Castlemaine-Maryborough Rail Trail Project: feasibility study launch
It was a chilly start to the day at Joyces Creek last Thursday morning as a group comprising Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards, Ripon MP Martha Haylett, members of the Rail Trail group and representatives of both Mount Alexander and Central Goldfields shire councils met. The still water and shady trees, with the rail bridge towering overhead, lent a special atmosphere to the launch.
The Buloke Times editorial: Beef industry progress on emissions
Last year, we reported on the US-inspired, non-binding "Methane Pledge", which Australia had joined at the urging of Minister Chris Bowen, who described it as "an aspirational global target for countries to reduce global emissions". New Zealand took it to the extreme of imposing what became known as a "fart tax" on farm animals that cause methane emissions.
Youth Centre officially in hands of Council
Remote Concrete NT officially handed over the keys to the Tennant Creek Youth Centre to Barkly Regional Council this week. Remote Concrete NT’s Managing Director Jared Baldwin met with Acting Mayor Russell O’Donnell met at the site for the celebratory occasion on Wednesday.
Country concerns ignored in power tower push: NSW Farmers
NSW Farmers has accused the state government of ignoring the concerns of regional communities, with the Premier reportedly vowing to build enormous overhead powerlines across the state. Media reports on Thursday revealed the Premier told a Business Sydney event that overhead powerlines were the only option...
Devastating scale of water buybacks revealed while critical questions go unanswered: NFF
The Federal Government has inadvertently revealed that damaging water buybacks will make up at least a third of water recovery under its revised Murray Darling Basin Plan, at a starting price exceeding $3 billion … “The Minister has said last week the current 1500GL cap on buybacks will be lifted': National Farmers' Federation Water Committee Chair, Malcolm Holm.
Take buybacks off the table – MRSG
A leading community and farming representative group in the NSW Murray is calling on the Albanese Government to "take water buybacks off the table". It comes after Water Minister Tanya Plibersek announced buybacks would be used to recover water, including an additional 450 gigalitres which was not part of original Murray-Darling Basin Plan recovery targets ... MRSG chair, Geoff Moar, described news of the buybacks as a "dagger in the heart" of rural communities, especially after constant government promises that they would only be considered if there were no negative social and economic consequences.
Farmers call for wild dog plan extension
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is urging the Victorian government to renew the highly successful Wild Dog Management Plan that has seen an enormous drop in wild dog attacks on livestock since launching in 2012.
Ocean Beach to close next year for club redevelopment
Patricia Gill. Ocean Beach will close in February for a sea wall and surf club redevelopment which is estimated to take two years to complete. The closure will coincide with the natural closure of the Wilson Inlet sand bar and the subsequent settling of ocean currents at the beach ... Work would initially start with the demolition of the patrol room and kiosk so the new sea wall could be constructed.
Golden wattle blitz on again
The Shire of Denmark will blitz Sydney golden wattle for a third consecutive year in an effort to eradicate the invasive weed in the shire. Over winter, Shire officers have mapped reported sightings of Sydney golden wattle and Tasmanian blackwood with a long-term aim to control the weeds.
Hotter, dryer summers bad news for farmers
The latest Federal Intergenerational Report suggests crop yields could be up to 4 per cent lower by 2063. Reduced yields are expected due to increased frequency and severity of extreme weather, including droughts, as well as most crops producing less in higher temperatures.
Forester Frank, science and French folly: David Jefford Ward
Although my qualifications lie in other fields, I know Frank Batini as a modest, well mannered, well qualified, and experienced forester. His recent article about his past work on water supply from Wungong Dam, near Perth, has raised concerns with me about the management of water supplies in Western Australia ... Instead of following scientific advice, they seem to have switched their beliefs to the thinking of other kinds of experts, without any qualifications in forestry, fire, or hydrology, but expertly politically aware and active.
