Miles doing what matters: Greater Glider Forest Park protected area for Queensland: Linard, Saunders
Environment Minister Leanne Linard has announced 54,000 hectares of greater glider habitat in South East Queensland state forest will be transitioned to a new natural capital tenure ... Of the 54,000 hectares, 7,500 hectares are set to be placed into Natural Capital Reserve as a potential strategic advance offset for the critical Borumba Pumped Hydro project.
Boats grounded on the Riverland
Sebastian Calderon. Houseboats traveling along a section of the Murray River are facing challenges, due to low water levels, forcing operators to limit mobility through the Riverland. Changes in the river’s water flow following environmental conditions have recently seen a group of boats unable to travel between towns like Renmark and Berri.
Seasonal Bushfire Outlook Spring 2024: Australia’s national picture of fire potential
The Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Spring 2024 shows increased risk of fire for large areas in NT and Queensland, as well as far west and southwestern Victoria, and the southeast corner of SA. Mean temperatures for the year to date have been above average to very much above average for most areas, with areas of western WA and northern SA experiencing highest on record maximum temperatures for the period.
Oasis in Grey’s childcare desert
Rachel Hagan. Minlaton's time to celebrate arrived with the official opening of the long-awaited Minlaton Family Centre ...The ribbon was cut by Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey, and the three women who started it all: Katie Hughes, Anna Phasey and Amy Honner ... The centre has created 120 childcare places in the region, which is an incredible increase from a few years earlier when there were only 14.
Minister Penny Sharpe visit
I want to thank all the community for making my recent visit to Lord Howe Island such a wonderful experience. Lord Howe Island is a special place, with a unique and rich history. But as you know, being so remote from the mainland has its challenges, as well as advantages.
Rookwood Weir water flowing to Central Queenslanders: Plibersek, Butcher
Rookwood Weir celebrated another milestone as Queensland Water Minister Glenn Butcher joined customers to celebrate water from Rookwood Weir flowing to Central Queensland irrigators. Customers for Australia’s newest major water infrastructure asset began accessing Rookwood Weir water in August 2024 … The weir is providing a significant boost to the region’s water security and will drive economic growth and job creation for generations to come.
Lia’s law & order: Cops make their case
The new Chief Minister wasted no time getting down to what she called “the number one issue”: Law and order. Only hours after her impressive election win, Lia Finocchiaro met with Police Commissioner Michael Murphy in what may have been a tense encounter.
Health services to be investigated
The delivery of regional health services across the entire Limestone Coast Local Health Network will be investigated. The government has allocated $1million for this,” Health Minister Chris Picton revealed during his recent visit to the Naracoorte Hospital. “On top of this $8million investment (for the Naracoorte Hospital), a further $1million has been allocated to investigate regional service delivery across the entire Limestone Coast Local Health Network,” Mr Picton said.
Who was consulted?
Nasik Swami and Chris Oldfield. Health Minister Chris Picton claims the Limestone Coast Local Health Network (LCLHN) has implemented several changes to improve the care being provided to the people of Lucindale, following input from the community. But the Lucindale community disagrees with the minister and after being excluded from several meetings, says it still has not been consulted. Many residents report nursing services still have not returned to previous reliable or adequate capacity.
Celebrating Coonawarra’s world-class wine at regional festival: Bettison
The Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations’ program launched today at the National Wine Centre. From 1-20 October, festivalgoers will enjoy a range of degustation dinners, masterclasses, tastings, winery tours, and more. Festival highlights include the Coonawarra Golf Day, Pizza and Tunes at Raidis Estate, the International Cabernet Masterclass, as well as the longstanding Combined Wineries Cabernet Decade[nce] Tasting hosted by the Coonawarra Vignerons Association.
Newstead energy: Community Q&A
Close to 50 members of the Newstead community participated in a question-and-answer session about the Newstead Community Energy Project on Thursday 22 August, following the launch of the new solar farm. Representatives from project partners Renewable Newstead and Flow Power were on hand to explain the thinking behind the partnership, some technological context and the benefits to consumers for joining the project.
