Locally owned and independent
August 11, 2022
The Northern Rivers Times
NEWS 17
Safe passage for native wildlife using highway underpasses New research from Southern Cross University provides compelling evidence that road underpasses can lessen the impact of highway upgrades on Australia’s native wildlife populations. In the first long-term study of underpasses in Australia, published in the journal Ecology and Evolution, the underpasses, located on the NSW Mid North Coast, were shown to help the movement of many wildlife species across landscapes on either side of highways. The study also allayed concerns that predators, particularly introduced feral pests, use underpasses as a prey-trap, at least by the observations at these locations. Wildlife cameras detected more than 4,800 medium-tolarge mammals and goannas using highway underpasses located at Port Macquarie and Grafton over a two-year
period. Species such as eastern grey kangaroos, swamp wallabies, red-necked wallabies, red-necked pademelons and lace monitors crossed some underpasses more than once per week. Rufous bettongs and echidnas crossed individual underpasses every two to four weeks. “More than 4800 detections were made; that number was quite astounding,” said lead researcher Associate
Professor Ross Goldingay. “These crossing rates suggests animals used the underpasses to forage on both side of the freeways. “This research provides compelling evidence that highway upgrades in Australia need not threaten wildlife populations if road underpasses are installed. The underpasses are installed in conjunction with mesh fences (often with a floppy top to stop
koalas climbing over) that line the highways to keep animals off the road and direct them to the underpasses to cross.” However, Associate Professor Goldingay cautioned: “We should not use apparent underpass effectiveness to justify expanding our road networks where they do not belong. “Australia’s wildlife species are increasingly threatened with extinction by habitat clearing and
fragmentation. One leading cause of this is the expansion of our road network, particularly the upgrade and duplication of major highways. “Underpasses are a useful generic tool to enable wildlife to move across landscapes with roads. But not all ground-dwelling species of wildlife will find underpasses to their liking but so far many do.” The predators detected at the underpasses were the introduced red fox (pest), feral cat (pest) and dingo. The researchers studied 12 road underpasses – five under the Oxley Highway at Port Macquarie; and seven under the Pacific Highway south of Grafton – over two to three years, comparing camera trap detections of animals at underpasses with those at nearby forest sites.
Murwillumbah District Hospital to continue to play important role in regional healthcare Murwillumbah District Hospital will continue to play a substantial and important role in providing health services to the Tweed Valley community well into the future, alongside the new Tweed Valley Hospital once it opens to patients. Northern NSW Local Health District has
recently completed a comprehensive analysis and planning assessment which has determined the mix of health services which will be required at the hospital to meet the healthcare needs of the region. NNSWLHD Chief Executive Wayne Jones said Murwillumbah District Hospital was
wellplaced to continue delivering excellent care, thanks to its dedicated workforce and some recent and planned upgrades. “This analysis provides the Health District, our staff and the wider community certainty over the future of health services in our region, and will ensure the
community continues to have access to safe and high-quality health services right across our footprint,” Mr Jones said. “The vast majority of existing services which are provided at Murwillumbah District Hospital will remain in place, such as the Emergency Department,
low-complex day surgery, inpatient wards, rehabilitation, palliative care, chemotherapy and renal dialysis.” Some surgical services will move to the new Tweed Valley Hospital, to take advantage of the state-of-the-art theatre suite. There will be no loss of staff as a result of the changes.
RACGP releases COVID-19 antivirals resource The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) has released a new resource to help GPs assess eligibility for COVID-19 antiviral treatments. The “prescribing workflow” guidelines provide information for GPs on carrying out assessments so that patients can have quick access to the potentially lifesaving treatments if they subsequently test positive to the virus. The guidelines cover the use of Molnupiravir, which is sold as Lagevrio, and nirmatrelvir plus ritonavir, branded as Paxlovid, both of which are now listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). Last month, the college welcomed eligibility criteria for the two treatments being broadened to allow more patients to access them, including anyone over the age of 70. RACGP President Adj. Professor Karen Price said the resource came at a crucial time. “This is the first time guidelines have been released on how to do pre-emptory assessments for these treatments,” she said.
GRANTS TO STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY RESILIENCE strengthening their communities. Minister for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman said councils were best placed to deliver the social cohesion projects. “These grant recipients have targeted programs that are designed to support people, to connect with each other, and to build resilience so that closer-knit communities can endure any future challenges,”
Mrs Tuckerman said. Minister for Multiculturalism and Minister for Seniors Mark Coure said when governments work with grassroots organisations, they can achieve greater community outcomes. “These six councils will deliver programs with organisations that strengthen bonds between people, reduce social isolation, tackle racism and build community resilience.”
Solicitor & Paralegal vacancies, Family Law, Various locations • Multiple temp vacancies up to June 2025 • We support training, development & flexible working arrangement Are you looking for innovative, interesting work in a multi-disciplinary team? Are you committed to helping the most vulnerable members of our communities? We are looking for lawyers
and paralegals to join our three specialist family law services (Family Law Service for Aboriginal Communities, Domestic Violence Unit, and Early Intervention Unit). We provide face-to-face and ‘virtual’ services to people across NSW. We’d love to hear from you if you are interested! Apply Online: iworkfor.nsw.gov.au Jobs NSW Ref. No. 000091XX 000091XY, 000091XZ, 000091Y0, 000091Y1, 000092LC Closing Date: Sunday 21 August 2022 11:59pm Enquiries: Anna Baltins on 1800 979 529 or anna.baltins@legalaid.nsw.gov.au Artwork: © Luke Penrith
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Local councils and organisations committed to working together to strengthening their communities have been supported with funding thanks to the NSW Government. Six councils have been awarded a share in more than $400,000 through the inaugural round of the NSW Government’s Social Cohesion Grants, which supports projects aimed at rebuilding, reconnecting and
