Fluke Matcher uncovers a world of knowledge about whales
August 30, 2010
Southern Cross University has launched a powerful new software program that will enable researchers from around the world to collate humpback whale photographic catalogues and gain new understanding of the marine mammal’s biology, ecology and behaviour.
Fluke Matcher was developed by a team of researchers including Daniel Burns and Professor Peter Harrison, from Southern Cross University’s Marine Ecology Research Centre, and Dr Eric Kniest, from the University of Newcastle and was funded by the Australian Government.
Work on Ballina’s Harvey Norman Homemaker Centre to start soon
August 30, 2010
Construction of the Harvey Norman Homemaker Centre in Ballina is due to begin soon.
Ballina Shire Council said tenders had been called and the successful contractor had been appointed.
“The development has encountered many months of delays due to legal action taken against Ballina Shire Council which has since been settled in council’s favour,” the council said.
“Earthworks on the site and the Boeing Avenue extension are well-advanced and the successful builder is expected to take possession of the site mid-September.
“The tenders, which included submissions from local builders, were very competitive and whilst prices were very close, the time for construction was the determining factor. Harvey Norman has selected Mainbrace Constructions as the successful contractor and they will move on site mid-September.”
Michael Shay, principal of LJ Hooker Ballina, assisting with the local leasing of the project, said: “The Harvey Norman-anchored development will provide for both national and local retailers.
Promoting The Legendary Pacific Coast
August 29, 2010
Tourism industry stakeholders on the NSW North Coast are invited to take part in a new initiative to promote the popular touring drive along and surrounding the Pacific Coast corridor – The Legendary Pacific Coast.
Russell Mills, Deputy Chair of Pacific Coast Touring Route and CEO for Northern Rivers Tourism, said: “Collectively industry and stakeholders are encouraged to be involved in The Legendary Pacific Coast project to strengthen the vibrant brand conceptualised for the road itself and in turn maximise the economic potential for the coastal and hinterland towns and communities along this legendary stretch of road.
“Together, as part of the self-drive campaign, travellers along The Legendary Pacific Coast will be encouraged to travel at their own pace and create personal memories and legendary experiences to increase the prominence of this popular touring route, establishing The Legendary Pacific Coast as a top tourism drive in Australia.
“Partnership workshops, for the tourism industry, will be held in four locations and provide industry the opportunity to learn first-hand the innovative developments secured for this project and also take part in a ‘traveller’s technology’ presentation.”
The workshop for the Northern Rivers will be held at the Ballina Beach Resort on Tuesday, 31st August. Places are still available – call 66870695 or rsvp@northernriverstourism.com.au
Ballina Byron Airport welcomes five more weekly Jetstar services
August 29, 2010
Jetstar has added an extra five weekly flights from Sydney to the Ballina-Byron route.
Neil Weatherson, Ballina Byron Airport manager, was delighted to receive a phone call from Jetstar last Friday afternoon announcing the five additional weekly services.
“What a great way to end the week. We’re elated to have even more flights to offer our passengers and it also demonstrates Jetstar’s future confidence in the growth of the Sydney to Ballina-Byron route,” Mr Weatherson said.
“These additional flights coupled with the recently installed self check-in kiosks offer more flexibility and convenience for our customers.”
Gus and Katie sniff out foxes
August 25, 2010
Two highly-trained English Springer Spaniels will be visiting the Northern Rivers Region next week as a trial to locate fox dens in Arakwal National Park, near Byron Bay, and Broadwater National Park, north of Evans Head.
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Pest Management Officer Lisa Wellman said that the dogs can be trained to search for pests such as foxes, cane toads, rabbits and cats.
Four arrested over alleged amphetamine trafficking
August 18, 2010
Four more people have been arrested following a seven-month investigation into the alleged trafficking of amphetamines in the Richmond Local Area Command.
Officers attached to the Richmond LAC Drug Unit attended a home in Goonellabah at 6.30am and arrested a 44-year-old man. Police later returned to the house and also arrested the man’s 31-year-old female partner.
They were taken to Lismore Police Station and charged with drug-related offences, including knowingly take part in the supply of a prohibited drug and supply prohibited drug.
Officers also attended two homes in Casino and arrested a 32-year-old man and 50-year-old woman.
New group will co-ordinate shorebird management
August 18, 2010
As migratory shorebirds make their way south towards our shores, a new group has been formed to co-ordinate shorebird management across the Northern Rivers Region.
National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Pest Management Officer Lisa Wellman said that the group hopes to improve shorebird management by sharing resources and ideas and developing effective regional strategies.
Ballina man charged over cocaine in golf buggy engine
August 10, 2010
A 35-year-old Ballina man has been charged with the importation of more than three kilograms of cocaine concealed in a golf buggy engine.
In January 2010 Customs and Border Protection Officers at the Sydney Gateway Facility examined an international mail article. They detected the drug and referred the package to the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
Tests conducted by the AFP revealed the package contained approximately 3.28 kilograms of cocaine, with an estimated street value of more than $1.1 million.
On 15 January 2010 the AFP executed a search warrant on a Ballina residence. A small amount of cocaine and cannabis were seized as well as $93,500.
The AFP charged the man with the following:
Bangalow renewable energy forum praised by MP
August 9, 2010
Ballina MP Don Page says he was pleased with the response to the renewable energy forum held recently in Bangalow.
Hosted by Mr Page and the Green Coast Catalyst group, keynote speakers included Dr Adam Lucas from the University of Wollongong, who highlighted the fact that Australia is way behind many other countries in our use of renewable energy.
“Dr Lucas pointed out that in terms of electricity generation, Australia currently produces only 8.4% from renewables compared to China at 20%, Denmark 32%, Sweden 60%, California 20%, and Brazil at 85% (mainly hydropower),” Mr Page said.
“Australia’s target for 2020 is a mere 20% whereas China’s target is 40%, Denmark 50%, Sweden 90% and California is 40%.
Far North Coast centres included in NBN roll-out
July 30, 2010
Page MP Janelle Saffin today said local towns and cities in Page were set to join the digital revolution, with internet speeds up to 100 times faster than they are now.
The Gillard Labor Government today released for the first time maps outlining the path for the new network to stretch across Australia under the National Broadband Network (NBN).
The maps:
- Show that every house, school and business in Australia will have access to high-speed broadband under the NBN
- Confirm optical fibre will be extended to 93 per cent of homes and businesses in more than 1000 cities and towns by the end of the roll-out
- Show how communities will be served by next generation wireless and satellite technologies under the NBN.
Ms Saffin said local cities and towns set to be connected to the optical fibre network include Alstonville, Ballina, Casino, Evans Head, Grafton, Iluka, Kyogle, Lismore, Woodburn, Wooloweyah, Woombah and Yamba.
