Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

CFA is preparing to issue a small number of Schedule 3 private land burn-off permits to farmers around parts of Lismore, Camperdown and Colac areas, through to the Great Ocean Road.

Submitted by	CFA Media

Source: Airservices Australia

At its meeting today, the Payments System Board discussed a number of issues, including:

• The future of cash distribution arrangements. The Board discussed the ongoing challenges in the cash distribution system. Access to cash remains vital for many Australians, particularly in regional and remote communities. Members acknowledged the importance of the long-term sustainability of the cash distribution system and expressed support for the proposed regulatory framework for providers of cash distribution services. The framework would include crisis powers for the public sector to assist in managing risks to the continuity of cash distribution services across Australia.
• Review of Merchant Card Payment Costs and Surcharging. The Board discussed the evidence and public interest case for amending the regulation of card systems. In particular, the Board discussed the relative merits of options on card payment surcharging, interchange fee regulation and transparency of card payment fees. Members agreed to publish, by the end of March, a Conclusions Paper and an implementation timeline for any regulatory action.
• The system-wide resilience of the Australian payments system. The Board discussed the findings from RBA analysis of systemic risks arising from limited interoperability, third-party and concentration risks, and resilience arrangements for merchant card acquiring. Members expressed their support for industry efforts to strengthen resilience and contingency arrangements so that the payments system meets the high reliability standards expected by Australians. The RBA will continue to contribute to these efforts by sharing its analysis with industry and providing guidance.

• Developments in the account-to-account payments system. The Board discussed industry progress against the recommendations from the 2025 Risk Assessment of the intended decommissioning of the Bulk Electronic Clearing System (BECS). The Board noted that the removal of the 2030 target end-date has reduced the risk of a disorderly transition in the short to medium term. Members acknowledged the initiatives taken by industry to support the modernisation of the A2A payments system, including the establishment of the A2A Payments Roundtable and the work currently underway to define a shared vision and objectives for A2A payments across industry and the public sector.

  Despite these positive moves, the Board expressed concern about insufficient consensus within industry, particularly on how best to process bulk payments in the future. This lack of consensus is impeding the effective decision-making needed to establish a path forward for A2A payments that is consistent with the public interest, including the enhancement of resilience. It also lowers the likelihood of successfully delivering the vision. Members agreed that if industry participants are unable to make coordinated progress on modernising A2A payments, the RBA would take further action to achieve outcomes in the public interest.

• Project Acacia findings and a roadmap for future work. The Board discussed the findings from Project Acacia, noting the potential benefits to the functioning of the financial system that could be unlocked by the growth of tokenised asset markets. They also acknowledged the barriers to development of tokenised asset markets in Australia, including those that were raised by industry participants during the project. Members expressed their support for an ongoing program of work, supported by public-private collaboration, that will promote responsible innovation in Australia’s wholesale payments and financial market infrastructure. The Project Acacia final report will be published in late April.

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

Infrastructure investment at Australia’s four largest airports increased by more than 43 per cent in 2024-25, however consumers could face higher airfares as airports seek to recover their costs by charging airlines more in the coming years, the ACCC’s latest Airport Monitoring Report shows.

Click to enlarge

Australia’s four largest airports, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney, collectively invested $1.5 billion on aeronautical facilities in 2024-25 – funding projects to expand capacity, upgrade terminals, and improve access, a 43.6 per cent increase in investment compared to the previous financial year.

This marks a shift from the relatively low levels of investments in the period after the pandemic, and reflects major construction works now underway at all four airports.

The airports have collectively proposed spending almost $20 billion in major infrastructure projects over the next decade.

Upcoming major projects include Perth Airport’s new terminal and runway development, Melbourne Airport’s third runway project, Sydney Airport’s proposed integration of its T2 and T3 domestic terminals, and a third terminal at Brisbane Airport.

“Ongoing investment is needed to ensure airports can continue to meet the needs of travellers and airlines, with Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth airports collectively handling about 120 million passengers in 2024-25,” ACCC Commissioner Anna Brakey said.

“Large capital programs are likely to place upward pressure on airport charges paid by airlines, which may result in higher airfares for passengers as these costs are recouped,”

“It is important that airport charges reflect sensible and timely investment decisions, efficient costs and a rate of return that matches the risks involved,” Ms Brakey said.

Airport charges are not regulated and the ACCC has consistently raised concerns that the current monitoring framework is inadequate and an ineffective constraint on the behaviour of the major airports, who hold market power.

