NFF calls on Government to listen to farmers on Methane Pledge
The National Farmers’ Federation is urging the Federal Government to continue its constructive consultations with agriculture as part of any Global Methane Pledge. As more than 100 countries around the world, including the EU, the US, and Indonesia pledge a 30 per cent global cut in methane emissions by 2030, the spotlight has fallen on Australia to follow suit ... "For agriculture, the best way to reduce emissions further is to arm us with cost-effective technology solutions – not to pursue punitive taxes or regulate farmers out of existence": NFF's Tony Mahar.
Hushed crowd listens
Chris Oldfield. A question and answer forum will be held in the Naracoorte Town Hall ... Candidates in the upcoming council election will be available to answer questions from the audience... This follows a Meet the Candidates forum in the Town Hall last week which attracted 160 people, but the audience was not allowed to ask any question ... “It’s time for change”: Mayoral candidate Patrick Ross.
Another step for rare earths
Chris Oldfield. A Koppamurra Landholder Reference Group (KLRG) has been formed by Australian Rare Earths as it takes another step towards developing a mining lease application ... The aim of the landholder reference group is to share information and seek feedback on the Koppamurra project.
PS Oscar W slipping
The Alexandrina Council owned Paddle Steamer, PS Oscar W, is a major drawcard for locals and tourists to our region and will soon feature in its very own short film series following the amazing slipping and maintenance journey of our Friends of the Oscar W volunteer group. The PS Oscar W has just undergone its biennial slipping and maintenance to inspect and restore the historic paddle steamer and is a fantastic example of regenerative heritage in action.
Nuke study call
A former scientist with the State Electricity Commission, the Latrobe Valley’s Ray Burgess, has scathingly attacked AGL’s plan to close Loy Yang A station by 2035, calling it “fairyland thinking” ... Mr Burgess said if a low carbon society was mandated by the voting public, “then we need to seriously be considering a nuclear future, and quickly”.
Community marches to end family violence
It was a great turnout to the Family Violence March on Wednesday, with local residents, community groups, police and service providers taking part to show their stance against violence in the community. Senator Jacinta Nampijimpa Price and Minister for Prevention of Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence Kate Worden were also in attendance to support the message of NO MORE!
Dowden explores human element of wild dog management: National Wild Dog Action Plan
Managing wild dogs is not easy work with community engagement simply not about the deployment of tools into the landscape by the people whose assets are threatened by incursions. According to Western Australian landholder Debbie Dowden, it requires human action, which means working within the complex dynamics of human nature.
Narrandera patients losing out on cancer treatment costs
The Riverina Cancer Care Centre which opened in 2002 was built using $3million raised by communities including Narrandera yet is now the only facility in NSW leaving patients out of pocket. It was the first regional cancer care centre in NSW and is now the only one that requires patients to pay for their treatment.
Hellyers Road Distillery named Tasmanian exporter of the year: Rockliff
Burnie’s Hellyers Road Distillery has been named 2022 Tasmanian Exporter of the Year at a gala event in Hobart ... Hellyers Road took out the title after being named the Small Business Award category winner earlier in the evening.
Council says ARTC comments regarding Inland Rail route are misleading
Lockyer Valley Regional Council says recent quotes attributed to the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) regarding the proposed Inland Rail route through the Lockyer Valley region are both incomplete and misleading. Lockyer Valley Mayor, Cr Tanya Milligan is calling for transparency from the ARTC, saying it is vital they tell the full story so impacted communities have a realistic understanding of the impacts.
Western Australia remains the national economic powerhouse: McGowan, Johnston
Western Australia's resources sector continues to drive the State and national economies, with record sales of $231 billion and the highest-ever employment figures in 2021-22. This is the fourth financial year in a row the sector has delivered record sales, following $151 billion in 2018-19, $172 billion in 2019-20 and $211 billion in 2020-21.
Joan Cronin recognised for her service to museum
At its Ordinary Meeting Southern Downs Regional Council recognised Joan Cronin for her signiï¬cant contribution and dedication to the region as a volunteer at the Allora Regional Sports Museum ... “Joan is a shining example of an ordinary citizen delivering an extraordinary service to the community and I am pleased to recognise her years of selfless service”: Mayor Pennisi.
Warragamba Dam declared Critical State Significant Infrastructure: Perrottet, Roberts, Anderson
A proposal to raise the Warragamba Dam wall by 14 metres has been declared Critical State Significant Infrastructure (CSSI), as it is deemed essential to NSW for economic and social reasons. Premier Dominic Perrottet said the proposal to raise the Dam wall would save lives, save properties and would help future-proof Western Sydney from flood risks.
Boost for farmers with completion of Murchison cell fence: MacTiernan
Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan has officially opened an expansive cell fence project in the Murchison, which is protecting 53 pastoral properties in the region from wild dogs ... The cell builds off the State Barrier Fence to encompass more than 6.5 million hectares of pastoral land, extending through the Yalgoo, Mount Magnet, Sandstone, Cue and Meekatharra areas.
Russian farmers running out of spare parts
If you think Australian farmers are worried about the availability of spare parts, then spare a thought for Russian farmers who are suffering under the impact of ever tightening sanctions as a direct result of Putin’s invasion of Ukraine ... Open the door to Russian ag mechanics ... Is China a parts risk?
CVC splash $3.8 million on Grafton Olympic Pool while diving for further funding
Emma Pritchard. While the Grafton Olympic Pool will remain closed for the 2022/23 season, Clarence Valley Council (CVC) has approved the commencement of a two-stage selective tender process for the redevelopment of the site, with councillors voting 6-3 at the monthly meeting on September 27 to endorse the proposal ... “This is a major piece of infrastructure for our valley”: Councillor Debrah Novak
Innovative bush fire tech put to the test: Henskens, Cooke
High-tech sensors which can predict and detect fires and clean energy solutions for bush fire-affected communities are among five innovative ideas being piloted under a landmark NSW Government research and development (R&D) program. Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Alister Henskens said the Bushfire Technology Pilots Program, a total of $6 million over four years, will support trials of field-ready bush fire technology developed by NSW businesses.
Working holiday makers return to SA to help fill workforce shortages: Bettison
A tour guide, hotel concierge and bar attendant are among the working holiday makers to secure jobs after jetting Down Under as part of the South Australian Tourism Commission’s ‘ £10 flight’ campaign. Launched in April, the campaign attracted global attention as it offered young travellers in the United Kingdom and Ireland return flights to Adelaide for just £10...
Mayor eyes biosecurity alternatives across Cape
Cook Shire mayor Peter Scott says the closure of the Cape York Biosecurity Centre appears to be a foregone conclusion and plans must start for alternative measures in the region. Cr Scott spoke with officials from the Department of Fisheries and Agriculture on Friday and walked away believing that there was little hope of saving the Coen facility.
Australian Government delivers increased communications network resilience for SES on Lord Howe Island: Rowland and Plibersek
The community of Lord Howe Island is now better prepared for emergencies and natural disasters following the installation of backup NBN Sky Muster satellite services at the Lord Howe Island State Emergency Service unit ... The satellite will mean that services are more resilient during natural disasters.
Labor’s plantation transition plan will not save timber towns: Forest and Wood Communities Australia
The Victorian Labor Government’s promise of jobs with a transition from native forests to plantation forests, announced last week, does not add up, said Forest & Wood Communities Australia (FWCA). As it takes at least 15 years for trees to grow to the minimum harvest age, and the government plans to end native forestry in eight years, timber towns face ruin, with Orbost set to lose 37% of its full-time jobs.

