Local MPs call for Woolies boycott
Local MP’s have followed federal opposition leader Peter Dutton’s call for people to boycott supermarket giant Woolworths over its decision not to sell Australia Day merchandise. Both Federal Member for Page, Kevin Hogan, and State Member for Clarence, Richie Williamson, have followed Mr Dutton’s lead, calling for people to boycott the supermarket...
Focus on Taskforce recommendations, not ‘gotcha’ moments: TasFarmers
Tasmania's peak body for farmers says activists are not contributing to the resolution of animal welfare issues through their proposed protest on Tuesday. President of TasFarmers, Ian Sauer, said we know that TQM, the government, and industry are resolute and will not tolerate breaches of the Animal Welfare Act any longer.
Crowning Cape Liz
Patrick Goldsmith. Yorke Peninsula Council is considering handing back care, control and management of Cape Elizabeth to the state Minister for Climate, Environment and Water Susan Close. Council is now seeking public feedback about the proposition which, if successful, would result in the land reverting to unalienated Crown land status.
Opportunities to improve fuel management across NSW: John O’Donnell
John O'Donnell. The NSW Rural Fire Service 2022/2023 Annual Report shows that, areas of annual hazard reduction burning and mechanical reduction in NSW are both at very low rates and vary by year ... Considering the extent of chronic eucalypt decline and thick understories in many NSW forests, strategies and actions to address these major issues across NSW landscapes and reduce intense bushfire risks are opportune but overdue, using low intensity maintenance burning and mechanical treatment of forests.
Regional communities to receive additional paramedics revealed as first cohort begins induction: Park
It will see 125 additional paramedics arriving in regional, rural and remote communities by the middle of this year ... These new paramedics will join a cohort of more than 6,700 NSW Ambulance staff who share a commitment to excellence in serving their communities across NSW.
Pilot Men’s Behaviour Change program to begin in Katherine: Worden
The new $2.41 million program will run for three years, and deliver tailored services to men to educate them about what drives their abusive behaviour, including how the use of alcohol and drugs contributes to their behaviour, with a service provider expected to be appointed by July. This program will hold men to account and keep women and children safe as the main priority.
Bushfire warning areas for Yanchep, Gingin and Chittering
Firefighters are battling three bushfires in the north-eastern outskirts of the metropolitan area – with residents needing to be aware warning areas have moved further into Yanchep and Yeal ... A map above accessible on Emergency WA website ... shows the warning areas associated with the three bushfires...
Disaster assistance for flood-impacted communities in Victoria: Symes
Jointly funded disaster assistance has been activated for communities impacted by the Victorian Floods and Storms that commenced on 24 December 2023, under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
Washing the decks
When ministers drop media statements in the days leading up to Christmas, it’s usually a sign that they want to wash the decks of bad news. One such release was by WA Water Minister, Simone McGurk, who issued a carefully worded statement that ‘water priorities reset to focus on practical measures.’
Accessible Abrolhos infrastructure opens new world of possibilities: DBCA
Join wheelchair user Chris Kerr as she samples new disability-friendly infrastructure and equipment at Houtman Abrolhos Islands National Park. You can't help but delight in her wonder and excitement as she's able to don mask and snorkel and descend into a magical underwater world at the Abrolhos for the first time.
Far North Queensland recovery works forge ahead: Mellish
Following a dedicated focus and significant effort from Department of Transport and Main Roads crews over the Christmas and New Year period, the Captain Cook Highway will reopen between Ellis Beach and Port Douglas ... Single lane closures however should be expected for an initial time period.
New Murray region land values published
The NSW Valuer General has published land values for the Murray Region. The land values reflect the value of land only, as at July 1, 2023 ... The new land values will be used by Revenue NSW to calculate land tax for the 2024 land tax year for landowners that are subject to land tax.
Proposed park increases fire risk
The Mountain Cattlemen’s Association of Victoria (MCAV) is warning that bush users will not sit by and watch the creation of a Great Forest National Park, as recently recommended by the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC). The VEAC report suggests converting around 75 per cent of the Central Highlands region into "a large protected area such as a national park."
New era for hardwood timbers and Victoria’s forests: VFPA
“ .. a small number of processors will continue processing the native timbers that consumers love, sourcing this wood from private sources in Victoria, from other states and from overseas ... While the Government has ceased native forestry, Victoria’s forests still need to be managed for the health and resilience of the forest": Ms Deb Kerr, CEO of the Victorian Forest Products Association.
More disaster assistance rolls out for SEQ: Miles, Boyd
The Albanese and Miles Governments are delivering further disaster assistance to help South East Queensland recover from recent severe storms ... announcement will support local clean-up efforts, invest in specialised recovery staff and provide grants to primary producers, small business owners and non-profit organisations...
Gallery: Whistle stop or gate to The Centre’s soul
“Visitors are welcome to our gallery where you can purchase paintings and learn more about the history of Papunya and its artists.” This message is on the Papunya Tjupi website and Yuendumu’s Warlukurlangu Artists have a similar one. Meanwhile the plodding preparations continue for the bombastically named National Aboriginal Arts Gallery (NAAG) in Alice Springs.
White sharks “vulnerable”
Michelle Daw. Reports of increased numbers of white sharks are not scientifically supported, according to the state government, and it has rejected culling as a response to recent attacks. Primary Industries and Regional Development Minister Clare Scriven said many South Australians were understandably concerned about recent shark attacks across the state.
Fishers reel in reprieve
Michelle Daw. Yorke Peninsula’s commercial fishers have won a reprieve in the marine-scale fishery industry’s campaign against a steep increase in state government fees. Primary Industries Minister Clare Scriven recently announced a $1.55 million scheme over the next three years ... Yorketown commercial fisher Shane Bishop said the extended support would buy time for the industry but the overall fee structure was still inequitable.
End of an era for timber harvesting
Gippsland's hardwood industry is now largely gone, with harvesting of timber from native forests on Crown land no longer permitted. Gippsland's native forest is part of the vast swathe of forest that stretches along the Great Dividing Range from the Dandenongs to behind Brisbane. It’s integral to Australia having the seventh biggest forest estate in the world ...
Ali Curung Youth Centre a key priority for Barkly Council
The CEO of Barkly Regional Council visited Ali Curung recently to address community concerns over the significantly delayed Youth Centre. The Youth Centre, funded by the Federal Government’s Building Better Regions Fund, remains a key priority for the Barkly Regional Council, said CEO Ian Bodill.
Carbon farming a growth industry
Denmark cattle farmers Michael and Laura Sinclair will make their operations more sustainable and profi table through carbon farming. They are among 43 landowners, including three Aboriginal enterprise properties, seeking Carbon for Farmers Vouchers of up to $15,000 so they can gain advice and develop carbon-farming plans.
Community advocates tour with Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder
Currently, 4,622 gigalitres of entitlements is held by government as environmental water, and Australia’s largest irrigator, Dr Simon Banks, Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder, was joined by Central Murray Environmental Floodplain Group, community representatives and Paul Madden OAM of Arbuthnot Sawmills for a tour of local farms and forests. John Toll farms at Gunbower ...
