Source: New South Wales Government 2
28 April 2025
This notice affects importers of live plants (nursery stock), customs brokers and departmental staff.
Effective immediately, enhanced regulatory measures are now in place to manage the risk of Xylella fastidiosa (Xylella) in plant hosts imported from Iraq for use as nursery stock.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has identified a recent publication which…
Source: New South Wales Ministerial News
The City of Greater Bendigo has developed a draft plan for the development of an exciting new suburban level playspace at Garden Gully Reserve and is now seeking community feedback.
The draft playspace plan includes:
City of Greater Bendigo Parks and Open Space Manager Chris Mitchell said in 2024 the City of Greater Bendigo updated the existing masterplan which was developed in 2004 to incorporate new public toilets, construction of a new suburban level playspace and the provision of improved paths and linkages to the Ironbark Gully Trail.
“The new playspace and new public toilets are both key projects of the updated Masterplan and will be constructed in a safer and more accessible location west of the existing hockey ground,” Mr Mitchell said.
“When the masterplan was up-dated the community were informed that there would be a separate community engagement process for the design of the playspace.
“The City now wants to know what the community likes about the draft design, what they don’t like and what colours they would like to see in the new playspace.
“Things that cannot change in the draft plan include the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) accessible footpath alignment, the location of the shelter and toilet block, the 10metre buffer from the existing hockey fencing and the extent of the playspace footprint.
“The existing neighbourhood level playspace will remain in operation until construction of the new playspace is completed in 2027. Following construction of the new playspace the existing playspace will be dismantled and removed.”
Residents can provide their feedback on the draft plan by visiting the City’s Let’s Talk Community Engagement website by Friday May 16, 2025.
To provide feedback, visit:
Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development
The ACCC is encouraging businesses to review their card payment surcharges to ensure they are in line with their cost of accepting card payments.
Businesses should also ensure they adequately disclose upfront any card payment surcharges that apply, so that their customers can make informed decisions before ordering, booking and paying for a product or service.
Misleading surcharging practices and other add-on costs is a compliance and enforcement priority for the ACCC in the 2025-26 financial year.
“Businesses need to ensure their customers know about any card payment surcharges upfront, and that they are only charging what it costs them to accept those card payments,” ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh said.
The Australian Consumer Law prohibits businesses from misleading people about the prices they charge.
The Competition and Consumer Act also prohibits businesses from charging a card payment surcharge that is excessive. A card payment surcharge is considered excessive if it is higher than the business’s ‘cost of acceptance’.
For example, if a business’s ‘cost of acceptance’ for Visa credit card payments, including the merchant service fee and all other permissible costs, is 1 per cent, and they choose to charge a card payment surcharge, they can only apply a surcharge of up to 1 per cent to their customers that pay using a Visa credit card.
The ACCC has commenced an education and compliance campaign to inform businesses, particularly small businesses, of their obligations and help them to comply with the relevant laws.
As part of this campaign, the ACCC is helping businesses to comply with the law through advertisements and updated guidance material. It will also be engaging closely with relevant industry representatives to help them support their small business members in complying with the laws.
The ACCC will also be actively monitoring business compliance, and may take appropriate compliance or enforcement action, in line with our Compliance and Enforcement Policy.
“We understand that small businesses need to be across a lot of information to comply with all of the laws that apply to their business, however, charging excessive surcharges and not being upfront with customers about pricing can result in small businesses losing customers,” Mr Keogh said.
“It is important for small businesses to ensure they understand their obligations and check their costs of acceptance to know what amounts they can legally charge their customers as a payment surcharge, as well as reviewing how they inform customers of their prices, including any applicable surcharges.”
More information to help businesses comply with the law is available on the ACCC website.
Businesses may also wish to seek advice from their bank or payment facilitator, an accountant or business advisor to assist them with working out what their ‘cost of acceptance’ is.
A standard set by the Reserve Bank of Australia sets out the costs that businesses can include when working out their ‘cost of acceptance’ for each payment type they accept. More information about this can be found on the Reserve Bank of Australia’s website.
