Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

Source: Australian Green Party

Knockout Outdoor music festival will be the next major event to host an onsite drug checking service as part of the NSW drug checking trial, further strengthening harm reduction measures for festivalgoers.
The fourth festival to take part in the 12-month NSW drug checking trial, Knockout Outdoor will take place on Saturday 4 October at Sydney Olympic Park.
The free and anonymous drug checking service will allow festival patrons to bring a small sample of substances they intend to consume to be analysed on-site by qualified health staff.
Through rapid evaluation, patrons will be provided with information about what was found in the sample, including potency where possible, in line with available technology. They’ll also receive advice on how to reduce risks if they choose to take the substance.
Trained peer workers will be available to provide tailored guidance about the risks, confidential support, and information about additional support services.
While illicit drugs remain illegal in NSW, the trial acknowledges the reality of drug use at music festivals.
NSW Chief Health Officer, Dr Kerry Chant said the service is intended to help people make informed decisions to reduce drug-related harm but is not a guarantee of safety.
“This trial aims to inform individuals about substances, allowing them to avoid dangerous substances, discard high-risk drugs, make safer and more informed choices and potentially avoid serious health risks,” Dr Chant said.
“Our priority is to reduce harm and keep people safe.”
Knockout Outdoor organisers said the service was a very welcome addition to its harm minimisation undertakings and had been well received by festival patrons.
“We are committed to creating the safest possible environment for everyone who attends our events.
“Drug checking is an important step forward in harm reduction, giving patrons access to free, professional advice that can help them make more informed decisions.
“Partnering with NSW Health on this initiative reflects our ongoing focus on safety, care, and wellbeing for our community.”
The NSW drug checking trial will include up to 12 music festivals through to the end of February next year when it will be independently evaluated.
The trial comes after the NSW Government’s Drug Summit concluded in December 2024. The Report on the 2024 New South Wales Drug Summit provided a priority action recommending a trial of music festival-based drug testing.
Further information on the NSW drug checking trial can be found at NSW drug checking trial.
More information for young people around how to keep themselves and their friends safe at music festivals is available on the Your Room website.

Source: Ministers for the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is throwing its support behind some of Australia’s largest manufacturers to reduce their emissions, with over $12 million in funding to trial and demonstrate low emission technologies for process heat, reducing the reliance on natural gas. 

McCain Foods, Sugar Australia and Blackmores will each receive funding as part of ARENA’s efforts to reduce Australia’s industrial emissions. 

ARENA CEO Darren Miller said ARENA support through programs like the Industrial Transformation Stream remains vital in increasing the adoption of clean technologies in manufacturing.  

“Achieving Australia’s emissions reduction goals requires that our energy-intensive industries and manufacturers develop and execute clear strategies to integrate renewable energy into their operations,” Mr Miller said. 

“These grants are designed for forward-thinking businesses ready to pioneer and incorporate new applications of renewable energy technologies.” 

“By assisting in the adoption of clean technologies in heat processes in Australia’s food, beverage and pharmaceutical sectors, these projects will provide a blueprint for similar businesses to replicate and scale up these solutions nationwide.” 

McCain Foods is receiving $7.38 million in funding from ARENA’s Industrial Transformation Stream (ITS) to implement two interconnected heat recovery systems at its Ballarat potato processing site. 

The first system will recover high-temperature heat from condensate to decrease boiler demand, while the second captures lower temperature fryer exhaust heat to produce hot water, which is then upgraded to steam using an electrically driven mechanical vapour recompression (MVR) system. Collectively, these systems are expected to lower the site’s natural gas boiler load by 22% and reduce annual emissions. 

Sugar Australia’s project, backed by $4.1 million in funding through ARENA’s National Industrial Transformation (NIT) Program, aims to significantly reduce emissions at its Yarraville sugar refinery by replacing traditional natural gas evaporators with an electrically driven MVR system.  

