381-2025: Transitional period ending 12 November – khapra beetle treatment and phytosanitary requirements

Source: Australia Government Statements – Agriculture

7 November 2025

Who does this notice affect?

This notice affects importers of plant products for human consumption (e.g. rice, beans, lentils, dried chilli, cumin and coriander seed), freight forwarders, biosecurity industry participants and accredited persons operating under the department’s approved arrangement class 19.

What is changing?

On 28 May 2025, the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (the department) updated the phytosanitary requirements…

Warringah Freeway southbound: Access changes from Falcon Street and Military Road

Source: Mental Health Australia

Temporary access changes will be in place for citybound drivers using the Falcon Street/Military Road southbound on-ramp to the Warringah Freeway to enable the construction of the final southbound lane and ramp configuration of the freeway.

From 6am Saturday 8 November 2025, the changes will affect access to the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Cahill Expressway from Falcon Street and Military Road and will remain in place for around four months. 

Motorists are advised to expect changed traffic conditions and refer to the new directional signs and pavement markings that will be in place on the southbound freeway lanes and on approach to the southbound on ramps from Falcon St/Military Rd.

These changes are required to safely set up a new temporary work area south of Falcon Street as part of the Warringah Freeway Upgrade. The work includes pavement work, drainage, traffic barriers, and Intelligent Transport System installation which will enable the construction of the final southbound lane and ramp configuration.

A Transport for NSW spokesperson said: “The NSW Government is continuing work to simplify and upgrade the Warringah Freeway, making it safer, easier to use, and more efficient and reliable for all road users, including public transport users.

“General motorists and buses will share the new Falcon Street eastern southbound on-ramp until the final dedicated bus lane on-ramp opens in 2026.

“Please plan ahead, follow signs, and drive with caution while adjusting to the new traffic arrangements.

“We thank motorists for their patience at we work towards delivering world class road infrastructure for Sydney.”

What to expect

Eastbound on Falcon Street from Crows Nest towards the City 

  • All Falcon Street eastbound traffic will merge into one lane on the existing southbound on ramp to continue towards Sydney Harbour Tunnel. Motorists for the Sydney Harbour Bridge can use the exit lane to the Bridge south of Ridge St.
  • Eastbound motorists can no longer access the Cahill Expressway via Falcon Street, Crows Nest. Motorists can use the Miller Street or Mount Street on ramps to access Cahill Expressway.  Motorists can use the Sydney Harbour Tunnel for access to City East, Eastern Suburbs and Sydney Airport. Access to Sydney Harbour Bridge is still available to motorists for journeys to the CBD and Western Suburbs.

Westbound on Military Road from Northern Beaches and Mosman towards the City 

  • All Military Road westbound traffic will use the new Falcon Street southbound on ramp to access Sydney Harbour Bridge and Cahill Expressway or use the existing southbound on ramp to access Sydney Harbour Tunnel.
  • Motorists on Military Rd westbound approaching the citybound ramps, should use lane 1 for the Cahill Expressway and Sydney Harbour Bridge, and lane 2 for the Sydney Harbour Tunnel. 
  • Once on the Freeway, drivers travelling towards Sydney Harbour Bridge will need to change lanes twice, travelling across the bus lane.

Ernest Street on ramp to Cahill Expressway

Motorists can no longer access the Cahill Expressway via Ernest Street. Motorists can use the Miller Street or Mount Street on ramps to access Cahill Expressway. Motorists can use the Sydney Harbour Tunnel for access to City East, Eastern Suburbs and Sydney Airport. Access to Sydney Harbour Bridge is still available to motorists for journeys to the CBD and Western Suburbs.

Warringah Freeway southbound to Sydney Harbour Bridge and Cahill Expressway 

  • Southbound drivers on Warringah Freeway travelling to Cahill Expressway will need to use the southbound outer lanes only as access to the Cahill Expressway from the southbound inner lanes will no longer be available.
  • Drivers in the southbound outer lanes travelling to Cahill Expressway will need to cross over the bus lane on the freeway from right to left for access to Cahill Expressway
  • The bus lane on the southbound outer lanes will be commencing on the left hand side (instead of the right hand side) north of Falcon St 
  • Over height and Dangerous Goods Vehicles must follow signs and should not use the Tunnel lanes.  

