Transition time for Buloke Aged Care Services: new providers to take the reins
Buloke Shire Council has confirmed that its transition out of the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) has progressed with the announcement of four well known service providers being appointed by the Commonwealth Government to deliver contracted independent support services for the Buloke Local Government Area.
MDBA calls on water from Menindee Lakes as Murray demands increase: MDBA
The Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) will call on water from the Menindee Lakes in the coming week to meet demands in the River Murray system.
Greenhouse credentials of Australia’s canola industry recognised by the European Commission: CSIRO
New analysis from CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, has led to the European Commission’s recognition of the Australian canola industry’s low-emissions credentials for the second time, enabling local canola growers continued access to lucrative international markets. Australia is a major supplier of canola to the European Union (EU) biodiesel market, with over 1.8 million tonnes exported annually to European countries.
Moah Creek Wind Farm reaches key development milestones: Energy Estate
The Moah Creek Wind Farm project has recently reached two development milestones. Firstly, it has been granted planning approval from the Queensland State Assessment and Referral Agency ... consent from the Queensland Government under the Planning Act 2016 for the construction of the wind farm and its associated vegetation clearing.
Banks’ disconnect from regional Australia never more obvious
The chief executive of the Australian Banking Association Anna Bligh did not read a single submission to the 2021-2022 Regional Banking Taskforce she was a member of. This astonishing disclosure came out under questioning during a hearing of the Senate inquiry into regional bank closures ... CBA's Matt Comyn was the first to come before the senators and except for dropping the information that CBA will be making its Bankwest brand an entirely digital service he might have snuck through without a mention here.
Varroa reveals need for biosecurity boost: NSW Farmers
NSW Farmers says the federal government must force importers to pay for the biosecurity threats they create. The calls came after authorities admitted defeat on eradicating Varroa mite after more than a year of fighting the invasive pest.
The Buloke Times Editorial: Greenwashing
Recently, this column wrote of the misuse of words in relation to wind and solar "farms". The latest criticism relates to greenwashing products of, inter alia, the agricultural sector. The Senate Standing Committee on Environment & Communications has decided to have an inquiry into "greenwashing", by which is meant claims made by companies on the environmental benefits of their products; the impact of these claims on consumers; regulatory examples; advertising standards; and legislative options to protect consumers.
Would Labor treat Middle Kingdom like they treat the Middle East?
Am I missing something or does this Federal Labor government have a problem with the Middle East? ... The government’s decision to reject extra Qatar Airways flights into Australia gives us a hint of what they are thinking ... Similar to live exports, the Government can give no coherent reason as to what makes up this social licence ...
Flying thoughts on air freight
At the bottom of all those outgoing planes is spare cargo space or what they call belly cargo which we can fill with rock lobster going to China and chilled lamb and beef going to the Middle East ... If the government is banking on boxed sheep meat replacing live exports, then its decision on Qatar is a step backwards.
Varroa mite decision requires response: NFF
The National Farmers' Federation Horticulture Council is calling on the Albanese Government to respond to the decision to stop the Varroa Mite eradication effort with a clear commitment to conclude its review of the legality of levying containerised cargo under international law before the end of the year. Council Chair Jolyon Burnett said ... it is abundantly clear more support for the biosecurity system will be required.
MP criticizes reforms
Member of Barker Tony Pasin has warned that the Labor government’s Aboriginal Heritage Reforms could undermine private property rights in the region. Mr Pasin claimed the reforms would force property owners to undergo expensive mandatory cultural surveys for basic activities such as mending fences or planting trees.
Haines slams housing call
Independent Federal Member for Indi Helen Haines has criticised the Labor government and the Coalition, after the major parties voted down her amendments to the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) Bill moved by Senator David Pocock in the Senate on Dr Haines’ behalf last on Wednesday. “The housing crisis is the biggest issue facing regional Australia yet it is a complete blind spot for this government,” Dr Haines said.
New CSIRO handbook to guide businesses towards nature positive future: CSIRO
A new handbook released by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, will guide businesses – including farmers, forest growers, mining companies and non-governmental organisations – on how to report and account for their natural assets to better protect our environment. Much of the value and growth from our economy is drawn from natural resources as a variety of industries depend on, and profit, from them.
Important update on Varroa destructor: Melons Australia
The National Management Group (NMG), of which Melons Australia represents industry on, confirmed at its meeting on 19 September 2023 that eradication of Varroa destructor (varroa mite) is no longer feasible based on technical grounds, following advice from the Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests (CCEPP). The response will now enter a transition to management phase.
Murray–Darling Basin Authority communique, September 2023
Prior to the Authority meeting, members had a very constructive visit to the Upper Murrumbidgee and were briefed on issues affecting the river ... The Authority also met with the First Nations Leadership Group who had travelled from Country to meet in Canberra. There was a constructive discussion on how to establish long-term productive relationships.
New legislation strengthens water management in Queensland: Butcher
The Water Legislation Amendment Bill delivers on a key commitment by the government to strengthen water measurement in Queensland to improve management of the state’s precious water sources ... New arrangements will help Queensland meet its Murray-Darling Basin commitments, including through telemetry and better measurement of overland flows.
Acting on the Murray-Darling Basin Royal Commission 2019: Close
The Malinauskas Government releases its response to the Murray-Darling Basin Royal Commission 2019 that will guide action on all 44 recommendations, a key election commitment. The response sets out the government’s expectations, policy positions and proposed actions, focusing on four key objectives...
Farmers welcome new powerline inquiry: NSW Farmers
The state’s peak farming body has welcomed a new Parliamentary Committee to re-examine underground transmission lines following strong community outrage. A recent government-dominated review into undergrounding high-voltage transmission lines ignored community concerns and strong opposition from the farming sector, recommending enormous above-ground towers and powerlines...
History etched on coin
Have you ever imagined carrying two big things in your pocket—a giant lobster and a fossil cave? Well, you can definitely do that now. Two of Southeast’s most iconic moneymakers—Kingston’s Larry the Lobster and Naracoorte’s Fossil Mammal Reserves—are officially in mint condition, having received a unique new honour last week.
Farmers call out misinformation on Basin Bill: NFF
Farming groups have come together in Canberra to call out the misinformation peddled in Parliament this week regarding the Government’s rewrite of the Murray Darling Basin Plan. National Farmers’ Federation Chief Executive Tony Mahar said the fact the Government felt the need to stretch the truth just revealed how flawed the proposal is.
Bill will kickstart housing supply
Independent Federal Member for Indi, Helen Haines, introduced a Bill to Parliament this week to increase the amount of government housing funding that will go to regional Australia. The Unlocking Regional Housing Bill specifically addresses the housing crisis in regional, rural and remote Australia, by making funding easier to access and requiring the Minister to look at action so that at least 30 per cent of funding to go to regional, rural and remote Australia.
The Big Banana is on a gold coin
In July 2022, The Big Banana received an email from the Royal Australian Mint about exploring the unique opportunity for The Big Banana to be featured on an Australian legal tender coin as part of a collection of ten coins celebrating iconic ‘big’ monuments across Australia. The collection was planned to be made available as part of a nationwide collectable coin program, providing the Australian public with access to these coins through their change.