Businesses’ banks or payment facilitators provide businesses with statements or similar payment processing information, which includes their main costs of accepting different payment types, typically shown as a percentage figure amount.
There are other costs that businesses may be able to include when calculating their ‘cost of acceptance’. Businesses need to be able to verify and calculate these costs with reference to contracts, statements or invoices from their providers.
The costs for accepting card payments can vary between businesses. This means that the card payment surcharges charged to customers can also vary between businesses.
The ACCC’s education and compliance engagement campaign is about the existing surcharging laws.
The Reserve Bank of Australia is currently finalising a Review of Retail Payments Regulation – Merchant Card Payment Costs and Surcharging.
Source:
28 April 2025
UniSA researchers are the big winners in a Federal Government announcement of two new industry-led collaborative research centres designed to strengthen Australia’s manufacturing sector.
The Future Industries Institute will play a major role in both the Additive Manufacturing CRC and the SMART CRC, collectively awarded more than $500 million in funding from industry, research organisations and government.
FII Industry Professor Colin Hall is one of the key researchers in the newly established AMCRC, that involves 73 industry partners, 14 research organisations and five government departments, sharing in $57.5 million in government funding and $213 million in partner contributions.
He says that additive manufacturing – commonly known as 3D printing – is revolutionising the way that many industries work.
“Once limited to plastic prototype parts, 3D printing today includes metal, ceramic and composite materials that are on the cusp of full-scale adoption across Australia’s manufacturing sector,” Prof Hall says.
“Additive manufacturing offers significant advantages, boosting productivity, reducing waste and accelerating product development.”
Over the next seven years, the AMCRC will tackle some significant challenges hampering the advancement of 3D printing, so that processes can be optimised, new materials developed, and the workforce upskilled.
UniSA Business entrepreneurship and innovation researcher, Associate Professor Shruti Sardeshmukh, will lead the Sustainable Manufacturing research theme in the AMCRC, helping to develop sustainable 3D printing solutions to transform manufacturing businesses across Australia.
“By embedding environmental, social and governance principles, 3D printing can fuel innovation, drive business transformation and propel Australian businesses towards a more resilient future,” Assoc Prof Sardeshmukh says.
The other themes are Applications and Materials Development; Technology and Process Development; and Surface Technologies and Post-Processing, which will be the major focus of UniSA’s FII researchers.
“From a South Australian perspective, this CRC means that UniSA can engage with some of our long-term industry partners, including SMR Automotive, Starke-AMG, EntX and Laserbond to take our industry research and workforce development to a higher level,” Prof Hall says.
FII Professor Allison Cowin, an international leader in wound healing and regenerative medicine, will be a key researcher in the $238 million Solutions for Manufacturing Advanced Regenerative Therapies (SMART) CRC.
The SMART CRC involves 63 partners spanning government, industry, medical providers, universities and research institutes, all focused on helping Australian biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies bring a 10-year pipeline of regenerative therapy projects to market.
A $65 million commitment from the Federal Government will be boosted by an additional $173 million in partner contributions.
Prof Cowin, recognised as one of 10 of the best NHMRC researchers in 2025, will be joined on the SMART CRC Management team by Professor Joy Rathjen from SA Pathology, University of Adelaide Professor Simon Barry and former SA Chief Scientist Dr Leanna Read, who will chair its Board.
“The SMART CRC will accelerate the Australian regenerative therapy industry,” Prof Cowin says. “It will catalyse, drive and co-ordinate a national effort, guiding industry growth in the cell and gene therapy sectors.
“Regenerative therapies aim to cure, rather than treat diseases. They replace, engineer and regenerate human cells, tissues and organs that will restore normal function in patients with diseases such as cancer, diabetes, wounds and blood disorders.”
The SMART CRC is expected to create 1500 skilled jobs and generate $4.5 billion worth of business over the next decade, setting Australia up as a global leader in technologies that can cure disease rather than treating symptoms.