Implementing measures such as binding commercial arbitration to settle any disputes between airports and airlines, as well as improving the detail of financial data provided to the ACCC, would help to address the strong market power of major airports, and potentially limit the growth of charges that ultimately impact the price of airfares. 

Given the time since the 2018-19 Productivity Commission inquiry, and both the scale of planned investment and growth in aeronautical profits at the major airports, we encourage the government to consider directing the Productivity Commission to commence a new inquiry into whether the regulatory settings for airports are appropriate.

Sydney Airport most profitable, Perth records standout growth

Each of the four airports reported record revenues for aeronautical operations, collectively earning $2.9 billion in 2024-25.

This record revenue came despite a slowing of passenger growth to an increase of 4.6 per cent in 2024-25, compared to 13.7 per cent growth in 2023-24.

Sydney Airport generated $584.3 million in aeronautical operating profit in 2024-25 and recorded the highest return on aeronautical assets at 20.8 per cent, the highest level observed in over two decades of monitoring by the ACCC.

“Sydney Airport continues to earn significantly more aeronautical revenue and profit than the other major airports, both from a total and per‑passenger perspective,” Ms Brakey said.

“Sydney Airport’s aeronautical profits eclipsed all of the other airports combined, more than double Melbourne as the next most profitable.”

Sydney Airport’s higher earnings compared to the other airports is due in part to a greater share of international passengers, who typically generate higher revenue than domestic passengers.

It also reflects that Sydney Airport handles the most passengers in Australia.

Perth Airport delivered the strongest year‑on‑year improvement in profitability, with aeronautical profit increasing by 73.7 per cent to 130.6 million in 2024-25.

Passenger growth continues, but at a slower pace

Combined passenger numbers at the four airports grew by 4.6 per cent in 2024-25. The increase was largely driven by sustained international passenger growth, which increased by 9.5 per cent to 40.4 million passengers.

Perth Airport recorded the strongest international growth, with passenger numbers up 17.8 per cent, followed by Brisbane Airport (16.3 per cent), Melbourne Airport (8.3 per cent) and Sydney Airport (5.5 per cent).

“While international passenger growth slowed from 2023-24 to 2024-25, the continued strong passenger growth reflects the willingness of international airlines to add services to Australia’s major airports,” Ms Brakey said.

“Domestic passenger numbers grew by 2.2 per cent to nearly 80 million – highlighting a sustained demand for leisure travel and tourism within Australia.”

Passengers generally satisfied with services

Sydney, Melbourne and Perth airports were rated ‘good’ for the average overall quality of their services and facilities in 2024-25.

While rated the highest of the four airports by passengers, Brisbane Airport’s overall rating fell to ‘satisfactory’ following lower ratings from airlines.

Airlines noted the impacts of major construction works at Brisbane Airport and gave low ratings for the availability and standard of aerobridges, check-in services and facilities, and baggage processing facilities.

Car parking continues to be a profitable business

Airports continued to earn substantial profits from car parking, with the four airports collectively earning $402.1 million in operating profits in 2023-24.

Brisbane Airport’s car parking profit remained the largest, increasing by 7.9 per cent to $125.3 million, while Sydney Airport reported an increase of 11.1 per cent to $108.7 million.

Profits fell by around eight per cent at both Melbourne and Perth airports, to $101.3 million and $66.7 million respectively.

Sydney Airport generally had some of the most expensive rates for parking, while Melbourne Airport was generally the cheapest for both at-terminal and at-distance parking.

“Car parking continues to be a lucrative business with operating profit margins above 60 per cent at Brisbane, Perth and Sydney airports,” Ms Brakey said.

“To save money, motorists are encouraged to book online in advance, or consider off‑airport parking providers as they can be substantially cheaper for extended stays,”

“Dedicated free waiting zones can also be a convenient option for collecting travellers.” Ms Brakey said.

Background

The ACCC’s airport monitoring role is established under the Airports Act 1996 and Airports Regulations 2024, as well as two directions from the Australian Government to monitor the prices, costs and profits of aeronautical and car parking services at Australia’s four largest airports (Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney).

The four airports are assessed for quality of service using airline and passenger surveys, as well as objective measures. The possible ratings for airport quality of services are ‘very poor’, ‘poor’, ‘satisfactory’, ‘good’ or ‘excellent’.

