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.

Dan Burns said the whale research group was excited to be releasing this powerful new technology to the research community.

“Researchers from Australia and around the world have been collecting hundreds and sometimes thousands of fluke photographs to identify individual humpback whales over many years. We recognise whales by their tail fluke pigmentation and scarring patterns,” Mr Burns said.

“This is a valuable collection of data but because of the difficulty we have had comparing images within different catalogues, the potential of this resource has not been fully realised. Traditional methods have required substantial time, effort and expertise.

“With this computer-aided matching system, our knowledge and understanding can grow significantly from here. At present different research groups tend to use different programs, but we think Fluke Matcher will take photo-identification analysis to new levels and get everybody onto the same page, allowing different groups to collaborate and match their data more efficiently in a standardised way.

“We have already received interest from researchers around Australia and all over the world. We will be conducting training in Australia soon, and I will be travelling to Auckland in a few weeks to train researchers from the South Pacific Whale Research Consortium, of which I’m also a member, in the use of the program. We also hope to collaborate with Northern Hemisphere scientists in the future.”

Mr Burns said that while computer-based matching systems had been developed for other marine species, including some cetaceans, Fluke Matcher was the first successful computerised system for humpback whales.

“The program uses various characteristics of humpback whale flukes to identify individuals, including black and white pigmentation distribution; angles and distances describing the shape of the fluke; and the location of distinctive features such as spots, lines and areas of damage,” Mr Burns said.

“When searching for a given fluke, the program then ranks all of the images in the database from the most likely to the least likely match for that fluke, and the operator then visually checks the ranked images to find any matches.

“Photo-identification is a valuable tool that allows whale researchers to determine various aspects of humpback whale biology and ecology, including estimates of abundance, migration patterns and interchange rates, and biological parameters such as calving and mortality rates.

“The collaborative aspect of this project is particularly important for improving our understanding of the movements and mixing of humpback whales on and between their feeding grounds in Antarctica and their breeding grounds in tropical and sub-tropical waters.

“This will help to determine the relationship between the endangered Oceania population and the faster-recovering east Australian population, the amount of mixing in the Antarctic and improve the accuracy of pre-whaling population estimates and recovery assessments.”

Professor Peter Harrison, director of the Marine Ecology Research Centre, said this was a significant development which would lead to greater international collaboration.

“This revolutionary tool will enable a much more efficient and collaborative use of data that is collected from around the world and will lead to improved management and conservation outcomes,” Professor Harrison said.

To find out more you can visit the Fluke Matcher website at: www.scu.edu.au/research/whales/fluke-matcher/index.php/3

PICTURE: The new Fluke Matcher computer program will enable researchers from around the world to collate humpback whale photographic catalogues.

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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.

“The size and range of tenants in the development when added to the many support traders already in the precinct will make this the dominant bulky goods precinct on this section of the coast.”

Ballina Shire Mayor Cr Phillip Silver said: “Council was pleased that all the barriers to the development have now been removed. Harvey Norman has been patient throughout this process and now the project can move forward.

“The development will establish Ballina’s position in the retail hierarchy and on completion will provide around 110 direct positions, both full-time and part-time. When the downstream jobs are taken into account it will inject around $5 million in wages into the community, giving a measurable boost to our local economy.

“The establishment of this precinct will attract expenditure currently escaping the area and is consistent with the Far North Coast Regional Strategy which identifies Ballina as an emerging regional centre.”

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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

The Legendary Pacific Coast project began earlier in the year and has focused on developing a new brand for the touring route, previously known as the Pacific Coast Touring Route, and developing a suite of innovative and targeted opportunities for both industry and travellers. 

These include a new website, campaign photo shoot, tourist signposting, brand communications and media and a leading role in innovation and technology.

Collectively The Legendary Pacific Coast accounts for nearly 22 million visitors to NSW, and over 33 million visitor nights.  Total expenditure was $5.4 billion in 2008.

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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.”

Simon Westaway, Jetstar’s Head of Corporate Relations, said: “Jetstar has reverted to its strongest market position in the Sydney to Ballina Byron market with this announcement.

