Queensland gas drives manufacturing jobs
Queensland Resources Minister Scott Stewart said Queensland gas producer Senex Energy has sealed a deal to supply up to 11 petajoules of natural gas to Aussie manufacturer Adbri – in line with the domestic gas policy the State Government put in place in 2017.
Entsch is blown away by Cape York communities
Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch said he was blown away by the progress of a number of Cape York communities during last week’s trip across the Peninsula ... He said he was particularly impressed with the work being done by the Lockhart River and Mapoon councils. “I was very, very encouraged to see what they are doing.” ... While in Weipa, Mr Entsch said he had a positive sit down with Rio Tinto to discuss normalisation.
100% is not always the only answer
In 1809, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe wrote: None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free. On 24 July 2021, in Sydney, the NSW Deputy Health Officer, Jeremy McNulty, was asked at a press conference why approved rapid antigen Covid-19 tests were not used.
Covid free regional communities must be given green light for re-opening: Wendy Lovell
The Liberal Member for Northern Victoria Region Wendy Lovell has called for the green light to re-open regional communities that do not have a single case of COVID-19 or an exposure site in the municipality.
New NT water licence portal to make doing business easier
Easily accessible information about ground and surface water licences is a key priority to ensuring business keeps moving in an environmentally sustainable way. From today, the new water licensing portal will open – making it a one stop shop for water licensing questions.
Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the City of Sandhurst
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the proclamation of the City of Sandhurst. Now known as Bendigo, the Borough of Sandhurst was formally declared a City on July 21, 1871 in the Victorian Government Gazette. To acknowledge this occasion and pay tribute to the many generations of civic leaders who have contributed to the city over that time, the City of Greater Bendigo has unveiled a plaque and a collection of Mayoress portraits in the Bendigo Town Hall Council Chamber.
NSW local government elections postponed
The NSW Government today announced a new date for the Local Government elections has been set, Saturday 4 December 2021.
Have your say on Territory space race
Territorians, businesses and industry are now invited to give feedback on the draft Territory Space Strategy for 2021-25. The Territory Government is developing a new space strategy to support the future growth of the space industry, attract investment and identify potential projects.
New career firefighters ready to step up for winter
Western Australia's Career Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) has welcomed 26 new firefighters into its ranks as the State enters the busiest period for home fires ... The new recruits bring a wide range of knowledge and experience to the CFRS, having transitioned from careers in education, defence, engineering and other emergency services.
More of the carrot, less of the stick
There has been much tut-tutting and pursed lip condemnation of the recent anti-lockdown protests in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane but almost no analysis of why the protests occurred ... Where is the politician prepared to come out, listen to and discuss their problems with the protestors? Sending pontificating condemnatory "statements" from afar only creates more anger. Rather than quenching the fires of dissent, the response being suggested by the NSW Government may indeed fan further flames of rebellion.
Promising mining prospects in the Barkly
Resource companies are seeing some very promising results in Tennant Creek and the broader Barkly region, supported by new geoscience data and exploration grants from the Territory Government ... Emmerson Resources Limited has been searching for gold at its exploration sites near Tennant Creek and their recent gold intercept results are very encouraging.
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.
