On! Join Byron Shire’s Cane Toad Bust

community involvement.

“We want people of all ages to join in,” Ms. Caliari said. “This session is informal, family-friendly, and designed to give everyone the tools they need to help.”

Attendees will also get to see a cane toad tadpole trap in action and learn more about effective strategies for controlling this invasive species.

Partnering for Success

Byron Shire Council is teaming up with Watergum, an environmental organization renowned for its cane toad education programs and toad-busting initiatives in Queensland and northern NSW.

“All people need to do is register for the challenge on our website, collect as many cane toads as they can between 18 and 21 January, and report their numbers,” Ms. Caliari explained.

To ensure humane treatment of the captured toads, Council and Watergum are setting up drop-off points where participants can deliver live toads for ethical euthanasia.

A National Effort

The Byron Shire Cane Toad Challenge is part of a nationwide campaign aiming to remove more than 50,000 cane toads from Australian ecosystems.

“You only have to step outside in the evening to see how widespread the problem is in our beautiful shire,” Ms. Caliari said. “This challenge is a fantastic opportunity for people to take action and make a meaningful difference to our environment.”

Why It Matters

Cane toads pose a signifcant threat to Australia’s native wildlife. As highly invasive predators, they have devastating impacts on local ecosystems, poisoning native animals and competing with them for food and habitat.

Community-driven initiatives like this one are crucial in controlling their numbers and protecting biodiversity. Join the Challenge For details on the community information session and how to register for the Cane Toad Challenge, visit Byron Shire Council’s website.

This January, make a positive impact—join the fght against cane toads and help preserve the natural beauty of Byron Shire.

A Premium Soundbar To Elevate Your Sound At Home

Liam Jennings

The Sonos Arc Ultra is Sonos’ latest fagship soundbar, the successor to the original Arc. It offers signifcant enhancements in audio performance and features, positioning it as a top contender in the premium soundbar market.

Design and Build

Maintaining Sonos’ minimalist aesthetic, the Arc Ultra features a sleek, perforated grille design available in black or white. It measures approximately 75 mm in height, 1178 mm in width, and 111 mm in depth, making it slightly longer and less tall than its predecessor. This design allows it to ft seamlessly under most TVs without obstructing the screen.

Audio Performance

The Arc Ultra delivers a 9.1.4-channel audio experience, utilizing 14 drivers powered by Class D amplifcation. This confguration includes seven tweeters and six midrange drivers, complemented by Sonos’ innovative “Sound Motion” woofer technology. This technology provides deeper bass and clearer sound, effectively doubling the bass output compared to the original Arc.

The soundbar supports Dolby Atmos, creating an immersive audio environment with precise sound placement and spatial effects. However, it does not support DTS:X formats.

Connectivity and Features

The Arc Ultra offers multiple connectivity options, including Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3, and an Ethernet port. It features a single HDMI eARC port for TV connection, which may be a consideration for users with multiple HDMI devices, as it lacks HDMI passthrough capabilities. Control options include touch controls, voice commands via Amazon Alexa or Sonos Voice Control, and integration with the Sonos app. The soundbar also supports Apple AirPlay 2. Sonos’ Trueplay tuning technology is available for room calibration, now accessible to both iOS and Android users.

Pricing

The Sonos Arc Ultra is priced at $1,799. This positions it at a higher price point than the original Arc, refecting its advanced features and performance enhancements.

Considerations

While the Arc Ultra excels in delivering immersive audio, it lacks support for DTS:X formats and includes only a single HDMI port without passthrough functionality. These factors may infuence its suitability depending on individual home theatre setups.

Conclusion

Overall, the Sonos Arc Ultra represents a signifcant advancement in soundbar technology, offering enhanced audio performance and modern features that cater to both movie enthusiasts and music lovers.

In a world where internet connectivity is increasingly vital for communication, education, and business, Starlink, a satellite internet constellation operated by SpaceX, is transforming how people access the web, especially in remote and underserved regions. Founded by tech visionary Elon Musk, Starlink’s mission is to provide high-speed, lowlatency internet globally through a network of small satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO). Unlike traditional satellite internet providers that use a few geostationary satellites positioned thousands of kilometres from Earth, Starlink deploys thousands of satellites at much lower altitudes, around 550 kilometres above the surface. This key difference enables Starlink to offer faster speeds and signifcantly lower latency, making it a game-changer for areas with limited or no broadband infrastructure.

Expanding Product Line

Since its launch, Starlink has expanded its offerings to cater to various types of users, from individual households to large businesses and even travellers on the move. Each product is designed to meet specifc connectivity needs, ensuring reliable internet access in a variety of settings.