Along with the Additive Manufacturing CRC, it will build sovereign manufacturing capability, anchoring companies and their technology to Australia, instead of relying on foreign supply chains.
UniSA Deputy Vice Chancellor: Research and Enterprise, Professor Peter Murphy, says once UniSA and the University of Adelaide merge in 2026 to become Adelaide University, the new institution can expect to share in more than $26 million worth of projects through the AMCRC and SMART CRC.
“This is a fantastic outcome for the Australian manufacturing sector and will lead to exciting times ahead, not only for our researchers but for the nation as a whole,” Prof Murphy says.
The third Cooperative Research Centre announced by the Federal Government is the Care Economy CRC, a partnership between 60 research, government and industry organisations to revolutionise the care sector by customising the commercialising new technologies, data solutions and models of care.
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Media contact: Candy Gibson M: +61 434 605 142 E: candy.gibson@unisa.edu.au
Source:
28 April 2025
University of South Australia scientists have developed a highly sensitive method to detect illegal opioids and a veterinary sedative in Australia’s wastewater system, providing a vital early warning tool to public health authorities.
A new study published in Environmental Science and Pollution Research, funded by the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission and Preventative Health SA, explains the innovative wastewater-based testing method capable of identifying trace levels of nitazenes – a class of highly potent synthetic opioids – and xylazine, an animal sedative not approved for human use.
Nitazenes are among the most dangerous opioids ever synthesised, up to 1000 times more potent than morphine. Initially developed in the 1950s but never approved for clinical use, these substances have recently emerged in the illicit drug supply worldwide. Their extreme potency poses a significant risk of overdose, often with fatal consequences.
Xylazine, commonly used in veterinary medicine, is often added to illicit opioids such as fentanyl and heroin. It complicates overdose treatment because its effects cannot be reversed with naloxone, the standard emergency antidote for opioid toxicity. Moreover, xylazine use is associated with severe health impacts including sedation, respiratory depression, hypotension, and dangerous skin ulcerations.
“This is the first time a comprehensive suite of nitazene compounds and xylazine has been monitored in Australian wastewater,” says lead researcher UniSA Associate Professor Cobus Gerber.
“Our method can detect even minute levels, allowing us to track emerging threats before they escalate,” he says.
Over a three-day period in August 2024, researchers analysed 180 wastewater samples from 60 sites around Australia. They identified five different nitazenes in 3–6% of all samples. Alarmingly, xylazine was detected in 26% of all samples.
“Given the potency of nitazenes and the health complications associated with xylazine, even low-level detections are a red flag,” says co-first author Dr Emma Keller.
The research team developed a laboratory method using solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to concentrate and identify target compounds. The method achieved up to 1000-fold enrichment, with limits of detection well below 1 ng/L for most substances.
Crucially, the method is adaptable and can be quickly updated to detect new derivatives as they emerge – an essential capability as drug manufacturers continue to tweak chemical structures to evade legislation.
“This analytical platform enhances Australia’s capacity to monitor and respond to the shifting landscape of illicit drug use,” says Assoc Prof Gerber. “It complements forensic analysis and can provide near real-time data to inform public health strategies.”
The results underscore the growing presence of harmful and often unsuspected substances in street-level drugs. In the United States, xylazine has already been detected in over 80% of fentanyl-containing paraphernalia and is implicated in an increasing number of overdose deaths.
“With similar patterns now being detected in Australia and nitazenes also infiltrating the stimulant market, there’s an urgent need to raise awareness and strengthen harm reduction responses,” Assoc Prof Gerber says.
“Comprehensive method to detect nitazene analogues and xylazine in wastewater” is authored by Emma L. Keller, Brock Peake, Bradley S. Simpson, Jason M. White and Cobus Gerber.
