Greening Australia and its nature-based solutions business, Canopy, have responded to rising demand for high-integrity carbon projects from corporate Australia with a reforestation carbon aggregation, which will see over 2.26 million native biodiverse plants established across 1,228 hectares in 2023 – that’s almost three times the size of Melbourne’s CBD.

The project, registered with the Clean Energy Regulator, brings together 14 landholders from across Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria, doubling the number of landholders engaged in our previous 2022 record-breaking aggregation.

While the wider carbon industry navigates increased public scrutiny, heavy-weight corporates are craving reliable, trusted partners to help meet their ambitious environmental commitments. The strengthening of the Safeguard Mechanism – the first successful national reform to cut Australia’s emissions in a decade – is expected to further contribute to growing demand in the carbon market, with approximately 30 percent of Australia’s total emissions falling under the scope of the revised law.

Greening Australia Acting COO and Canopy Executive Director Paul Della Libera says that while less than one percent of the carbon market is currently made up of Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) generated by native environmental plantings, this method is critical to delivering tangible biodiversity restoration outcomes alongside carbon sequestration.

“The year-on-year growth of Greening Australia and Canopy’s carbon aggregations is a testament to our position as a market leader delivering high-integrity carbon projects that unlock positive outcomes for nature at scale, while driving financial returns for local landholders and helping large businesses meet environmental commitments.

“We don’t have a moment to waste tackling the environmental challenges we collectively face. We’re committed to continuing our leading role in delivering innovative nature-based solutions that tackle climate change while simultaneously restoring Australia’s unique biodiversity,” says Mr Della Libera.

Coming up Friday September 1 at The Palais, Hepburn, the music students of Daylesford College will be showcasing their musical skills and talents to friends, family and the local community.

A wide range of musical acts will be performed including Year 7 students to VCE/VET Music students.

Students will be performing a whole gamut of material including original tunes, Heavy Metal, Solo Piano, Latin Jazz, Rock and Blues. Playing at the Hepburn Palais is a real highlight for the Daylesford Music Program and gives students a real opportunity and insight into working in the Music Industry.

The showcase gets going from 5.30pm.

The Local team discuss what’s happening in the next edition of The Local

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Queensland’s Coomera Connector project is full steam ahead with the arrival of a unique piece of construction equipment onsite on the Coomera River – a 48-metre-long piling barge named the Maeve Anne – the Federal Transport Minister and Member for Ballarat says.

Catherine King MP last week issued a media statement recording that: “The Maeve Anne has made the journey from the docks at Murarrie in Brisbane to her new home on the Coomera River, where she will assist with building the nearly one-kilometre-long Coomera River bridge as part of Stage 1 North”.

Ms King’s statement issued last Monday continued:

“The Maeve Anne will be used to build a temporary jetty on the northern banks of the Coomera River, which will be used to store material and equipment, and to move supplies and people out onto the river.

“Once the jetty is installed, works will start on building 20 bridge marine piles, which will take about six months to complete. 

“The Maeve Anne will later be joined by her sister barge, the Suzanne, which will be used in the construction of the Coomera River bridge substructure, and to install bridge girders.

“The Maeve Anne is equipped with a 250-tonne crane and piling rigs that include vibratory (vibro) hammers and a fly drill and will utilise a crew of around eight specialist marine construction workers on board and the barge.

“The Suzanne will also have its own specialist crew and is equipped with a 500-tonne crawler crane.

“Local mariners will notice some changed conditions on the Coomera River around the marine construction area, including a temporary navigation channel and reduced speed limits.

“The area will be clearly marked with buoys to ensure the safety of the project team and river users.

“The Australian and Queensland governments have committed $2.16 billion to plan and build Coomera Connector Stage 1 between Coomera and Nerang, with each investing $1.07 billion.

Major construction on the Coomera Connector started in March.

“The new motorway is expected to open progressively to traffic from late 2025, with planning continuing for future stages.”

QLD Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk: “Every milestone in the Coomera Connector’s construction puts us a step forward in getting tourists and Gold Coast locals home sooner and safer.

