Timber Towns Victoria welcomes funding
"This funding initiative is an exciting new opportunity for the forestry sector," according to Cr Karen Stephens, president of Timber Towns Victoria and Mayor of Glenelg Shire Council, "ultimately using the whole of the tree and turning what would have been wasted wood fibre into a valuable low-carbon resource for use in other industries."
Floods don’t wait – Katter calls for faster flood warning system upgrades: Katter
Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Leader and Member for Traeger, Robbie Katter, has criticised the slow rollout of the National Flood Warning Infrastructure Network (FWIN) program, warning that Charters Towers and other North West communities are being left exposed.
National preparedness activities underway ahead of Higher Risk Weather Season: McBain
A range of preparedness activities are underway as the Bureau of Meteorology releases its Higher Risk Weather Season Outlook ... Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the Albanese Government was working with states and territories to improve disaster management arrangements ...
Regenerative agriculture needs a remake
I’ve never had much patience for farming fashions dressed up as science, and none has made more noise than “regenerative agriculture.” ... At last week's Regenerative Food Systems Conference ... I found myself alternating between rolling my eyes and listening intently. That, in a nutshell, is how most practical farmers view regen: some solid agronomy smothered in ideology.
Local MP slams health report’s ‘weasel words”
Michelle Daw. After months of anticipation, the long-awaited Yorke Peninsula health services inquiry report has been released. Its 16 recommendations include upgrading services at Wallaroo Hospital and developing emergency departments at Yorketown and Maitland Hospitals ... Narungga MP Fraser Ellis said he was disappointed by the "underwhelming" language used in the report.
Mancel’s incredible record recognised
On September 9, Mancel Gray Giddings, OAM, was presented with his Order of Australia Medal at a ceremony at Government House, officiated by Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria. It was a truly special occasion, and Mancel was delighted to once again put his beloved Wycheproof on the map!
Combing through genetics delivers tools to keep bees busy: AgriFutures Australia
Australian researchers are delving into the secret life of bees in a quest to breed more resilient, productive and happy honey-makers. The nation’s first comprehensive honey bee genetic improvement program, Plan Bee, has delivered genetic tools to secure the future of beekeepers.
A new medical specialty – Rural Generalists formally recognised: RACGP
Rural Generalists (RG) will now be formally recognised as a specialist medical field within general practice in the Australian healthcare system following an announcement by the Minister for Health and Ageing, Mark Butler MP ... “This is a positive step forward in making the rural generalism career pathway more visible and ensuring that RGs are always appropriately remunerated for the vital work they do in rural and remote communities across Australia,” RACGP President Dr Michael Wright said.
Potato mop-top virus update: AUSVEG
The Plant Health Australia National Management Group (NMG), with advice from the Consultative Committee on Emergency Plant Pests (CCEPP), has ... agreed that potato mop-top virus (PMTV) is not technically feasible to eradicate from Australia.
Protect local food – Growers call out unsustainable potato imports: TasFarmers
TasFarmers has slammed Woolworths’ recent decision to import frozen potatoes from India, warning it undermines Australian farmers and risks consumer trust. TasFarmers President Ian Sauer said the move leaves local growers furious after years of heavy investment in equipment, irrigation and infrastructure.
Buronga substation hailed as one of most sophisticated in Southern Hemisphere
Transgrid says it has unveiled one of the biggest and most sophisticated substations in the Southern Hemisphere, with the completion of the Buronga substation. The completion occurred as powerlines from the new powerline from Buronga to Wagga Wagga were strung across the Cobb Highway between Hay and Deniliquin ...
From the mayor’s hospital bed; I get front row seats to the horror show in my body
Kyogle mayor Danielle Mulholland is undergoing radiation and chemo treatment in John Flynn Hospital ... Writing about her treatment helps, she said. Her wit and blunt truth shines through in her writing ... "Not the glamorous cavalry with trumpets and banners — my cavalry comes armed with clean undies, compression socks, and the kind of determination only love or madness explains."
First Nations communities may get massive Ayers Rock Resort assets
The Ayers Rock Resort land "to be divested to the First Nations communities" and to traditional owners is understood to include all hotels, restaurants, shops and staff accommodation, assets worth several hundred million dollars ... The populations are 269, about 300 and 124, respectively ...
Banana farmers condemn biosecurity backflip: NSW Farmers Association
NSW Farmers has slammed a review into banana imports that could devastate the industry and put the nation’s biosecurity at risk. This week the Federal Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry announced a review of quarantine arrangements for bananas imported from the Philippines into Australia.
Central Australia’s critical mineral potential strengthened by Tivan’s Molyhil acquisition: Maley
The Finocchiaro CLP Government has welcomed Tivan Ltd’s strategic acquisition of the Molyhil Tungsten–Molybdenum Project in Central Australia, reinforcing the Territory’s position as a key jurisdiction for critical minerals development. Tivan has announced the 100 per cent acquisition of the Molyhil Tungsten–Molybdenum Project, located 220 kilometres north-east of Alice Springs…
Rally against ESVF in Bendigo
Dozens of fire trucks and hundreds of people gathered at Weeroona Oval in Bendigo on Sunday 14 September to protest against the State Government’s recently introduced Emergency Services Volunteer Fund (ESVF). Organised by the CFA Volunteers Group, the protest attracted people from across the region...
PCYC aquatics ready to dive into Allora community
After being awarded a 3 year contract by Southern Downs Regional Council to operate the Allora Swimming Pool, PCYC Queensland is ready to take on the management when it reopens on 1 October - just in time for the summer season. This marks a major milestone for PCYC Queensland, one of the state’s largest providers of sport and recreation programs.
Growers asked to help identify game changers: GRDC
The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) is seeking input from growers to shape investment in 'blue sky' research that could uncover the next game changer for the Australian grains industry. This engagement will build on the grower-informed priorities captured in the organisation's current, 5-year research, development and extension (RD&E) plan.
GRDC’s “right size” review sparks a revolt
The Grains Research and Development Corporation thought it could settle the question of whether its budget was “right-sized.” Instead, it has lit a fire under growers. After a run of big harvests and strong prices, levy income has ballooned and reserves now sit at $688.4 million—up more than $100 million in a single year.
Burning down the house
Bendigo Bank torches regional development with selective blacklist based on mining. Just like the fictional Tasmanian town of Mystery Bay, a star in its own right in the hit ABC TV series Bay of Fires, Queenstown, where much of the show was filmed, is being held back by mysterious forces. Locals have suspected for some time that the town was a “no-go” area for home lending but like many other disadvantages they face due to remoteness, it was believed geography was the likely cause.
Ros Scotney among aggrieved group
Former Toowoomba Region Councillor and Pittsworth Shire Mayor Ros Scotney OAM has expressed her disappointment at the direction things have taken since the amalgamation of 8 local governments on the Darling Downs created Toowoomba Regional Council. Ms Scotney is part of the committee agitating for change.
First home buyers get whacked
The distance from Corryong to Khancoban is just 27kms but the gap between being able to buy a home is almost $45,000. "People looking to buy their first home in Corryong are paying almost $45,000 more than someone on the other side of the Murray River for the same priced property," according to Member for Benambra, Bill Tilley.