“The additional flights will be a new Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday morning service.

“Jetstar will grow its Sydney to Ballina Byron operations by a further 92,000 seats on an annual basis.

“From 2 December, ahead of the busy Christmas and January school holiday period, Jetstar will revert to a double daily return A320 service by permanently raising our flight schedule.

“The Sydney-Ballina route continues to perform ahead of expectation and this capacity growth is clearly warranted. We believe the introduction of these flights are well-timed ahead of the summer peak season and then to provide a consistent twice daily return service with convenient morning and afternoon departure times from both Sydney and Ballina Byron Airport.”

Flight and fare information is available at www.Jetstar.com

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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.

“Using sniffer dogs is an efficient way to locate fox dens, which can then be fumigated,” Ms Wellman said.

“The dogs’ trainer, Stephen Austin, has 25 years experience with training sniffer dogs for a range of work, including quarantine and conservation activities.

“Gus and Katie have been trained to national and international standards. This ensures that they are target-specific and are safe to use in protected areas, such as national parks, where dogs are not permitted.

“On Wednesday, Stephen will be explaining to staff from across the region how the dogs can be used to assist in pest animal control work and will then be giving a demonstration in Arakwal National Park.

“On Thursday, Gus and Katie will help to locate fox dens in Broadwater National Park.

“The dogs may be used in ongoing pest animal control programs in the future. Bringing in the dogs prior to the shorebird breeding season would help to locate and monitor fox dens, with early detection affording some protection of the birds from foxes.

“Stephen Austin has trained dogs to locate feral animals in a penguin colony on Macquarie Island and worked on similar projects throughout the world.”

PICTURE: Stephen Austin with two of his sniffer dogs on Macquarie Island.

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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.

They were taken to Casino Police Station where they were charged with offences including supply prohibited drug and knowingly take part in the supply of a prohibited drug.

All four people will face court next month.

Today’s arrests are the culmination of a seven-month investigation codenamed Operation Redmahogany, which targeted amphetamine supply in the Richmond LAC.

In May this year Operation Redmahogany investigators arrested a 51-year-old Alstonville woman, a 48-year-old Rosebank man and a 29-year-old Alstonville man.

All three were charged with several drug-related offences including conspiracy to manufacture prohibited drug, supply and possess prohibited drug.

During the course of Operation Redmahogany officers seized a quantity of amphetamines and cannabis, including two kilograms of cannabis and cannabis plants.

Chemicals were also located at a Rosebank property and seized for further forensic analysis.

Operation Redmahogany is the latest of several investigations into drug trafficking conducted by Richmond LAC officers.

In June this year, drug investigation officers established Strike Force Jill to investigate the large commercial supply of cocaine and other prohibited drugs.

On July 21 this year, officers arrested a 28-year-old Israeli national at a Lennox Head Motel and, as a result of a search warrant, located a quantity of cash and 458grams of MDMA which has an estimated street value of $100,000.

Yesterday a 22-year-old Ballina woman was also arrested in connection with Strike Force Jill.

She was charged with 10 counts of knowingly dealing with the proceeds of crime after she allegedly transferred almost $74,000 into overseas bank accounts.

On July 25 this year, investigators attached to Strike Force Tonkie arrested a 48-year-old man who had been wanted for failing to appear before Lismore Local Court on charges of supply and possess 4.6 kilograms of cannabis and 90 grams of amphetamine.

Strike Force Tonkie commenced in August 2007 and has resulted in the arrest of 27 people for a total of 65 charges, including 18 offences relating to the supply of large commercial quantities of prohibited drugs.

Richmond LAC Crime Manager Detective Inspector Greg Moore said police will continue to target anyone involved in the illicit drug trade.

“Police will not waver in their efforts to protect the community and rid our streets of drug dealers,” Det Insp Moore said.

“Those who continue to peddle drugs should be on notice that their activities will be detected; they will be arrested and will be put before the courts.

“The community and the police will continue to work together in this endeavour.”