DOI: 10.1007/s11356-025-36425-0
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Contact for interview:
Researcher contact: Associate Professor Cobus Gerber E: cobus.gerber@unisa.edu.au
Media contact: Candy Gibson M: +61 434 605 142 E: candy.gibson@unisa.edu.au
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Keep an eye on those around you, looking out for signs they may be struggling.
The festive season isn’t always easy or enjoyable for everyone.
Fortunately, there are many ways you can show a fellow Canberran that someone cares.
Consider those around you
Loneliness, grief or the stress of preparing for the holidays can get people down or leave them feeling anxious and overwhelmed.
When things are not going well for you or someone you know, it is important to remember that you are not alone and there are people and services that can provide help, support and assistance.
As well as being aware of your own mental health, keep an eye on those around you, looking out for signs they may be struggling. It could be a friend, family member, colleague or neighbour.
For 24-hour help, call Lifeline on 131 114.
There is also a crisis chat function.
There are resources available if you need help with your mental health. Find out more by visiting the ACT Health website.
Aimed at people under 25, their parents and carers, MindMap is a unique online tool where young Canberrans can find appropriate service information in a safe and anonymous way.
Young Canberrans and their carers can also find targeted mental health support at MindMap.
If you are experiencing domestic and family violence there are services that can help.
If the situation is life-threatening, call Triple 000 immediately or visit your nearest Emergency Department.
Ways you can give this Christmas
There are also plenty of ways you can help locally this Christmas.
While most charities will gladly accept financial donations, Canberrans can help those who might be doing it tough by donating gifts, toys, gift cards and/or non-perishable food items to one of the following charities.*
There are also animal charities including the RSPCA and Canberra Pet Rescue, among many others.
*This is just a small sample of ACT charities.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Every ACT Policing vehicle can enforce the road rules anywhere, anytime.
As the festive season kicks off and you are planning holidays, road trips and celebrations it’s crucial to remember that road safety should always be a top priority.
Whether you’re travelling interstate or staying in Canberra keeping safety in mind can ensure a smooth enjoyable journey for everyone on the road.
With more people celebrating during the summer months, driving under the influence of alcohol and/or illegal drugs is dangerous.
ACT Policing will have the power to immediately remove people who choose to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol by imposing immediate licence suspensions.
First time low-range drink drivers will receive an immediate fine. They will also receive a six-month loss of licence under the new infringement scheme.
In addition, a new combined drink and drug driving offence, for which penalties will be significantly higher than for separate drink and drug driving offences, will commence.
From 1 January 2025, roadside drug testing for cocaine will be in operation in addition to the current roadside drug testing for methamphetamine, MDMA or ecstasy, and cannabis that contains delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Every ACT Policing vehicle can enforce the road rules anywhere, anytime. So if you drink or take illegal drugs and drive, you can stop it…or cop it.
It’s important to plan your trip and take regular breaks. Plan to stop, rest, and stretch your legs to stay alert.
We know there will be more motorists on the road in summer, particularly on the Kings Highway. This is because Canberrans commute to holiday destinations on the south coast. No one wants to cause a serious crash or fatality that keeps families apart for the holidays so please:
Research shows that driver distraction increases the risk of an accident. Taking your eyes off the road for more than two seconds doubles the risk of a crash, with mobile phones often being the source of that distraction.
Leave your phone alone while driving. Mobile device detection cameras are in operation in the ACT and fines apply.
Drive so others survive this summer.
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Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Lyons Oval playground is one of Canberra’s most recently upgraded playgrounds.
In Canberra, most homes are within 400 metres of a local playground. If you have kids, it’s likely you’re well acquainted with every playground near your home.
As Canberra’s population grows, there are more playgrounds all over town. Existing playgrounds are also updated to ensure they remain great places for local kids to play.
Read on to find out more about some of the playgrounds that were built or updated in 2024.
The upgraded Banambila Street playground is suitable for all age groups and families. Highlights include:
Find out more about the Banambila Street Playground
The upgraded Wakool Circuit playground now features:
The swing frame has been retained but now has a toddler seat and a band seat. The existing rocker and combination unit have also been retained. The combination unit now has a new kaleidoscope panel.
