Heritage lecture returns to Greater Shepparton
The biennial Bruce Wilson Memorial Heritage Lecture is returning to the region this month, with Greater Shepparton City Council encouraging residents interested in heritage to attend.
Farmers can now apply for mouse bait rebates
NSW Farmers is encouraging farmers to apply now for mouse bait rebates of up to $10,000 per farm business through the Rural Assistance Authority website. Applications for the rebate opened today with a total of $95 million available to assist farmers with the costs of Zinc Phosphide baiting programs.
Construction powers ahead on Jabiru Project
Clearing works are now complete as part of construction on Jabiru’s new power station. The project is part of the Territory Labor Government’s $135.5 million dollar commitment to the Future of Jabiru and Kakadu ... Construction works are now underway, with the diesel generators scheduled to come online by the end of 2021 and the solar farm in early 2022.
Brett Whitely: Drawing is Everything now open
Bendigo Art Gallery is proud to present an exhibition exploring the important role of drawing in the work of one of Australia’s most prominent artists.
Endemic Lord Howe Abalone listed as Critically Endangered by IUCN
Due to its incredibly small population size, population density, and distribution, the Lord Howe Abalone faces an extremely high risk of extinction from threats including marine pollution - such as an oil spill event - and climate change. As a result, the IUCN assessed this species to be Critically Endangered. Of the 37 worldwide abalone species, it was one of only two given this status.
Cherbourg and South Burnett working together to look after Country
The Local Government Illegal Dumping Partnerships Program (LGIDPP), a collaborative project between North Burnett Regional Council, South Burnett Regional Council and Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council, is a very positive way for Councils to build a relationship and look after Country.
Business holdups – expansions, potential jobs lost
Chris Oldfield. Millions of dollars of development and jobs are being held up by Naracoorte Lucindale Council, according to several of the district's leading businesses. Alternatively, traditional businesses are being charged up to hundreds of thousands of dollars to expand with council demands for costly stormwater and drainage reports – and works. Most believe the council is deliberately holding up long-term businesses, particularly those servicing agriculture, the rural community and outlying districts. And they believe council is giving preferential treatment to some developments, even using ratepayers’ funds in court action.
Forestry leader backs call for border commissioner
Eliza Berlage. The head of the local forestry industry group has added his voice to calls for the South Australian government to establish a dedicated cross-border commissioner. Forestry was missed in the initial list of essential work provided by SA Health, with clariï¬cation only received at 11am on the ï¬rst day of lockdown that it was included as primary industry. Green Triangle Forest Industries Hub chair Ian McDonnell said a commissioner could have ensured more preparedness in these situations, rather than the “scramble” that occurred.
Tatiara Council withdraws Murray Darling support
Tatiara District Council has voted to stop providing funding and councillor representation for an organisation that supports the sustainability of Keith’s water supply. Councillor Miles Hannemann made a recommendation that council cease to attend monthly MDA meetings and stop paying the $2,200 annual subscription fee. “They keep saying we’re ‘paying a fee so we might as well be at the table’,” Cr Hanneman said. “I recommend we stop paying money and let them know we’re not coming.”
Shining a light on homelessness challenge
Sunshine Coast Council is joining outreach providers to shine a light on the challenges faced by vulnerable community members and provide support information across the region. An outreach program will deliver a range of services, support and information from next week, highlighting the help that is available to Sunshine Coast people experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.
Cancer patients and carers “denied basic human rights”
There is no exemption on Service NSW for people to access cancer treatment outside the border bubble. This means people will have to isolate for 14 days when they return to NSW – if Victoria lets them in. Even if they seek treatment in an area of ZERO positive PCR tests.
Climatically adapted cows offered to cattle industry
The Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade’s annual cow sale will be taking place next month to sell cattle bred for northern Australia’s conditions and markets. The auction will see 100 Brahman and 50 Tropical Composite on offer next Wednesday, 4 August.
Work begins with local contractors on medicinal cannabis facility near Collie
Site works have begun on a medicinal cannabis facility delivering job opportunities for local trade contractors. Cannaponics Limited is building a new commercial cultivation, extraction, processing and distribution facility to compete in the rapidly growing medicinal cannabis industry.
Agricultural exemption secured for Queensland hard border
Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Western NSW Adam Marshall has today announced a newly-created exemption to allow farmers and agribusiness workers to move freely across the NSW-Queensland border under current COVID restrictions.
Local author showcased at Rockhampton Regional Libraries
Rockhampton Regional Libraries will share tales of empire, war, love, betrayal, Spanish Influenza and youthful naivet̩, thanks to a Rotary Club donation. Local author Mark Svendsen has recently released "As Hammers Fall", a book for young adults focusing on WWI with a Brisbane perspective Рand it is now available at the Southside Library.
Farmers concerned about anti-meat UN talkfest
The National Farmers' Federation is seeing red at the United Nations Food Systems Summit and has urged the Government to do its best to stop uninformed and alarmist outcomes being supported. The NFF, on behalf of Australia’s livestock sector is working closely with the Global Meat Alliance, the Global Dairy Platform and other nations, who share our concerns, in responding to the UNFSS.
State intervenes on Dunoon Dam
Rous County Councillors voted 5–3 to keep the Dunoon Dam out of the region’s future water strategy and instead tap into ground water aquifers in Alstonville and Tyagarah ... “The community feedback on the council’s strategy was overwhelmingly in favour of the Dunoon Dam project with more than 10,000 of the 13,000 submissions received supporting the dam being investigated as a future water project. It is outrageous that the majority of elected councillors have completely ignored the community consultation process and Rous County Council staff recommendations”: NSW parliamentary secretary for Water Infrastructure, Sam Farraway.
Bellingen council back’s CVC’s anti mining stance
Geoff Helisma. Bellingen Shire Council is the second council to support Clarence Valley Council’s anti-mining stance ... "So, this is asking that we don’t mine areas of high rainfall where there is a chance that it will have lasting effects on the environment and our economic opportunity. We do protect those things that are so valued in our community, so I have no qualms about putting this motion up to support what the Clarence Valley councillors have put” : Bellingen mayor, Dominic King.
Many small WA businesses miss out on lockdown grants
About half the number of small metropolitan businesses the McGowan Government said would be eligible for assistance due to the Anzac weekend lockdown have missed out on financial assistance ... In a statement on July 19 the government said more than 15,400 businesses in Perth and Peel and 2300 businesses in regional WA could be eligible for support for the lockdown between June 29 and July 2 and the associated restriction period from July 3 to July 6. But Dr Thomas said the government’s small business Covid compensation eligibility criteria were too restrictive and not consistent.
Australian wine pivots from China
China’s anti-dumping duties have seriously disrupted Australia’s wine trade, the latest research report from ABARES has found. The report, Australian wine in China: Impact of China’s anti-dumping duties, investigates the short- to medium-term consequences of China’s punitive anti-dumping measures on Australian wine exports.
NSW firefighters and emergency specialists to help battle wild fires in Canada
A retinue of 38 specialists from NSW firefighting and emergency services will join an Australian deployment to Canada to assist firefighters as they continue to battle devastating wild fires.
Sign up for Artisan Agriculture Business Mentor Program
Whether you’re a producer who is looking for support in marketing your product or service, increasing sales, or just seeking greater motivation and confidence, apply now to join Hepburn Shire Council’s free Artisan Agriculture Business Mentor Program.
