Petition against mandatory vaccination
Member for Mallee, Anne Webster, this week has released a petition calling for the reversal of the vaccine mandate. “Mr Andrews has crossed an important line. Where the Victorian government should be encouraging vaccinations, he has begun coercing the public with an economic exclusion notice. “The premier needs to explain how this mandate is proportionate to the risk of COVID-19, especially given the pace of the voluntary roll-out in Victoria. One of the founding principles of our democracy is the freedom to choose. Although, some laws limit our right to choose, this is done based on risk, necessity and proportionality."
Tania Maxwell votes to support timber industry
Tania Maxwell MP has opposed legislation that would adversely affect the timber industry in Northern Victoria. The Forests Legislation Amendment (Compliance and Enforcement) Bill 2019 will increase opportunities for prosecution against VicForests contractors in a move Ms Maxwell said was unnecessary and excessive.
Bushfires and logging debate: Tasmanian Government statement
The Tasmanian Government is continually monitoring new scientific research to ensure the way we regulate forestry is contemporary and consistent with best practice. The Government takes bushfire management and mitigation incredibly seriously and is taking a number of important steps to manage future risk and keep our communities safe. The Government’s position, that actively managing our forests can markedly reduce fuel loads, is supported by a significant number of scientific publications.
Grass fires a concern this bush fire season
Grass and crop fires are the greatest concern for the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS), with the official bushfire season across NSW underway. After spending two months assisting with wildfires burning in the northern hemisphere, the 737 Large Air Tanker (LAT), ‘Marie Bashir’, has returned to NSW, and will be ready to assist firefighters to save lives and properties here, as part of the RFS aerial fleet.
Driving the future of car manufacturing in Geelong
The $13 million Next Generation Simulator project at Waurn Ponds will allow students, researchers and industry to do cost-effective prototype testing, engineering and commercial product design of driver and driverless cars.
Orange-bellied Parrots start to return for the breeding season
The Tasmanian Government welcomes the first sightings of Orange-bellied Parrots as they return to Tasmania for the breeding season, following the record-breaking success of last year’s breeding season. Four Orange-bellied Parrots marked to return to Tasmania for the breeding season have been sighted in the past week.
Deal done to get timber off Kangaroo Island
Up to 60,000 tonnes of softwood logs will start to be shipped off Kangaroo Island to support South Australia’s forestry sector and booming housing construction industry, with applications to the Construction Softwood Transport Assistance Program (CSTAP) now open. The CSTAP is jointly funded by the Morrison Coalition Government and Marshall Liberal Government and provides assistance to freight bushfire-affected softwood logs salvaged from Kangaroo Island to the South Australian mainland and then to sawmills with immediate capacity to process structural timber.
Patient’s express anger at Iluka doctor’s suspension
Geoff Helisma. Many people have reacted angrily to the news that the Medical Council of NSW has temporarily suspended the registration of Iluka doctor David Alan Richards (Iluka Wellness Centre) following a decision by a Council s.150 (immediate action) panel ... “Sad day for Iluka,” one person posted. “We miss you Doc. It was so good to go to a doctor that was brave and honest and truly believed in the Hippocratic Oath ... “There is conclusive evidence (sighted on Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency documents) that AHPRA has silenced health practitioners from raising concerns about the Covid-19 vaccine ...": Petition EN3375.
Government introduces population growth factor to raise infrastructure funds for growing councils and communities
Shelly Hancock, NSW Minister for Local Government, announces that the NSW government will introduce a population growth factor in the annual rate peg from July 2022 to raise additional revenue for councils to fund key infrastructure in growing communities.
Gateway to growth – Lakeland is Cape’s next boom town
Considered the Gateway to the Cape, the farming community of Lakeland is shaping as the gateway to growth in Cook Shire. Already the agricultural capital of the region, Lakeland’s potential to develop into a bustling township is being seriously considered by the council.
Djaara Lights to transform city centre
Bendigo’s Telstra Exchange building and neighbouring Bendigo Creek will be transformed in early November with the spectacular night time display Djaara Lights, featuring neon artworks, street art and digital experiences telling stories from Dja Dja Wurrung People.
Tasmanian timber and functional art collide at London Craft Week
Tasmanian fine timber reclaimed from the depths of Lake Pieman and crafted into artistic furniture by London-based Tasmanian designer Brodie Neill, will be on display to around 115,000 people at London Craft Week.
Cleaner, reliable and affordable secure energy system by 2030
As part of the transition to affordable, reliable, cleaner and secure energy, the Territory Labor Government has released the Darwin-Katherine Electricity System Plan. The System Plan provides a comprehensive and credible pathway to generate 50% renewable energy by 2030 in the Darwin-Katherine Electricity System - cutting emissions in half.
Registrations open for the 2021 National Biosecurity Forum
Registrations are now open for the 2021 National Biosecurity Forum being held virtually on 10-11 November. Head of Biosecurity, Andrew Tongue said this year’s forum would focus on the future, including the national biosecurity strategy, shared responsibility and partnerships and preparedness.
International recognition for Tweed River management
Tweed Shire Council has been recognised as one of three top leaders in global river management at the prestigious 21st Thiess International Riverprize for its work on the Tweed River ... Council has been working with a broad range of partners for more than 30 years on projects to increase the health of the Tweed River, following a series of devastating fish kills in the late 1980s.
Regional Water Alliance, Qld Minister for Water discuss future water supply options
The Southern Queensland Inland and New South Wales Border Regional Water Alliance (SQINB-RWA) has committed to advancing negotiations around planning for the area’s long-term water security ... “Cooperation between the three levels of government will be a key feature of finding solutions and identifying new water sources": Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio.
Wild horse draft plan for Kosciuszko National Park
The draft plan for the management of wild horses in Kosciuszko National Park has been released for public comment. Environment Minister Matt Kean said the draft plan strikes the right balance between protecting the fragile alpine ecosystems and recognising the cultural heritage values of the wild horses ... The draft plan is open for public comment until Tuesday, 2 November 2021.
Reel in the million dollar fish and turn your catch into cash
Hooking a barra in the Territory is about to make some lucky fishos a lot richer as Season 7 of Million Dollar Fish has officially opened.
More local manufacturing being returned to WA
The McGowan Labor Government has welcomed Rio Tinto's commitment to use local suppliers to build iron ore railcars for its Pilbara mining operations. Rio Tinto's announcement includes a commitment to the initial purchase of 50 iron ore railcars, followed by an ongoing commitment of 10 ore cars a year for at least the following five years.
Fabricated myths and politics are causing the mismanagement of water in the Murray-Darling Basin
Robert Onfray. Before I started our travels, I recall hearing and reading stories about the parlous state of the Murray River and its basin. These calls are always louder when there is a drought. On our trip, I have spent a lot of time on the Murray, the Lachlan and Edward Rivers, as well as the Murrumbidgee Irrigation area. We also stopped at Wentworth to observe the mouth of the Darling into the Murray River.
History made as Ag Worker Visa created
The Australian Government has amended the Migration Regulations to create the Australian Agriculture Worker Visa (Ag Visa) to provide for a vital agriculture visa to help secure the future of rural and regional Australia ... “The Ag Visa will be the biggest structural change to agricultural workforce in our nation’s history. The visa will also be available to the fisheries, forestry and agricultural processing sectors and will target seasonal workers, skilled and semiskilled workers“: Minister for Agriculture and Northern Australia, David Littleproud.
Young Archie 2021 exhibition now open
A collection of portraits by some of Wellington Shire’s budding young artists is now on display in the Young Archie 2021 exhibition at Gippsland Art Gallery in Sale.
