Protect yourself from Murray Valley encephalitis virus
Mildura Rural City Council’s routine mosquito monitoring program has detected Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) virus in our municipality ... This detection of the virus in Mildura and northern Victoria, marks the first detection in Victoria in more than a decade.
Nuclear energy must be considered: Bev McArthur
Mrs McArthur said Labor’s Federal position on nuclear submarines further changes the energy landscape, with the Liberal Party federally adopting nuclear as a potential energy solution ... “If the Victorian Government really thinks it is Australia’s most progressive jurisdiction – then it should be brave enough and big enough to drop the moratorium and get real about the energy solution staring us in the face,” Mrs McArthur said.
Drone lasers to pinpoint bushfire threats: Cooke
State-of-the-art colourised laser technology has been added to Fire and Rescue NSW’s (FRNSW) fleet of drones, giving firefighters the ability to more accurately identify bushfire threats. Minister for Emergency Services and Resilience Steph Cooke said the Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensors will help firefighters to better manage fuel loads by mapping bushland density.
The invisible hand
Who would have thought that 34 years after the collapse of communism in the USSR and 43 years after the Hawke-Keating government started the process of dismantling Australia’s prices and income regulatory system, that Australia would be back reintroducing a Soviet style price control mechanism that caps gas and coal wholesale prices. Someone has not been reading their economic history. There are no lack of lessons from the past that point to the unintended consequences of governments intervening in markets in an attempt to address short term political problems.
Funding for prescribed burns goes up in smoke as CFS warns of dangerous conditions: Pederick, Speirs
The CFS has warned of hot and windy conditions in coming days as it’s revealed the Malinauskas Labor Government has slashed a million dollars from the crucial prescribed burn budget, putting South Australians at greater risk during bushfire season ... "Funding for bushfire prevention to keep South Australians safe is not where you cut corners because you’re gambling with lives and this is an appalling decision by Peter Malinauskas": Leader of the Opposition David Speirs
Bonza set for takeoff: King
The Australian Government welcomes the entry of a new airline into the Australian market, with Bonza today being granted its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) following a rigorous assessment process. This is a significant milestone for Australian aviation, marking the first new high-capacity entrant into the Australian market since the launch of Tiger Airways over 15 years ago.
Upgrade works at Leslie Dam complete
Part of the Queensland Government's $19 million Southern Downs Drought Resilience program included upgrade works to the intake pump station at Leslie Dam. Water Minister Glenn Butcher said the upgrade work includes replacement of three 55-year-old pumps, pipework and the electrical switchboard.
Indulge your senses at the Moyne Shire Taste Trail
Savour the flavours of the Moyne region and celebrate vineyards, breweries, shop fronts and farm gates on the Moyne Shire Taste Trail. The Taste Trail is a self-drive tour through the rolling greenery of the Moyne Shire, from Macarthur, Port Fairy, Koroit, Killarney, Mortlake, Mepunga and Allansford while sampling food and beverages from the region’s makers, growers and producers.
Communities share renewables insights
Totally Renewable Denmark members attended a workshop last month in Bridgetown for community renewable energy groups from regional and urban WA ... The workshop was the inaugural meeting of CREATE Community Energy, a network of community groups which are driving local energy initiatives.
Call for more fire power
Patricia Gill. Local bushfire management committees will respond to the State Government’s thumbs down to a review of broad-scale burning as a prime method of bushfire prevention. The Shire of Denmark will call on the Bushfire Advisory Committee and the Local Emergency Management Committee to comment on Emergency Services Minister Dawson’s letter of last September ... It follows the Shire writing to Premier Mark McGowan in August asking for a review of the prescribed burning policy and practices to ensure both were effective in protecting lives, property and the environment.
E-scooters trial has some beaming, others boiling
Patricia Gill. Eighty shared e-scooters began operation in Denmark this month to a mixed response about safety concerns. Over the Christmas/New Year holidays residents reported on social media about young people riding the scooters at night and on roads disregarding road rules.
