Throwing good money overboard – WA Government’s aquaculture obsession
DPIRD, dated January 22, 2025, announces a $7 million splurge under the banner of “Building Climate Resilience on WA Farms.” Tucked neatly inside this generous handout is an eye-watering $1,071,770 for “future-proofing” Western Australia’s aquaculture industry. Future-proofing? Against what, exactly? Climate change? Cue the laughter.
Take precautions amid rise in crime
RACV and Neighbourhood Watch Victoria are working together to improve the security of Victorian farms and regional properties following a rise in crime, with the regional areas of Latrobe, Mildura, Ararat and Horsham among the top five highest Local Government Areas for criminal incidents and recorded offences.
Taking it to the streets
Following a meeting of representatives from councils across the border region in Wodonga last week, the decision was made to march on the Victorian Parliament in a united campaign for the construction of a new Albury-Wodonga hospital.
Powerline battle still strong
In an ironic twist that many joked could have conspiracy written all over it, last Monday’s Community Meeting in Murrabit, to discuss the VNI West transmission line project, at the Murrabit Golf Club, lost power just before the meeting commenced.
A nation united under one flag is worth celebrating
Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price. While Australia Day comes around every year with its debates about meaning and whether we can utter its name or not, this year feels different. Last year, the divisive voice referendum and abhorrent attack in Israel on October 7, 2023 were events still fresh in our minds. But this Australia Day, we have the lived experience of almost 15 months since those events.
Sworn to keep us safe
Our local area is served by the Drayton Police Station and one of their newest officers is Constable Sam Crumblin. Closing in on age 40, Sam is older than your typical police graduate, however brings lots of life experience and perspectives to the table.
Urban Channel Pipeline Project to benefit community
Murrumbidgee Irrigation (MI) is looking forward to kicking off the Urban Channel Pipeline Project this year, which will provide a range of benefits to the communities of Griffith and Leeton ... The project is designed to replace inefficient aging channels around Griffith and Leeton with 47.5 kilometres of new pipeline.
Unruly mob leads to call for action
Reports of a home being "smashed up" in Narrandera last week have caused an uproar on social media, with a number of people describing the incident as "absolutely disgusting behaviour" ... Well known youth advocate David Polhill posted on Facebook, saying a "hard working family relatively new to town found their house surrounded by a group of 10 late primary/early high school girls".
Shire tops fire funding list
The Shire of Denmark has received $193,050 from the State Government’s Mitigation Activity Fund towards 47 bushfire mitigation works in the shire this year. The annual bushfire risk reduction works will continue with those funded through the Mitigation Activity Fund identified as priorities.
United Arab Emirates trade deal – public hearing: NFF
The opening statement by National Farmers’ Federation General Manager of Economics and Trade, Chris Young to the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties, holding a public hearing on the United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (UAE CEPA).
SA Parliament delivers on Forestry Select Committee Report: Centofanti, Hood
The report of the Select Committee on Matters Relating to the Timber Industry in the Limestone Coast and Other Regions of South Australia has been tabled in Parliament, after 5 years of evidence over two parliamentary sessions ... The committee published 17 recommendations covering aspects of the industry from transparency, infrastructure investment through to industry productivity innovations and the importance of water security.
Respond to biosecurity incidents
Clarence Valley residents can download a free mobile device application which provides them with fast, reliable, accurate, and current information about Biosecurity emergencies across NSW, including the nearby Fire Ant invasion.
Youth crime crisis: Locals call for change
Every night *Ivy checks her doors and windows and makes sure they are secure before she goes to bed. But she doesn’t sleep, at least not for long. As she told the Clarence Valley Independent last week, she’s lucky if she catches "between four and five hours of shuteye each night." "I’m always on edge, because I never know when they will come," she said.
Council applies for funding to create more housing options
West Wimmera Shire Council is taking proactive steps to address the critical housing shortage across the region. Council is applying for $5 million from the State Government’s Regional Worker Accommodation Fund – Round 2.
Little Desert fires devastate local communities
The Little Desert fires, which began on Monday, January 27, in the Little Desert National Park due to dry lightning, have had a significant impact on local communities.
“Hands off our church!” Booligal’s Anglican congregation vows to fight for their historic church building
The community of Booligal provided the money to build St Alban’s Anglican Church in 1899 with the help of a bequest, and have maintained it for more than a century. Now the Diocese wants to sell it and there are fears the meticulously kept building could become a hunting lodge for pig shooters.
A complex, costly web: the regulatory burden on Australia’s regional businesses: Page Research Centre
The Page Research Centre, in collaboration with Adept Economics, has released a comprehensive new report shedding light on the severe economic and social consequences of regulatory inefficiencies in Australia.
Regional Australia to get 10 new university study hubs: Clare, Chisholm
The Albanese Labor Government has announced the locations of 10 new Regional University Study Hubs across the country, bringing university closer to students living in the regions ... ARR.News found out more about the hubs, including their internet access and who is expected to be be running the new hubs.
Coral health update
Last summer saw the highest global Sea Surface Temperatures on record and waters in the Lord Howe Island Marine Park (LHIMP) followed this trend. When water temperatures are warmer than average, marine "heat stress" builds up over time.
Top-up sought to train butchers
Michelle Daw. A Moonta butcher has called for the Federal Government to top up apprentice wages to make them more appealing to young people. Rhys O’Donohue of Moonta Gourmet Meats has two apprentices and said he was always looking for more.
Students begin their country practice
A trio of fifth-year University of Adelaide medical students began their practical experience on the Copper Coast last week.
Tragedy: Browns Beach rocks claim another victim
Michelle Daw. A notorious rocky headland at Browns Beach in Dhilba Guuranda-Innes National Park has claimed another victim, with the death of a recreational angler at the weekend ... Mr Mohsini, who emigrated to Australia from Afghanistan, is the fourth person since 2019 to have died while fishing at Browns Beach.
