'Wide, long, and loud applause' for state-wide fracking ban

Victorian Premier. Daniel Andrews, had, for
various reasons, been out of favour with many
people, but his historic state-wide ban on
fracking had won him, and his government
wide, long, and loud applause.

A permanent ban on fracking and all exploration and development of unconventional onshore gas will be introduced across Victoria, in a move the state government described as historic and a first for Australia.

Premier Daniel Andrews said the government would introduce the ban later this year, to protect the state's valuable farming sector, which earned billions of dollars in exports each year and employed nearly 200,000 people.

"We've listened to the community and we're making a decision that puts farmers and our clean green brand first," he said.

South Gippsland resident Deborah O'Connor said she was "thrilled" with the government's decision.

Read the story in today’s Melbourne Age - “Victoria to ban fracking: 'The health and environmental risks ... outweigh any potential benefits'.”

Slap wants people to understand the need to adapt

Shepparton’s Slap Tomorrow is eager to see people understand the need to adapt to the Goulburn Valley’s changing climate.

Far from the GV, a South Gippsland farmer sees herself as on the frontline of climate change adaption.

A story in today’s Melbourne Age -“South Gippsland farmer moves milking season to adapt to climate change” – discusses what Marion McDonald has done to prepare her farm.

“Mrs Macdonald is on the frontline of climate change adaption. And she's proud of what she's done so far – but she knows she can adapt only so much,” The Age reports.