1. Starlink Standard (Residential Service) The most popular product in the Starlink lineup is the residential internet service, which is designed for households in rural and remote locations. The service offers download speeds of up to 250 Mbps and latency as low as 20 to 40 milliseconds. Users receive a Starlink Kit, which includes a self-aligning dish antenna, a Wi-Fi router, and all necessary mounting hardware. The setup process is straightforward, allowing users to install the system themselves.

2. Starlink for RVs For those who are constantly on the move, Starlink offers a portable internet solution. Starlink for RVs provides travellers with reliable connectivity, even in remote camping locations or on road trips. The service operates on a “best effort” basis, meaning speeds may vary in congested areas, but it remains a valuable tool for maintaining internet access in areas without cellular coverage.

3. Starlink Maritime Starlink has also entered the maritime industry, providing high-speed internet to ships, yachts, and offshore platforms. The maritime package includes robust hardware designed to withstand harsh ocean conditions.

With download speeds of up to 220 Mbps in coastal waters, Starlink Maritime ensures that crews and passengers can stay connected while at sea.

4. Starlink Business For enterprises requiring higher performance, Starlink Business offers enhanced speeds and reliability. This service provides download speeds of up to 350 Mbps and comes with a more powerful antenna capable of handling higher data demands. Businesses in remote locations, such as mining sites or remote offces, can beneft greatly from this solution.

5. Starlink Aviation

In a bid to bring high-speed internet to the skies, Starlink has developed a service tailored for aviation. With download speeds reaching 350 Mbps and latency as low as 20 milliseconds, Starlink Aviation allows passengers to stream videos, use dataintensive applications, and stay connected during fights. The service is compatible with a variety of aircraft and promises a seamless infight experience.

Key Features Driving Adoption

Starlink’s rapid adoption can be attributed to several standout features:

• Global Coverage: Starlink provides internet access in areas where traditional broadband providers are unavailable, such as remote rural communities, mountainous regions, and even isolated islands.

• Low Latency: Traditional satellite internet services often suffer from high latency due to the long distance signals must travel to reach geostationary satellites. By using low Earth orbit satellites, Starlink signifcantly reduces this distance, resulting in lower latency and improved performance for online activities like video conferencing and gaming.

• Easy Installation: The Starlink Kit is designed for simplicity. Users can set up the dish antenna themselves, and the system automatically aligns with satellites for optimal connectivity.

Pricing and Availability

Starlink’s pricing varies depending on the service tier and region. The standard residential service costs around $139 per month, with an upfront equipment fee of approximately $549. Meanwhile, specialised services such as Starlink Maritime and Starlink Aviation have premium pricing due to their unique hardware and operational environments.

In addition, Starlink offers a global roaming service called Starlink Roam, which allows users to connect to the internet worldwide. This is particularly useful for digital nomads and frequent travellers who need reliable connectivity across different countries.

Future Plans and Expansion

Looking ahead, SpaceX plans to expand the Starlink constellation signifcantly. With regulatory approval to launch up to 42,000 satellites, the company aims to enhance network capacity and improve global coverage. SpaceX is also equipping its satellites with laser links, which enable direct communication between satellites without relying on ground stations. This technology will further reduce latency and increase speeds, particularly in remote regions far from existing infrastructure.

Starlink has already demonstrated its value in disaster relief scenarios, providing internet access to areas affected by natural disasters and humanitarian crises. By offering a reliable, rapidly deployable connectivity solution, Starlink is proving to be a crucial tool in emergency response efforts.

South Korea’s KGM SsangYong is set to make waves in Australia with the anticipated launch of its frst electric ‘lifestyle’ ute, likely to debut after the UK release in 2025. This innovative ute, based on the Torres EVX SUV, is expected to offer a practical, urbanfriendly alternative to traditional ladder-frame utes like the Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux.

KGM SsangYong

Electric Ute Highlights:

• Inspired by the O100 Concept: Unveiled in April 2023, the electric dual-cab ute could be named Torres EVT (shown above), as suggested by badging on the concept model.

• Urban-Focused

Design: The ute will cater to drivers seeking a versatile, medium-sized vehicle ideal for city use.

• All-Electric

Platform: Unlike the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz, the Torres EVT will be electric-only, leveraging the Torres EVX SUV’s architecture.

• BYD-Sourced

Battery: Equipped with a lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, the ute promises a 462km driving range (WLTP).

• Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) Capability: Owners can power tools or appliances directly from the vehicle, adding practicality for work or leisure.

Torres EVX SUV: On Track for 2025

The Torres EVX SUV, upon which the ute is