Port builds North Queensland’s hydrogen future
Minister for Resources and Member for Townsville Scott Stewart said the Port of Townsville was a key piece of infrastructure when it comes to developing hydrogen exports. “Sun Metals is one of Townsville’s most innovative businesses and it’s exciting to have their sister company, Ark Energy, plan to export renewable hydrogen to South Korea from Queensland’s publicly-owned port,” Mr Stewart said.
Hume Dam water releases increase to create airspace and reduce future flood impacts
The Murray-Darling Basin Authority has increased daily releases from Hume Dam to 31GL to manage airspace. The flow rate will keep Murray River levels similar to what they have been in the past few days – a little above channel capacity but well below minor flood level at Albury. The release rate is likely to change in response to changing conditions in the catchment.
Lismore’s first Electric Vehicle charging station
Lismore City Council recently accepted a tender to design and construct a $600,000 ‘Solar Carpark’ in the Council-owned Clyde Campbell carpark. The infrastructure includes the installation an architectural ‘butterfly-shaped’ awning, clad with photo-voltaic solar panels and covering 40 carparks. It also includes the installation of two EV fast chargers, making them Lismore’s first.
It’s the pub with cheap beer
Claire Rankin. Coraki Hotel publican Ron Macdonald has been forced to sell his tap beer as takeaway because of the lockdown ... Lockdowns both this year and last have forced Mr Macdonald to sell his tap beer at a cut price, because brewers reject opened kegs.
Learning to learn online in lockdown
Emma Pritchard. Sitting dutifully at his computer with a copy of his study guide in his hand, Duncan Gray focuses intently on his work ... When asked how he is adjusting to learning from home, Duncan said one of the biggest challenges he is experiencing is waiting for a response from some of his teachers after he asks a question. Sometimes, he has to wait until the next class before he receives a reply.
Book yourself a visit to the Book Warehouse
Emma Pritchard. Her sign says it all ... As the state-wide lockdown continues, Jess Wood, Manager of The Book Warehouse in Grafton, says she has seen an increase in the number of people purchasing books as the community searches for refreshing ways to keep their minds happily occupied during these challenging times.
Emissions Reduction Fund delivers 100 million carbon credits
Minister for Energy and Emissions Reduction Angus Taylor said the 100 millionth ACCU (Australian Carbon Credit Unit) has been issued for the Wilinggin Fire Project, which manages savanna burning in Western Australia’s Kimberley region and is managed by the Ngarinyin people. “The Wilinggin Fire Project is supported and led by the local Indigenous community, and one which returns substantial environmental and economic benefits,” Minister Taylor said ... Savanna fire management projects apply strategic early dry season burning with the aim of reducing the frequency and extent of late dry season fires. This results in fewer greenhouse gas emissions ... ACCUs from savanna fire projects command a premium in the private market.
Black day for black jewfish black marketeer
A charter boat skipper has been hit with more than $33,000 in fines and costs after being found guilty in the Mackay Magistrates Court of two charges, including a major black marketing offence.
Big fine for illegal mangrove clearing
A Maryborough man has been fined $25,000 in the Maryborough Magistrates Court after pleading guilty to destroying marine plants and conducting unauthorised works in a declared Fish Habitat Area at Kalah Creek.
Aboriginal Fire Rangers commence new burning program
In a significant step toward joint land management between the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service (PWS) and Tasmanian Aboriginal people, PWS Aboriginal Fire Rangers employees have completed their first cultural burn at Dempster Plains on the West Coast.
NSW One Nation supports religious groups’ Federal Court challenge of lockdown laws
Mark Latham. NSW One Nation supports people fighting for their rights through the Australian legal system during this time of massive government failure in our State. We have record mental health cases, youth self-harm, businesses collapsing, and people losing their jobs and being isolated socially. The NSW Lockdown has failed in every respect. This is why we support the court challenge by NSW religious bodies to return to religious practice in a Covid safe and responsible way.
Queensland achieves nation-leading recognition of Torres Strait Islander traditional child rearing practice
Queensland has marked the historic milestone of the opening of applications to recognise Torres Strait Islander traditional child rearing practice under new law that translates as “for our children’s children’’. It follows more than 30 years of advocacy by Kupai Omasker Elders to allow Torres Strait Islanders raised by extended family to transfer their legal identity from birth parents to cultural parents.
Seasonal worker agreement extended with Victoria
The Tasmanian Liberal Government has agreed to continue its landmark quarantine arrangement with Victoria which sees Tasmania quarantine seasonal workers from the Pacific Islands, in return for the Victorian Government assuming responsibility for Tasmania’s commitment to assisting Australians returning from overseas.
Japanese equine elite touch down after COVID hiatus
This time of the year is very busy for equine biosecurity officers, as the world’s most valuable shuttle stallions touch down in Australia for the southern hemisphere breeding season ... “This year’s incoming equine elite are worth a combined $500 million, and hail from France, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Germany, USA, Japan and Canada,” PEQ spokesperson Lee Cale said.
Utilising the best noses in biosecurity
Australia’s biosecurity detector dog unit has evolved over many years, with the dogs now being trained to detect specific cargo pests and taking part in trials to screen passengers for COVID-19.
Young people wanted for public art project
Wanted: young people and children living in Greater Bendigo to contribute to a new public art project to be located at Pennyweight Walk in the city centre.
Shark patrols underway as State Budget provides funding certainty
Surf Life Saving WA's (SLSWA) shark mitigation services begin for another season this weekend - with the McGowan Government providing longer term certainty for the program with funding in the State Budget until 2024-25.
Have your say on future of coast jewel: Norries Headland
Council is seeking community input to help shape the future vision and management of Norries Headland at Cabarita Beach on the Tweed Coast.
Have your say on livestock biosecurity in the NT
Biosecurity is everyone’s responsibility and Territorians are being encouraged to join the conversation with the community consultation now open on the Northern Territory’s livestock biosecurity laws.
Artworks that paint pictures of hope and resilience on display at The Centre Beaudesert
A new exhibition that pays tribute to the resilience of the Scenic Rim region following the devastating bushfires that raged across the region during the Black Summer of 2019-2020 has opened at The Centre in Beaudesert.
A voice for our cross-border community
Gabrielle Duykers. After relentlessly advocating on behalf of cross-border residents for more than a year, Apsley farmer Paula Gust is still ï¬ghting for the health and social wellbeing of her community. Mrs Gust, who has a farm straddling the SA/VIC border, began the Cross Border Call Out (CBCO) page in August 2020 ... She said she spends between 20 and 30 hours per week advocating for the cross-border community, taking time away from her own business.
Locals support Afghan community
Gabriell Duykers. Naracoorte locals are opening their doors to members of our Afghan community in a show of solidarity. On August 21, more than 60 locals gathered at the Naracoorte Migrant Resource Centre to extend their support for Afghan migrants living in Naracoorte. Attendees listened to migrants share their struggles and concerns, as many recounted stories from their time living under the previous Taliban rule.