Both projects will demonstrate the commercial readiness of MVR for industrial heat applications, providing proof that innovations such as hot water to steam and increased efficiencies for water evaporation can be successfully retrofitted to commercial operations. If the projects are successful, they will serve as a blueprint for how Australian industries can utilise the technology, derisk future investment and decarbonise key processes. 

Blackmores, Australia’s leading natural health company, will also receive $723,900 through the NIT Program to undertake a project at its manufacturing facility in Braeside, Victoria to reduce emissions and energy consumption by replacing a natural gas boiler with a high-efficiency heat pump and a hot water buffer tank. The new system will use renewable electricity and the site’s refrigeration condensate water as a heat source, producing hot water for various manufacturing processes.  

The project is expected to cut natural gas consumption by about 25 per cent at Blackmores’ Braeside facility, lower annual emissions, and demonstrate how heat pumps can be integrated with process heating, HVAC and dehumidification in an operational facility. This facility is particularly significant, as it accounts for the majority of the company’s natural gas use. 

The projects build on ARENA’s work in industrial decarbonisation, supporting Australia’s ambition to become a renewable energy superpower and meet 2030 and 2050 net zero targets. 

The $40 million National Industrial Transformation (NIT) Program is now closed to new applications. 

Round 3 of ARENA’s Industrial Transformation Stream (ITS) program is now open. For further information and to apply, visit the funding page. 

ARENA media contact:

media@arena.gov.au

Download this media release (PDF 174KB)

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Divers find shotgun in Huon River

Tuesday, 30 September 2025 – 11:23 am.

Police divers made the surprise discovery of a submerged shotgun during a recent routine training exercise in the Huon River at Ranelagh.
Kingston Division Inspector Col Riley said members of the Tasmania Police Dive Squad were training off the jetty near Flat Rock, Ranelagh, when the firearm was found.
“During the course of the training, divers located an apparently functional shotgun submerged in the water,” Inspector Riley said.
“The firearm has been seized and will undergo forensic examination as part of routine inquiries.
“With the increasing popularity of magnet fishing and other water-based recreational activities, police are thankful that this weapon was recovered before potentially falling into the wrong hands.”
Inspector Riley said the incident on September 15 was a reminder that Tasmania Police operates a permanent firearms amnesty, allowing members of the public to hand in unregistered or unwanted firearms, and ammunition, at any police station without fear of prosecution.
“The safety of our community is our priority. We encourage anyone in possession of unwanted or illegal firearms to take advantage of the amnesty,” he said.
Anyone with information regarding illegal firearms can report to police on 131 444 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Source: Mental Health Australia

Transport for NSW is marking the end of Biodiversity Month by highlighting some wins on its project sites that are delivering positive outcomes for flora and fauna.

Transport for NSW Executive Director Partnerships and Integration North Greg Collins said all work is required to follow some core guidelines.

“Every project is preceded by an Environmental Impact Assessment, to determine how to complete the necessary work in the least disruptive way,” Mr Collins said.

“Comprehensive surveys are carried out to assess each work area and then a bespoke management plan is put in place to minimise the impact of the work on wildlife and sensitive or rare plant species.

“I’m happy to report that our strict environmental protocols are producing some great results at projects across the state’s north.”

Tumbi Road Central Coast Highway intersection upgrade

As part of the Tumbi Road-Central Coast Highway intersection upgrade at Wamberal, several native species have been successfully relocated during vegetation clearing activities. 

A total of seven broad-tailed geckos, one eastern blue-tongue lizard, one eastern water dragon, and one brushtail possum were carefully and safely relocated by a qualified ecologist. All animals were found during site preparation works and were assessed as healthy before being moved to suitable nearby habitats away from the construction zone.

Coffs Harbour bypass

Careful steps are being taken to protect two previously unrecorded plant species – a Fontainea allied to Lennox Head Fontainea and a new species of Pittosporum – which were discovered during early ecological surveys carried out as part of the Coffs Harbour bypass project.

One individual of the Fontainea species found within the construction footprint was translocated in 2023 to a site that expert advice suggested would suit its growth needs. More than two years after it was moved to its new location, in strict accordance with the approved Fontainea Management Plan, this tree is showing signs of very good health with fresh growth, flowers and over 200 fruits being produced.

