Lockdown #5
Kirstin Nicholson. The negative effects of lockdown are widespread with people and organisations having to cancel events, celebrations, travel and appointments ... “It is a concern both financially and mentally. This is what happens, it’s not just the financial side of things, it’s the mental strain on our staff and on ourselves. Every time you stop, you lose your momentum; you lose your drive. "
Sheep and Wool Show a “no–go”
Kendall Jennings. The annual Australian Sheep and Wool Show (ASWS) that was to be held in Bendigo was cancelled on the eve of the competition last Thursday due to the Victorian snap five-day lockdown. The largest event of its type in the world, stallholders, visitors and organisers were forced into turmoil refunding tickets, returning stock, cancelling accommodation and throwing out food produced for the event. Organisers appealed to the Victorian State Government to allow the event to run without crowds; however, that attempt was rejected.
People power saves park
Chris Oldfield. Hailed as “a win for the people”, deputy premier and local government minister Vickie Chapman has refused the Naracoorte Lucindale Council permission to change the community land status of the Janz St parkland. Without Ms Chapman’s permission for a change of status, the council cannot sell the parkland. Last April a 5-4 vote enabled council to seek ministerial permission and sell the park. Retired senior research scientist Mick Deland – who led a petition against the sale with his son Brian – has praised Ms Chapman, Member for MacKillop Nick McBride and their ofï¬ce staff.
Minister silent as doctors pull out of negotiations
Chris Oldfield. The SA Government can spend up to 10 times more on each locum it employs in the Naracoorte Hospital than it pays a local GP for the same 24-hour shift. Around the State it does the same, spending hundreds of thousands of taxpayers’ dollars on locums and fly in fly out doctors rather than finalising contracts which enable local GPs to work at their home town country hospitals.
Queensland Government acquires Martha’s Farm for eco-parklands
The Queensland Government will forcibly acquire Martha’s Farm on the southern Gold Coast, after talks broke down with the current landowners. Also known as Martha’s Vineyard, the government plans to transform it into one of the largest eco-parklands in Australia ... The acquisition continues the trend of state governments acquiring land for nature reserves.
Spinifex Spree, 23-24 July 2021
A variety of performers, entertainers and attractions from all across WA will be featured at this year's event, including Freestyle Motocross FMX Demos, Live Music from Fieldsy, Oompah! and a range of local artists, as well as roving performers coming up from Perth
The Scenic Rim to host the rowing and canoeing events at the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games
The Scenic Rim will shine on the global sporting stage when it hosts the rowing and canoeing events at the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games ... Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen: "In 11 years we will have the world's best rowers and canoeists paddling here at Lake Wyaralong, cementing their place in history and making dreams come true."
Hervey Bay Whale Festival, 29 July – 8 August 2021
There is no other place in the world that compares to the awe-inspiring, soul-stirring, up-close whale watching encounters that you will find in Hervey Bay. Between July and November, thousands of humpback whales travel the ‘humpback highway’ and arrive in the calm, protected waters of Hervey Bay.
Chinchilla Weir is now even more welcoming!
Western Downs Regional Council has revitalised the Chinchilla Weir as part of its COVID-19 Recovery Package, stimulating the economy and boosting the region's great liveability. Chinchilla Weir is a longstanding recreational spot which is popular among local residents and travellers alike.
Call for border communities to become Victorian ‘green zones’
Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain, has called on the Victorian government to carefully consider the livelihoods of people living in border communities when making travel permit decisions.
WA joins Zero Carbon Certification Scheme for hydrogen
The McGowan Government has become a founding member of the Smart Energy Council's Zero Carbon Certification Scheme to boost the State's fledgling renewable hydrogen industry. The industry-led Guarantee of Origin style scheme aims to accelerate the development and deployment of renewable hydrogen, green ammonia and green metals, such as green steel and green zinc, in Australia and around the world.
Boabs branding binds ties
Eye catching Boabs are a unique feature of our Kimberley backyard, and are now part of the branding of both the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley (SDWK) and RAAF Base Curtin.
Council to take over Jondaryan Woolshed operations
Operations of the Jondaryan Woolshed will transition to Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) following a decision at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 20 July.
Landholder certainty vapourised with gas plan
NSW Farmers is extremely disappointed with the NSW Government’s decision to identify the Liverpool Plains as appropriate for gas exploration.
NSW Government Future of Gas Statement delivers clarity on PELs and land use
The NSW Government has today released its Future of Gas Statement, outlining plans for the gas industry in NSW, while ruling out gas production under the majority of Petroleum Exploration Licences (zombie PELs), with the exception of those which support the future of the Narrabri Gas Project.
‘Birrigan Iluka Beach’ subdivision development to start soon
Geoff Helisma. Birrigan Gargle Local Aboriginal Land Council say the Birrigan Iluka Beach’ subdivision is another step towards achieving the land council’s ‘vision’, “to empower our members to become socially and economically self-sufficient through improved health, housing, education programs and employment opportunities”.
Welcome support for CQ defence industry hub
Rockhampton Regional Council and Livingstone Shire Council have welcomed the State Government’s support for Central Queensland to become a bigger hub for the Defence Industry. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced last week that lease arrangements had been secured at Shoalwater Bay which would allow for 14,000 Singapore Armed Forces personnel to train between there and Townsville.
Barramundi stocking passes one million at Lake Kununurra
The barramundi is Australia's most recognisable estuarine sportsfish, with many recreational fishers travelling to northern Western Australia to try to catch one. Local recreational fishing and indigenous communities have long pressed for the restocking of barramundi into their natural range within Lake Kununurra, and eight years ago their dream became a reality when the first fingerlings were released.
Alice Springs Street Art Festival set to colour the town, 23 July – 8 August
The streets of Alice Springs will be transformed into an alfresco art gallery when the Alice Springs Street Art Festival (ASSAF) takes place from 23 July to 8 August 2021. The festival will see four of Australia’s top street artists Kaff-eine (Vic), Gus Eagleton (Qld), Brontë Naylor (Qld) and Miss Polly (Darwin) team up with local creatives Tamara Cornthwaite, Karine Tremblay, Mark Circus and Kim Donald to paint six new murals across the CBD.
Eye spy for China as Sabre hits Cape
“Defence intends to utilise RAAF Base Scherger during Exercise Talisman Sabre 21 as the facility provides an important opportunity for the practice of rapid airbase activation and subsequent flying operations from the Royal Australian Air Force’s northern austere bare base and strategic outpost,” a Defence spokesperson told Cape York Weekly.
We were forgotten: BEL boss says community left out of agreement
A staff shortage in Bamaga has led to criticism of a policy change that snubbed NPA from employing overseas workers. Companies in Weipa, Cooktown and Thursday Island can employ Australian-based overseas workers in hospitality jobs, but businesses in Bamaga cannot ... “There is now a very small and limited pool of skilled labour, especially in the hospitality industry where chefs and food and beverage professionals are as scarce as hen’s teeth," says Chris Foord, Bamaga Enterprises GM.
Biosecurity alert – Harrisia Cactus
Harrisia Cactus, an invasive cactus species, has been confirmed by the Queensland Herbarium as being present in the Glan Devon district of Nanango. Council’s Pest Management contractors made the discovery during routine weed surveillance on a property recently.
