Month: March 2025

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New laws in the ACT for 2024

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Boosting the city’s night-time economy is one of the main purposes of the new laws.

New tree protection laws, a ban on heavyweight and boutique plastic bags and changes to the hospitality sector to improve night-time economy took effect from 1 January 2024.

Plastic bags

The ACT Government has introduced a ban on all single-use shopping bags that are made fully or partially of plastic. This includes soft plastic bags greater than 35 microns in thickness, and bags made from plastic-laminated paper or cardboard.

The Government will monitor exemptions which will apply for certain plastic bags:

  1. bags without handles
  1. unsealed bags used to package perishable food such as fruit or cooked poultry
  1. shopping bags made of nylon, polyester or woven polypropylene
  1. non-woven polypropylene bags with a minimum weight of 90g/m² with sewn seams.

The ban follows the phase out of other single-use plastic items which have been introduced in three stages since July 2021. These include:

  1. single-use plastic plates and bowls
  1. expanded polystyrene loose fill packaging and expanded polystyrene trays
  1. plastic microbeads in rinse-off personal care and cleaning products
  1. single-use plastic straws (with exemptions for those who need them)
  1. cotton buds with plastic sticks
  1. all oxo-degradable plastics – these are often used in products like dog waste bags and rubbish bags and can be labelled as degradable
  1. single-use plastic cutlery
  1. single-use plastic stirrers
  1. expanded polystyrene takeaway food and beverage containers
  1. single-use plastic shopping bags at or below 35 micrometres in thickness.

Tree protection

New tree protection laws under the Urban Forest Act 2023 also took effect from 1 January 2024 to provide a stronger legal framework to protect, grow and manage Canberra’s trees.

The new laws not only retain Canberra’s leafy character, but make it more resilient to a changing climate by reducing the urban heat island effect.

The new laws protect more trees by:

  1. classifying all public trees as protected
  1. reducing the size requirements for protected trees on private land from 12 metres to 8 metres in height or canopy width
  1. classifying dead native trees with a circumference of 1.88m or more as protected to provide essential habitat elements for local fauna
  1. encouraging existing trees to be retained, including introducing new requirements to ensure trees that have to be approved to be removed are replaced or, where new planting is not possible, a financial contribution to support tree planting elsewhere
  1. introducing a tree bond system to ensure trees are not damaged during construction work as our city continues to grow
  1. expanding the ACT Tree Register which celebrates and protects our most significant trees.
  1. improving compliance provisions, for example, the introduction of penalties for people caught damaging a tree or breaching a tree protection plan or direction.

If a protected tree is eligible and approved for removal, the applicant will be required to enter into a canopy contribution agreement with the ACT Government.

This disincentivises developers to remove trees in the first place. If trees have to be removed, it ensures that the canopy cover is replaced, either onsite or through a financial contribution to grow the canopy across Canberra.

The agreement sets out:

  1. how many replacement trees are to be planted on the block to replace those removed, and
  1. if some or all of the trees cannot be planted, what financial contribution is required to grow and enhance our urban forest.

Information sessions with industry were held last year to help educate stakeholders on the changes and the ACT Government will continue to engage with key stakeholders this year.

Night-time economy

In addition, changes have been introduced to further enhance the ACT’s nighttime economy and foster a more vibrant hospitality sector.

From 1 January 2024, the ACT Government is:

  1. automatically allowing smaller licensed restaurants and cafes to trade until 2am
  1. reducing liquor licensing fees for smaller restaurants, cafes, bars and general licences
  1. removing the requirement for general licensed businesses to have separate areas for the sale of liquor for on-premises and off-premises consumption.

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Light rail green track prototype complete

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Canberrans can view the prototype at the National Arboretum and see how future light rail tracks will look.

A prototype for a new type of light rail track made from grass and other low-lying plants is now complete.

Part of the Light Rail Stage 2A City to Commonwealth Park project, the prototype is available for Canberrans to view at the National Arboretum.

The green track prototype will inform the final green track design, construction and maintenance approach to be used on Light Rail Stage 2A.

The ACT Government’s vision for Stage 2A includes three sections of green track, along with improved landscaping and road design.

This will help create high-quality, sustainable streets in Canberra’s city centre.

On a green track, the light rail line sits within a bed of specially selected grass or plants instead of concrete.

This helps counter the urban heat island effect and reduces glare, absorbs more rainwater and contributes to noise reduction.

The prototype will grow and test the green track plantings at the Arboretum, to simulate the environment where the future light rail track slab will be in the city.

The light rail track prototype is being used to test various features, and over the course of the year, as it establishes and matures, will provide insights into the best landscaping treatment for the project.

The trees slated for installation during Stage 2A construction are currently being grown on, and will be larger than those in the prototype currently, being closer to 8 metres tall at the time of their planting on Commonwealth Avenue.

Along Northbourne Avenue, the final green track will be planted with a low-lying species.

It will contribute to the overall landscape design of Northbourne Place.

Another green track will be located on London Circuit in front of the Melbourne Building.

The planting will be mirrored in the median in front of the Sydney Building, maintaining symmetry around the two heritage buildings.