This new playground includes:
There is plenty of open space to run around. Views extend over Molonglo River towards the surrounding hills.
This upgraded playground is Ngunnawal’s only fully fenced playground. It includes:
Between Plimsoll Drive and Yeend Avenue, Casey
Casey has a new community recreation park.
There is lots to explore, including:
The Jacka playground is brand new and has something for all children. Features include:
The area also has a sheltered picnic area and additional seating.
The Point Hut Pond playground in Gordon has been upgraded. There were updates to the junior play area and a new Maliyan nest area.
The junior play area has:
The Maliyan nest area has:
The area also has:
This upgraded playground has had significant upgrades, including:
There is also climbing equipment for older children including climbing polls, a pommel walk and a vortex. You’ll also find picnic tables, shelter and seating.
This playground has been recently upgraded to include:
Some of the existing elements have been repaired and repainted. This includes:
There’s shaded seating between the playground and the lake. There are also barbecue and picnic areas nearby.
There is plenty of open spaces to run around. This includes nearby grassy areas and the sandy shore of Lake Tuggeranong
The Lyons playground has retained some of the features that local families loved. This includes the existing rocker and swing frame.
There are exciting new additions, including:
There is also a seating and picnic shelter and a new shade sail.
This playground opened in 2022 and has quickly become a favourite among Canberra families. Upgrades including public toilets are planned for January 2025.
It features equipment for all ages, including:
It also includes a barbecue and picnic area.
This new neighbourhood playground is packed with features for kids of all ages.
Play elements include:
There is also exercise equipment and a kick-around space. A picnic area is positioned in the middle of the playground.
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Source: South Australia County Fire Service
Issued on
26 Apr 2025 16:09
Issued for
ANGLE VALE near Ward Belt in the Northern Mount Lofty Ranges.
Warning level
Advice – Avoid Smoke
Action
Smoke from ANGLE VALE structure fire is in the Angle Vale and Ward Belt area.
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.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
You’ll find caring, welcoming staff members at ACT Child and Family Centres.
Parenting isn’t always easy. Sometimes we all need a bit of help.
The ACT Government’s Child and Family Centres can be that helping hand when you need it.
The centres offer assistance and advice to support your child’s:
“Primarily, our major focus is around parenting. But this exists around all the other things that are going on in a person’s life,” Gungahlin Child and Family Centre Team Leader Shiobhan Tunks said.
“How someone parents children might be impacted by so many factors. The most important thing to know is the range of things we can help with is really varied, is matched to the family’s needs and it is 100% free.”
Three centres across Canberra
Centres are located at Tuggeranong, West Belconnen and Gungahlin.
Each offers families and carers free help with:
A caring and welcoming staff member will chat to you about available support.
You can help yourself to tea and coffee and there is a parents’ room and children’s play space in each centre.
Your questions answered
Whatever you need to ask about your child’s health, wellbeing and development, staff are here to listen and help.
“Parenting doesn’t always come naturally. There are always things to learn about how we can parent our children. What we find, is that all parents want what’s best for their children. We can give parents new tools that they weren’t aware of, that can actually make things feel a lot easier for them and their children,” Shiobhan said.
Most services are for families with children up to 8 years and some services are available for children up to 12 years.
Services are also available when you’re pregnant and continue after the birth of your little one.
Skilled, compassionate staff
Shiobhan says working in a Child and Family Centre is very rewarding.
“It feels like a very important job. It’s diverse; each family is different. And there’s a level of creativity and flexibility in the work because we want to be able to work with where parents and families are at, in the moment.
“Staff continue to receive ongoing training and supervision, and what we are offering is current best practice. The programs we use are evidence based, they are effective. And we work with our colleagues in the Child Development Service and Maternal and Child Health so there is a lot of cross pollination of ideas and skills,” she said.
To find out more about Canberra’s Child and Family Centres visit act.gov.au/community/families/child-and-family-centres
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