“The Coomera Connector ties in with the M1, the new Hope Island train station and the broader active transport network – catering for the rapid growth this region is seeing.

“Queensland’s Big Transport Build is underpinned by transformational infrastructure like the Coomera Connector, which will change the way people travel to and from the Gold Coast.”   

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King: “The Coomera Connector is a game-changer for South-East Queenslanders – it means less time stuck in traffic and more time spent with loved ones enjoying Queensland’s great lifestyle.  

“We know congestion is a significant issue for the region and frustrating for motorists, which is why we’re getting on with delivering this critical piece of infrastructure.

“Works have ramped up over the past couple of months since construction started and it is wonderful to see the new motorway construction well underway.

“The delivery of this vital piece of infrastructure is estimated to support an average of 1,000 direct jobs over the life of the project.”

CFA firefighters responded to a house fire in the Grandview Estate in Truganina at around 2pm on Friday 14 July 2023.

Volunteer firefightersfrom Rockbank and Caroline Springs brigades attended the scene on Doma Drive, with support from Fire Rescue Victoria.

On arrival, firefighters were faced with a single-storey home with flames issuing from the roof space and from the rear of the property. Additionally, becasue of strong winds the property next door was under threat from the flames.

“The quick work of fire crews ensured the fire didn’t spread to the neighbouring property and was brought under control as quickly as possible,” Rockbank Captain and Incident Controller Matt Cain said.

“We had two teams working in breathing apparatus with a hose line each. One crew worked internally and the other externally. After an initial attack, there were signs of structural collapse in the dwelling so our crews retreated to perform external attacks only.”

The collaboration between CFA and FRV firefighters worked well. Both agencies had members in the Incident Management Team, with Rockbank brigade captain being the incident controller, Senior Station Officer Gazzola being the operations officer and Senioe Station Officer Abbey being the safety officer and rear sector commander.

The incident was deemed under control at around 2.45pm and crews declared the scene safe at around 4pm. Firefighters remained on scene making sure there were no further hot spots.

A hot fire training Gas Pad has been dedicated to the late Mick Daws to honour his service to CFA both as a volunteer and staff member.

In recent days, 28 women took part in a hot fire training day at the Wangaratta Campus on the Mick Daws Gas Pad.

Mick Daws sadly passed away in December 2021 at the age of 50 after battling an illness for many years.

The Gas Pad at the Victorian Emergency Management Training Centre (VEMTC) at Wangaratta was named Mick Daws at an official ceremony in early 2022.

VEMTC Wangaratta Campus Pad Supervisor Richie Gardner worked closely with Mick for many years and was also a close friend.

“Mick and I grew up in CFA together. We both joined CFA as part of the Moyhu Group of brigades in the 80s in our teens – Mick was at Edi Fire Brigade and I was at Milawa Fire Brigade,” Richie said.

“As time went on, our lives continued to cross paths, we had similar backgrounds and hobbies, and we both ended up joining South Wangaratta Fire Brigade in the early 2000s.”

In 1998, Richie was appointed the training ground Manager at the VEMTC Wangaratta Campus and in 1999, Mick was employed as a Pad Operator, also known as a ‘Paddy’.

“Mick was an integral part of building the Wangaratta Campus to what it is today. He helped guide it, direct it and maintain it over the years, and proudly it’s now the longest standing training ground at CFA with a 40-year history,” Richie said.

“Mick helped wherever he could whether it was with brigades or the broader community. That was his passion – he was a people person.”

Mick continued his journey as a full-time staff member with CFA. He supported brigades in his role as a Brigade Administrative Support Officer (BASO) and he was also the driving force and founding member of the Volunteer Sustainability Team (VST) in the North East Region.

Over the years, Mick worked closely with the Wangaratta Campus team and helped coordinate training. He was a strong advocate for women and youth. A big part of Mick’s passion was creating women-only training days, to give them the opportunity to build their skills together in a safe and welcoming environment.

As part of this, a Woman’s Networking Group was created which helps facilitate women’s training days and other activities.