For the latest traffic updates, visit livetraffic.com or download the Live Traffic NSW app.

For more information about the traffic switch, visit Warringah Freeway Upgrade.

Long haul for science begins

Source: Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission

Australia’s Antarctic tractor-traverse team is slowly making its way up the Antarctic plateau to deliver scientific equipment, fuel and food to the site of the Million Year Ice Core (MYIC) drilling project.
The 10-person team left Casey station on 1 November and expect to take 15-18 days to travel the 1168 kilometres to the drilling site, at Dome C North.
Traverse Leader, Damien Beloin, said the team has six tractors and 20 sleds to haul 493 tonnes of gear (see ‘What’s on traverse?’ section below).
Two snow groomers at the front of the convoys grade a path through the rough terrain, guided by GPS navigation systems.
“The Traverse route goes from sea level at Casey, passes Law Dome, goes through the Elcheikh Saddle, and gradually climbs up to an altitude of 3233 metres above sea level, at the top of the Dome C plateau,” Mr Beloin said.
“Different surfaces and snow conditions along the way will bring their own challenges.”

Once they arrive at Dome C North, the traverse team will continue the work they began last year to establish an inland station to support the MYIC project for the next five years. This will include commissioning a kitchen building, amenities van and generator van.
Equipment that was positioned at Dome C North last year, including sleeping vans, a mess area and the drill tent, will be de-winterised, in preparation for the science team’s arrival in late November.
Shortly after the traverse team arrive, MYIC project Science Lead, Dr Joel Pedro, and his scientific and drilling engineering team, will fly to the drill site. They’ll work with the traverse team to set up the next phase of the drilling project.
Magic million
The MYIC project aims to obtain an ice core climate record spanning at least 1.4 million years, covering a period in Earth’s history when there was a fundamental change in the timing of ice age cycles.
“About one million years ago the cycle of ice ages shifted from a regular 41,000 year glacial-interglacial cycle, to a cycle every 100,000 years,” Dr Pedro said.
“A leading theory is that declining atmospheric CO2 levels led to this change. A climate record of over one million years will provide the essential CO2 record to test this theory, and provide information to test models and better predict climate in the future.”
Last season the team successfully drilled to 150 metres (4000 years of climate history) using a shallow drill, and then progressively widened the borehole.
This season the team will fit a fiberglass bore casing into this widened bore hole, to prevent it closing under pressure once deeper drilling begins.
“This season a lot of our work will involve setting up our big, cable-suspended, electro-mechanical drill, which can reach over 3000 metres-deep and tolerate the −55˚C temperature in the ice,” Dr Pedro said.
“The Australian Antarctic Division has spent nearly six years developing this new drilling system, in collaboration with other international research groups, and this will be the first time we’ve assembled the drill system in the field.
“It will be a big moment for the project to recover the first cores with this drill.
“All going well, we hope to reach around 400 metres depth this season.
“After that, the target is to drill 1000 metres per year, which will put us on track to reach bedrock by 2029.”
Read more about the MYIC project in last season’s Drilling Diary and our special feature Secrets of the Ice.
This content was last updated 27 minutes ago on 7 November 2025.

NT Police Anti-Racism Strategy Launched

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has released its Anti-Racism Strategy, which sets out the agency’s approach to fair, respectful and culturally aware policing across the Territory.

The work was led by Executive Director of Cultural Reform, Leanne Liddle, alongside input from key internal and external stakeholders.

The strategy outlines practical steps to strengthen cultural understanding, improve trust, and support ongoing learning throughout the organisation.

Commissioner Martin Dole said the document is a key part of wider cultural reform underway.

“This is about accountability and improving. Our officers serve a diverse community, and we are committed to building a police force that reflects and respects that,” Commissioner Dole said.