A green track section will also feature on the Commonwealth Avenue median to maintain consistency along the highly significant avenue.

The prototype process ensures the selected grass, groundcover and tree species will flourish year-round in Canberra’s climate.

Different turf mixes and irrigation systems will be tested through rigorous stress in different temperatures and soil types.

The 20-metre by 30-metre prototype includes sections of steel rail and the infrastructure required to support light rail track, such as concrete substructures and a vehicle location system.

The prototype also includes supporting infrastructure that will be applied to the final project including retaining walls and other finishes.

Canberrans can view the prototype at the National Arboretum to see how future light rail tracks will look along the City to Commonwealth Park alignment when it opens in 2028.

If you’re heading to the Arboretum to see the prototype, the best place to park is in the main car park near the Village Centre and walk through past the Gallery of Gardens.

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Humanitarian assistance to Myanmar

Source: Australia’s climate in 2024: 2nd warmest and 8th wettest year on record

Australia will provide an initial $2 million to Myanmar through the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) for immediate humanitarian relief following Friday’s magnitude 7.7 earthquake.

Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this devastating event, which only adds to an already-dire humanitarian situation in Myanmar.

It has caused extensive damage to infrastructure and loss of life in Mandalay and Nay Pyi Taw, as well as in surrounding regions, with hospitals overwhelmed. Neighbouring countries, including Thailand, have also been impacted.

Australia’s support will assist ICRC to carry out immediate lifesaving support including to address emergency medical needs.

Australia also welcomes the release of US$5 million from the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support urgent needs such as shelter, food and water. Australia is a longstanding donor to the CERF.

The ongoing crisis in Myanmar is a major threat to stability in our region. Australia continues to provide support in response to the worsening humanitarian situation.

Australia does not provide any direct funding to the military regime and takes proactive steps to ensure our assistance does not legitimise the military regime in Myanmar.

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Arrests – Stolen motor vehicles and pursuit – Alice Springs

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested four youths in relation to property and vehicle offences in Alice Springs early this morning.

Around 1:25am, police received reports of an unlawful entry at a residence on De Havilland Drive, Araluen. Two sets of keys were stolen from the location and used to steal a Toyota Prado and a Toyota C-HR.

A short time later, police sighted the stolen Prado driving dangerously through Amoonguna Community and initiated a pursuit.

During the pursuit, the Prado rammed the police unit on two occasions and the pursuit was terminated for safety reasons.

The officers inside the vehicle were not injured.

Later, a second police vehicle was stationary when the Prado drove at them head-on, ramming the front of the vehicle and then again at the rear. Members subsequently withdrew from the area.

Both officers inside the vehicle sustained non-life-threatening injuries. While the vehicle was significantly damaged, the officers did not require medical treatment.

Strike Force Viper attended and initiated a third pursuit with the Prado, with the offenders abandoning the vehicle and attempting to flee the scene on foot.

The driver of the vehicle, aged 13, and the three passengers, aged 13, 11 and 11, were arrested without further incident with the assistance of the Dog Operations Unit.

CCTV operators later observed a 14-year-old male exit the second stolen vehicle in the Alice Springs CBD. He was subsequently arrested and found to be in possession of an edged weapon.

The second stolen vehicle was located abandoned in East Side a short time later.

Investigations are ongoing.

Police urge anyone with information about the incident to make contact on 131 444. Please quote reference P25085673. Anonymous reports can be made through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Arrest – Armed with offensive weapon – Alice Springs

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a 53-year-old male for being armed with an offensive weapon in Alice Springs yesterday.

Around 12:15pm, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre (JESCC) received a report of a male armed with an edged weapon in the Alice Springs CBD.

The offender had allegedly attended a non-government organisation on Leichhardt Terrace earlier in the day and subsequently returned agitated and armed. Staff locked the doors before he could enter and called police.

The offender allegedly kicked and banged on the doors multiple times, but did not gain entry, and fled prior to police arrival.

Multiple police units responded and located the offender on an electric bike heading west on Larapinta Drive. He was arrested without incident and the edged weapon was seized.

The 53-year-old was later charged to appear court at a later date.

Police urge anyone who witnesses crime or antisocial behaviour to contact police on 131 444. In an emergency call 000. You can also report anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via https://crimestoppersnt.com.au/.

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Arrests – Aggravated assault – Casuarina

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

Northern Territory Police Force has arrested two female youths in relation to an aggravated assault that occurred in Casuarina yesterday afternoon.

Around 2:40pm, police received reports of a disturbance in the outdoor food court of a shopping centre on Trower Road, involving a group of five female youths. Weapons were allegedly involved in the altercation.

It is alleged a 15-year-old female victim was struck multiple times to the head with a blunt weapon before a member of the public intervened and removed the weapon.

The alleged offender then continued to punch the victim before security officers removed the offenders from the area.

St John Ambulance attended and conveyed the victim to Royal Darwin Hospital.

Police later located and arrested two females, aged 13 and 15.

During the arrests, police received reports of a second incident occurring at the nearby bus exchange on Bradshaw Terrace.