Anyone with information on drug trafficking should contact Crime Stoppers on1800 333 000.

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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.

“Both migratory and resident shorebirds are under pressure right across the region as the population increases. Predation by animals such as foxes also places them at risk,” she said.

“While national and international agreements to protect shorebirds are important, local efforts to protect them are also essential.

“Shorebirds have three basic habitat requirements: roosting, foraging and nesting areas. Avoiding disturbance of these areas is crucial for their survival.

“The population of shorebirds in NSW is estimated at 23,200. Important coastal sites in this region include Flat Rock and South Ballina Beach near the Richmond River estuary and Woody Head and other beaches adjacent to the Clarence River estuary.

“The new regional shorebird group includes representatives from State and local government, community groups and interested individuals.’

“Our aim is to work together to raise awareness of shorebirds and improve the effectiveness of our management strategies through greater co-ordination.

“The group’s formation is timely as we anticipate the arrival of migratory shorebirds such as little terns on our beaches in spring.

“Migratory shorebirds make a huge journey by a route called the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. This is one of the world’s great flyways, stretching from Russia to Australia. The flyway passes through 22 countries with 55 migratory species using it.

“The Pied Oystercatchers at Belongil Beach, near Byron Bay, have also now started breeding and beach users are asked to leave them undisturbed at this important period.”

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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:

•Importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug, contrary to section 307.1 of the Criminal Code Act 1995
•Supply of Prohibited Drug (cannabis), contrary to section 25(1) of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985 (NSW);
•Possess Prohibited Drug (cannabis), contrary to section 10(1) of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985 (NSW);
•Possess Prohibited Drug (cocaine), contrary to section 10(1) of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985 (NSW) and
•Dealing with property reasonably suspected of being proceeds of crime, contrary to section 400.9(1A) of the Commonwealth Criminal Code Act (1995).

The maximum penalty for importing a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug is life imprisonment and/or an $825,000 fine.

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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%.

“Dr Lucas also pointed out that many new jobs are being created in the renewable energy sector, with more than $120 billion spent globally in 2008.”

Opening the forum, Mr Page, who stated upfront that he believes climate change is real, said renewable energy reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which will slow the rate of climate change and give us more time to adapt. 

“Renewables are much cleaner fuels and much more sustainable in the medium and long-term,” he said.

“Even if you don’t believe in climate change, you should still be supporting increased use of renewables like solar, wind, tidal, geothermal and biofuels because with oil in decline we need other forms of energy for energy security purposes.

“We heard that at any one time Australia only has 10 days fuel supply should current supplies be interrupted. This makes us quite vulnerable from our energy security perspective.”

Other speakers at the forum included David Warrilow, who spoke on the topic ‘Peak Oil meets Climate Change’, Alecks Atrens on geothermal energy, Nick Lake and Gordon Fraser Quick on local solar options, Robert Rosen on Northern Rivers electric vehicle initiatives and Richard Wake from Country Energy on feed-in tariffs, Renewable Energy Certificates and green power.

The forum was facilitated by broadcaster and journalist Mick O’Regan and also included many displays from local businesses promoting their particular interests in renewable energy options.

“More than 200 people attended the forum, which was encouraging on a Sunday morning,” Mr Page said.

“We all left the forum with a wider understanding of renewable energy options but the overwhelming ‘take home message’ was that Australia needs to get its act together on renewables and we need to be much stronger in promoting and encouraging the renewable energy sector.”

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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.

“The NBN will offer speeds of 100 megabits per second – 100 times faster than many people experience today,” she said.

“And NBN Co will also deliver next generation wireless and satellite services with speeds of 12 megabits per second to local centres including Coutts Crossing, Lawrence, Urbenville and Woodenbong. This would provide average data rates more than 20 times higher than most users experience today.

“Today’s release of the maps follows the news earlier this month that Coffs Harbour would be one of the next roll-out sites for the NBN and the nerve centre for the roll-out to the North Coast corridor.”

Details of the NBN mapping is available at: http://www.alp.org.au/agenda/nbn/

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