The ACCC measures operating profit by earnings before interest, taxes and amortisation (EBITA). Operating profit margin is EBITA as a percentage of revenue.

Aeronautical operations are those that directly relate to providing aviation services, including runways, aprons, aerobridges, departure lounges and baggage handling equipment.

Media enquiries: 1300 138 917
Email: media@accc.gov.au
accc.gov.au/media

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

The winning team from Oscar 1

CFA’s Oscar 1 Technical Rescue Brigade has claimed first place at the 2026 Victorian Mine Rescue Competition (VMRC) in Bendigo, showcasing their skill and teamwork against some of the country’s top mining emergency response teams.

Submitted by	CFA News

Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

Victorian women, girls and gender diverse people will soon have greater access to free specialist women’s healthcare, with the locations of 5 more Women’s Health Clinics announced.

This latest announcement will bring the total number of Women’s Health Clinics to 20 across Victoria.

The 5 new clinics will soon open their doors to patients in the following locations:

• Ararat, led by East Grampians Health Service
• Bacchus Marsh, led by Western Health
• Heidelberg, led by Austin Health and Mercy Health
• Prahran, led by Bayside Health and based at The Alfred
• Parkville (a dedicated Kids and Teens clinic), led by the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Bridging the gap in women’s healthcare

Women’s Health Clinics are based in public hospitals and health services. Clinic services are delivered by specialist, multidisciplinary healthcare teams providing free and comprehensive care for a range of women’s health conditions, including:

• endometriosis
• menopause, perimenopause and hormonal disorders
• chronic pelvic pain
• heavy periods
• prolapse
• incontinence

Women’s Health Clinics also offer abortion care and contraception services, including access to long-acting reversible contraception options.

Services are delivered by a range of healthcare teams to ensure tailored support. This includes gynaecologists, urologists, urogynecologists, endocrinologists, specialist nursing and allied health professionals, including physiotherapists, psychologists, dietitians and social workers.

Dedicated care closer to home

The 20 new Women’s Health Clinics are transforming how women receive healthcare – removing the barriers many face when trying to access specialist care by delivering more services closer to home.

Fifteen Women’s Health Clinics are now operating across Victoria, with 6 in metropolitan areas and 9 across regional Victoria.

The clinics are being delivered as part of the Victorian Government’s landmark $153.9 million investment to transform women’s health in Victoria.

Led by the Department of Health, the delivery of the Women’s Health and Wellbeing Program is setting a new standard for comprehensive, inclusive and accessible women’s healthcare, including the following additional initiatives:

Find out more about how the Department of Health is bridging the gap in women’s healthcare through the Women’s Health and Wellbeing Program.

Source: Resmed Inc

Insights from 30,000 people across 13 countries show global sleep health awareness is growing, yet an action gap remains 

• 53% of people surveyed rank sleep as the most important behavior for a long, healthy life, ahead of diet and exercise.
• Over half of respondents get quality sleep on only four nights a week or less.
• While 66% of people surveyed say they would seek medical help for ongoing sleep issues, just 23% actually do.

SAN DIEGO, March 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Resmed (NYSE: RMD, ASX: RMD), the leading health technology company focused on sleep, breathing and care delivered in the home, today unveiled the findings from its sixth annual Global Sleep Survey.

Drawing insights from 30,000 people across 13 countries, the survey reveals a widening gap between recognition of sleep’s importance and action to improve sleep health. While over half (53%) of respondents rank sleep as the most important contributor to long-term health compared to diet and exercise, many are not taking meaningful steps to improve their sleep quality.

Sleep is increasingly recognized as a key pillar of long-term health¹, with 84% of respondents worldwide understanding that consistent, quality sleep can help extend a healthy lifespan. However, awareness has not translated into consistent results. The majority of respondents (53%) report getting a good night’s sleep only four nights a week or fewer, highlighting the persistent gap between knowing sleep is critical and being able to prioritize it as part of a healthy lifestyle.

As sleep awareness grows, so does the opportunity to turn intent into action.

• Increased Wearable Use Raises Sleep Awareness Higher Than Ever: Wearable use for sleep tracking has surged among respondents, increasing from 16% in 2025² to 53% in 2026. Smartwatches lead the way, with 58% of respondents globally using them to track their sleep. Among wearable users, 62% say they would seek medical advice if their device flagged a potential risk.
• Following Through on Healthcare Provider Conversations Remains a Challenge: While 66% of respondents say they would consult a healthcare provider for persistent sleep issues, only 23% have done so. Fewer than half (46%) of survey respondents say a healthcare provider has asked about sleep during a routine visit.