In recent days, 28 women took part in a hot fire training day at the Wangaratta Campus on the Mick Daws Gas Pad.

“These types of training days are special to us in many ways but in particular it’s great to see Mick’s legacy living on,” Richie said.

Major works have started on the METRONET New Midland Station project, northeast of Perth, to deliver a state-of-the-art train station and meet community needs, the Federal Transport Minister and Member for Ballarat says.

The project will build a modern, three-platform station between Helena and Cale streets, bringing it closer to the heart of Midland’s town centre and improving connectivity to Midland Gate Shopping Centre and Midland Health Campus, says Catherine King MP.

The new station will include a 12-stand bus interchange, a multi-storey car park with more than 800 parking bays, and secure bike parking – servicing both Midland and the wider hills communities.

Initial work will concentrate on building the car park, which has necessitated the closure of the western end of the station’s existing passenger car park. The car park on Railway Parade to the east of Helena Street will also close to facilitate construction of the new station.

Once rail services are moved to the new station – expected to occur in early 2025 – the existing 55-year-old station will be decommissioned and demolished.

Preliminary designs for the new station were released earlier this year, showing a contemporary facility that reflects local Noongar culture, the industrial backdrop of the Midland Railway Workshops, and the local landscape.

The $330 million New Midland Station project is jointly funded by the Australian and Western Australian Governments and will be built by the Midland Junction Alliance (McConnell Dowell Constructors, Georgiou Group, Arcadis Australia Pacific and BG&E).

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King: “The Australian Government has committed $3.9 billion to a number of METRONET projects to deliver vital transport infrastructure for Perth’s burgeoning suburbs to greatly improve services and travel times for local commuters.

“The METRONET partnership with the Western Australian Government will continue to boost the economy for years to come by providing long-term business opportunities, supporting the growth of vibrant urban centres through integrated transport and providing sustainable alternative transport options.”

WA Premier Roger Cook: “Our suburbs deserve top-quality public transport infrastructure – and my government is delivering for local communities.

“The New Midland Station is a significant investment into Midland’s future, providing a modern facility in the heart of the town centre, building on the unique rail heritage of the area.

“METRONET is powering ahead right across Perth, from Yanchep and Ellenbrook to Midland and Byford, with our major investment into public transport setting up our suburbs and communities for the future.”

The small township of Newmerella, 5 kilometres from Orbost, escaped the East Gippsland fires in 2019 because of good preparation, the vigilance of its brigade, and a lucky wind change.

When the immediate danger had passed, Captain Jason Griebenow and his team turned their attention to helping others in neighbouring areas, to great effect. 

The brigade’s tanker initially patrolled areas along and off the Princes Highway, until fire came out of the bush and into farmland from two different directions late on 30 December 2019. Newmerella’s and two out-of-town tankers were directed west to Waygara, to help farmers try to put out a blaze that had quickly covered an 8-hectare paddock. They brought that fire under control, then blacked out the next day. 

In the following two weeks, the brigade conducted a successful 5-kilometre back-burn to safeguard local farms at Waygara, and another burn at Partellis Crossing after a call-out there. But its biggest contribution was made a fortnight later at Tamboon. 

Jason explains: “One of our members, Dean Herbert, has a house at Tamboon and was concerned because fire was approaching on every side and the community only had a 1000-litre unit on a trailer owned by someone there. He asked if he could approach Steve Dorman [MFB Commander] to take a tanker there. I said that could happen, but he’d have to run it past the MFB at Orbost.” Dean was subsequently given clearance, and Jason arranged to send in supplies and radios. “They were fairly aware that they’d be trapped there,” he says. 

Tamboon, a settlement of 15 houses, is enclosed by bush, with only Tamboon Inlet providing a way out when the road is cut off. Jason heard from Dean later that night. “The fire’s coming,” said Dean. “We’ve got permission to light a back-burn and it’s going to happen soon. It’s totally surrounding us.” Dean was with brothers Glen, also from Newmerella, and Frank, from the Cann Valley brigade, and residents Adolino Marchi, Joe Di Luca and Ernest Vale. It was a small outfit with a small tanker and a few private vehicles. 

