Catch and release
Michelle Daw. The state opposition has called for the release of an independent review into the cost recovery model for commercial fishing, following the announcement of new fees ... Opposition spokesperson Nicola Centofanti said Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven had left the industry in the dark over reforms which could have huge impacts on fishers’ livelihoods.
Fitzroy River water planning reaches significant milestone: McGurk, Jarvis, Whitby
The State Government has released key policy positions that will form the basis for the Fitzroy water allocation plan, as part of its ongoing commitment to protecting the Fitzroy River while supporting economic development. The Water allocation planning in the Fitzroy – Policy position paper reaffirms the State's commitment not to dam the Fitzroy River and its tributaries.
Billions in savings one step closer: NSW Farmers
NSW Farmers is thanking the NSW Government for amendments to the Biosecurity Act that will save the agriculture sector an estimated $2 billion annually through better pest and weed management. On Thursday NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty introduced amendments to the Biosecurity Act 2015, which would establish the state’s first independent Biosecurity Commissioner, an important step towards improved land management.
Statement from Robbie Katter MP – Mount Isa
The Palaszczuk Labor Government, and in particular Queensland Treasurer Cameron Dick, have in recent days been complicit with Glencore in the signing of an entirely unnecessary “death warrant” for the city of Mount Isa. On behalf of the community of Mount Isa, and the 1,200 jobs that hang in the balance, this needs to be called out.
Alice Springs Hospital oncology and cardiology services supporting patients: Fyles
In 2018 the Territory Government established a combined oncology and cardio service at Alice Springs Hospital, celebrating 5 years of operations in September this year. Since its opening, the service has treated 12,000 patients, and allowed residents to receive care locally. The service provides culturally appropriate care to Aboriginal patients and their families...
The Buloke Times editorial: The new state government
It is symptomatic of the state government’s treatment of rural Victoria that there have been five Ministers for Agriculture since Dan Andrews took over. With the swearing in of Ros Spence, the member for Kalkallo, she is the fifth with that portfolio, having taken over from Gayle Tierney ... the fact that she represents an electorate which covers Melbourne’s northern suburban fringe (including Craigieburn and Mickleham) does not augur well.
Minister places Council under official management
Minister for Local Government Chansey Paech placed the Barkly Regional Council under official management on Tuesday, and all elected members were suspended from office immediately. The Minister has made this decision because he is satisfied there are, or may be, serious deficiencies in the conduct of the Council’s affairs.
Community consultation underway for end-of-life choice
Territorians are invited to have their say on end of life choice, with community consultation underway to develop a Northern Territory framework for Voluntary Assisted Dying (VAD). As part of the consultation phase, Territorians can have their say through an online survey, or during face-to-face community meetings in Darwin, regional and remote centres across the NT.
No Voice, no Treaty: McArthur
Mrs McArthur said, “it seems the starkest dividing line in Australia is not between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people but between the inner-city elites of the eastern states and the rest of the country ... The no vote was not a vote for the status quo or against any action; in fact it has highlighted the failures of the status quo. I hope it will prove the catalyst for a full audit of the expenditure directed to Aboriginal issues across Australia so that taxpayer money can be effectively spent to close the gap without permanently constitutionally entrenching new experimental, ineffective and unnecessary division.”
Dulacca Wind Farm powers up for Queensland: Palaszczuk, de Brenni
The 180MW project, owned by Octopus and developed by RES, created 150 jobs in regional Queensland at its construction peak. State-owned CleanCo has a long-term power purchase agreement with the Dulacca Wind Farm to acquire 70 per cent of the output (or 126MW), meaning that the renewable energy generated here in the Western Downs will support CleanCo to provide affordable, clean energy to its customers.
Many issues behind empty shops
The condition of buildings, rental levels and the challenging economic environment are some of the causes of empty shops along Smith St, according to CEO Trevor Smart. Mr Smart said while some may suggest shop vacancies were caused by parking, “there are also many other issues" ... The [Naracoorte Community] News queried suggestions that under the previous council’s rejuvenation plan it was going to offer $1m for the purchase of Norman’s Carpets and its private car park.
