ant nests were found at the Oakey Army Aviation Centre.
The dry continues
The furrowed brows of farmers continue to search the sky rain, but the season is on track for the driest May on record. Since last August most of the region’s farming land has experienced less than 10 per cent of normal rainfall since 1900, and less than five per cent in some areas.
Volunteers can fill many roles
This National Volunteer Week, the CFA and its partner emergency service volunteer organisations, acknowledge and thank the tens of thousands of Victorians for their unpaid contributions to their communities.
Outrage after public hearings scrapped
Public hearings before the committee of the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into the Planning system and the impacts of climate change on the environment and communities will not be conducted on the NSW mid and north coasts from Port Macquarie to the Tweed ... The Northern Rivers area, and particularly the Clarence Valley has the highest flood risk hazard of all, as outlined in the NSW State Disaster Mitigation Plan 2024 – 2026. Surely this triggers the necessity for the committee to provide hearings in the mid-north and north coast regions of NSW, Yamba CAN Inc members said.
Open letter to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese: NFF
Last week, for the first time in 39 years, farmers from across Australia determined that they no longer have confidence in your government to represent their interests.  This vote followed an unprecedented walk-out by farmers on your Agriculture Minister’s budget address.  This is not how we usually operate at the National Farmers’ Federation ... But decision by decision, your government is pushing farmers away and eroding their trust. Frankly they’ve had enough.
Airborne survey the next step in AROWS project: Lawler, Worden
The Adelaide River Off-Stream Water Storage (AROWS) project is continuing to take shape with an Airborne Electromagnetic (AEM) Survey taking place to help streamline infrastructure design investigations for AROWS. AROWS is a sustainable approach to water security.
AI-powered weather forecasting accuracy set to help local growers: Hort Innovation
Growers could soon have tailored local weather forecasts directly at their fingertips through a ground-breaking program that leverages the cutting-edge capabilities of artificial intelligence and machine learning combined with traditional weather forecasting techniques … the $1.3M initiative … is tailored to meet the specific needs of individual growers, considering their farming block, unique terrain and operational requirements.
Regulations to be enhanced to further protect iconic koalas: Linard
The Miles Government has released the findings of a review of the government’s koala habitat protection regulations. The regulations were introduced in 2020 to better protect South East Queensland’s iconic koala population and the habitat they call home ... The consultation confirmed the regulations had been effective, however some elements have not worked as intended. Â
Dry seeding pushes on: GPA
Seeding is underway for most Australian grain producers with many in parts  of western and southern Australia reducing their canola plantings as they continue to wait for a proper season break  in the absence of any rain. The longer growing season required by canola had  many growers pinning their hopes on an April break according to Grain Producers Australia Chair Barry Large. Â
Community insight helps protect against bushfire injury and loss of life
Michelago, Bredbo, Adaminaby and Jindabyne residents impacted by bushfires highlighted the importance of bushfire maps showing users their location in relation to a fire risk, while clearly communicating critical information such as direction of fire spread to ensure emergency information is easily understood and followed by communities under threat.
Barmah Choke trade opportunity for new irrigation year: MDBA
The Barmah Choke water trade balance to start the 2024–25 water year will deliver trade opportunity for irrigators. The Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) Acting Executive Director of River Management Angus Paton said approximately 56 gigalitres (GL) of water would be available to trade downstream of the Barmah Choke on 1 July 2024.  “This projected figure is 4 GL less than the 60 GL made available for the 2023–24 season…
Open day at Warwick’s Leslie Dam
Meet the team from Sunwater, learn about the history of Leslie Dam and how it works and find out how you can prepare for local weather events and stay safe in and on the water. It’s all happening at Leslie Dam on Saturday 8 June from 10am to 2pm.
Frack free NT brings Water of Life tour to Peko Park
Peko Park was lively as Mudburra musician Ray Dimaakarri Dixon and Jingili musician Stuart Joel Nugget, along with other musicians, performed at the Tennant Creek stop of the Water of Life Tour ... In addition to the music, there were discussions about the effects of fracking in the Barkly region and how the community can collaborate to prevent it.
‘Where do they go?’ Mysterious shorebirds in spotlight
Two tiny trackers are helping to uncover the secrets of the Sunshine Coast’s resident shorebirds. In a collaboration with the Queensland Wader Study Group and with the assistance of the Queensland Bird Research and Banding Group, Sunshine Coast Council recently fitted two tiny satellite trackers to Sooty Oystercatchers.
Red dirt to reef for water warriors
The 2024 Variety Victoria Bash will kick off in August with cars 25 years or older piloted by teams raising money for Victorian children living with disabilities, illnesses, or experiencing disadvantage. A local team of Water Warriors is taking a 1988 Nissan GQ Patrol on the journey from Swan Hill to Airlie Beach ... Doug hopes the trip will be a great chance to raise funds for the kids and also give them an opportunity to highlight the current water issues on the way.
Emergency Services Open Day a success
Around 400 people gathered on the day to watch live demonstrations and displays of vehicles and equipment ... All of Narrandera’s emergency services were present, including the SES, the Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA), Fire and Rescue NSW, the Rural Fire Service (RFS), Police Force and the Rapid Relief Team.
Darling Downs Zoo off the market
After making the difficult decision last year to put the zoo they founded on the market, Steve and Stephanie Robinson have had a change of heart, deciding to retain ownership of the Darling Downs Zoo at Pilton ... Mr Robinson said he wanted to ensure the zoo remains as a breeding facility for rare and endangered animals, as well as a family and educational facility that attracts visits from many local schools.
