And in Other News...
Anzac grants announced
   New grants have been announced to encourage communities across Australia to become involved in the Centenary of Anzac.
   The Anzac Centenary Local Grants Program, providing $100,000 per electorate, will enable and empower communities across Australia to commemorate the Centenary of Anzac in their own way.
   Projects which could be considered for grant funding include public commemorative events; new First World War memorials or honour boards; the restoration of existing First World War memorials or honour boards; the preservation, interpretation and display of First World War wartime and military memorabilia and artefacts; and school projects related to the First World War.
  
Boost for research
   A new funding boost has been announced to help drive world class research in Australia.
   Over $70 million has been allocated to help Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs) develop research in areas including cell therapy, autism, eye care in remote communities and workplace safety.
   Three new CRCs – focused on Alertness, Safety and Productivity; Cell Therapy Manufacturing; and Living with Autism Spectrum Disorders - will be funded under the program, with additional funding to be provided to the existing Vision CRC to expand its research programs.
  
NZ in pack mentality
   New Zealand is to join Australia and move forward with plans to introduce tobacco plain-packaging laws.
   Australia has taken a broad approach to reducing smoking rates, which included initiatives such as apps to support smokers wanting to quit; the listing of nicotine patches on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme; and a national telephone counselling service Quitline on 13 78 48.
   Today some 15 per cent of Australians are daily smokers today, compared with about 50 per cent after the Second World War.
  
Sydney landscape recognised
   The waterways and bushland of Sydney Harbour have become Australia’s 16th National Landscape.
   The National Landscapes collection showcases iconic Australian environments and their people, from the Red Centre to the Great Barrier Reef and to Tasmania’s Island Heritage.
   The program is a partnership between Tourism Australia and Parks Australia and the Sydney declaration opens the way to a global marketing push inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the natural landscapes of the harbour city.
   More information on the program is available from this PS News link.
  
Gladstone Port review
   The terms of reference for the Independent Review of the Port of Gladstone have been announced.
   The review is a major part of the Commonwealth’s response to the 2012 decision of the World Heritage Committee regarding the protection and management of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage property.
   It will look at current and future planning for development, as well as management, monitoring and reporting programs together with environmental concerns in the area.
  
Defence hub for Adelaide
   Adelaide is to become home to a significant manufacturing precinct, as part of a national $1 billion jobs plan.
   The Adelaide Defence Precinct would service the State's strong defence industry and was scheduled to be fully operational by August, with initial services delivered from May this year.
   It will help to link businesses, universities and government agencies nationally to generate economic benefits for Australian industry.

Edition 350, 26 February 2013
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