From a recent ABC news story: ‘Plans for a $243 million biodiesel production facility at Port Kembla on the New South Wales central coast have been unveiled recently. The facility at the port’s Inner Harbour will process soybeans for primary industry, with the by-product refined to make biodiesel.

The plant will be able to supply most of the state’s total requirements by 2011. It will be the first facility of its kind in Australia, with a similar plant now under construction in South Africa. read more…

While scammers are using every available modern technology like email, the internet, text messaging etc, it seems that good old-fashioned door knocking scams are still alive and well.

From a recent media release by the council :

“Shoalhaven Water has been made aware that some customers have been telephoned by a person purporting to be a Shoalhaven Water employee and claiming that works were being undertaken in the area that may have affected the water quality, if so would they like to purchase a water filter. Similar scams have been occurring with other authorities and all residents should be cautious. All Shoalhaven Water Staff carry identification cards when working outdoors.”

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The Shoalhaven City Council will host the Southern NSW regional Indian Myna Conference on 13 May 2009.

Guest speakers from Australian National University, Blacktown City Council, the Canberra Indian Myna Action Group and the Collaborative Research Centre for Invasive Animals will join with staff from Shoalhaven City Council to provide information and ideas on how to effectively remove Indian Myna birds from the city. read more…

The ABC reported last week that the Shoalhaven council says it is delighted to finalise an agreement to sell land for the development of a Buddhist temple and tourist complex. Plans were stalled in January when the council failed to receive an expected payment.

The Shaolin Temple Foundation has entered into a three-year mortgage agreement to buy the Comberton Grange land from the council. The foundation is undertaking environmental assessment requirements for the proposal, which still needs New South Wales Government approval.

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