Jason, a relatively new Captain at the time, had faith in the firefighters’ abilities, but when he got a call at home that night, he was worried. A senior officer from FFMVic who was involved in the operation radioed to say that he’d given Dean a ‘wellbeing call’ and Dean hadn’t answered. Jason tried to ring him but couldn’t raise him either, so he left a message asking Dean to call back and let him know the crew was safe. Jason then turned in but couldn’t get to sleep. 

At 3.30am, Dean finally called: “All good. Just been under the pump keeping water round the houses, on woodheaps, putting out spot fires, etc.”. 

“That’s all that matters,” replied Jason, “that you’re OK.” 

“Dean said later it had been a textbook burn, pulling the controlled fire into the bushfire coming towards them,” says Jason. “It had worked perfectly.” 

All the national park back to Cann River to the south-east had burned, as well as west from Bemm River. But the fire, burning to the crowns of the large trees, had stopped on the edge of the buffer created by the firefighters. “I was so proud of the way it all worked,” says Jason. “It saved a small community. They managed to save all those houses.” 

Newmerella brigade continued to help out others, lending its shiny new big-fill to Bemm River brigade, then to DELWP, deploying a tanker and crew to Marlo to assist there, and supporting Wairewa Captain Julian Davies. 

Jason visited Tamboon a year later for a community reunion. By then, Ernest, Adolino and Joe had joined CFA. “I looked around and was stunned at what they did,” says Jason. The people of Tamboon presented him with a large canvas photo of what are now known as the ‘Tamboon Six’ with the Newmerella tanker and the trailer. Jason says he was told that “without that little tanker, we couldn’t have done it”. 

Jason’s story is now one of many that emerged from the 2019-20 fires and have been profiled in the new book, Our Black Summer. The entire book can be read online on the CFA website. 

Tenzin’s message is uplifting and his joyfulness is infectious.

Acknowledged as one of the world’s finest Tibetan musicians, Tenzin Choegyal’s cantering rhythms, soaring vocals and exquisite flute solos have enchanted audiences around the globe and next month they’ll enchant plenty of local music lovers at The Palais, Hepburn.

A son of Tibetan nomads, he feels a particular connection to the music of the Himalayan plateau and remains dedicated to preserving Tibet’s musical traditions. At the same time, he effortlessly embraces diverse genres and musical styles, welcoming opportunities to move away from the traditional and into more contemporary, uncharted territory. An outstanding composer/performer with a great depth of musical knowledge, intuition and inventiveness, he skilfully brings Tibetan music firmly into a contemporary setting, all the while strongly holding the essence of ancient Tibetan wisdom.

Tenzin’s powerful vocals and connection with his audiences have established him as a favourite on the world music scene. He plays dranyen (Tibetan lute) and lingbu (bamboo flute) but is best known for his extraordinary vocal ability and performance of droklu, the nomadic music of his parents.

His concerts encompass soaring nomadic melodies, sublime flute pieces, sacred poetry and playful folk tunes, bringing traditional Tibetan sounds and practices into a very contemporary setting,

Through his music and warm explanations, Tenzin takes audiences on a musical journey which transcends cultural boundaries and reveals ancient wisdoms, even inviting them to join him in lively singalongs and meditative mantras.

Tenzin sees music as a universal form of communication with no boundaries, “like drifting clouds that fly freely over the man-made geographical borders in this infinite space of possibilities”.

For Tenzin music is life, no matter where he is. “My music has evolved through my own journey from Tibet to India to Australia and around the world. But wherever I am in the world, my music also connects me to my homeland of Tibet.”

Tenzin plays the Palais on Friday, August 25 with the show scheduled to get started from 6.30pm.

Australia and the United Kingdom have highlighted shared ambitions for decarbonising aviation the federal transport minister, MP for Ballarat, Catherine King says.

