Tuesday, May 7, 2024

CATEGORY

Politics

“GP tax” burden

A trip to the doctor is expected to soar by an extra $12 per visit under a State Government bid to claw payroll tax out of independent GP clinics. Following a brief amnesty, the extra $12 charges for GP visits will go straight into State Government coffers.

Fire ant inquiry shows Labor failing and too slow to act: Littleproud

“The frightening thing is that if fire ants get up above the Great Dividing Range, it could potentially get into the Murray Darling Basin and that could effectively see the fire ants go right down to Adelaide. It would impact the whole country and have devastating consequences. Labor now needs to urgently respond to the inquiry and eradication must continue to be the focus”: David Littleproud.

Economic confidence in the Beetaloo Basin grows: Lawler, Monaghan

Today, announced on the ASX, Empire Energy has successfully raised over $46 million enabling them to progress drilling in the Beetaloo Sub-Basin for natural gas. The drilling will comprise of a pilot development well for pre-production testing. Empire Energy is anticipating commencement of commercial production by 2025 with the first supply of natural gas going into the Northern Territory Market.

Try telling this to people in Pittsworth and Clifton…

The new Group Chief Executive Officer for the NAB has made contact with the bank’s customers explaining how the bank is continuing to support its customers. Andrew Irvine has been appointed NAB Group Chief Executive Officer, replacing Ross McEwan ... "During more than 20 years in banking I’ve learned that delivering the best experience for customers should be at the heart of why we come to work each day," Mr Irvine said.

Another NAB branch bites the dust

Local readers who may have been used to ducking across to Pittsworth to use the services of NAB will have to change their ways from today (Thursday). The Pittsworth branch of NAB has closed permanently. The closure comes despite a strongly supported petition organised by the Federal Member for Groom, Garth Hamilton as well as a personal letter from Mr Hamilton to the CEO of the Bank.

It’s dam important – Cressbrook Dam an utmost priority

Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald and Deputy Mayor Cr Rebecca Vonhoff last week stepped up the call for external funding for the $270 million Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Project ... Without grant funding, Council’s submission to the State Government said the full cost of the dam wall upgrade will be transferred to ratepayers through increased water charges.

Flight reductions under watch

Narrandera and Leeton Shire Councils will be keeping their eyes open and continuing dialogue with Regional Express executives in relation to flight reductions and timing of flight schedules being resumed at the Narrandera Airport. An overview of the continued Regional Express flight reductions through until at least the end of October 2024 was considered by the joint airport management committee.

MIL vote outcome

The proposed resolutions to remove the two current MIL non-member directors, Trisha Gorman and Robert Burbury, from the Murray Irrigation Board failed to garner the necessary votes last week ... The infighting at the board level has seen division spill over into the community, with the company, certain directors and influential farmers taking a leaf out of the MDBA book and hosting closed-door meetings for invite-only attendees.

People power wins

The company which had been looking into the possible creation of a wind farm in the Goomburra district, east of Allora, has abandoned further action on the matter. Wind Prospect Pty Ltd’s Regional Development Manager, Michael Sale, told The Clifton Courier this week of the decision.

APVMA review a welcome opportunity: GrainGrowers

The government’s response to the Matthews Review into the governance of the AVPMA is a welcome opportunity to ensure the regulator can operate in the best interests of Australian agriculture. GrainGrowers CEO, Shona Gawel said the report was an important step in maintaining our strong, independent, evidence-based regulatory system.

Environment and business to benefit from Nature Positive Plan: Plibersek

Key updates are: Australia’s first national independent Environment Protection Agency with strong new powers and penalties to better protect nature. More accountability and transparency with a new body called Environment Information Australia ... Faster environmental approval decisions on projects ...

AGL Energy and Someva Renewables announce community funding as part of Pottinger Energy Park near Hay

AGL Energy and Someva Renewables have announced tens of millions in funding for the Hay Shire and Edward River Councils regions if the proposed Pottinger Energy Park proceeds ... The bulk of the funding will be delivered via two voluntary planning agreements between Someva, AGL Energy and the two councils.

Flood-affected land to be regenerated, turned into koala habitat: LVRC

Hundreds of native seedlings are set to be planted on flood-affected land, helping to bolster native habitat and reduce future flood damage. The project area, adjacent to and including Lions Park, Lower Tenthill, consists of two recently acquired lots which were bought back under the Voluntary Home Buy-Back (VHBB) program.

Water leaders convene at summit on future challenges for the Basin: MDBA

More than 100 senior leaders will meet under one roof today for a 2-day summit hosted by the Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) to collaborate, listen and share the diverse points of view on current and future management of the Basin ... the summit continues the conversation with First Nations people, industry, environmental, science and community leaders collaborating on the future of the Basin. 

Donald to enhance flood management with Victorian Government funding

Buloke Shire Council is set to bolster its flood management capabilities with the support of Victorian Government funding. The Donald Flood Protection Demountable Levee Project ... will play a pivotal role in safeguarding residents from flooding and optimising the deployment of Council resources during emergency situations.

Shire meets with farmers

Carey Brennan. On Thursday, April 11, approximately 80 farmers filled the Donald Memorial Hall supper room to hear from the Buloke Shire and several speakers, to find out exactly what the Victorian NSW Interconnector (VNI) West Transmission Lines project means for this district.

10 million reasons to love fishing in Victoria

The State Government’s record-breaking fish stocking program has again hit a high-water mark with 10 million fish stocked this year, so more recreational fishers can wet a line close to home across the state. Minister for Outdoor Recreation Steve Dimopoulos, last week stocked more brown trout at Lake Wendouree in Ballarat and announced the major milestone for Victorians.

YP health services risk ‘collapse’ – union

Yorke Peninsula hospitals are on the brink of a collapse of services, according to the nurses and midwives’ union, which is calling on residents to support its statewide campaign to counteract staff shortages in regional hospitals.

State Government exposed by tale of two cities

If it’s good enough for the NSW South Coast then it should be good enough for the NSW North Coast – as City of Coffs Harbour fights to keep the prized public land at the Jetty Foreshores in the hands of the community. Mayor Cr Paul Amos has won support for a Mayoral Minute which detailed inconsistencies in the NSW Government’s approach to public holdings. 

Resilient Lismore receives full ‘repair to return’ funding

“After nearly two years of our home repair work being privately funded by local organisations and philanthropists we are very grateful that the NSW Reconstruction Authority is providing this additional funding so that we can continue to help people return to safe and secure homes”: Resilient Lismore Executive Director Elly Bird.

Commonwealth backs down on Basin Plan blackmail: VFF

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is relieved the Commonwealth Government has finally stopped blackmailing Victoria and agreed to fund environmental projects that will ensure floodplains are watered. VFF President Emma Germano said it’s pleasing to see that Victoria will no longer be short-changed for key Basin Plan projects.

All aboard for a free ticket to ride

City of Coffs Harbour’s bold free bus travel initiative aims to help all members of the community, including people who don’t drive. The free bus travel trial starts on Friday 19 April, and Mayor Paul Amos said it would particularly support older people who no longer drive and unlicensed teenagers...

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