Latest news with #DylanParker
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Council's innovative solution to quiet crisis in Aussie suburbs leads to exciting change
As Australia's cities continue to grow to keep up with the demands of our skyrocketing population, native wildlife populations are facing increasing pressure from threats such as habitat loss and predation from invasive species like cats and foxes. To bridge the gap, authorities are exploring new ways to support the survival of our wildlife, with everyday Aussies regularly being called on to help solve the growing issue. Planting nesting boxes can help backyards can become more hospitable to birds, possums, sugar gliders, microbats and insects. But in public spaces, more needs to be done. One inner-city council is now trialling innovative new technology to offer new shelter options for Aussie animals in public parks with exciting results. Randwick City Council recently announced a trial in partnership with the University of New South Wales whereby researchers are trialling two types of artificial tree hollows at the Randwick Environment Park in Sydney's East. In May, ten 3D-printed nesting boxes were installed, along with artificial hollows drilled into trees. Just weeks later, rainbow lorikeets were sighted nesting in one of the hollows. "When council collaborates with research institutions and other community groups, we can achieve real change for our community, native wildlife and environment," Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker. He called the move 'a significant step forward" in enhancing Sydney's biodiversity and urban wildlife conservation. 🪹 Aussies urged to make one 'critical' backyard change to combat national crisis 🏡 Woman's 'fantastic' garden solution to controversial problem in Aussie suburbs 🦊 Council under pressure as iconic species ravaged by invasive predator Aussies have long been urged to install simple nesting boxes to give native species a helping hand and provide much-needed shelter. However, the drawback with traditional nesting boxes made out of wood, according to council, is that they can often fall short because of poor insulation and limited durability. The UNSW-designed 3D printed nest boxes are made from long-lasting, weather-resistant plastic, which they say offers better thermal stability. Along with the plastic shelters, fake hollows were drilled into existing trees with a 'Hollowhog' tool that creates large internal cavities through small entry holes in both living and dead wood, which fast-tracks the natural process that creates hollows within trees, which can take centuries. As well as rainbow lorikeets, there are hopes that the new features will attract microbats, parrots, and smaller birds such as kingfishers and pardalotes. In the coming years, researchers will monitor the artificial hollows to determine their use by native animals. Habitat loss is a huge issue connected to housing and infastructure development. Roads and new housing developments encroaching on the habitats of native plants and animals and harming their populations in doing so. Clearing land and habitat trees leaves the hundreds of vertebrate species that rely on tree hollows without a home, exacerbating Australia's extinction crisis. Since European settlement, we have lost more mammal species than any other continent, with over 100 species declared extinct or extinct in the wild. Local governments elsewhere around the country have sought to boost the presence of nesting boxes and urged locals to join them. The City of Parramatta Council has installed over 450 nest boxes and roost boxes across the LGA while also using chainsaws to carve entrances in dead trees. What's more, researchers like Professor Sarah Bekessy from RMIT's Centre for Urban Research have been calling for a rethink of how urban areas can be shared with native plants and animals. 'At the moment we do development in a way that sees (nature) as a problem,' she told Yahoo News Australia. 'Biodiversity is actually seen as a 'constraint layer' rather than an opportunity we should maximise in the planning process. 'The evidence is now absolutely compelling that connection to nature is really critical for our health and for our mental wellbeing, for our physical wellbeing and for our immune response." Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Aussie councils push for tougher fines for millions of pet owners amid worrying trend
Major city councils are calling on the state government to implement much tougher pet laws, including higher fines and stronger enforcement powers, amid a rise in irresponsible owner behaviour and attacks from dogs. Over the last 20 years Randwick City Council, in Sydney's east, has reported a sharp rise in dog attacks, from 900 in 2004 to an incredible 5,000 last year. It said pet owners have also dropped the ball, with reports that many had stopped picking up after their dogs, while failing to monitor them adequately at off-leash parks, particularly around children and wildlife. In response, as part of the state government's review into the Companion Animals Act 1998, Randwick has asked the NSW government for higher fines and stronger penalties. "Randwick City Council is calling for tougher pet laws, stronger enforcement powers and better education," it stated in a council meeting in late May. The submission, endorsed by councillors, also recommends mandatory cat containment, more public education on responsible pet ownership, and expanded powers for councils to act on dangerous dogs and nuisance animals. Roaming domestic cats can have a devastating impact on native wildlife, hunting and killing birds, reptiles, and small mammals, even when they're well-fed at home. In NSW, dog owners can be fined up to $330 for walking their pet off-leash in areas where it's not permitted, and $275 for failing to clean up after their dog. While councils enforce these fines, they do not set them independently — the amounts are dictated by state legislation. Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker said the law currently states that a dog that attacks another dog attracts the same fine as when it attacks a child. "Clearly, that's not right," he told 9News. "Everyone loves their dog until something goes wrong, and that's why we want to make sure we get the rules right for the 21st century." Adjacent council Waverley is also joining the campaign, reportedly calling on pet owners who break the rules to attend training courses. "We encourage responsible pet ownership to ensure safety and that everyone, including our four-legged companions, can enjoy our parks and community," it said. Yahoo News Australia has contacted Randwick and Waverley councils for comment. New rule change legalises common pet act in graveyards Inner city suburb terrorised by roaming dogs as locals report attacks Aussie's five-year legal battle with council over pet dogs With an estimated 4.7 million cats and dogs in NSW alone, responsible pet ownership is crucial to minimising their impact on local ecosystems, public spaces, and community safety, both councils say. Pet ownership nationally experienced a significant surge during and directly after the Covid-19 pandemic, driven by lockdowns, remote work, and a collective search for companionship. Figures suggest households with pets rose from 61 per cent to 69 per cent. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@ You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
QC Farmers Market moves to downtown Rock Island
The QC Farmers' Market is moving – just a few blocks, to downtown Rock Island this season. The Rock Island City Council approved a weekly use of the newly renovated 1800 block of 2nd Avenue for the expanding homegrown, food-focused market on May 19. Ald. Dylan Parker, 5th Ward, said moving the market from Schwiebert Park is a major milestone for the Rebuild Downtown Rock Island Project and revitalization efforts. 'This once-in-a-generation investment by the City has revitalized our downtown infrastructure and public spaces, and the arrival of the farmers' market will inject even more vibrancy and energy into this renewed area,' said Parker, who's also the community representative on the QC Farmers' Market Board of Directors. 'It's a fantastic synergy that will bring increased foot traffic, benefiting our local businesses and making the market more accessible.' The market will run from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. every Saturday from May 31-October 25 on the new 'festival street' that will close to vehicle traffic during the market's hours of operation. The new pedestrian-oriented, event-friendly street features improvements like curbless 28-foot-wide sidewalks; pop-up bollards for seamless routine road closures; decorative lighting and landscaping; public art; bench seating and uniform patio areas for adjacent businesses. Free parking is available in adjacent lots and on the street surrounding the market venue. Several bike racks are in the general vicinity. 'We are thrilled to partner with the City and Downtown Alliance to make this move into downtown Rock Island, in the beautifully renovated space on 2nd Avenue,' said Ian Forslund, founder and chair of the QC Farmers' Market Board of Directors. The market has been operating in Schwiebert Riverfront Park since 2021. Over 20 vendors based within 50 miles of downtown Rock Island have items for sale, including produce, meat, eggs, dairy, honey, flowers, garden plants, baked goods and more. Many vendors already supply food for downtown restaurants, including NEST Café and QC Coffee and Pancake House. 'Multiple opportunities arise for the farmers, downtown, market visitors and businesses on and close to 2nd Avenue,' said Jon Keim, owner of Huckleberry's Great Pizza and Calzones, 223 18th Street 'We are looking forward to purchasing from the farmers, creating meals from the locally grown products and growing our business alongside the QC Farmers' Market.' Market patrons and visitors to the new location will find additional seating and yard games on the new green lawn right next to the festival street. The Downtown Alliance will host a special event called Second Saturdays on 2nd Avenue during market hours once a month, from June through October, featuring free live music and family-friendly activities. Activities and artists will be announced at a later time. 'This is exactly the type of consistent program and activity we planned for when dreaming up this new shared space for the community,' said Jack Cullen, executive director of the Downtown Alliance. 'We are eager to offer more reasons for people to explore downtown and all it has to offer on a regular basis, and we hope this partnership with the QC Farmers' Market motivates people to make us part of their weekend ritual.' The last parts of the Rebuild Downtown Project include installing sidewalk patios outside of five restaurants and reconstructing the 3rd Avenue and 19th Street intersection, which is expected to be completed in June. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