A woman of culture, a leader who saw and honoured everyone, warmed hearts, lifted spirits
Dr M K Turner OAM, a woman with profound influence in the complex society of Central Australia, and respected and loved by it, was laid to rest in a state funeral ... More than 1000 mourners were at the Old Telegraph Station, Atherreyurre by its Arrernte name, to hear the eulogy presented by family members Jenny Kroker and Janet Turner ...
Join the community challenge and get bushfire ready: Ellis
Communities across Tasmania are being encouraged to complete registrations for the Tasmania Fire Service’s Community Bushfire-Ready Challenge … “The Community Bushfire-Ready Challenge is a 6-week immersive online experience that kicks off on Friday, 1 September”: Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis.
Backflip on Grain Harvest Code a huge win for farmers: Pederick, Centofanti
Following several weeks of uncertainty for South Australian farmers, the CFS has announced that the Grain Harvest Code of Practice will remain unchanged for the 2023-24 harvest season. Shadow Minister for Emergency Services Adrian Pederick declared the move as “a big win for our farmers and grain producers” who can continue using the current Grass Fire Danger Index (GFDI)...
Solutions to country vet shortage: NSW Farmers
The state’s peak farm group has laid out a plan for government to resolve an acute shortage of large animal veterinarians in country NSW. NSW Farmers has given evidence to the Inquiry into the Veterinary Workforce Shortage … putting forward three solutions being used internationally.
Community logging on to support timber industry
More than 2200 submissions were presented to Clarence Valley Council (CVC) Mayor Ian Tiley by General Manager of Marshall Notaras Hardwoods and Vice President of Timber NSW Donna Layton on August 28 as a formal response, rejecting a report made at a council meeting two months ago by the Biodiversity Advisory Committee (BAC) which proposes to phase out native logging on public land.
Hang glider inventor honoured
The man credited with inventing the modern hang glider, John Dickenson, was honoured by Clarence Valley Council Mayor Ian Tiley at the August council meeting after he passed away aged 89. In the early 1960s Mr Dickenson and a group of water-skiing enthusiasts were working on a ‘kite’ as a stunt to promote the Grafton Water Ski Club’s Jacaranda Festival carnival.
Clarence River erosion management project a success
Transport for NSW Maritime has completed the Clarence River Erosion Management Project and has succeeded in achieving several successful outcomes for a four-kilometre section of this major waterway. NSW Maritime Executive Director, Mark Hutchings, said the project’s focus was on remediating the river bank and minimising the impact of boating-related erosion while ensuring boating continues on the Clarence.
South Australian Government opposes southern ocean offshore windfarm zone: Close, Scriven
The State Government has recommended South Australia not be included in the Commonwealth’s proposed offshore wind farm zone that runs from Warrnambool in Victoria to Port MacDonnell … State Government has expressed concerns about the potential impact construction of an offshore windfarm in that area could have on South Australia’s southern fisheries and marine environment.
Seed shortage and fire puts Victorian forests at risk of collapse: Forestry Australia
Victoria’s Ash forests are on the brink of ecosystem collapse following a poor flowering season and repeated fire events, warns the State’s leading forest flowering and seeding expert. The issue highlights concerns raised by Forestry Australia, the seed collection services provided by VicForests, may be lost following the native timber sector shutdown in Victoria.
Sawlogs for firewood – Minister Jarvis responds
“Following this historic decision to end native forest logging, the Cook Labor Government committed to an $80 million Native Forest Transition Plan that included industry restructure payments of over $22 million made to 24 individual businesses – including sawmills. For contracted customers who did not receive an Industry Restructure payment, the Forest Products Commission continues to meet all contractual obligations to deliver both firewood and sawlogs up until the end of this year; or until a deed of agreement to receive an Industry Restructure Payment is executed": Jackie Jarvis.
Casual work set to be redefined
Will Hunter. Casual employees who work a regular pattern of hours may soon have the right to request a permanent position sooner in their employment, under proposed federal government reform. The definition of what it means to be a casual employee is set to be redefined to allow eligible workers a stronger pathway to secure permanent employment.
