Media Release

We are thrilled to announce one of the SA Wooden Boat Festival's most iconic vessels, the PS Oscar W is back on the water this week and just in time for the launch of the festival’s official program. The final count-down is on towards the 29-30 April South Australian Wooden Boat Festival (SAWBF) weekend.

The independent review of Inland Rail led by Dr Kerry Schott AO found major deficiencies in the governance and delivery of Inland Rail. It confirmed that Inland Rail is an important project to meet Australia’s growing freight task, improve road safety and to help decarbonise our economy. However, it also confirmed that the project is running significantly over budget and significantly behind schedule with just over 16% of the 1700km of track completed so far.

Aleph Farms, the first company to grow cultivated steaks directly from non-modified cow cells, announced that it has joined the United Nations Global Compact, a voluntary leadership platform for the development, implementation and disclosure of responsible business practices. As a Participant in the UN Global Compact, Aleph Farms will publish an annual Communication on Progress (COP) to demonstrate the company’s ongoing commitment to responsible business action in support of broader societal goals.

Crop protection research scientists have issued advice for Western Australian grain growers on key invertebrate pests to monitor as 2023’s winter cropping season takes shape ... Scientists discussed WA’s climate outlook and the pests that growers need to watch out for in the upcoming season, including a dedicated session on snail management for southern WA.

An Australian-first program designed to restore critical environmental water flows to the Murray-Darling Basin, while meeting the ongoing needs of local irrigators and growers, has been proposed as an “immediate, affordable and genuine” solution to the nation’s Basin Plan – avoiding the need for short-term, unpopular water buybacks as announced by the Federal Government.

Murray River campers and river users looking forward to spending time on the Murray downstream of Hume Dam this Easter are reminded to be aware of potentially changed river conditions as a result of the recent floods. MDBA Executive Director of River Management, Andrew Reynolds said depending on which part of the river you visit, riverbanks may have changed and hidden snags and other debris may be more prevalent.

Holidaymakers hunting for accommodation over the Easter long weekend and school holidays are urged to book in Lismore and Nimbin for their stay ... “We have a great range of accommodation available around Lismore and Nimbin over the Easter holiday period, ranging from country cottages right through to motel rooms and camping grounds”: Lismore City Mayor Steve Krieg.

Greater Shepparton City Council is excited to welcome back the Illuminate festival to the shores of Victoria Park Lake next month. The event creates a full sensory experience, incorporating lights, music and food in a way that celebrates the region and builds Greater Shepparton’s brand as regional Victoria’s abundant, dynamic, cultural capital.

The Victorian Minister for Regional Development has completely avoided answering a question in the Victorian Parliament regarding the forced takeover of private land near the 12 Apostles ... “Why are you removing another safeguard of the private property rights which define civilised society?” Member for Western Victoria, Bev McArthur asked.

The State Government is set to unveil a new plan to address the recent increase in youth crime and anti-social behaviour in Port Augusta ... Staffed by skilled workers the Youth Outreach team will support young people who need help, assist them to find a safe place, and focus on increasing support services to those young people who need them.

A dedicated push to draw children and young people to enter the Kangaroo Island Easter Art Exhibition has been a huge success, with six times more entrants compared to the 2021 event ... Young entrant, Isla Smith, was asked what inspired her work. "“I did a water colour of Pennington Bay which is one of my favourite beaches. I love the rockpools there,” Isla said.

Are you looking for a novel idea this Easter? How about hunting for a literary gem among more than 200,000 offerings at Lifeline Bookfest Sunshine Coast at Nambour Showgrounds. Division 10 Councillor David Law said a massive range of bargain books would be on sale at the four-day event from Friday, April 7, to Monday, April 10, being held from 9am to 4pm each day. 

Rural residents in the Gannawarra Shire are reminded to secure all livestock on their properties following several recent collisions between roaming animals and vehicles. Council’s Local Laws officers have attended a higher number of incidents involving collisions between roaming animals and vehicles compared to previous years.

As the Fair Work Commission considers submissions for the annual Wage Review, farmers are calling for a cautious approach that considers the unrelenting economic challenges facing the industry. National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) Chief Executive Officer Tony Mahar said workers were entitled to the right to earn a fair and liveable wage, but a balance must be struck when considering farm businesses’ limited ability to pass on the cost of a wage increase.

Queensland is set to soar as Australia’s SAF capital, with plans revealed for a biorefinery that will help power the nation’s aviation market with green jet fuel. Jet Zero Australia has started a feasibility study for the facility, which could produce more than 100 million litres of SAF a year for use in domestic flights, including by the Qantas Group.

South Korea’s flag carrier and largest airline, Korean Air, is taking South Australia’s premium wines to the air – now serving local drops on its flights. The deal secured by South Australia’s Department for Trade and Investment will see Dandelion Vineyards and Murdoch Hill Wines join Henschke as premium South Australia wine offerings on Korean Air flights.

From 3 April 2023, all interstate and international visitors will need to purchase a Parks Pass to visit most Territory parks and reserves ... “Territorians do not need to purchase a Parks Pass. This only applies to interstate and international visitors”: Parks and Wildlife Executive Director Sally Egan.

Mayor Mislov advised that on Friday 31 March 2023 Council was made aware of an incident that occurred in Port Lincoln on Thursday 23 March 2023 which involved a number of young females, including at least one school student in a violent attack. "Council has been made aware of what can only be described as an appalling incident, which has been filmed and distributed via social media, involving young females in a violent attack on a female school student": Mayor Mislov.

“The Government is set to fall well short of their goal of building one million homes over five years according to report from their peak housing advisory body (NHFIC),” stated Tim Reardon, HIA’s Chief Economist. The National Housing Finance and Investment Corporation (NHFIC) released their ‘State of the Nation Housing 2022-23’ report, which highlights that the under supply of housing is set to worsen as demand continues to out paces supply.

The Authority discussed the ongoing consequences of recent floods through the Basin, in particular the tragic fish deaths this month in the Barka-Darling River at Menindee. They expressed their deep concern about the impact on local communities and the river environment and commended the coordinated efforts of water management agencies and the NSW Police to address community concerns, to ensure potable water supply and to effectively remove a great many dead fish from the river.