True cost of renewables remain hidden
As Australian politicians take aim at globally dictated emissions targets, are everyday Australians left to carry the burden of the ‘green dream’? ... There were an estimated 100 million individual solar photovoltaic (PV) panels in Australia at the end of 2022, and it is estimated 2 billion solar panels will be required if we are to meet the 2050 emissions targets.
MP diverts to make special visit to truckers
After learning that the Need for Feed Australia convey of donated hay was heading to Ardlethan Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke made a special diversion from her scheduled route to meet up with the inspiring team ... the 26-truck convoy ...
Evacuation centre delay “unfathomable”
The collective community recovery committees in the Upper Murray have taken the Towong Shire Council to task over the lack of action in establishing evacuation centres in Corryong, more than four years after the devastating 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires.
Aussie Hay Runners make hay-raising return
More than 60 heavy vehicles transporting 2144 bales of premium hay arrived in Grafton and Ulmarra on January 26 after completing an incredible 98860km journey from regional Victoria to the Clarence Valley. It was the third time the Aussie Hay Runners had returned to the region...
Flood recovery could have spread Red Fire Ants
As community concerns grow after a nest of imported Red Fire Ants were detected at Wardell on January 19, there are fears one of the world’s most destructive and invasive pest may have been spread to NSW from Queensland during recovery efforts from the devastating 2022 floods.
Update on Kaniva drinking water upgrade
Kaniva’s drinking water upgrade is scheduled to be finished supplying treated water supply to Kaniva by December 2024. Kaniva is the largest town in the GWMWater service area that is yet to receive a drinking water supply.
Fire risk not over in the Wimmera
For the first time in many years, a fire observing aircraft will be situated for the next month in the Wimmera due to the alleviated fire risk during this time. Aircraft are strategically positioned across the State depending on risk, and while this area has had aircraft in place when required, Horsham aerodrome will now have a fire observing aircraft fulltime, for at least the next 30 days.
Marine heat stress monitoring and response
With global sea surface temperatures being warmest on record for the past nine months consecutively, there is potential for marine heat stress impacts this summer including in the Lord Howe Island Marine Park. In anticipation, monitoring is underway throughout the Lord Howe Island lagoon to detect signs of disturbance from elevated water temperatures.
Vital biosecurity response to stop invasive beetle pest: Jarvis
The Cook Government is urging the Western Australian community to help stop the spread of polyphagous shot-hole borer - an exotic pest native to South East Asia ... The borer tunnels into a tree and plants a fungus - which blocks the transportation of water and nutrients within the tree, slowly killing it.
Endangered Mary River cod releases help freshwater apex predator fight back after floods: Neumann
More than 21,000 Mary River cod have been released into South East Queensland waterways to help the species recover from severe floods in 2022.
Tossing gumboots and weighing frozen cane toads – it must be Australia Day
Australia Day at Bonalbo was a lot of fun. Before the official awards ceremony, there was the weighing of the cane toads ... After the ceremony, there was the traditional gumboot toss followed by a golfing comp.
New scheme to help farmers fight fires: NSW Farmers Association
Farmers have welcomed the launch of a new trial scheme to help first responders fight bushfires. Under the new scheme, Farm Fire Units (FFUs) – or private vehicles used for firefighting purposes – can now be driven unregistered, provided certain conditions are met.
A new heatwave safety campaign
Sweltering Cities. This year on January 27, the deadliest day for heat-related deaths in Australia, we’re calling on people to help keep their loved ones and community safe. Sweltering Cities’ new heat safety campaign is calling on people to check-in on friends, family and other people who might be at risk this summer. Heatwaves are Australia’s deadliest environmental disaster and they’re expected to get worse
Carnival of Flowers breaks records
Statistics from Tourism and Events Queensland unveil a fresh milestone for the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers in total attendance, with a record-breaking figure of 417,517 - an impressive 14 per cent surge compared to the 2022 results.
Water security high on council agenda
Last week, Toowoomba Regional Council resolved to investigate two key water security measures for the region. At Tuesday’s Ordinary Meeting, Council resolved to investigate the possibility of increasing water capacity of Cressbrook Dam as part of the critical Dam Safety Improvement Project as well as supporting a comprehensive investigation of the potential Emu Creek Dam by the Queensland State Government.
Get help to reboot your soil
Local landholders will once again be able to tap into specialist support to ensure their soil is at its productive best. "What is a healthy soil?" was the question discussed by participants of the Upper Murray Landcare Network’s two four-day Soil Health courses which ran over four months in 2023.
Concern grows over Kerang storm drainage
There are serious concerns about the drainage system in Kerang, particularly during storms. A public meeting was held at the Kerang Memorial Hall ... It was found that the aging infrastructure in Kerang is causing floodwater to accumulate in certain areas of the township.
Rain increases Fire Ant threat
Recent rain and wild weather has prompted the Invasive Species Council to call on residents of northern NSW to be on alert for Fire Ants following concerns the weather could accelerate the spread of the invasive pest ... The Invasive Species Council is concerned that Fire Ants can form rafts during flood events or high rain, or stowaway in freight or soil, increasing their spread into NSW.
Torrential rain and powerful winds wreak havoc in the district
Last Wednesday saw a mammoth amount of rainfall and winds across the district including Yanac, Diapur and Boyeo. Brett Wheaton at Yanac South measured 86mm and said there was a lot of flooding, including Yanac Creek and the swamp was filled.
Great Wall collapse
Patrick Goldsmith. Members of the Coobowie community are rejoicing after Yorke Peninsula Council unanimously voted not to proceed with a proposed coastal defence structure in the town. A petition from the Friends of Coobowie Foreshore group, featuring 727 signatures, was presented to elected members before they made their decision to stop investigating the matter at council’s January meeting.
Pygs are flying – thanks to team effort
Things are looking up for yet another threatened small-bodied native fish in the region, with the state and federal government agencies’ rescue plan bearing fruit. The Murray-Darling lineage of the southern pygmy perch was once common in the wetlands and slow flowing creeks of the Basin.  Â
Fire ant treatment around Murwillumbah to continue after big wet: Tweed Shire Council
Recent heavy rain has impacted the treatment of fire ants in and around Murwillumbah ... treatment program will resume in Murwillumbah when the ground dries out ... treatment can only be applied with the written consent of the property owner.
