Gingin plans for a consolidated caravan park at Guilderton
Parts of Dewar and Edwards streets will need to be permanently closed prior to their inclusion into a consolidated caravan park reserve if the Shire of Gingin proceeds with an agenda item.
TFGA: An extension to permitted development rights provided a lifeline for UK farmers – can we do the same in Australia?
In the UK, Pitchup.com supported a successful campaign to extend permitted development rights allowing change of use of land for camping. This small change to planning rules facilitated the opening of 1,000 pop-up campsites across the country over the summer season, primarily at farms, and helped over 300,000 holidaymakers book a much-needed break in the outdoors.
Northern Rivers Rail Trail set to take shape
This year his year will be a big one for the Northern Rivers Rail Trail, with 54km of the planned 130km set to become a reality ... A car-free pedestrian connection for locals and tourists alike, the Rail Trail will be used for all active eco transport and recreation, including walking, running, bikes, riding, mobility scooters, prams, and multi-day adventures.
Cape York showcased at Gateway
Fast becoming a Cape York icon, Lakeland’s Gateway to the Cape was officially opened on Friday ... Now complete, it boasts comprehensive visitor information, as well as a sculpture park that showcases each community in the region.
Local fare scheme extended until 2028
Cape York residents can breathe a sigh of relief after the cheap flights scheme was sewn up, with some positive changes ... One-way fares will be allowed, while the eligibility criteria has been changed for all communities – except Weipa.
History made as direct flights between Busselton and Melbourne take off
Jetstar has commenced the first-ever commercial air service between Melbourne and Busselton, opening a new gateway into Western Australia that is set to boost the local tourism industry by allowing interstate visitors to fly directly to the South-West.
Bendigo to Canberra and back by QANTAS – Mandarin Class – only $1808!
This item was mean to be Kookaburra's Post-Budget report, but given the costs and inconveniences of regional air travel in Australia, it is now a Pre-Budget complaint. Not being a government supported Mandarin - merely a lowly citizen - Kookaburra decided that no rational person could agree to pay the fares demanded by QANTAS to fly from Bendigo to Canberra.
Sea change for Farm 253
Alesha Millard. Nicole and Laurie Ryan and their two teenage daughters, Elly and Molly, are now enjoying freedom on the road in a fully restored bus ... Maybe the Ryans will inspire you to step out of your comfort zone and make some new adventures this year ... As someone recently said, “It’s like a whole community of travelling families out there!”
Solo locals
Kirstin Nicholson. Jan Heap and Faye Donaldson are members of the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia’s Solo Network which held its biannual rally in Cohuna ... The rally attracted over 200 solo motorhome owners from across Australia, giving them a chance to catch up with old friends, form new friendships, try new activities, and experience new adventures and locations.
King and Flinders Island flights will continue to soar
Regular passenger flights between Hobart and two Bass Strait Islands will be extended following the success of the Sharp Airline services that were introduced in September 2020 ... The services have been a roaring success, and have given more Tasmanians the ability to explore these unique parts of our special Island State.
The Maldon Classic”¦ a celebration of the steel bicycle
Maldon will once again host an event where classic steel bicycles are displayed and ridden. Whether it is an early piece of cycling history from the 1800s, or a more recent steel frame from those artisans still producing steel bikes, it is hoped there will be a solid representation across the eras.
Australia’s top 20 beaches for 2022
The top 20 hottest beaches for 2022 have been announced. “The 2022 list covers every state and territory, with a selection of our most spectacular beaches that will inspire and excite holiday makers all over Australia and the world" Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan.
New fines introduced at electric charging stations
New penalties will be in place in the coming weeks for non-electric vehicle owners who illegally park in an electric vehicle (EV) charging bay in Queensland. Transport and Main Roads Minister (Qld) Mark Bailey said the issue had been a pain point for the rapidly increasing number of Queensland EV drivers.
World first: BiØfil opens up Nullarbor for EVs with chip oil generator
Now electric vehicles can cross the Nullarbor Plain thanks to BiØfil, a world-first EV fast charging system that is fully off-grid, self-contained and powered by used chip (vegetable) oil from roadhouse deep fryers. On Sunday 16 January 2022, BiØfil was installed at the Caiguna Roadhouse, approximately 370 km east of Norseman and 370 km west of the South Australian border, making it one of the most remote EV fast charging stations on the planet.
World first: EV fast charger on the Nullarbor fuelled by used chip oil – Plugging the gap between WA and SA
BiØfil is a world-first fast charging system for Electric Vehicles (EVs) that is fully off-grid, self-contained and powered by used chip (vegetable) oil, a waste product ... “We’ve been isolated from the rest of Australia for too long, so once borders open up, BiØfil means all vehicles can travel across the Nullarbor, EVs included”: Jon Edwards, BiØfil inventor and retired engineer.
Grampians Peaks Trail opens
Member for Wannon, Dan Tehan said he was delighted to launch the 160 km world-class hiking trail Grampians Peaks Trail, starting at Mt Zero in the north, passing through Halls Gap and with highlights including Redman Bluff, Major Mitchell Plateau and Mt Abrupt before reaching Dunkeld in the south.
Ay-oop! Now for something … Dalesish!
If you, like Kookaburra, have antecedents who hailed from the sheep and cattle country of the Yorkshire dales, you might well be interested in this fascinating website - Swaledale history. The website is put together by the appropriately named Will Swales.
19th Classic Yacht Race BBQ fundraising for Lord Howe Island Central School
For 19 years, the Lord Howe Island Classic race has just been growing stronger and stronger. It has a long and interesting history. The snag, of course (forgive the pun), is getting there. Australia’s best barbie is held on Lord Howe Island, 420 nautical miles from Sydney. To work up a hunger, most guests like to spend at least three days heading as close as possible to 060 degrees while making the best of the challenging breezes and currents.
Travelling on Tesla time – for next to nothing
Angela Tillier. We drove our Tesla on a holiday in WA in August and September after buying the Model 3 SR+ - a get to know the car and the charging options. A Plug Share app shows where to charge and I calculated the distances. Wanting to see wildflowers and visit some favourite coastal towns, the trip required careful planning as some areas had no chargers.
Regional flights and long-distance coaches locked in
Regional Queenslanders will soon benefit from improved air service frequencies between Charleville, Roma, and Brisbane and coach services with stronger route connections following the signing of new regional transport service contracts starting in December and January.
When it comes to EVs, a picture is worth a thousand words
This map is demonstrative of the unrelenting push by Australian bureaucrats and politicians to force rural and regional Australians out of the bush and into the cities and large regional centres.
Adventure: Making her own tracks with five camels and a rest stop in Bonalbo
The first thing Sophie Matterson does at a new camp spot, after she has unloaded the packs from her five camels, is to put the billy on and make a cup of tea. In April last year, the 33 year old Brisbane woman set off on a camel trek from Shark Bay in Western Australia. On Sunday night she was bedding down at the Bonalbo Showground in the chicken shed.