The findings suggest a clear opportunity to improve education, screening and diagnosis so more people can identify sleep issues earlier and access pathways to care.

How Daily Life Disrupts Sleep

The survey also highlights the everyday pressures shaping sleep patterns worldwide.

• Closing the Sleep Gap for Women: Nearly half of women surveyed (48%) struggle to fall asleep, up from 38% in 2025.² For 42% of women surveyed, stress and anxiety are key barriers to consistent, quality sleep compared with over one third (36%) of men surveyed. Family responsibilities widen the gender gap further, negatively affecting sleep for 39% of women versus 33% of men.
• Recognizing Sleep as a Mental Health Essential: Insufficient sleep is linked to higher risk of anxiety and depression across age groups.³ This is reflected in our survey, which shows after a poor night’s sleep, more than a third of respondents report higher levels of irritability (36%) and stress (33%). Feelings of depression also increased for a quarter of respondents globally (25%).
• Making Sleep a Workplace Priority: More than half of respondents (58%) agree that heavy workloads negatively affect their sleep. 70% of respondents report taking a “snooze day” — calling in sick after a poor night’s sleep. At the same time, 59% say flexible working arrangements help them better manage their sleep. 
• Improving Sleep in Shared Spaces: Sleeping together is associated with stronger intimacy, with 53% of respondents reporting a positive impact on their sex life compared to 23% of those who sleep apart. However, disruption is common: 39% of respondents say their partner interrupts their sleep at least weekly, and 80% experience some level of partner-related sleep disruption.

“People are increasingly recognizing sleep as a cornerstone to long-term health, which is encouraging,” said Dr. Carlos Nunez, Chief Medical Officer at Resmed. “But recognition alone is not enough. We need to help people move from awareness to action by addressing everyday barriers and improving access to screening, support and care.”

Are you getting enough sleep? Read the full 2026 Resmed Global Sleep Survey report to learn more about the trends impacting the way we sleep. To assess your sleep health, take our online sleep assessment.

Survey Methodology
Resmed commissioned an independent survey of 30,000 individuals across 13 markets: the United States (5,000), China (5,000), India (5,000), United Kingdom (2,000), Germany (2,000), France (2,000), Australia (1,500), Japan (1,500), Korea (1,500), Brazil (1,500), Poland (1,000), Singapore (1,000), and Mexico (1,000). The survey was developed in partnership with The Sleep Health Foundation (Australia) and The Sleep Charity (UK), leveraging their expertise to help identify and refine key focus areas. Samples within each country were representative of national gender and age distributions. The survey was fielded by Cint from 11 December 2025 to 14 January 2026.

About Resmed
Resmed (NYSE: RMD, ASX: RMD) creates life-changing health technologies that people love. We’re relentlessly committed to pioneering innovative technology to empower millions of people in 140 countries to live happier, healthier lives. Our AI-powered digital health solutions, cloud-connected devices and intelligent software make home healthcare more personalized, accessible and effective. Ultimately, Resmed envisions a world where every person can achieve their full potential through better sleep and breathing, with care delivered in their own home. Learn more about how we’re redefining sleep health at Resmed.com and follow @Resmed.

^{_______________________________
1} Resmed Global Sleep Survey 2026. Available at: sleepsurvey.resmed.com (Accessed March 2026) 
² Resmed Global Sleep Survey 2025. Available at: sleepsurvey.resmed.com (Accessed February 2026)
³ Li Y, et al. Sleep Med Rev. 2019;42:69–89

Source: Resmed, Inc.

Released March 3, 2026

Source: Australian Mines and Metals Association – AMMA

The Australian Resources and Energy Employer Association (AREEA) has called on the Federal Government to use the National Employment Standards (NES) review to fix structural flaws in Australia’s workplace laws, not expand entitlements or add more complexity and business costs.  AREEA’s submission to the House of Representatives Inquiry into the NES argues the central issue is the growing incoherence between the law and modern work practices.  “Nearly 17 years […]

The post MEDIA RELEASE | AREEA calls for modern workplace laws that reflect 24/7 industries   appeared first on AREEA.

Source: State of Victoria Local Government 2

The City of Greater Bendigo is developing a new International Engagement Strategy to guide how the organisation builds meaningful global connections that deliver real benefits for the local community.

