Treasurer must repeal Holiday Tax says Lovell
Liberal Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell has urged Treasurer Jaclyn Symes to repeal Labor’s Holiday Tax that is harming Victorian tourism businesses. Recently released data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that international visitors are choosing other states over Victoria, as the Allan Labor Government’s Holiday Tax has made taking a holiday in Victoria more expensive than ever.
Blown tyres and scam
Have you ever driven the stretch between Naracoorte and Bordertown and feared the next bump might leave you with a blown tyre or bent rim? If so, you’re not alone. Locals say the road has become notorious for sudden drop-offs, crumbling shoulders, and dangerous edges—some as deep as 15 centimetres—that have left motorists with costly repair bills and a lingering sense of frustration.
It’s a business decision and not for ‘a lack of heart or connection to Casino’, Primex director says
Primex director Bruce Wright has signed an agreement between Primex Field Days and the Lismore Showgrounds to hold the Primex ag event in Lismore starting next year ... “What a significant coup to secure this premier event for Lismore and for it to be based at our much loved Lismore Showgrounds,” Ms Saffin said.
Farmers say rates notices preview Fire Services Tax pain: VFF
As local government rates notices hit letterboxes across the state, farmers are highlighting the madness of the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund Tax (ESVF) now hitting the pockets of Victorian homeowners. Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) President Brett Hosking said the mounting outrage is adding more weight to calls to scrap massive increases in the tax.
Country race clubs need fair treatment on cancellations
Country race meetings are the heartbeat of regional Australia. Unlike city races where only a small percentage of people attend, country race days see entire towns turn out to support their local event.
Gallery? Museum? We’ve finally got to get it right
Alex Nelson. This week marks the 34th anniversary of the official opening of the Commonwealth's Jock Nelson Centre in August 1991. This is the splendid Commonwealth building I suggested ought to be re-purposed as the permanent home of the Museum of Central Australia during my presentation at the Friends of the Strehlow Research Centre Symposium in April 2018.
VicGrid Bill passes, but fails rural communities: VFF
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has expressed deep disappointment at the passing of the VicGrid Bill through the Legislative Council, warning it grants sweeping powers to the government while doing little to protect farmers and regional communities.
Captain JJ and the Argo Armada
Every time someone brings up the Southern Oscillation Index or the Indian Ocean Dipole, I nod along and drift off. But a recent conversation with an old boarding school mate gave me hope that maybe it’s not as complex as I originally thought and maybe some of the amateur Wheatbelt weather forecasters might have more than half a clue about what's going on out there.
Basin Plan chickens return to roost
The trail of destruction that is the politically charged Murray Darling Basin Plan may have had its time in the sun as failings are laid bare. The court case of irrigators vs the MDBA, and last week’s suspension of NSW environmental water delivery has clearly demonstrated what locals have been concerned about, but remained unheard due to the dramatic power imbalance between the arbiter of truth, the Murray-Darling Basin Authority, and the political aspirations of the politicians involved.
Statement from the Queensland Attorney-General
I have today instructed the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions to lodge an appeal against a sentence handed down in the Roma District Court ... Floyd Norman Daniel was convicted of multiple offences, including assault occasioning bodily harm (domestic violence) and committing a malicious act with intent.
Great Koala National Park Op-Ed: Kemp
This Labor government’s environmental policy doesn’t look like it’s being run by those in Macquarie Street, but maybe by rooftop protestors who contribute little to society ... These high-end activists are screaming “koala crisis”, all the while happily living in high rise towers built from concrete and steel, wrapped in plastics, stuffed with furniture made from imported timber ripped from forests overseas with zero environmental standards. That’s not conservation. That’s hypocrisy.
Art at heart of RALLY program sparking regeneration of regional towns
A new program is set to revitalise towns across regional New South Wales with the power of arts-led regeneration. Launched by Regional Arts NSW in partnership with Cementa Festival co-founder Alex Wisser, the RALLY program invites artists from across the state to connect and collaborate ... RALLY participant Eliza Wells said as well as enhancing creativity and self-expression, she hoped the program would reduce loneliness and improve wellbeing in her community in Harden-Murrumburrah.
Magical night walk
The Walking the Seasons program provides guided walks led by local First Nations Elders and aims to deepen the understanding of local landscapes ...
Wine industry catastrophe?
Hugh Schuitemaker. Peak representative bodies say the Riverland is at risk of "long-term economic" catastrophe, unless direct support is provided for the South Australian wine industry. The Advertiser on Monday reported local grape growers were "grappling with one of the worst crises to hit the industry".
Riverlanders make an impact
Madison Eastmond. Two Riverlanders have presented a first-of-its-kind survey to SA Parliament, with research findings revealing the challenges that many face while living with Tourette's. Contingent member, and Riverland Youth Theatre artistic director Sam Wannan, and RYT youth intern Rowen Hurrell, joined the Tourette Syndrome Association of Australia to share the Tourette's Impact Report ...
Council recognises Covid concerns
The Covid concerns raised by people at recent community meetings discussing the impact of vaccinations have been recognised by Council now they have to advocate for answers.
Council calls for drought recognition
West Wimmera Shire Council has called on the State Government to expand the drought declaration area to cover the entire shire ... The program helps farmers affected by drought to meet their general rates and municipal charges ... Council also resolved to lobby the state government to expand the drought declaration area to cover the entire shire.
VFF slams VicGrid power play
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has written to state MPs to vote down the contentious VicGrid Amendment Bill that would pave the way for police-backed powers to force entry onto farms and slap landholders with fines of up to $12,100. VFF President Brett Hosking is reiterating previous calls to halt the Bill ahead of it being debated in State Parliament this Thursday.
Australian rural confidence softens as farmers report mixed outlook on the year ahead: Rabobank
Sentiment in Australia’s agricultural sector has softened over the winter months, as the nation’s farmers contend with higher input costs and mixed seasonal conditions, the latest Rabobank Rural Confidence Survey has found. The survey, released today, found net farm sector confidence has eased to a neutral reading of zero (down from five per cent in the previous survey).
Moonta Mines on path to World Heritage
The World Heritage bid for the Australian Cornish Mining Sites: Burra and Moonta is on track, with hopes of achieving recognition by July 2029. UK-based world heritage consultant Barry Gamble visited Moonta Mines last week and gave an update on the bid to National Trust of South Australia Moonta branch volunteers at the Moonta School of Mines.
Voucher tourism
Sarah Herrmann. Coastal regions impacted by the algal bloom are set to benefit from a travel voucher program this spring. The Coast Is Calling, delivered by the South Australian Tourism Commission, will release 20,000 vouchers for accommodation and experiences valued at up to $500 ahead of the September school holidays.
Rural Australians miss out on $8.35 billion in healthcare every year – and it’s getting worse: NRHA
Rural Australians are missing out on $1,090.47 in healthcare funding per person every year, compared to city residents – a funding gap the National Rural Health Alliance warns is costing lives. "The Forgotten Health Spend: A Report on the Expenditure Deficit in Rural Australia" tells a story of how we starve our rural Australians of healthcare access," said Susi Tegen, NRHA Chief Executive.