Renewable energy in Newstead
Newstead hosted a horde of prominent politicians, TV crews and corporates in high-visibility vests last week at its innovative solar farm. Minister for Energy and Resources, the Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio, accompanied by Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards, visited on Thursday 22 August to officially open the Newstead Community Energy Project, initiated by locals under the banner of Renewable Newstead.
Public Transport Levy explained
In response to backlash from outside of Toowoomba, where residents do not have access to public transport yet alone use it, Toowoomba Regional Council has published responses to frequently asked questions regarding the Public Transport Levy on the most recent rates notice. Part of the FAQ is as follows: Why has TRC included a Public Transport Levy on my rates notice? ... What is the Toowoomba Region Sustainable Transport Strategy 2023? ... Am I paying more in my rates because of this levy?...
Cadets meet and greet Youth Minister
Serena Kirby. Denmark Senior High School emergency services cadets gathered last week for a meet and greet with Local Government and Youth Minister Hannah Beazley. Ms Beazley, who is also Emergency Services Minister Parliamentary Secretary, said the cadets program was the favourite thing in her portfolio.
Queensland’s fire ant fight grows – self-treatment becomes key as eradication zones double in size: Sundew Professional Solutions
A national pest eradication expert says the news that Queensland is more than doubling the Red Imported Fire Ant eradication zone highlights the need for residents to be equipped with site-specific self-treatment products to combat known outbreaks ... There have been several fire ant incursions since 2001, and all those outbreaks were eradicated. “That tells us eradication is possible. We have the people and the know-how to make fire ant eradication a reality”: David Priddy, Sundew CEO.
Govt’s fire ant response lambasted
Local Member for Groom Garth Hamilton has strongly condemned the federal government’s response to the spread of fire ants, which have the potential to wreak havoc on the Darling Downs. Mr Hamilton, is demanding the government urgently responds to the Senate inquiry into red imported fire ants in Australia, which was delivered in April 2024.
Road questions raised
Member for Benambra Bill Tilley has called on the Victorian Roads Minister, Melissa Horne, to set a timeline to repair the Granya Road. It has been two years since the road was reduced to one lane … Mr Tilley told the Victorian Parliament yesterday that on the northern side of the township, temporary traffic lights funnel traffic into one lane to protect motorists from a compromised bridge and the gaping hole next to the road itself.
“Kick in the guts” – Norco dumped as NSW health supplier
Local Nationals MPs have joined forces to call out the NSW Heath Department’s decision to scrap Norco supplied milk to hospitals from the Tweed to Port Macquarie, a move that could threaten the livelihoods of Northern Rivers dairy farmers ... "Given our 129-year heritage in the Northern Rivers region, we are naturally disappointed by their decision to no longer support local and 100 per cent Australian-owned," the Norco spokesperson said.
SA has lifted into space
Sebastian Calderon. A new satellite built by South Australian-based companies will aim to deliver critical space data for use by government and research institutions, including data covering the Riverland, particularly in the areas of sustainability and climate impacts. The State Government-funded satellite Kanyini was successfully launched into orbit last week onboard a SpaceX rocket, being the first of its kind in Australia, built by SA-based companies – SmartSat, Inovor and Myriota.
Power price pain – Major local businesses struggling with rising electricity bills
Hugh Schuitemaker. The sustainability of Riverland horticulture is being pressured by "unavoidable" increases to electricity costs, according to numerous local business figures ... Nippy’s joint managing director Ben Knispel said costs had increased despite attempts to use less electricity ... Century Orchards’ annual bill is now well over $1m, which has increased from about $700,000 two years ago.
Setting the record straight with the shooters
I have repeatedly pointed out that there is no empirical evidence to suggest that capping the number of firearms reduces community risk, unless that cap is zero. You can only use one firearm at a time ... the Government's heavy-handed restrictions undoubtedly impact the enjoyment and utility of firearms for passionate shooters, many of whom play an important role in vermin control ... we don't represent them - we represent primary producers.
New round of vine resting trial begins: Scriven
A new round of a vineyard resting trial that enables red wine grape growers to save up to $2,000 per hectare in input, water, and management costs, has opened today. The new trial will provide growers additional time to make diverse business decisions as the state’s wine industry continues to experience an oversupply of red wine grapes, following challenging market conditions and changing global preferences.