In a media statement released earlier this month, Catherine King MP said that the Albanese Government supports the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from international aviation without constraining while still facilitating growth in the industry. 

With questions increasingly being raised about the signficant role aviation is having in exacerbating climate change, Ms King’s media statement issued on July 19 also asserts that:

“ICAO’s initiatives include the adoption of a long-term aspirational goal for international aviation of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and the implementation of the Carbon Offsetting Reduction Scheme for International Aviation.

“In meetings this week with UK ministers, including Baroness Vere of Norbiton, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Aviation, Maritime and Security), we have discussed shared ambitions and initial progress in decarbonising aviation, as well as the UK’s experience so far in encouraging an industry-government partnership approach through its Jet Zero Council.

“In meetings this week with UK ministers, including Baroness Vere of Norbiton, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Aviation, Maritime and Security), we have discussed shared ambitions and initial progress in decarbonising aviation, as well as the UK’s experience so far in encouraging an industry-government partnership approach through its Jet Zero Council,” Ms King said.

“Just last month I announced the Australian Jet Zero Council, which is due to meet for the first time in August, bringing together stakeholders from across our aviation industry and its fuel supply chain to identify opportunities to decarbonise the sector.

“The Council will support Australia’s aviation industry and government to collaborate in achieving emissions reductions on the path to net zero, including through increased use of sustainable aviation fuels, adoption of emerging technologies and making operations more efficient.

“I look forward to continuing to work across government, with industry and with international partners to drive the decarbonisation of aviation and secure a greener, more sustainable future.” 

Federal transprt minister, MP for Ballarat Catherine King has highlighted joint efforts between Australia and Singapore to decarbonise shipping technology.

“Today I met with the acting Singaporean Minister for Transport Chee Hong Tat, where we discussed how Australia and Singapore’s 2022 Green Economy Agreement can accelerate the uptake and promotion of decarbonisation technologies in shipping,” Ms King said in a media statement issued on July 21.

The minister’s recent statement continued:

“The Australian Government is committed to reducing emissions across all transport sectors, including by establishing a Green and Digital Shipping Corridor between Singapore and Australia to reduce maritime emissions.

“We also discussed the potential for further engagement and collaboration between our countries on low-emissions solutions for maritime and port operations.

“I am pleased to advise that my department and the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore are working closely together towards deployment of these solutions in a Green Shipping and Digital Corridor in 2025.

“I took the opportunity to detail our government’s commitment to developing a Maritime Emissions Reduction National Action Plan, which will chart a practical green transition for Australia’s maritime sector while underpinning collaboration with other nations.

“I was pleased to be able to visit the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore during my trip to examine their shipping operations and port control, leveraging from their world-leading experience in the operation of port facilities.

“We also discussed our sustainability ambitions for aviation. Under the Green Economy Agreement both countries will discuss how we can cooperate on sustainable aviation growth while reducing emissions. We will also work together in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to pursue global aviation environment initiatives.

“This includes how our two countries can help progress the long-term global aspirational goal for international aviation of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

“I look forward to continuing to drive down transport emissions in Australia while being a leader and maintaining our strong overseas partnerships.”

Community and industry feedback is being invited on Victoria’s new Biosecurity Strategy to help strengthen the existing system against increased pest and disease risks.

Biosecurity Victoria Executive Director Katherine Clift said widespread input is critical in shaping the strategy to prevent and manage harms to our farms, natural environment and people.

Community members can complete a survey or make a submission on Victoria’s Biosecurity Strategy by midnight, Wednesday, 16 August, 2023 via engage.vic.gov.au/victorian-biosecurity-strategy-consultation

‘Victoria’s biosecurity system needs to adapt and change to meet current and future challenges with improved clarity on the role that everyone can play to reduce risk,’ Dr Clift said.

‘We welcome feedback on Victoria’s new Biosecurity Strategy – a key commitment to strengthening our existing system against increased pests and disease risks.

‘It’s crucial this strategy is informed by people from a range of backgrounds and experience – including those who regularly deal with biosecurity risks and benefit from a strong biosecurity
system.’

