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News.com.au
an hour ago
- News.com.au
Terri Irwin unleashes on Katter Party crocodile culling bill in savage, 14-page long response
Terri Irwin has penned a scathing response to the Katter's Australian Party's latest bill to cull crocodiles in North Queensland. Describing the recently amended proposal as 'lazy and sloppy', the animal conservationist and director of Australia Zoo warned it was a 'recipe for disaster' that would 'turn the clock back to the dark and destructive days prior to the 1970s.' The bill cites a massive increase in crocodile numbers - something Irwin disputes - as justification for removing and euthanising crocs found in 'populated' waterways, and enabling hunting safaris on Aboriginal-controlled land. 'North Queenslanders are angry about losing more of our recreational waterways to the increasing crocodile population,' KAP MP Shane Knuth said when speaking about the bill state parliament last month. 'The constant threat of attacks, recent deaths and near-death experiences are dramatically affecting North Queensland's outdoor lifestyle. We never had to worry about the threats of crocodiles in our recreational waterways and beaches until the last two decades.' Irwin said the amended bill is a copy paste of the original and described one section - which imagines currently croc-infested waterways being used recreationally - as 'reckless, ill-informed and dangerous on so many levels'. The section in question reminisces about the 1970s, 80s and 90s when 'there was always that little bit of risk [of encountering a crocodile], but we didn't have to worry about seeing all these croc signs and we did not have to worry about swimming in that nice little saltwater creek.' 'That is all we are trying to achieve – that is, to bring it [the risk of swimming in these waterways] back so it is an acceptable risk,' the proposal continues, before going on to concede that even after crocodiles are 'removed' from the aforementioned waterways, some swimmers will 'still get taken by a croc'. In her 14-page long submission, Irwin argued the proposals are likely to actually increase crocodile-related deaths by creating a false sense of security. 'The removal of crocodiles, either through trapping or culling, will instead increase the likelihood of crocodile attacks as people believe the lie that once a crocodile is removed from a waterway then there will be no crocodiles,' she wrote. 'Research has consistently shown that when a crocodile dies or is removed, then another crocodile immediately comes in to take over that territory. Because of this reality, the Bill will not eliminate or even greatly reduce the risk of crocodile attacks.' She also shot down claims that crocodile numbers have dramatically increased, saying there is no Queensland data that confirms that and that the bill's cited increase does not account for multiple sightings of the same croc. 'It is the Irwin family and Australia Zoo's belief that individual culling and relocation are not effective ways to manage crocodile/human coexistence; rather, research and educating people are the key,' she said. 'The best course of action is for people in crocodile territory to be 'Croc-wise', reduce risk wherever possible and take sensible steps to minimise human-crocodile interaction.' She also cited the work of her late husband Steve 'Crocodile Hunter' Irwin, saying 'his capture and study techniques remain world's best practice to this day.' His legacy has meant that 'Australia Zoo, in partnership with the University of Queensland … now manage the largest and most successful crocodile research project in the world,' and she claimed that neither of those institutions or their research were consulted in the preparation of the bill. Another proposal within the bill recommends that Indigenous landholders be given the opportunity to offer safari-like hunting experiences to 'high end clients' as a source of income. Irwin also strongly rejected this idea and said, 'even with the best of intentions, it is a recipe for disaster and will increase the number of attacks and deaths caused by crocodiles by increasing contact with crocodiles by safari shooters who have limited or no experience with crocodiles.' Crocodiles are protected in Queensland and are listed as vulnerable under the Nature Conservation Act 1992.