The strategy is a key outcome of the Budget 2025-2026, supporting the City’s commitment to a thriving future and strengthening our local economy.

International engagement can take many forms, such as supporting local businesses to enter overseas markets, attracting new investment and skilled workers, promoting Greater Bendigo as a premier visitor destination, strengthening cultural and educational opportunities, and participating in global networks and partnerships.

The strategy will provide the City with a clear, focused approach to these opportunities. It will help determine where time and resources are best directed, ensuring decisions are made in ways that maximise benefits for Greater Bendigo.

Director Strategy and Growth Rachel Lee said the strategy is an important step in ensuring Greater Bendigo’s global connections deliver long-term value.

“International relationships can open doors for local businesses, create new learning and cultural experiences, and help attract investment that supports our region’s growth,” Ms Lee said.

“This strategy will ensure we take a coordinated approach so that partnerships benefit our community.

“We encourage all residents, businesses, cultural groups and community organisations to participate and help shape Greater Bendigo’s international future.”

A community survey will be open on the City’s Let’s Talk website from Monday March 2, 2026, to Sunday March 29, 2026.

Survey participants are encouraged to share their views on:

• What matters most to the community
• What Greater Bendigo is already doing well
• What concerns or opportunities should be considered

To complete the survey, visit:

Source: Government of Queensland

Issued: 2 Mar 2026

A targeted compliance blitz has put illegal glow worm tour operators on notice, with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) warning that unlicensed guiding in Springbrook National Park will not be tolerated.

Springbrook National Park is not only home to ancient rainforests and jaw-dropping waterfalls; it’s also home to thousands of glow worms.

Glow worm tours are growing in popularity in Springbrook, particularly at Natural Bridge as the unique creatures light up the cave ceiling after sunset.

As demand for glow worm experiences grows, so too has the number of illegal operators attempting to cash in.

Illegal tour operators diminish the experience for visitors, impact local tourism businesses and disrespect the protected area.

QPWS led a targeted compliance operation, alongside the Queensland Police Service (QPS) and the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) on 21 February and engaged with dozens of legal and illegal operators.

Compliance Optimisation Manager Michael Devery said regular compliance was essential to protect and preserve the natural values of the World Heritage-listed area.

“We’re here to protect Springbrook National Park, including the resident glow worms, and any visitors who want to see these native creatures in the wild,” Mr Devery said.

“Glow worms showcase how incredible Queensland’s natural environment is, with fireflies and iridescent mushrooms often coming together to create a breathtaking lightshow.

“Taking a tour with a qualified guide allows nature lovers to bask in this beauty, learn about the ecology of glow worms and the significance of the surrounding ecosystem.

“These licenced guides follow the strict environmental obligations outlined in their permits, which is particularly important in an area as significant as Springbrook National Park.

“Unlicenced tours are a serious problem that not only negatively impact visitors and local tourism businesses – they’re harmful to the environment.

“Conducting a tour without a valid permit is an offence, and we’re regularly conducting compliance patrols and targeted operations to enforce the law.

“So, if you’re an illegal operator, let this be your reminder: if we catch you, we’ll direct you to leave and you can be charged with a maximum penalty of $27,538 – not to mention none of your guests will be able to see the glow worms.”

TMR Transport Inspectors were requested to assist by performing vehicle inspections to ensure that tour operators had the required approvals and were compliant with all legislative requirements.

In Queensland, any driver who operates a vehicle providing a public passenger service which includes most tour services, must hold a valid Driver Authorisation (DA) issued by TMR.

QPWS is urging anyone booking a glow worm tour to check that the operator holds the appropriate permit before finalising their booking.

Source: South Australia County Fire Service

Issued on
28 Feb 2026 20:12

Warning area
Reeves Plains, Lewiston township and Two Wells area in the Adelaide Plains, approximately 10 kilometers north west of Gawler.

Warning level
Advice – Avoid Smoke

Action
Smoke from REEVES PLAINS Fire is in the Lewiston township, Reeves Plains and Two Wells area near Gawler in Adelaide’s north.

Smoke can affect your health. You should stay informed and be aware of the health impacts of smoke on yourself and others.

Symptoms of exposure includes shortness of breath, wheezing and coughing, burning eyes, running nose, chest tightness, chest pain and dizziness or light-headedness.

If you or anyone in your care are having difficulty breathing, seek medical attention from your local GP. If your symptoms become severe, call 000.

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