News

Geoff Helisma. After many years of secret negotiations between Clarence Valley Council and Essential Energy, Coffs Harbour City Council and CVC will each hold a 50 per cent share of “the disused Nymboida Hydro Power Scheme and associated water licences” once the deal is settled ... However, it seems that recommissioning the hydro infrastructure to generate electricity is unlikely to proceed.

Emma Pritchard. Grafton Fire Station is among 30 across the state outlined in a proposal by Fire and Rescue NSW to be temporarily taken offline in the event of staff shortages ... If implemented, Grafton Fire and Rescue 306 Station Deputy Captain Chris Rumpf said the proposal could jeopardise the safety of residents who rely on the service.

Wayne Culph. A warm Spring-day and a fresh sea breeze were the perfect backdrop for the first races of the new season at the Big River Sailing Club. Keen to take advantage of the recent easing of restrictions, a fleet of 22 boats assembled to contest Heats 1 and 2 of the Handicap Series.

A nationwide operation has been launched aiming to bolster the supply of local workers to help deliver this year’s bumper grains harvest and relieve pressure on farming communities. Retired and former ADF servicemen and women are being motivated and mobilised under Operation Grain Harvest Assist, to answer the call-up and work on grain farms stationed throughout Australia.

A second consecutive year of good seasonal conditions and high commodity prices is helping shield Australia’s farm sector from the broader economic uncertainty of COVID-19, with farmer sentiment surging in recent months, according to the latest quarterly Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey. The survey reveals Australian farm sector confidence is at one of its highest levels in the survey’s history due to ongoing positive seasonal conditions and exceptionally-high commodity prices, with more than 90 per cent of Australian farmers expecting the current conditions to continue or improve further over the coming 12 months.

Precautionary fishing restrictions in waters immediately adjacent to Port Pirie have been extended for a further 12 months ... Put in place in September 2020 after the release of a scientific study into heavy metals in sediment in the area, the restrictions have been extended for another year while SA Health complete an in-depth analysis of sample results and consider the public health implications.

The agricultural sector is looking at another record-breaking year, with the gross value of production (GVP) forecast to reach $73 billion in 2021-22. ABARES Executive Director Dr Jared Greenville said if the forecast in the  Agricultural Commodities: September Quarter  report proves to be accurate, then it will be the first time the agriculture sector has been valued at over $70 billion."

Expressions of interest are now being called for the McGowan Government's inaugural Animal Welfare Advisory Committee.

J Grey. The fourth annual Bowls Queensland North versus South Challenge will be held at the Mossman Memorial Bowls Club on October 30 and 31, 2021.

I’m all for saving forests. Unlike the climate change enthusiasts, I learnt how to do it by working as a forester. Forty years ago, after I’d started working in the bush, Neville Wran commenced what has become a tradition amongst Labor Premiers by saving NSW’s rainforests. They were actually quite safe then. Some were selectively logged and regenerated, some were preserved in Flora Reserves. All were protected from wildfire by the clean, open, grassy eucalypt forests around them – maintained by mild burning ... Now Mark McGowan has saved the forests  of the Southwest ...

“There is a terrible lack of rental accommodation in town at the moment and this is something we have identified to see if we can do something about it,” says Cook Shire mayor, Peter Scott. “We’ve been talking to super funds and investment companies about the prospect of investing money into the blocks and building them for rent.”

Cairns and the Whitsundays are closer than ever to Rockhampton with the first SkyTrans flight touching down in Rockhampton for the first time yesterday afternoon ... “Watching that first Dash 8-100 touch down yesterday was actually quite the moment because I know how much this new route will mean to our community and visitors,” Mayor Williams said.

Mark Knowles. Cape York residents now have unprecedented access to specialist medical care and diagnostics via a new mobile health clinic operated by Heart of Australia. Its new truck, “HEART 4” will see specialists from all over the country unite to give residents in Cooktown and the southern Cape access to cardiology, sonography, cardiac monitoring, sleep diagnostics and respiratory services.

District Council of Coober Pedy, Media Release, 13 September 2021

Weipa Town Authority chairman Michael Rowland says he was blown away by the response to the town’s new sports facility at Saturday’s official opening. Hundreds flocked to the Weipa Aquatic Sports Precinct for the festivities, which saw tennis legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley cut the ribbon with Rio Tinto Weipa boss Michelle Elvy.

Six meerkats are getting set to make their public debut at Rockhampton Zoo this week, just in time for the September school holidays. The new meerkat mob now call the Rockhampton Region home – after arriving all the way from Taronga Zoo.

Under the State Purchasing Contract, all Victorian government entities such as local councils, schools, kindergartens and health facilities will be forced to bank with either the NAB, Westpac or the Commonwealth Bank. It is a move that is being strongly rejected by towns that rely on community banks ... “The big banks abandoned country Victoria in recent years – the last thing we should be doing is rewarding them with guaranteed business": Bev McArthur, Member for Western Victoria Region.