Resume Parliament and return democracy
The Shooters Fishers and Farmers Party calls for Parliament to resume in September and a return to representative democracy ... "We have a situation where the Premier and her so-called "crisis cabinet" can rule this State through statutory rules like health orders and subordinate legislation like regulations, that are not required to be tabled in Parliament. Representative democracy has been put on hold in a time we need it more than ever" : Leader of SFF Robert Borsak MLC.
Space seeds start extra-terrestrial biosecurity clearance
An extra-terrestrial parcel of Australian Golden wattle seeds has returned safely to earth and is undergoing biosecurity screening following its journey into space.
Viewpoint from “Euralie”, Yass – environment and energy
This week, the Federal Government excused itself from its obligation to reduce our carbon emissions which lead to extreme weather situations. Of course, many other farmers across the nation (as well as householders) have installed solar panels. With our abundant natural resources of sunshine, wind and water, we’ve taken a leaf out of nature’s book and for example, last year, installed solar panels for both sheep properties so that we have an independent supply of power for all our needs.
MDBA starts small releases from Hume Dam as storage reaches 90 per cent
The Murray–Darling Basin Authority has started releasing a small volume of water from Hume Dam to maintain airspace for the inflows expected from rain forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology over the coming months.
Pumps started in Guttrum
Diesel irrigation pumps started pumping into the Guttrum Forest last week ... Australia’s most endangered bird, the Australasian bittern, is now part of the public relations push for watering the reed bed. There is only one official documented sighting of the bittern in the swamp from December 1960, and anecdotal reports up until the 70s ... “As farmers, the proof has to be in the pudding. If things don’t work, we go broke, what skin do they have in the game?”
“Let’s invest in our future, not in water profits” – SRI
“Last week it was revealed in media reports the chair of the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists is a significant shareholder in Duxton Water. This is the organisation that gloats about the investment potential of water, with the price naturally increasing as more is taken from farmers. So, we have a situation where the Wentworth Group is calling for more water buybacks, while its chairman is investing successfully in a company that benefits from more buybacks. That is a massive conflict,” Darcy Hare, Deputy Chair of Southern Riverina Irrigators.
Sunday Jazz at MAC to showcase internationally-renowned talent
The sweet sound of jazz will return to the Mildura Arts Centre stage on Sunday 22 August. Sunday Jazz will feature singer-songwriter Natalija Havralenko and Penn Farmer on guitar, and will mark the second time in 12 months the pair has graced the MAC stage.
Native timber industry key to tackling climate change
Timber Towns Victoria argues that native timber production in public forests promotes carbon storage and must be taken seriously if Victoria is to tackle climate change.
Put the nuclear option on the table
Nationals Senators have announced they will move amendments to the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Act to remove Australia’s prohibition on nuclear energy.
Welcome to Gateway Merredin – WA newest regional festival, 24-26 September 2021
Born from a community's passion to showcase its unique history and hidden treasures, the inaugural Gateway Merredin festival will be one to remember this 24-26 September.
Hydrogen skills hunt kicks off
The hunt is on to find the hydrogen skills and businesses to join the renewable fuel supply chain that will create jobs in Toowoomba and the Western Downs.Minister for Energy, Renewables and Hydrogen Mick de Brenni today announced a partnership between publicly-owned power generator CS Energy and Toowoomba and Surat Basin Enterprise to increase local participation in the hydrogen industry.
Beating a pathway to water security at Lake Wyangan
The Lake Wyangan Water Sustainability Project is among 40 water infrastructure projects nationwide which will share in $108 million in federal funding under the National Water Grid Connections funding pathway ... Senator Davey said Lake Wyangan is located ten minutes north-west of Griffith and is a popular location for tourists and locals to enjoy the best nature has to offer.
Artificial intelligence helping anglers track the health of Rockhampton fishery
Local businesses need to adapt and innovate to keep up with the constantly changing world and build resilience into their business. Advance Rockhampton is teaming up with key players in the business innovation and AI industries to show how emerging technologies can help Rockhampton businesses thrive.
EDO out to take a chainsaw to the forestry industry
Gordon Wilson and Kookaburra. Several issues need to be addressed in response to the Environmental Defenders Office press release about the legal challenge to the NSW forest logging agreement ... timber is a renewable resource ... native forestry products come from "working forests" ... native forestry uses only a very small portion of Australia's native forests ... native flora and fauna co-exist with forestry
Basin Inspector-General must deliver improved outcomes for farmers, communities & the environment
The National Farmers’ Federation has welcomed the formal appointment of Troy Grant as Inspector-General of Water Compliance for the Murray Darling Basin. "We expect the role of Inspector-General will deliver improved outcomes for Basin farmers, communities and the environment," NFF CEO Tony Mahar said.
Illuminate to light up Tumby Bay, 13-21 August 2021
Groundbreaking festival Illuminate has come to South Australia for the first time and Tumby Bay is excited to be one of just a few regional centres picked to host installations after the Adelaide events.
The Territory’s historic Aboriginal Justice Agreement launched
The Territory Labor Government and Aboriginal and community sector leaders have today signed a ground-breaking Agreement to deliver a safer community and better justice outcomes for Aboriginal Territorians. The Aboriginal Justice Agreement (AJA) is the first of its kind in the Territory.
Dunoon Dam and future water- editorial
The Rous County Council decision to remove the proposed Dunoon Dam from our region's water security options has again sparked controversy, as you will see from some of the articles and letters to the editor in this edition. It is perhaps unfortunate that we may have lost an opportunity for many social, environmental and community benefits that could have been developed alongside the dam project. It is quite possible to ‘do dams well’, with a vision for 21st-century water security that mitigates or compensates for any losses experienced.
Diamantina National Park de-fenced
Close to 300km of old barbed-wire fencing along Diamantina National Park has been removed to protect native animals including the rare night parrot ... The fencing was installed by farmers to manage livestock before the park was purchased by the Queensland Government in 1992. “It’s been close to 30 years since the land was transformed into 507,000 hectare national park, and in that time we’ve seen many resident and migratory bird species return to the local wetlands, which act as a haven in an otherwise arid region,” Minister Scanlon said.
Top notch entertainment at this year’s Red CentreNATS, 3-5 September 2021
Australia’s Ultimate Festival of Wheels will host of one the nation’s biggest names in Australian music, with Sneaky Sound System confirmed as the headliner for the Red CentreNATS Sun 969 Podium Party.
Lockdown Lotto, where there is just one winner
Welcome to the latest game in town, Lockdown Lotto where random reigns and the numbers don’t add up. This afternoon’s announcement by the Victorian Government of another state wide lockdown has become a plaything for the Premier, and a serious challenge for Victorian businesses and families. Member for Western Victoria, Bev McArthur, says it’s a seven-day lockdown without the backing of science or logic.
Stop punishing us: border
Eliza Berlage. SA/ Vic Border Districts’ club presidents have implored the State Government to “stop punishing” their community with restrictions ... The restrictions are "disappointing", "mentally draining" and "detrimental" to the morale of clubs and the broader community. "The bubble is absolutely ridiculous. You may as well put the Berlin Wall up at the border."