CCTV footage showed a 14-year-old female victim was allegedly assaulted with an edged weapon, sustaining multiple wounds to the back of the neck and head by an unknown female offender.

The offender fled before police arrived.

St John Ambulance conveyed the second victim to Royal Darwin Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The third offender remains outstanding, and investigations into both incidents are ongoing.

Police urge anyone with information to make contact on 131 444 and quote reference number P25084989. Anonymous reports can also be made via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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Small towns, big spirit at CFA Torchlight Procession

Source:

Mooroopna’s main street lit up on Saturday night as more than 40 CFA brigades from across Victoria, and two from Western Australia, took part in the annual CFA/VFBV State Firefighter Championships Torchlight Procession.

The tradition, which dates back to 1873, saw hundreds of CFA members march through the town after sunset, led by CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan and VFBV State President Samantha Collins, behind a fleet of vintage and modern CFA appliances. 

Jason said the procession remains one of CFA’s proudest traditions. 

“The energy from both our members and the local community always makes for a truly special night,” he said. 

“It’s a standout CFA tradition that showcases our pride, discipline, and unity as firefighters, and it was great to see that spirit shine through after a big day of competition.  

“I want to thank the Mooroopna community for turning out in numbers and adding to the atmosphere.” 

Judges scored brigades on their appearance and parade performance, and it was the team from the Knox Group of Brigades who took out first place this year. 

While some brigades were chasing silverware, for 4th Lieutenant of the Gapsted Fire Brigade and Junior Leader Craig Hodgetts, it was more about being part of the tradition. 

With a population of just 173, Gapsted, in the state’s northeast, is one of the smallest communities represented at the State Championships. 

The team made its long-awaited comeback to the competition in 2019 after more than three decades away and has returned each year since with growing momentum. 

“Between 1985 and 2019, Gapsted had no representation at the State Championships,” Craig said.  

“We’re a very small brigade, so I started a junior team to try and build up our senior numbers.” 

“It’s not about winning. I tell the kids, ‘I don’t care if you come last, just enjoy it. If you make mistakes, laugh about it and move on.’” 

Craig first competed in the State Championships in 1982. More than 40 years later, he’s focused on inspiring the next generation to carry the tradition forward. 

“Back in the 80s, every brigade in our area had a team. Now we’ve only got four. It’d be great to see more come back,” he said.  

“This year, one of my former junior teams made their debut in the seniors, which was the goal all along.” 

“It was an incredibly proud moment to watch them march under the Gapsted banner.” 

“Even better was watching them win our town’s first ever senior event, the Dry Hydrant, in the district 22 championships on Sunday the 23rd.“ 

“We’ll certainly be part of the procession and championships again next year.” 

Following a successful first year using LED torchlights in 2024, the new LEDs were used again this year. 

The CFA/VFBV State Firefighter Championships will take place in Stawell in 2026. 

Submitted by CFA Media
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Temporary park closures in Townsville

Source: Tasmania Police

Issued: 27 Mar 2025

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Townsville Town Common Conservation Park, Cape Pallarenda Conservation Park and Bowling Green Bay National Park are temporarily closed due to heavy rainfall and ongoing weather conditions in the area.

The closure includes all visitor facilities, camping areas, walking tracks, mountain bike tracks and vehicle access areas.

These measures have been enforced to ensure the safety of visitors and to allow the park to recover from the adverse effects of the recent severe weather.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is currently not accepting new camping bookings in affected recreation areas, with refunds available for those who have already booked.

We encourage members of the public and those leaving camping areas to drive safely and follow the instructions of QPWS rangers and emergency services.

Visitors and campers are being urged to check Park Alerts for up-to-date information on protected area closures.

Campers wishing to cancel their bookings can request a camping credit or refund by visiting qld.gov.au/Camping.

QPWS will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates when the protected areas are safe to reopen.

For up-to-date weather information see the Bureau of Meteorology.

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VANDEPEER ROAD, KEILIRA (Grass Fire)

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

Issued on
29 Mar 2025 16:50

Issued for
KEILIRA near Avenue Range in the lower South East.

Warning level
Advice – Monitor Conditions

Action
Monitor local conditions and stay informed if you are in this area. Decide what you will do if the situation changes.

At this time there is no threat to life or property and firefighters are attending this fire.

More information will be provided by the CFS when it is available.

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Lebanon

Source:

We continue to advise Australians do not to travel to Lebanon due to the volatile security situation and the risk it could deteriorate with little notice. Beirut airport could close without warning, and you may be unable to leave for an extended period. The Australian Government may not be able to assist you to leave.

Although a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hizballah was announced on 26 November 2024, Israeli military airstrikes in Beirut, southern Lebanon and parts of the Bekaa Valley could happen without warning. Avoid known or suspected areas of military activity. The conflict could spread to other areas in Lebanon. Be prepared to shelter in place for an extended period. Make sure you have enough supplies, including food, water, medicine, radio, torches and batteries. The conflict could spread to other areas in Lebanon. Keep your identity documents, including your passport, handy. See our advice on ‘Armed conflict’ in ‘Safety’.

Since 19 October 2023, our advice has been Do Not Travel to Lebanon.