Biosecurity is the actions to prevent and manage the harms caused by pests and diseases, and the impact they have on what we value most.

‘Victoria’s biosecurity system has responded strongly to high priority threats in recent years and
there are great examples of partnerships across the system,’ Dr Clift said.

‘The new Victorian Biosecurity Strategy prioritises more widespread collaboration as key to a stronger and more resilient system.’

The draft strategy was developed with people who have a role in biosecurity, including farmers, agriculture industry bodies, supply chain and transport businesses, community and emergency
management organisations, Traditional Owners and government agencies.

Community consultation included a series of statewide workshops earlier this year and builds on Victoria’s Biosecurity Statement endorsed by the Victorian Government in 2022.

The strategy has also been shaped with input by Victoria’s Biosecurity Reference Group (BRG), a collective representing industry and community views.

‘In our collective pursuit of a secure future for both food and fibre, we must recognise that biosecurity is a shared responsibility,’ BRG member and VFF Vice President Danyel Cucinotta
said.

‘We encourage farmers to actively engage in shaping the draft strategy with invaluable insights and collaboration that will fortify our defences, ensuring a resilient and thriving agricultural sector for generations to come.’

The draft strategy is the next step in a four-year change program working with government, industry and community to strengthen different aspects of the biosecurity system.

A surge in garage fires across the state has Victorian fire services encouraging residents to clean up their garage and consider installing smoke alarms inside.

Many of the reported garage fires in the last year were caused by faulty electrical equipment or related to fuel spills. 

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said CFA firefighters have already responded to 26 garage fires this year compared to the 28 in total from last year.

“We’re expecting to see a rise in rechargeable battery and car fires this winter season.” CO Heffernan said. 

A garage fire at a Mooroolbark home last month was a timely reminder about the importance of households inspecting their appliances, devices and vehicles regularly.

The Mooroolbark family escaped from their home after their refrigerator in their garage caught on fire due to an electrical fault that quickly enflamed the entire residence.

“The family could have been alerted sooner had an interconnected or long-life battery smoke alarm been installed in the garage and in the nearby hallway,” CO Heffernan said.

“It is essential that smoke alarms are installed in all areas containing electrical devices, as they have the potential to catch alight.”

Fire Rescue Commissioner Gavin Freeman said the incident also calls for Victorians to check the condition of all electrical appliances in their garages.

“Inspect the condition of your electrical items and if you notice any damage, ensure they are repaired by a certified tradesperson,” Commissioner Freeman said.

“When it comes to items powered by lithium-ion batteries, such as e-scooters and e-bikes, only use chargers and cords that were originally supplied with that device. Using chargers with incorrect power delivery can cause damage or overheating that can lead to fires.

“Finally, keep all garages free of clutter, so that if an electrical item does catch alight the fire will be less likely to spread.”

The Hepburn Shire Council is looking for community members to join its Heather Mutimer International Women’s Day Advisory Committee.

The aim of the committee is to provide the council with advice on the Heather Mutimer International Women’s Day Honour Roll.

The council is now calling on applications from suitably qualified and experienced community members. 

Applications are now open and will close on Monday 21 August 2023 at 5.00pm.

Those interested in applying are also being encouraged to read the Heather Mutimer International Women’s Day Advisory Committee – Terms of Reference

As of 20 July, 13 sudden horse deaths have been confirmed on five Victorian properties with some of the deaths occurring several weeks ago.

Locations include Mornington Peninsula, south-east Melbourne, Ballarat and Colac.

Agriculture Victoria says that the cause of these deaths is currently unknown, and an extensive investigation remains ongoing with no indication of major infectious disease to date.

No movement restrictions are in place, and events can proceed as scheduled.

Agriculture Victoria says that rapid reporting of sudden horse deaths or onset of illness is crucial to help efforts to understand what is causing them. Horse owners whose animals become suddenly ill or die are being urged to call 1800 675 888.

Agriculture Victria is also encouraging all horse owners to stay informed with our regular updates via agriculture.vic.gov.au/horse-situation