The strategy is available to the public on the Northern Territory Police Force website here.

Community urges to act on firearms and weapons

Source: Tasmania Police

Community urges to act on firearms and weapons

Friday, 7 November 2025 – 11:03 am.

Tasmania Police is calling on public support to help reduce the number of firearms and weapons in the community, with a mobile amnesty operating at Claremont this Saturday.
Glenorchy Division Inspector Jason Klug urges any member of the public with unregistered or unwanted firearms, or other weapons such as 3D printed guns, crossbows, swords or knives, to take advantage of the mobile amnesty.
The mobile amnesty will be located on the foreshore grassed area on Main Road at Claremont, at the intersection with Abbotsfield Road. It will operate between 11am and 2pm on Saturday, 8 November.
“A permanent firearms amnesty exists in Tasmania and that means unregistered or unwanted firearms can be surrendered to police without any action being taken in relation to possession offences,” Inspector Klug said.
“Our mobile firearms amnesties, such as what we have organised in Claremont on Saturday, are an important extension of that process.
“Our important goal is to remove weapons, such as firearms and knives, from our communities and to make those communities safer places for everyone to live, work and to raise their families.
“A mobile amnesty is a location within the community, that’s not a police station, where people can meet with officers and surrender items. And people can be assured that when they do hand these items over, they are going to be taken out of circulation and reduce the potential for harm.”
The mobile amnesty at Claremont will involve uniformed members of Tasmania Police on site to accept firearms, firearms parts and ammunition. Additional weapons, such as knives and swords, brought to the location will also be accepted.
Members of the public should first approach officers to advise they wish to surrender a firearm or weapon.
Do not carry loaded firearms in public or to the mobile amnesty.
Seek advice if you are uncertain how to check whether the firearm is loaded.

Construction ramps up on South Tuggeranong Health Centre

Source: Australian Capital Territory – State Government

As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

Released 07/11/2025

Tuggeranong residents will soon have better access to quality health care closer to home with the new South Tuggeranong Health Centre taking shape.

Construction of the new centre – located on the corner of Box Hill Avenue and Heidelberg Street in Conder – started in April 2025 and is on track to be open to the public next year.

Concrete foundations are complete and structural framing is underway, which will support upcoming works including external cladding, internal fit-out and the installation of external services.

Minister for Health Rachel Stephen-Smith said the new centre would provide a range of services that will allow residents to receive the care they need closer to where they live.

“The four new health centres the ACT Government will deliver will also help to take pressure off our hospitals so they can provide quality care in a timely manner for people who need it the most,” Minister Stephen-Smith said.

“The ACT Government is committed to improving access to health services to all Canberrans, no matter where they live.”

The new health centre in Conder will be a flexible space that can be adapted to suit different services.

It will have 11 consultation rooms and support a range of services including:

  1. Community Paediatrics
  2. Pathology collection
  3. Diabetes clinics
  4. Falls and falls injury prevention
  5. Multidisciplinary group exercise and education sessions
  6. Community Nursing

Virtual care interview room

The South Tuggeranong site is one of four new health centres – in the Inner South, North Gungahlin and West Belconnen – in addition to the centre already open in Molonglo that the ACT Government is rolling out across the Territory to provide more community-based health services.

The Inner South Health Centre is proposed for the corner of Throsby Crescent and Throsby Lane in Griffith, next to the Griffith shops. It will feature oral health care, pathology collection, community nursing and allied health, rapid access clinic and chronic disease management.

A Draft Major Plan Amendment has been released for the Inner South Health Centre site, with public consultation open until 19 November 2025.

The North Gungahlin Health Centre will be built on Kingsland Parade, near the Casey Market Town in Casey. Community consultation in 2024 helped shaped the early plans and design work is underway.

The Government is reviewing possible sites for the West Belconnen Health Centre. Community consultation will start once a location is chosen.

Quotes attributable to Caitlin Tough MLA, Member for Brindabella:

“The South Tuggeranong Health Centre will provide invaluable services to Lanyon Valley residents, bringing high quality health services closer to home.

