Mandating Covid-19 therapeutics, questions continue
“At the pivotal point of Pfizer's vaccine approval in December 2020, there was a gross misrepresentation in what was presented publicly. Instead of the six deaths publicly disclosed, four placebo, two vaccinated, suggesting a benefit of vaccination, there were in fact 11 deaths, with more deaths in the vaccinated arm, six. We found undisclosed deaths, especially in the vaccinated arm of this clinical trial, in contravention to legal and ethical obligations of trial sponsors": Dr Jeyanthi Kunadhasan.
No package plus buybacks = wasteland
The spectre of water buybacks, plus the absence of a targeted support package for Riverland grape growers, risk turning local communities into "economic wastelands", a local MP has warned. Liberal Barker MP Tony Pasin has labelled a $3.5 million federal funding package as "too little, too late" and accused both Labor governments of ignoring the crisis confronting inland wine regions like the Riverland.
All hands on deck as Mossman harvest gets green light: Canegrowers
The race is on to get Mossman’s cane crush underway, following confirmation the State Government would chip in up to $6 million towards the cost of transporting the cane 100kms south to MSF’s Mulgrave Mill ... the local Douglas Shire Council, Douglas Chamber of Commerce, MSF Sugar and the Queensland Government, Premier Steven Miles announced the government would cover nearly half of the transport costs.
Understanding the lengthy process for renewable energy approval
With far more interest and opportunity in the SW-REZ for renewable energy projects than current transmission capacity allows, many of the proposed wind and solar farms on the Hay Plains are unlikely to be built unless the Government announces further transmission projects to increase capacity ... Tim Mead, the Development Director at Australian-owned renewable energy developer Someva Renewables, sat down with The [Riverine] Grazier to discuss the SW REZ Access Rights tender process.
Buyback: Occupation until relocation
Naomi Shine. Beautiful old homes, made from incredibly sturdy Big Scrub timbers, are being boarded up across the flood zone in Lismore and left to moulder. People needing shelter are moving in, and NSW Reconstruction Authority doesn’t know how to deal with the situation.
Invasive weeds destroying Moonta
Joanne Tucker. One of Australia’s worst invasive weeds has been identified in 31 new locations in the Northern and Yorke region, including Moonta ... “The roadside infestations have just jumped the fenceline into the adjoining properties, so we will work with those landowners to control the buffel on their properties”: David Hughes, Northern and Yorke Landscape Board team leader.
Large scale gold mining gets underway in Tennant Creek: Monaghan
Large scale gold mining will recommence in Tennant Creek, as Tennant Mining commences construction on its Nobles Gold Mine Project – a project expected to be worth $69.9 million to the Northern Territory economy each year. Civil works are getting underway at the Nobles Gold Mine Project ...
‘Huge loss’: Mayor seeks State help after Bonza collapse
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli is calling on the Queensland Government to address the wide-reaching impacts felt through the loss of Bonza Airlines ... Those affected include the airline’s 150 staff, as well as suppliers, cleaning, catering and support services and the many accommodation providers, restaurants, retailers, car rental and attractions, who had benefited from the record numbers of visitors brought in by Bonza.
Millions in biosecurity budget to tackle fire ants, white spot, feral pigs and weeds
Biosecurity threats are big news from fire ants in Wardell to white spot in prawns in the Clarence Valley. The State Government announced its budget of $945.7million for biosecurity measures.
Regional uni study hub to be operational next year
Building modiï¬cations and ï¬t-out work will commence shortly on the Southern Downs regional university study hub, located at 163 Palmerin Street, Warwick ... When completed, the centre will include quality learning spaces, meeting rooms, technology and pastoral care ...
Newstead Racecourse Recreation Reserve
Kerry Cain. The Newstead Racecourse Recreation Reserve covers approximately 80 acres and is owned by the State Government. The NRRR has a volunteer committee that manages, maintains, and enhances the land ... The NRRR now has a park section used as a camping area.
Native forest policy, WA style: Jack Bradshaw
Jack Bradshaw. Having killed off the native forest timber industry by edict, the WA government is now taking the next step to cement its hypocrisy in legislation. Reece Whitby, the Minister for the Environment has recently introduced an amendment to the Conservation and Land Management Act 1984 (WA) to “lock in this Labor government’s historic decision to stop the unsustainable practice of commercial native logging”.
Water pipeline a positive for local towns
Secure supply of quality water is an important piece of infrastructure for any town and Cambooya, Greenmount and Nobby are set to benefit from construction of the Toowoomba to Warwick Water pipeline due for completion in 2027.
Fire strategy calls for co-operation
The vision for bushfire management in Victoria for the next 10 years has been set out in the recently released Bushfire Management Strategy. Severe bushfires earlier this year once again highlighted the devastating impacts bushfires can have on our communities, economy and natural environment.
Dalton supports buybacks petition
Member for Murray Helen Dalton has thrown her support behind the “Protect Rural and Remote Communities from Commonwealth Water Buybacks” petition lodged with the NSW Legislative Assembly. The origin of the petition is unknown, and is attributed by Ms Dalton to a ‘constituent’ and the independent member says buybacks will harm country towns.
We will miss you ferry much
For close to 130 years, it united rural communities on either side of the Clarence River. It provided a safe, time-saving, and cost-effective connection for countless residents, tourists, local businesses, employees, and industries, emergency services, and primary producers, who are now forced to travel almost 80km every time they need to cross the wide, open waterway.
Parliamentary committee public hearing resurrected
Just three weeks after public hearings about Lower Clarence developments before the Portfolio No 7 committee of the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into the Planning system and the impacts of Climate Change on the Environment and Communities were scrapped, they have been resurrected, delighting community groups ... But last Friday afternoon, Yamba CAN Inc. was informed by the committee that a hearing concerning Lower Clarence developments will be held next week.
Budget blues – YP on the outer
Michelle Daw. Yorke Peninsula again missed out on major spending in the 2024-25 State Budget, which was handed down last Thursday, June 6. There was little in the way of new funding specifically for the region ... "Despite throwing an extra $7.1b at the health system, critical areas in our regions remain neglected — such as the need for workforce incentives to attract and retain doctors and nurses in regional areas, investment in mental health and psychosocial services and regionally based radiotherapy services": Opposition regional health spokesperson Penny Pratt.
Partnerships result in continued progress for Lockyer Valley and Somerset Water Security
The Lockyer Valley and Somerset Regional Councils continue to work together to garner positive outcomes for not only both communities, but the state and nation too. Recently, both Councils met with members of the Lockyer Valley and Somerset Water Collaborative and representatives of the Queensland Government for an update on the Lockyer Valley and Somerset Water Security Scheme (LVSWSS).
Government responds to questions about water tankers in Gingin
Questions about heavy tankers transporting water from the Gingin proclaimed groundwater area should be directed to the Shire of Gingin, according to the Cook Government. On Friday Moore MLA Shane Love said The Nationals WA had launched a petition highlighting the effects of water transport vehicles ...
All go for art gallery
NT company Sitzler has been awarded the tender to construct the National Aboriginal Art Gallery. Site preparation and first stage construction works are set to rollout in the coming weeks, according to a government media release.
Sky’s the limit for Uluru tourism with new Virgin flights now boarding: Bowden
Virgin Australia now flies direct to Uluru from Melbourne four times a week and Brisbane three times a week. The new routes were secured in partnership with Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia. Investments through the Lawler Labor Government’s Territory Aviation Attraction Scheme improve travel choices for Territorians and provide a boost to inbound tourism through better aviation access and connectivity.
