Boost for domestic softwood timber supply
The domestic softwood timber industry in NSW has received a significant boost with the NSW Government directing Forestry Corporation to divert selected softwood log exports impacted by the China trade embargo, to domestic markets. Deputy Premier and Minister responsible for Forestry John Barilaro said this will see at least an additional 270,000 tonnes of timber enter the domestic supply chain over the next three years.
Still no rural doctor solution
Chris Oldfield. A proposal developed last March to help solve SA's escalating rural doctor crisis appears not to have been passed on to the State Health Minister, Stephen Wade. He made the revelation while visiting Naracoorte last week to view progress on $3.1 million in capital works at the hospital. Additionally, a representative of Kincraig Medical Clinic conï¬rmed that its local doctors were not notiï¬ed of the Minister’s visit.
Innovation at heart of NSW water strategy: Pavey
The NSW Government has launched the NSW Water Strategy, a 20-year blueprint to deliver resilient and sustainable water resources to communities across the state ... The strategy coincides with the launch of the Water Project Map, a new tool for people to access information about all water infrastructure projects across NSW.
Statewide forum to help farmers manage spring mice surge, 21 September 2021
Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall will lead a statewide forum bringing together key farming, research and industry players to help farmers manage a spring surge in mouse numbers across NSW.
Ord Valley event musters up millions for east Kimberley economy
A popular East Kimberley event held in May this year, and supported by the McGowan Government, injected around $6 million into the local economy and recorded its highest-ever ticket sales.
State’s first vanadium mine a new era for Queensland’s resources sector
A vanadium mine in Queensland's remote northwest will pioneer production of a globally sought-after new economy mineral, supporting up to 400 regional jobs. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, Resources Minister Scott Stewart and Multicom Resources’ chief executive officer Shaun McCarthy jointly announced the go-ahead for the $250 million Saint Elmo mine near Julia Creek, in the state’s North West.
Going into dive bomber territory
I took barely two steps from my car and a magpie slammed into the side of my face. I clutched my camera as I ran across the road. “I didn’t expect that,” I said breathless to the waiting residents. Happens all the time, they said. The group of six stood with umbrellas opened above their heads. It was a bright sunny day. The umbrellas were essential to deter the magpie if any of them stepped out of their units ... Marlene has lived on Pratt St for 11 years and the past five had been dominated by the magpie.
Firefighters fight proposal to move Grafton offline
Emma Pritchard. Grafton Fire Station is among 30 across the state outlined in a proposal by Fire and Rescue NSW to be temporarily taken offline in the event of staff shortages ... If implemented, Grafton Fire and Rescue 306 Station Deputy Captain Chris Rumpf said the proposal could jeopardise the safety of residents who rely on the service.
Regional youth taskforce tackles connectivity, staying safe online
The 2021 Regional Youth Taskforce have held their third meeting of the year, coming together over the weekend discuss how young people in regional and rural communities could better connect to outside services. Minister for Regional Youth Bronnie Taylor said the meeting focused on providing better access to training, services, work and recreational opportunities for young people across regional NSW.
Expressions of interest open for inaugural animal welfare committee
Expressions of interest are now being called for the McGowan Government's inaugural Animal Welfare Advisory Committee.
Council’s initiative aimed at easing housing burden
“There is a terrible lack of rental accommodation in town at the moment and this is something we have identified to see if we can do something about it,” says Cook Shire mayor, Peter Scott. “We’ve been talking to super funds and investment companies about the prospect of investing money into the blocks and building them for rent.”
Small towns and big banks
Under the State Purchasing Contract, all Victorian government entities such as local councils, schools, kindergartens and health facilities will be forced to bank with either the NAB, Westpac or the Commonwealth Bank. It is a move that is being strongly rejected by towns that rely on community banks ... “The big banks abandoned country Victoria in recent years – the last thing we should be doing is rewarding them with guaranteed business": Bev McArthur, Member for Western Victoria Region.
On land and on sea: new Indigenous rangers safeguard country
The Palaszczuk Labor Government reaffirms the ongoing recognition of Indigenous knowledge and connection, announcing 54 new First Nations rangers for 13 communities across Queensland.
Look out for locusts this spring
With bumper crops on the horizon for much of the state, Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall has today urged landholders to be on the lookout for locust activity this spring and report any sightings immediately.
NSW/ Queensland border bubble reinstated
Northern border residents will be able to cross the Queensland border from 1am on Monday 13 September for essential work and essential reasons with the reinstatement of the border bubble, following discussions between the NSW and Queensland Governments.
Blue trees branching out for better mental health
From Broken Hill to Inverell, Corrective Services NSW staff across the state have been whittling, welding and painting blue trees in the name of mental health awareness ... Staff and inmates have been involved in creating their distinctive blue trees – from murals and collages to welded sculptures and painted tree trunks.
McGowan Government delays Yanchep rail extension
Yesterday Yanchep News Online reported Opposition Transport spokesman Shane Love had called for the McGowan Government to answer legitimate questions about whether the Yanchep rail extension was on budget and on time. Today in his first Budget as Treasurer the Premier Mark McGowan said as well as the Yanchep rail extension being deferred one year the Joondalup Light Auto Workshop had also been deferred one year with completion now expected in mid‑2024.
McBride crosses floor for border community
Chris Oldfield. Member for MacKillop Nick McBride crossed the floor of State Parliament last week, preventing his party from extending its state emergency COVID powers to April 30 next year – after the next state election. He supported amendments by Mount Gambier Independent Troy Bell, and the state’s emergency Act will now be reviewed again before December 1, inclusive of some changes for regional people. The State’s emergency Act has given great power to police commissioner Grant Stevens to restrict civil liberties, enabling lockdowns, border closures and other COVID restrictions.
NSW and Vic Parliament suspension continues
Despite COVIDSafe Plans, masks, social distancing and vaccinations, both New South Wales and Victorian Parliaments remain suspended. Are politicians not essential? Surely good governance is! What is it called when a state is run by one side of politics with no accountability or questioning?
Village life during Covid-19 times
Kirstin Nicholson. Fondly known as ‘The Village’, the Respect Cohuna Village is the retirement home of 45 of the district’s elderly residents. Don’t let the terms ‘elderly’ or ‘retirement’ put you off, their lifestyle is by no means sedentary. The village is a hive of activity with visiting family and friends, health professionals and volunteers who attend to treat, entertain, care for the residents and enhance their life. That was until COVID-19 came on the scene.
WA call another example of thought-bubble policy on native forestry: IFA/ AFG
“The IFA/AFG is concerned that professional forest scientists, researchers and managers do not appear to have been consulted to inform this decision, and also questions whether the views and aspirations of Traditional Owners have been considered,” IFA/ AFG VP Dr Freeman said. “This thought-bubble policy is out of step with the rest of the world, which views well-regulated, sustainable native forest management and biodiverse plantings as the preferred source of timber, because of their positive contribution to climate change mitigation, biodiversity and forest resilience."
All states must follow Western Australia’s lead and end native forest logging: Greens
Australian Greens forests spokesperson, Senator Janet Rice, has welcomed the announcement that Western Australia will end all native forest logging by 2024, and called on the Commonwealth and other state governments to follow suit and end the destruction of Australia’s forests.