“The Centre will be beneficial for families, our kids, older residents and everyone in between, with a wide range of services and facilities that are accessible and convenient, including pathology, paediatrics and dementia care.

ny residents I speak too are excited to see the virtual care room up and running. I am eager to see how the South Tuggeranong Health Centre will work alongside three other new centres across the ACT to improve community health overall.”

Quotes attributable to Taimus Werner-Gibbings MLA, Member for Brindabella:

“It is brilliant to see how far the South Tuggeranong Health Centre has come since Caitlin and I helped Minister Stephen-Smith turn the first sods earlier this year.

“The centre will be a game-changer for people in and around Lanyon Valley who, like me, are managing chronic conditions. We will no longer have to travel across town to get the quality public health care we need and deserve.

“This significant ACT Government investment in our community shows that Tuggeranong is back on the map.”

– Statement ends –

Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases

«ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

Fire Danger Period begins in parts of the south-west

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

The Fire Danger Period will commence at 1am Monday 24 November 2025 for the following municipalities in the state’s south-west.

  • Borough of Queenscliff
  • City of Greater Geelong
  • Golden Plains Shire Council
  • Surf Coast Shire

Residents in these areas are encouraged to prepare their properties ahead of the Fire Danger Period (FDP) coming into effect.

CFA Acting Assistant Chief Fire Officer for District 7, Wayne Aylmer said now is the time to get out there and do the work around your home to help safeguard your family this fire season.

“The spring rainfall has been a welcomed relief, however it will help grass grow,” Wayne said.

“As we start to get warmer weather with strong winds, the grass will dry out and the risk of grassfires in our local area will increase.

“We’re really encouraging residents to take the opportunity to clean up their dry leaves and woodpiles, clear out their gutters, remove other flammable materials and keep grass cut short.

“By acting early, we can all play a part in reducing the risk of fire this season.”

Those needing to burn-off around their properties are reminded to check weather conditions are suitable before lighting up.

“We have already responded to a number of escaped burn-offs this Spring, so please ensure you have enough water and resources on hand to extinguish it safely,” Wayne said.

“There are concerns about the dryness within nearby bushland areas, particularly more so than previous years, and grassfires that ignite will travel quickly in the forecasted conditions.”

For more information on preparing your property and understanding local fire restrictions, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au.

Those conducting burn-offs must notify authorities online at the Fire Permits Victoria website (www.firepermits.vic.gov.au), or by calling 1800 668 511.

By registering your burn-off online, you allow emergency call takers to allocate more of their time taking calls from people who need emergency assistance immediately.

No burning off is permitted during the FDP without a Permit to Burn, which can be applied for through the Fire Permits Victoria website at firepermits.vic.gov.au.

Fire Danger Period information:

Lighting fires in the open without a permit can bring a penalty of more than $21,800 and/or 12 months imprisonment. For a full list of conditions, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/can

Farmers can find legal guidelines and practical advice at cfa.vic.gov.au/farms

More information about FDPs is available online at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/firedangerperiod

To find out what you can and can’t do during FDP, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/can or by calling VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.