Gone to blazes – BlazeAid to pack up and leave
With a heavy heart, BlazeAid camp coordinator Cindy Lusted announced the group would be packing up and leaving Rappville and the Richmond Valley by January 20 ... “From what I’ve heard, everyone who has had BlazeAid help said their stress has subsided because their fencing has been fixed”: Rappville Commercial Hotel publican Lisa Stewart. “It is imperative BlazeAid stay.”
US right to repair for farm machinery will disadvantage Aussie growers: NFF
The National Farmers’ Federation says an agreement struck in the US allowing farmers the right to repair their own farm equipment will place Aussie farmers at a disadvantage unless similar steps are taken here. The right to repair allows farmers to take their equipment to a dealer of their choice to fix a problem or repair the machine themselves.
Vital link’s ‘missing middle’: NSW Farmers
Farmers are frustrated by a stoush between state and federal governments that is holding up the construction of a vital freight link. On Tuesday Transport Minister Catherine King said the federal government would fund the start and end of the Great Western Highway upgrade, but there was “no money for the middle section” – a tunnel proposed by the state government.
What is happening in the Australian-Ukrainian agricultural market
Trade between Ukraine and Australia is actively developing. The total sales of Australian goods and services are growing faster than Ukrainian ones. Australian farmers are also increasing sales faster than Ukrainian farmers. However, this was not always the case. 2023 may strengthen the position of Ukrainian farmers.
Labor’s soil deception: Littleproud
In a cruel blow to Australian farmers, the Federal Labor Government has confirmed it has axed the $54 million pilot Soil Monitoring Incentives Program (SMIP) because of flooding ... "Labor’s decision to end the SMIP is disgraceful and it reflects their contempt for our farmers and the $85 billion agriculture industry": Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Agriculture, David Littleproud.
Mobile phone microcell consultation summary
Suzie Christensen, LHIB. The Lord Howe Island Board has received a proposal from Telstra to install a mobile phone microcell, funded through the blackspot program. The tower is to be built on crown land, and as such, the Board’s role is to determine whether or not to grant Owner’s Consent ... 90 of the 131 responses (68%) were not in favour.
Naracoorte on the political map
Chris Oldfield. In his capacity as a volunteer, Naracoorte’s Lachlan Haynes was recently elected as the Liberal Party of SA’s second vice-president. As part of that role, he hopes to help guide his political counterparts into Government at the next State election in 2026.
No banks or cash in 10 years says Speirs
Chris Oldfield. There won’t be any banks in Naracoorte or anywhere else in 10 years’ time – not in the country or the city, according to Opposition Leader David Speirs. Mr Speirs said there won't be any cash in 10 years time either ... “There won't be any banks in Naracoorte or anywhere else in 10 years’ time. There are no banks in my electorate,” Mr Speirs said ... “So, let's not allow our progress to be held back by that.”
Mural’s budget blowout query
Chris Oldfield. SA taxpayers, not ratepayers, will fund a 30 per cent budget blow-out for a mural on the back of the new Naracoorte Public Library facing Ormerod St. Cr Peter Ireland said the mural looked “fantastic” but questioned “why” there was a budget blow-out?
Kingston to open its arms to flood impacted visitors
The Kingston District Council has issued a warm welcome to flood impacted visitors and others looking for coastal accommodation during the upcoming school holidays through an extension of its low-cost RV Park. The Park, which will offer up to six (6) nights for just $60 until at least mid-February 2023, is set to use land adjacent the existing area and adjoining Maria Creek, to make way for anticipated visitors who may have otherwise holidayed along the flooding Murray River.
The good, the bad and the ugly of regional banking in 2022
“There is not one bank still open in our local area. How much cash will the supermarket give me? So far I’ve only asked for $100 each fortnight because there are still transactions to be paid in cash. Now for Christmas and gift giving I need much more because after two operations this year I’m not very mobile so cash will be for gifts.” ... Lack of access to a bank or ATM adds a layer of complexity to this time of year that our politicians just don’t seem to be able to fathom.