Join WA Parks and Wildlife’s Trainee Ranger of the Year in the stunning environs of Bunuba country
Meet Lionel Marr, a proud Bunuba man, who always felt a calling to return from the city back to his childhood home of Fitzroy Crossing. He wanted to know more about his country, his people and his culture and became a trainee ranger with the Parks and Wildlife Service, earning a coxswain skippers ticket. Lionel’s efforts during the Kimberley floods of January 2023, despite losing his family home, and his commitment to his job, earned him special recognition.
Water security at the forefront of priorities for Queensland agriculture: QFF
The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) has welcomed yesterday’s release of the new Queensland Water Strategy by the Queensland Government. The release of the strategy, which marked the commencement of National Water Week 2023, aims to outline how government will deliver a sustainable and more secure water system for Queensland.
Regional health advisory panel established
An important step to rebuilding essential health services across regional and rural NSW has been taken by the state government with the establishment of a Regional Health Ministerial Advisory Panel, but there are no local representatives advocating for the Northern Rivers region ... panel is to focus on building the regional health workforce, strengthening community engagement, and improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
New research confirms value of fuel reduction burning in karri forest: Bushfire Front
Peer-reviewed research published in the Australian Forestry journal has confirmed something that forest firefighters have long known: if forests are left unburned for many years, they still carry heavy bushfire fuels, making firefighting difficult and dangerous. The new research demolishes the theory that if forests are left unburnt, they become non-flammable ... the scientists measured and analysed fuels in karri forests that ranged from 1 to 92 years since last being burned.
New fees could force YP fishers to bail out
Michelle Daw. Yorke Peninsula commercial fishers are furious, as they say a new licence structure will increase their fees by more than 400 per cent and could force them out of business.
Richmond Landcare: Impacts of 2022 floods
Richmond Landcare, in collaboration with Border Ranges, Richmond Valley Landcare Network, and the Department of Planning and Environment, is proud to announce the release of a compelling video documenting the Environmental Impacts of the 2022 Flood Disaster on the Richmond River Catchment. The video aims to raise awareness and promote sustainable land management, by showcasing the devastating ecological consequences of the 2022 floods in the region.
BWC to push for heritage listing
Port Broughton’s ornately decorated hotel and its stately Norfolk Island pines, the Alford Institute Hall, churches at Bute and a farmhouse at Mundoora are among 46 sites which could be heritage listed by Barunga West Council ... Council has proposed new planning rules to protect the area’s local heritage, which would make it the first council to utilise South Australia’s code amendment process for this purpose.
Review finds Indigenous groups want more involvement
Timber harvesting was not a concern of Gippsland Indigenous groups, who overwhelmingly want to be involved in direct management of forests before, during and after bushfires, the RFA Major Event Review of the 2019-20 bushfires found ... “Traditional Owners seek to be managing fire directly, with their own crews and equipment. They see themselves as fire givers, not firefighters.”
Remote housing milestone – one hundred homes in one hundred days: Fyles, Uibo
One hundred homes have been built in one hundred days as the Territory Labor Government’s remote housing program reaches a new milestone of 1200 new builds ... Several major construction contracts have powered a building blitz with a pipeline of works rolling out across dozens of remote communities throughout the Territory, such as a $26.5 million tender recently released in Gunbalanya to build 24 new homes and upgrade another 18, $5.2 million for 11 homes in Beswick, and $6.8 million for more homes in Maningrida.
A stronger relationship with Kerala: Manison
The Northern Territory Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kerala State Government, India to develop further economic, social and cultural relationships between our two regions. This is the first MOU the Northern Territory Government has entered into with an Indian state, and formalises and reinforces the relationships between the two jurisdictions.
European ties bolstered through new Frankfurt trade and investment manager: Champion
South Australia’s lucrative renewable hydrogen and defence industries will be championed across Europe, following the appointment of a new trade and investment manager in Germany ... Having a presence in Frankfurt – Germany’s financial hub – will help South Australia establish stronger ties across continental Europe and take advantage of changing trade and investment opportunities when the Australia-European Union Free Trade Agreement is finalised.