Submitted by CFA media

Screen Australia announces Gillian Moody-Ardler as Head of First Nations Content

Source: Australia Government Statements 4

07 11 2025 – Media release

Gillian Moody-Ardler. Photo credit: Sally Flegg. 
Screen Australia is excited to announce the appointment of Gillian Moody-Ardler as Head of First Nations Content. A proud Wodi Wodi/Dharawal/Yuin woman, Gillian brings over three decades of industry experience championing First Nations stories, perspectives and creative talent on screen. 
An award-winning practitioner, Gillian has worked extensively across the screen industry, including as company director, writer, producer and director for Kalori Productions (Kindred, Family Rules Season 1, Black Divaz, Katele), Production Manager for SBS Indigenous Media Unit and Investment and Development Manager at Screen Australia. She currently serves as part of the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia’s (NFSA) leadership team as the Head of First Nations Engagement, driving the strategy that underpins the NFSA’s programs for the collection, interpretation and protocols for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.
In her new role, Gillian will provide creative and operational direction for Screen Australia’s First Nations content investment, including development and production assessment and oversight of creative projects from early development to delivery.  
Gillian Moody-Ardler said, “I am thrilled to be stepping into the Head of First Nations Content role where my passion for supporting First Nations creatives to bring authentic, powerful and distinctive stories to screen will continue. I am excited by the growth in our sector since my earlier years at Screen Australia where groundbreaking series Redfern Now went to air on ABC and the acclaimed feature Samson & Delilah screened to the world.”
“I am enthused by the First Nations Department’s continued support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives to deliver landmark documentaries that start national conversations to moving dramas with social impact. I have seen the impact on careers that initiatives like Proper Loved Up can have in developing the next generation of First Nations screen talent and I look forward to continuing the work of the department, nurturing talent across all levels from emerging to seasoned professionals and helping them navigate the changing media landscape to ensure First Nations stories are told across all platforms where people are viewing content. I am excited to play a role in funding the next wave of ground-breaking First Nations projects.” 
Screen Australia CEO Deirdre Brennan said, “With her deep understanding of First Nations storytelling and the role this plays in the future success of our screen industry, Gillian is the perfect leader to build on the Department’s legacy. Her creativity and business acumen will ensure the team and the sector receive exceptional support.” 
Recently, the First Nations Department has supported bold titles such as Total Control, Sweet Country, Our Medicine, The New Boy, Wolfram, Mystery Road and The Moogai. It also launched romantic comedy short film initiative Proper Loved Up and created opportunities for early-to-mid career creatives to strengthen skills and gain experience in navigating local and global markets.  
Commencing in the position on 12 January 2026, Gillian will also work closely with the Director of First Nations, a future appointment focusing on strengthening strategies for First Nations screen representation, nurturing talent and driving collaboration with partner organisations.  
For accompanying image assets, click here. 
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Crash on Eyre Highway near Kimba

Source: South Australia Police

Police are responding to a serious crash on the Eyre Highway, Moseley.

About 8.30am today, Friday 7 November, police and emergency services were called to a crash on the Eyre Highway approximately 6kms east of Kimba.

The road is blocked and drivers are advised to avoid the area while emergency crews and police respond to the incident.

Fire Danger period to begin in parts of the North East

Source: Victoria Country Fire Authority

The Fire Danger period will commence at 1am on Monday, 17 November 2025 for the following municipalities.

Residents in these areas are encouraged to use this time to prepare their properties ahead of the Fire Danger Period (FDP). This includes cleaning up dry grass, leaves, and other flammable materials, as well as completing safe private burn-offs while they are still permitted.    

Assistant Chief Fire Officer for District 24, Steve Contessa, said with temperatures starting to increase it was important to be prepared for the fire season.  

“Underlying dryness means grassland and other fuel will dry out very quickly,” he said. 

“Forest fuels and soils are already exceptionally dry which means there is a lot that would sustain fires in the area. 

“Small fires are already maintaining intensity in green grass and bush so this will only worsen once temperatures and winds increase.  

For more information on preparing your property and understanding local fire restrictions, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au. 

Those conducting burn-offs must notify authorities online at the Fire Permits Victoria website (www.firepermits.vic.gov.au), or by calling 1800 668 511. 

By registering your burn-off online, you allow emergency call takers to allocate more of their time taking calls from people who need emergency assistance immediately. 

No burning off is permitted during the FDP without a Permit to Burn, which can be applied for through the Fire Permits Victoria website. 

Fire Danger Period information: 

A written permit is required to burn off grass, undergrowth, weeds or other vegetation during the FDP. You can apply for a permit at firepermits.vic.gov.au. 

Lighting fires in the open without a permit can bring a penalty of more than $21,800 and/or 12 months imprisonment. For a full list of conditions, visit cfa.vic.gov.au/can 

To find out what you can and can’t do during FDP, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/can or by calling VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226. 

Submitted by CFA Media