WEEKEND LONG READ: Australia’s system of carbon credits is swallowing up millions of hectares of prime farming land and locking it up for a century, while polluters like Woodside and Chevron look clean on paper. Farmers, investors and economists all want it fixed.
Environment
Posted inAgriculture, NSW News, Water
NSW floodplain harvesting audit begins
Only 58 per cent of floodplain harvesting storages in NSW were compliant as of June, and now a watchdog audit wants to know if the water take data can be trusted at all.
Posted inArmidale Regional, Water
Digital meters catch $364,000 in water leaks across Armidale, Guyra
Digital water meters have already caught $364,000 worth of leaks across Armidale and Guyra. With Level 2 restrictions in place and warmer weather on the way, Council says the savings are only going to grow.
Posted inAgriculture, Environment, National News
New environmental standards, guide, leave farmers with more questions than answers
Farmers are being asked to work under a new set of national environmental rules that the NFF says is too complex and uncertain to use with confidence
Posted inEnvironment, Tamworth
Construction begins on new $1.2m pest insects research lab
Construction has begun on a new $1.2 million pest insect research laboratory in Tamworth to help farmers combat destructive agricultural pests.
Posted inArmidale, Water
Armidale takes major step forward on long-term water security
Armidale’s water security fight moves from council chambers to the planning system. A scoping report is in, SEARS have been requested, the clock is ticking on the REZ standoff, and construction could start in 2028.
Posted inArmidale, Energy, Local politics, Long Read, NSW Politics, Regional Development, Water
No water, no REZ: how Armidale is using the REZ as leverage to fix a decade-old problem
WEEKEND LONG READ: There’s an $800m price tag on getting water security for Armidale and Uralla, and ratepayers don’t have it Now the state wants a $24 billion energy zone built here, and Mayor Sam Coupland is using that need as leverage: no water, no REZ.
Posted inEnvironment, Kentucky, Uralla, Water
New project aims to give Southern New England’s farm dams a health check
Workshops at Kentucky and Uralla, demonstration sites and even carbon-monitoring floats, Southern New England Landcare wants your farm dam in better shape within 12 months.
Posted inAgribusiness, Barraba, Bendemeer, Environment, Legal
Aerial applicator fined for overspray at Bendemeer
A helicopter spraying company has been fined more than $70,000 after herbicide drifted onto trees at Bendemeer. The pilot admitted to spraying “by eye”.
Posted inArmidale, Water
Armidale community invited to help shape future water services
Armidale Regional Council is inviting residents to help shape future water, wastewater and stormwater services through community consultation now.