Victorian power bills hit by $257m land tax hike
The State Government’s $257m tax raid on Victorian energy bill payers was raised in a recent adjournment debate in Parliament. Member for Western Victoria Bev McArthur revealed that AusNet’s land tax bill last year soared to $257m – money which goes straight to the state coffers, but is paid for directly by electricity consumers. The staggering increase has so far gone largely unremarked, as it is not directly a new tax...
CRC for developing Northern Australia Annual Report 2023-24 released
It was another epic year with our research partners. Together we’re helping to de-risk development in the north for a more sustainable and inclusive future. Check out this vibrant update on CRCNA research, development and extension activities from the financial year 2023-24.
Variation in vegetation creating drought solutions: DAFF
Tens of thousands of Australian farmers have shown adaptability and sustainability this National Agriculture Day by taking part in programs under the Future Drought Fund (FDF) that are helping stock, pasture and native wildlife … provides an opportunity to celebrate the efforts of farmers like Cindy and Steven Scott from the NSW Riverina, who are looking at new ways to manage drought...
Newstead’s post office: How a community can help secure its future
Kerry Cain. For rural communities across Australia, local post offices play an invaluable role, providing essential services that go beyond just sending mail ... Newstead’s post office shares its space with a local pharmacy and support for the pharmacy directly benefits the post office. Revenue from the pharmacy helps offset operational costs, ensuring both services remain available to the community.
Council election results declared
Results for the 2024 local government election were declared by the election manger for Mount Alexander Shire Kelvin Tory ... at the Council Chamber in Castlemaine. A small gathering of supporters and constituents joined key council officers, as each of the successful candidates gave a short speech.
Right to repair announcement welcome news: GrainGrowers
GrainGrowers has welcomed Treasurer Chalmer’s announcement ... that as part of a broader $900 million package to cut red tape, there will be a specific focus on consumer right to repair. “When agricultural machinery breaks down, it’s more than an inconvenience – it’s a significant financial loss for growers,” said GrainGrowers CEO Shona Gawel.
NFF welcomes right to repair push, but calls for commitment for ag machinery
The National Farmers’ Federation welcomes Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ renewed emphasis on right to repair … but urged the Federal Government to commit to including agricultural machinery in proposed reforms ... the organisation was committed to a scenario where manufacturers and farmers could work constructively on a right to repair framework for farm machinery.
Little movement at the station
Little movement at the station Local Member for Groom Garth Hamilton is deeply concerned with the progress of the Toowoomba to Brisbane Passenger Rail business case project … "It is damning that after nearly two and a half years, we still cannot confirm whether the Minister has been briefed on such an important report and that the full report has not been released."
Big honour for local member
Condamine MP Pat Weir has been appointed by new Premier David Crisafulli as the Speaker in the 58th Parliament of Queensland. Mr Weir will replace outgoing speaker Curtis Pitt, the Member for Mulgrave, who has retired from politics. Mr Weir will be the first Speaker from a rural Darling Downs electorate since Sir Alan Fletcher…
‘We should never forget’ plea at Remembrance Day
Sean Cunningham. The loss of Australian lives from all wars and conflicts was commemorated by locals ... during a Remembrance Day service at the Narrandera Memorial Gardens ... On the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month, people gathered not only in Narrandera, but around the Riverina and Australia-wide, to pause to remember those who have fought and died in conflicts around the globe so we can enjoy the lives we have today.
Opinion – We must pursue our duty to veterans: Haines
Helen Haines. The decision to serve your country is a momentous one. Whether in peacetime or in war, our servicemen and servicewomen put the safety, security and prosperity of our nation before their own. Whether you serve on the frontlines or not, defence service is dangerous. The wounds go far beyond the physical and we now know the significant mental toll our veterans and their families face.
New report highlights the key to Australia’s clean energy future is reliant on large-scale electricity storage: Monash University
The storage imperative: Powering Australia’s clean energy transition is authored by Associate Professor Guillaume Roger from Monash University’s Faculty of Business and Economics. His analysis shows that how we trade electricity today, and the financial instruments that support such trade, are inadequate to deal with intermittent energy and storage.
Gannawarra votes in wardless election
Gannawarra Shire Council residents have spoken, with a new group of councillors being elected in the municipality’s first wardless election. Three of the seven council positions will be made up of fresh faces for the 2024-2028 councillor term. Of the 8,353 residents enrolled to vote, 6,797 formal votes were cast and 233 informal (3.31 per cent). Winning her position with a commanding 1,874 first preference votes (27.57 per cent), Lisa Farrant said she was excited for the term ahead.
Council secures renewable electricity supply power purchase agreement
Narrandera Shire Council has secured a renewable electricity supply agreement with Iberdrola Australia through to the end of 2030 as part of a buyer’s group facilitating a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for 13 regional councils in New South Wales. The agreement secures the supply of over 390-gigawatt hours of electricity to 163 large council sites and streetlighting across regional NSW...
Albo and the Ministry of Truth
“It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen,” wrote George Orwell in the dystopian classic 1984. We, on the other hand, had a temperate day in November, and the masses appeared more worried about the outcome of the US election than an authoritarian coup by the Albanese Government ... Would you consider it wise to enshrine a profession famous for lying as the sole arbiter of truth?
Global carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuels continue to increase: CSIRO
Global carbon dioxide (COâ‚‚) emissions from fossil fuels have reached a record high in 2024 but total emissions from fossil fuel and land use changes over the last decade have stabilised, according to the Global Carbon Budget ... The report is produced by leading research international organisations, including CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency, as part of the Global Carbon Project.
A walk in the park? Not anymore—cutbacks leave Victoria’s parks in peril: McArthur
Mrs McArthur highlighted the severe impact of these changes, pointing out that “Victoria’s parks, like everything else beyond the tram tracks, are a low priority. Even when the government had money, Parks Victoria was not a priority” … in the past three years, the area treated for invasive species and pest control has fallen by 33 per cent.
Gerard wants accountability
Hugh Schuitemaker. A senior member of the Gerard community says accountability for ongoing poor management of the area is needed to improve living conditions for its residents. Berri man Tyson Lindsay has raised concerns surrounding continued mismanagement of the Gerard Community Council and the resulting impact on community members.
We will remember them
Cenotaphs and memorials across the Clarence Valley were decked with wreaths and flowers as the community stopped to remember the end of hostilities of the ‘war to end all wars’ on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
Watarrka National Park added to National Heritage List: Plibersek, McCarthy, Scrymgour
The Albanese Labor Government has placed Watarrka National Park in the Northern Territory on the National Heritage List in recognition of the site’s outstanding heritage value to Australia ... The site has been recognised for its remarkable living cultural landscape which is a physical manifestation of the Tjukurrpa and is protected by the songs, ceremonies, and culture of Anangu ngurraritja.
Ley rejects Neo-Nazis
Member for Farrer Sussan Ley has slammed members of the National Socialist Network in parliament recently ... In October, up to 50 Neo-Nazis dressed in black, with their faces covered, converged at Corowa in NSW, as part of an organised white supremacist rally. Ms Ley condemned the men who took part ... "Corowa rebuked the mob, demanding they leave town immediately.
Murrumbidgee Council says no action on alleged Gundaline fuel spill
Murrumbidgee Council has released a report following investigations into an alleged fuel spill at Gundaline Station, east of Hay. In the report, Council’s Director of Planning and Infrastructure Garry Stoll advised no action would be taken. Mr Stoll cites the extended time frame of the alleged incident to the report, the anonymous nature of the allegations and the lack of evidence at the site when inspected in May 2024.
