Media Release

It might not be Paul, George, Ringo or John, but local farmers were thrilled to find another type of beetle on their Central Highlands property in March 2022, the Zygogramma bicolorata beetle. ‘It’s a very useful tool to help control parthenium, especially in a good ecological environmental system,’ said the local property owner.

We have an unbelievable line up of free entertainment at the Tully & District Show this year! The ELJAY Freestyle Entertainment show is an all-weather action-packed motorcycle and bicycle trials stunt show delivered with a comical twist.

Shire of Ashburton residents can now take advantage of capped airfares travelling to and from Perth from July 1, 2022. The first scheme of its kind to be implemented in Australia, the WA State Government has committed $19.8 million to deliver the capped airfare scheme over the next three years.

“Toowoomba is Australia’s Garden City, we are a refugee welcome zone and have an inclusive community that has helped to resettle thousands of migrants from all over the world in recent years. Our industry is built of the back of the agricultural sector, much in the same way Ukraine relies so heavily on their $13 billion farming and food processing industry" : Mayor Paul Antonio.

Extreme fire weather days have increased in Australia by 56 per cent over the last four decades, according to new research from an international team of scientists, including CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency ... CSIRO researcher, Dr Pep Canadell, said an increase in fire weather trends translated to an increase in the number of Australian bushfires.

From children to seniors, beginners to pros, everyone is invited to join the fun and #HaveaGo at a free council community event in Caloundra on July 23 – a celebration to acknowledge exactly 10 years to go until the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games open. Get on your bikes at Sugar Bag Road Mountain Bike Trails from 10am-3pm for an action packed day of demos, trails, #HaveAGo sessions and rubbing shoulders with world class champions. 

Works on a major airside upgrade to the Whyalla Airport are nearing completion, with all but the resurfacing of the secondary runway and additional electrical work to be completed ... Mayor Clare McLaughlin said the works including the installation of the new taxi way have been constructed to allow for the landing and departure of larger aircraft.

When you’re the largest producer of Australia’s strawberries, grow more than a quarter of the state’s pineapples, and are recognised globally for seafood, it’s no surprise to find Moreton Bay is already home to a fast-evolving food and agribusiness industry.

A recent CSIRO study has found that Australians are more likely to support the use of gene drive technology for feral cat management if there was a perceived problem of invasive species in one’s local neighbourhood ... "Feral cats are an ideal candidate for gene drive research given that their reproductive rates are up to three litters a year, which greatly outpaces conventional measures" : Dr Owain Edwards.

The 2022-23 NSW Budget is delivering a major boost to fire management in national parks through a $598 million investment, delivering 250 permanent jobs and critical infrastructure upgrades. The NSW Government has also committed an additional $93.7 million to deliver the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy to prepare for the impacts of climate change and capture new investment opportunities.

Clarence Valley Anglican School Year 11 student Caleb Harrison won’t regret penning a 1000 word history essay after his work won him an 11 day, NSW Government organised and ClubsNSW funded tour of historic World War II sites in the United States and Japan. After meeting Caleb and his proud mum, Jackie in Grafton on Monday and reading his essay, Clarence Nationals MP Chris Gulaptis said it was easy to see why he was just one of six students across NSW to win a place on the ClubsNSW Premier’s WWII Memorial Tour.

Another biosecurity zone has been set up in NSW after varroa mite was discovered in bee hives at three more properties. Minister for Agriculture Dugald Saunders says the move accounts for an infested premises, which is located outside the existing zones.

“Comparing soil health in sugarcane growing districts to soil health in pasture, horticulture and cropping regions shows just how unique those sugarcane soil systems are. Many cane growers may not have measured their soil health before but with commodity prices remaining strong in this regulated market, we’re seeing cane growers becoming increasingly interested in soil health" : Rob Dwyer, Incitec Pivot Fertilisers agronomist.

Moves by governments to restrict exports only exacerbate price rises and increase food insecurity, according to the latest Insights report from ABARES. Executive Director of ABARES Dr Jared Greenville said there were lessons to be learnt from the 2007-08 food crisis.

Maintaining the state’s transport network will be safer, less disruptive and more cost effective, thanks to new cutting edge drone technology ... Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said Transport for NSW is the first government agency in Australia to secure the next generation technology as part of its first dedicated bridge drone inspection program that will revolutionise how assets are maintained across the network.

Sunraysia is about to play host to the region’s largest annual event, the Hattah Desert Race, attracting competitors and support crews from the length and breadth of the country ... “The Hattah Desert Race is an absolute juggernaut in terms of major events, this year attracting 465 senior riders and 360 juniors that’s well over 800 in total,” Cr Eckel said.

Mithaka traditional owner Joshua Gorringe said the freehold ownership of about 97 hectares of land in Betoota, about 140km east of Birdsville, would be an important base for future generations ... Resources Minister Scott Stewart said the Queensland Government had transferred more than 6.24 million hectares of land under Queensland’s Aboriginal Land Act and Torres Strait Islander Land Act.

The annual Dayboro Show is back! Celebrating 65 years of the “Best little country show”, the 2022 event held on July 2nd and 3rd will include a bit of boot scootin’, horse whispering, wood-chopping and farm-tastic fun.

Tullibigeal Picnic Race Club Inc., Media Release, 27 June 2022

Landcare Australia has announced the 2022 National Landcare Conference is going bigger and better than ever ... The 2022 conference will feature the latest from experts on environmental and climate action, cultural land management, sustainable farming, emerging environmental markets, and much more.

Kununurra Agricultural Show is held each July. This vibrant and unique community event has been running since 1972 (we're turning 50!) ​and is a great addition to the East Kimberley experience bucket list.​​

Australia and England will play for a new trophy when the two nations face off in next month’s eToro England Series; the Ella-Mobbs Cup named after two iconic Rugby figures from each nation. Mark Ella is a Wallabies legend. The first indigenous Captain of the Wallabies, the Fly Half is widely regarded as one of the most naturally gifted players in Australian Rugby history.