M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace (M12RT)

More than 800 logs from trees cleared for the new M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace (M12RT) project have been repurposed to progress Hunter Water’s remediation efforts.

 
The logs are being utilised to protect the eroding riverbanks of the Williams River, from Clarence Town downstream to Seaham. This innovative approach also uses logs with their root balls to contribute to ecological improvements, providing habitats for aquatic species and reptiles and enhancing flood resilience by trapping natural debris.

Using natural materials creates an environment where ecosystems can thrive while ensuring the riverbank remains stable for generations to come.

Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

The City of Greater Bendigo will commence installation of a new practice half court this week to cater to soccer, basketball and netball at Axedale Park.

The project will include installation of:

• An acrylic coated concrete half court
• Combined basketball and soccer unit
• Netball goal pole
• Partial perimeter fencing
• Bench seating
• Line marking

City of Greater Bendigo Presentation and Assets Director, Brian Westley said the new half court is an investment in Axedale that will add to the many other features in Axedale Park which is located at corner of Mitchell Street and McIvor Highway.

“Axedale Park is a suburban level play space with barbecue and picnic facilities, public toilets, a junior skate park and play equipment,” Mr Westley said.

“Half courts are really popular and when completed we expect it will be quite a draw card for Axedale Park.”

The $100,000 project is being funded with a $50,000 grant from the Tiny Towns Fund and $50,000 from the City of Greater Bendigo

The Tiny Towns Fund is a Victorian Government initiative, administered by Regional Development Victoria, to support small communities with populations under 5,000 people.

Work to install the half court is expected to be completed before the end of 2025.

Source: Australian National Party

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Source: New South Wales – News

Four-year-old August (Gus) was last seen playing at his family’s homestead, about 40 kilometres south of Yunta, at 5pm on Saturday 27 September.

Gus is Caucasian with long blonde curly hair. He is wearing a grey sun hat, a cobalt blue t-shirt with a yellow ‘Minion’ on the front, light grey long pants and boots.

Yorke Mid North Police immediately commenced a search of the area on Saturday night with the assistance of PolAir and the infra-red camera but were not able to locate the little boy.

Police have conducted extensive ground searches with assistance of SES volunteers and utilising trailbikes, ATVs, dogs and a drone.

PolAir have continued aerial searches throughout the night.

Water Operations Police and Mounted Operations Unit joined the search yesterday (Monday) to commence a search of dams and tanks on the property and assist in the ground search.

Police wish to thank the volunteers and community members who have tirelessly assisted in the search for Gus.

Anyone with information that may assist police is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at www.crimestopperssa.com.au or on 1800 333 000 and quote reference #250513.

Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

Drink Driving Incident in Prospect

Monday, 29 September 2025 – 5:50 pm.

A 51-year-old Newnham woman has been immediately disqualified from driving for 12 months after a drink driving incident in Prospect Market Place today.
Police intercepted the woman at about 12.20pm, and she subsequently returned a breath analysis reading of 0.215 – over four times the legal limit.
She will appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court at a later date.
Drink driving remains one of the Fatal Five causes for fatal and serious crashes on our roads.
Never drive if you’re under the influence – you’re putting your life, and the lives of others, at risk.

Source: Mental Health Australia

Important slope stabilisation work adjacent to an iconic landmark within the Jenolan Caves precinct is scheduled to start next week.

Retaining Specialists Pty Ltd has been awarded the contract to strengthen a slope site extending down from Jenolan Caves Road to the Blue Lake.

Transport for NSW Acting Executive Director Partnerships and Integration West Holly Davies said the start of stabilisation work on Tuesday 7 October would mark another significant milestone in the rehabilitation of the world-famous precinct.

“Repair efforts along Jenolan Caves Road and within the Jenolan Caves precinct have been ongoing for more than four years and now our attention turns to the Blue Lake,” Ms Davies said.

