Oz’s summer climate is now unliveable unless you have an air-conditioner, thanks to our 230 years of killing trees and clearing forests, CO2 emissions secondary.
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Hunter Valley farmers, it’s only going to get hotter and drier, but there is a way forward. Less than 10 per cent of our forests remain, but there is no stopping those thoughtful geniuses who are still killing trees and clearing our remaining forests as fast as they can.
Unless we replant much of our cover, our summers will become ever hotter and drier. But fortunately for farmers the Big Shed Vertical Farm is a 21st century food production method that is doable now, and will leave room to replant forests.
A BSVF is a multi-level closed-environment structure growing, say, a layer of beans above a layer of corn and so on, hydroponically, using red and blue LED growth lights, powered by solar panels. Bug- and weed-free, minimal water use, no fertiliser run-off. Plant protein [cereal or grain, legume and nut] crops, vegetables and fruits, horticultural jobs for many.
There are already countless how-to videos on vertical farms on Youtube.
The move by many to eat vegan [plant protein foods] will soon become a stampede, aided by social media, and concerns of human health, climate, decency, biodiversity including forest cover, world food equity and so on.
Who will be first in Oz to build a prototype BSVF? Paddock and field agriculture exposed to climate, weather, bugs and weeds is arguably over.
Les Hutchinson, South Maitland
safety concerns
The NSW Rural Fire Service Association (RFSA) is extremely disappointed that key Roads and Maritime departmental officials withdrew from important discussions on road safety for emergency workers.
RFSA representatives from all over NSW had been scheduled to meet with the officials over the weekend.
The RFSA has been campaigning for the introduction of a new law requiring drivers to slow down to 40km/h when passing an emergency services vehicle with flashing lights, similar to legislation introduced in other states.
This is an extremely important issue to our members – who risk their lives, along with all emergency service workers, when they work along our roads.
The RMS through the Minister for Roads and Maritime had agreed to meet with our State Council on 17 February 2018, however we were informed late last week that they were withdrawing from the discussion.
This is deeply concerning and shows disrespect towards the concerns of emergency workers. We have written to Premier Berejiklian to express our disappointment.
Ken Middleton, RFSA President
FLU SUPPORT
The Federal Coalition Government will provide two new ground-breaking flu vaccines to over 3 million Australians aged 65 years and over - free of charge.
These new vaccines will help provide stronger protection for over 65s.
The vaccines have been fast-tracked to ensure lives are saved and that Australians over 65 years of age receive greater protection.
More than 90 per cent of the 1,100 flu related deaths in 2017 were by people aged over 65 years of age.
This is our Government’s direct response to last year’s horrific flu season and is aimed squarely at saving lives. We must continue to do all we can to protect those Australians who are most at risk.
The new vaccines – Fluad® and Fluzone High Dose® – were registered in Australia to specifically provide increased protection for people aged 65 years and older.
From April 2018, both vaccines will be available through the National Immunisation Program following a recommendation from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.