News.com.au
2 hours ago
- News.com.au
100 days to go before massive NBN internet speed upgrade for Australians
Massive upgrades in internet speeds are now just 100 days away for Australian households. From September, government-owned telecommunications company NBN, which supplies internet providers like Telstra and Optus with the physical infrastructure that connects households to the internet, will deliver massive upgrades to its network speeds. The accelerated, high-speed wholesale products will be available to providers to sell to eligible residential and business customers connected to the NBN network via fibre to the premises or hybrid fibre coaxial options. The Home Fast package will increase speeds from 100/20Mbps to 500/50Mbps, delivering a five times improvement in downloads and 2.5 times faster uploads. The Superfast package will increase speeds from 250/25Mbps to 750/50 Mbps, while Ultrafast will double upload speeds from 50Mbps to 100Mbps. The Hyperfast offering will deliver 'blazing-fast speeds for top-tier connections', with 2000/200Mbps (on fibre to the premises) and 2000/100Mbps (on hybrid fibre coaxial). It is expected Hyperfast will be sold to retailers for a wholesale price of $115 per month. Customers who purchased one of these higher speed tiers, or choose to upgrade, would automatically accelerate to the new, faster speeds when the plans were made available by the retailers, the company said. NBN general manager Jane McNamara said the speed changes would 'future proof' Australia as the world moved online. 'Back in 2015, the typical Australian home had two or three internet-connected devices,' she said on Friday. 'Today, the average number is about 25 and includes devices like smart phones, laptops, TVs and smart speakers, all of which need the internet to work. 'With people in Australia averaging more than 6½ hours a day online, streaming and gaming more than ever before, the number of connected devices (is) expected to rise to more than 44 by the end of this decade.' But the company has warned that the technological boost will only be available to certain households. 'Higher speed plans are only available on NBN's fibre to the premises and hybrid fibre Coaxial technologies,' it said. 'Check your address to see if higher speed plans are available at your place, and for those customers on fibre to the node or fibre to the kerb, whether you are eligible for a fibre upgrade.' Some households might need to upgrade their home equipment to make the most of the new speeds, the company added, and simple adjustments to a home's set-up, such as how modems and routers are placed, could also impact speed. 'Many objects and materials in the home can reflect or absorb your wi-fi signal, either slowing the speed as they pass through or blocking it altogether,' the company said. 'Metal doors, appliances, mirrors, solid walls, floors, and ceilings can significantly reduce signal efficiency and effective distance. 'Interior walls, furniture and even windows can do the same but to a lesser degree. 'Liquids, like those in fish tanks, fridges, hot water systems and even bottles can absorb wi-fi signal, preventing it from reaching your devices. 'Other technology, including radios, baby monitors, microwave ovens, Bluetooth devices, use signals that can interfere with your wi-fi.' The NBN advises to keep wi-fi routers out in the open.
News.com.au
4 hours ago
- News.com.au
Award-winning actors Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds join forces with Australia's successful SailGP team
Australia's series leading SailGP team has added the ultimate star power, with Hollywood actors Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds coming on board as co-owners. The Australian team – led by one of the country's most decorated drivers in Tom Slingsby – had been running off the smell of an oily rag with no major backer compared to their cashed-up global rivals. But this will change thanks to A-listers Jackman and Reynolds in a major boost for Australia's three-time SailGP champions. In a further coup for the Australians, BONDS underwear has signed on as a major sponsor as part of fresh rebrand. The Australian SailGP team will now be officially called the BONDS Flying Roos. Luring Jackson's support is a significant result for the future of Australia's SailGP team. The Sydney-born talent has conquered the world with his acting exploits, most notably for his award-winning efforts as Wolverine in the X-Men films. Reynolds is a star in his own right, excelling in multiple movies, while he also has experience in sport as a co-owner of Welsh soccer club, Wrexham. Together Jackman and Reynolds will bring significant global profile and presence for Australia's successful SailGP team. 'We're incredibly excited to set sail together in this new adventure,' Jackman and Reynolds said in a statement. 'Hugh brings a deep love for and pride in his home country as well as being an avid fan of sailing. He will also be bringing his overly clingy emotional support human along for the ride. Apologies in advance to Australia. No comment on whether we're writing this in our BONDS. No further questions.' Slingsby – the driver, CEO and co-owner of the Bonds Flying Roos is thrilled to see Jackman and Reynolds link with the team. 'This is an incredible milestone for us and for our sport, having global icons Hugh Jackman and Ryan Reynolds come on board as co-owners of our team,' Slingsby said. 'They bring unmatched star power, a love for storytelling, and a sharp sense of humour that fits perfectly with our team. With BONDS joining as our Title Partner and the launch of the BONDS Flying Roos, we're building something distinctly Australian; a team driven by spirit, resilience, and national pride.' The BONDS multi-year partnership marks the first time the Australian SailGP Team has had a title partner. As both official title partner and official underwear partner, BONDS brings more than a century of Aussie heritage - and signature comfort - to the BONDS Flying Roos. 'BONDS is famous for its signature Aussie spirit and it's no secret that Aussies love sport, being on the water, and just a hint of danger. Enter SailGP, the next exciting chapter in our journey to take BONDS to the world,' says Tanya Deans, President BONDS Australia. 'We're thrilled to join forces with such an iconic duo and an adrenaline-fuelled sport ready for its moment in the spotlight. And how do you say no to Hugh Jackman? He's Australian royalty! As we set sail on this new adventure, the BONDS Flying Roos have one less thing to worry about – we've got their backs (and bums) covered.' The BONDS Flying Roos SailGP Team will make their official debut under their new name and ownership at the Mubadala New York Sail Grand Prix from June 7-8. The Australian crew aims to defend their leading position on the leaderboard while striving for a memorable victory to celebrate their new co-owners and partners. Founded in 2019 by Sir Russell Coutts and Larry Ellison, SailGP pits 12 national crews in identical 50-foot foiling catamarans, ripping past 100 km/h just metres from shore in the world's most iconic harbours. Led by Olympic gold medallist Slingsby, Australia has owned the leaderboard, three championships in four seasons, and now embarks on a new chapter aimed at super-charging fan engagement far beyond the dock.