“Everyone who has visited Jenolan Caves would be familiar with the vibrantly-coloured Blue Lake, a result of the way sunlight interacts with the limestone-rich water of the lake.

“Crews will be working to restore 75 metres of compromised slope retained by an existing dry-stone wall.

“This section will be strengthened by the installation of 67 soil nails that will be drilled into the bank, 180 square metres of shotcrete that will give a ‘mock rock’ finish to closely match surrounding cliffs, one new pipe culvert and upgrade of an existing pipe culvert, and new drainage on both sides of the road.”

Work is expected to take 22 weeks and will be completed in February 2026, weather permitting.

Crews will also upgrade the safety barrier that runs alongside Jenolan Caves Road and workers will return later in 2026 to resurface the road pavement.

Crews will be working on a section of road that is currently closed to public traffic, with no impacts on traffic expected.

Meanwhile, remediation work on the badly damaged Two Mile section of Jenolan Caves Road is progressing well.

The remediation of nine failure sites along the complex section of road started in August 2024, with work at one of the failure sites now complete and several others well on the way to completion.

Jenolan Caves Road has been closed to the public at Two Mile since a severe weather event in April 2024 and will remain closed for the duration of this work.

“The completed work has included the failure site at Carpark One where about 280 soil nails have been installed. We estimate around 1200 soil nails will be installed across the nine failure sites by the time crews have wrapped up this project,” Ms Davies said.

“Transport for NSW continues to work closely with Jenolan Caves Reserve Trust as a key stakeholder in the area, given the direct impact that closing the Two Mile section of the road has on the Jenolan Caves precinct.

“While Jenolan Caves remains closed to the public, Jenolan Caves Reserve Trust is continuing its own maintenance and upgrade work, including major work on the historic Jenolan Caves House and building the Blue Lake boardwalk.”

Work at Two Mile is expected to be completed in mid-2026.

Check Live Traffic for the latest updates on traffic conditions on Jenolan Caves Road.

More information and updates on work being conducted along Jenolan Caves Road can be found at nswroads.work/jcroad.
 

Source: Australian Attorney General’s Agencies

The Albanese Government is delivering on our ambitious trade diversification agenda through the entry into force of the landmark free trade agreement with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on 1 October.

This agreement builds on the Government’s commitment to create new market access opportunities. It means more trade opportunities for Australian businesses and more high-paying local jobs for Australian workers.

When fully implemented, more than 99% of Australia’s exports will enter the UAE duty free – saving Australian farmers, miners, manufacturers and other exporters $185 million in its first year alone.

The UAE is already Australia’s largest trade and investment partner in the Middle East, with over $12.3 billion in two-way goods and services trade in 2024. Under this agreement, trade will accelerate, with independent modelling estimating an additional $678 million in Australian goods exports to enter the UAE annually.

The agreement will help attract some of the largest sovereign wealth funds in the world to Australia and will facilitate investment opportunities across the economy, including in renewable energy, digital infrastructure, agriculture and minerals.

Details on the full package and key benefits to Australia are published on the DFAT website.

The commencement of the free trade agreement coincides with 50 years of diplomatic relations between Australia and the UAE, and the elevation of the relationship to a Strategic Partnership.

The Strategic Partnership will provide the framework to take forward our shared interests with the UAE on economic, security and people to people cooperation.

Quotes attributable to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese:

“This trade agreement with the UAE delivers on my Government’s commitment to open new export opportunities and create more jobs in Australia.

“Our first trade deal in the Middle East provides Australian businesses with a competitive advantage in this fast-growing region. More trade means more opportunities for economic growth.

“As an important global logistics centre and hub, the UAE will serve as a gateway for Australia’s exports to the broader region and beyond.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Trade and Tourism Don Farrell:

“Australia’s free trade agreement with the UAE delivers for Australian businesses, consumers, and our economy.

“The removal of tariffs on key Australian exports to the UAE, from red meat and dairy to alumina, steel, and cosmetics, opens more opportunities for Australian businesses and creates more high-paying local jobs for Australian workers.”