Cultural burning practices are integrated with accredited firefighting qualifications Laqueesha Laurie and her father, Dane, participated in the program (Photos: FCNSW) CULTURAL burning techniques are being integrated into government bushfire management frameworks across NSW. Funded by the Federal Government program “Fire, Country and People”, the aim is to strengthen community resilience to major bushfire events […]

RISING temperatures over Antarctica have been a major contributing factor to recent volatile weather along the East Coast, according to new information from the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM). A “sudden stratospheric warming” (SSW) is to blame. This is a documented weather scenario in which air temperatures high above the South Pole rise by 30 degrees […]

A NEW online tool is available to help NSW farmers better prepare for, respond to and recover from natural disasters including fire, flood, and drought. The platform, called myStockPlanner, enables farmers to provide details of their farm, risks and resources to access tailored response options to consider and implement with their feed and livestock. Federal […]

SOME regional Australians may get a reprieve from the housing crisis as councils are offered interest relief to build more drains, roads, and other infrastructure. Though many parts of regional Australia have ample residential land, it often isn’t ready for development due to a lack of funding and planning for critical infrastructure, a 2024 national […]

A NEW citizen science project led by UNSW Sydney is inviting beachgoers, snorkelers and divers to spot and share photographs of seagrass flowers along Australia’s coasts. The endangered seagrass Posidonia australis forms rich underwater meadows that capture carbon, support fisheries, and help stabilise shorelines. It’s one of the most important habitats in coastal ecosystems but […]

THE North Coast has been identified by the NSW Government as a region ready to harvest the economic benefits of the growing plant-based protein sector. Plant-based protein manufacturing is the process of turning crops such as chickpeas, soybeans, lentils and grains into high-protein food products like meat alternatives, protein powders, dairy-free drinks and snacks without […]

The owner and workers of Bowraville Sawmill are struggling under the GKNP moratorium. Nationals Senator Ross Cadell addresses worried workers at Adam’s Sawmill in Bonville. Photo: Senator Cadell. THE Nambucca Valley’s last remaining timber mill is struggling to stay afloat as a result of the Great Koala National Park (GKNP) logging moratorium. Enforced on 8 […]

NEW data released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that in the period 2023–24, more than 6000 children across NSW without a parent or guardian, sought help from a specialist homelessness service. More than 80 percent of these children did not receive support. While it is hard to put a figure on […]

AFTER announcing the proposed boundary for the Great Koala National Park (GKNP) on Sunday, 7 September, Premier Chris Minns met business leaders in Sawtell to discuss broader economic and social impacts. The park includes 176,000 hectares of state forest and connects existing national parks, creating a 476,000-hectare reserve. The move promises to protect endangered species […]

Premier Chris Minns at Sunday’s announcement with Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin (left) and Environment Minister Penny Sharpe. The proposed boundary of the Great Koala National Park. Conservationists welcome the long-awaited announcement. Photo: Penny Sharpe, FB. Members of the Timber, Furnishing & Textiles Union hold up signs saying ‘Don’t burn timber jobs. Talk […]