Drought support needed
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is calling on the Victorian government to urgently ramp up drought support measures as farmers across the state face worsening conditions and the real threat of business failure … the VFF says the government must seize the opportunity to deliver immediate relief to drought-affected regions and invest in long-term preparedness and resilience.
Suffering in silence: Farmers call for a hand up, not handouts
Around the state, Mr Schinckel said the amount of money spent by producers nowadays would be something in the order of $10-$15 million per week per 1000 producers. “So, $50m that the SA government is offering is not going to go far—it’s a drop in the ocean.” ... He believed that the state and federal governments did not know or understand livestock production.
Eternal optimism
It has been a long summer, resulting in dry dams and yellow paddocks that are visible to everyone. And in an unusual development, agriculture has featured recently in world headlines thanks to discussions of world trade and tariffs.
Riverland’s constant summer heat produces early mango crop
Christine Webster. David Arnold, director of the long-established family fruit business that has been operating since 1915, said due to the long spell of hot weather, the harvest came early in the second week of February, and was over by the end of the month.
Clean up contractors collect dead fish from Richmond River
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and the Department of Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) are working with local councils to respond to the fish kills in Richmond and Clarence waterways after ex-cyclone Alfred.
BlazeAid sets up camp in Nhill
BlazeAid is a volunteer-based organisation that works with families and individuals in rural Australia after natural disasters such as fires, cyclones, droughts and floods. Working alongside the rural families, our volunteers help to rebuild fences and other structures that have been damaged or destroyed.
Hemp defies cyclone’s big blow
An experimental crop of industrial hemp proved too strong for Cyclone Alfred when it pounded paddocks at Gatton last week. Only one week ahead of harvest, the small plot of low-THC hemp withstood winds gusting up to 125 km/h and the floods accompanying the once-in-50-year weather event.
Our lack of early emergency information
At the time of the Clarence Valley election last year, I wrote a column urgently imploring all pertinent authorities to provide ratepayers and tourists with written details on how to combat states of emergency ... only a few months after my written appeal, yet I and other local residents and visitors feel we have once again been left somewhat high and dry.
Council crews from across the State help with tree clean up
Tweed Shire Council is actively tackling the widespread damage caused by Tropical Cyclone Alfred with vital support from intrastate crews. The storm has caused significant damage, with fallen trees and debris blocking roads, Council land and private properties.
Flood waters rising
Clockwise from top left: North Branch Road, near Goomburra Hall; New England Highway bridge; Goomburra residents were lucky that this tree missed their car...
Lifesavers on alert as heatwave and tropical cyclone create perfect storm: Surf Life Saving NSW
As flood relief efforts in the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Alfred remain ongoing, volunteer surf lifesavers and lifeguards are imploring the public to take safety seriously, with the use of rescue water craft likely to be significantly hampered ahead of the weekend.
Rain bombs bring flood
Despite seemingly dodging a bullet in the form of the worst of the winds and rain from ex-tropical cyclone Alfred, the Lower Clarence was in the crosshairs of a major flood after large volumes of rain fell in the catchment. From Thursday, winds and rain lashed the Lower Clarence, causing minor flash flooding and uprooting trees around Yamba.
Clarence Valley soaked as rivers rise
Moderate and major flooding was occurring across Northern NSW as the Clarence Valley Independent went to print this week, and while coastal communities including Iluka and Yamba avoided the worst of the severe weather event, further inland, residents in Grafton and surrounding areas endured a nervous wait as heavy rain associated with Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred continued to fall locally and in the catchment area.
Rabobank support measures for farming clients impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred
Agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank has advised of a range of measures it has in place to support farming clients whose operations are adversely impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Rabobank Group Executive Country Banking Marcel van Doremaele said while the weather event had resulted in severe weather conditions … its full impact on agriculture in the region was yet to be determined.
Free flood waste disposal for Lismore residents as recovery begins
“We really dodged a bullet with this one, but there is a lot of damage, including downed trees. Our residents shouldn’t have to bear the cost of this weather event": Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg.
Some people walk in the rain, others just get wet – or if you’re a dog you leap right into it
I’ve been tied to my computer typing stories about flood updates, rescues and river heights. It’s been so intense that sometimes I forget to look outside. Fortunately, I have a bluey called Jelly (don’t ask, it’s a long story) who keeps tapping me with her paw ... I walk around town with Jelly and take some pictures.
Superintendent Scott Tanner is new recovery coordinator for our region
Rain is expected to continue today, Monday, March 10 with severe thunderstorms predicted for west of the range. As a pre-emptive step to boost recovery efforts for impacted communities, the State Government has appointed NSW Police Superintendent Scott Tanner as the recovery coordinator for the region.
Batten down the hatches
While far more out of the firing line than our coastal counterparts, Darling Downs residents are being advised to err on the side of caution in the face of Tropical Cyclone Alfred. It appears being located some 150 kilometres inland will not be far enough away to be safe from the effects of the cyclone…
The last ‘Met Family’ depart Lord Howe – is this the end of an era?
On Thursday, 20th February, Andrew Jenner’s rotation as local observer for the Bureau of Meteorology came to an end ... If all goes according to plan, Andrew and Misty will be the last Met observers to be resident on Lord Howe.
The story of Lord Howe’s Meteorological Service – by Daphne Nichols
Daphne Nichols. Rainfall readings commenced on the Island in 1886, and records of climatological data began the following year ... The Meteorological Office shared the two-room wireless station from 1939, until 1955, when an independent station was completed on the eastern side of the Island above Middle Beach.
Residents urged to stay up to date with weather warnings: Williamson
Residents in the Richmond and Clarence valleys are being urged by State Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson to stay informed about the latest weather forecasts as the region braces for potential severe weather in the coming days. The Bureau of Meteorology has issued a Flood Watch for all coastal rivers in the Northern Rivers and Mid North Coast, including those in the Richmond and Clarence valleys.
Never miss an opportunity
“If it’s good enough for the cricketers to have a drink on the ground on a hot day, why can’t I?” ... On this occasion, Maggie has spotted an uncoupled hose, and is making the most of a free drink, courtesy of Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water.
