Latest news with #NationalPark
CBC
11 hours ago
- CBC
At least 1 dead, 3 injured in Banff rock slide, RCMP says
The RCMP says a rock slide in Alberta's Banff National Park has killed at least one person and injured three others.
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Hollywood legend makes epic comeback after six years off screens in new Netflix thriller - and debuts striking new look
A Hollywood legend has made an epic comeback after six years off our screens in a new Netflix thriller - debuting a striking new look. Eric Bana, well known for starring in 2009 film The Time Traveller's Wife alongside Rachel McAdams, has not featured in a TV series since 2019. This was true crime anthology series Dirty John, which saw him play the eponymous sociopath alongside The White Lotus 's Connie Britton and Ted Lasso 's Juno Temple. The Aussie actor, 56, is now set return to the small screen in Untamed, as a National Park Service agent investigating a brutal murder in Yosemite National Park. The six-part murder mystery series, due for release on Netflix on July 17, sees Eric star alongside Jurassic Park's Sam Neill and La La Land's Rosemarie DeWitt. Pictures of the star filming this latest role show the past six years have been quite kind to him - previously a dark-haired heartthrob, he is now firmly a silver fox. The images show the actor, still in great shape, with fully salt and pepper locks, along with a fair amount of scruff. Though Eric has not starred in a TV show in recent years, he has still had a full filming schedule starring in movies. The actor has made a foray into animated kids' films, with 2021's Back To The Outback and Chip 'n Dale: Rescue Rangers the following year. The former follows animals that try to escape from an Australian wildlife park to return to their native habitats, which also starred Isla Fisher, Guy Pearce and Keith Urban. The latter, meanwhile, is a follow-up to the 1989 TV show of the same name, about the beloved Disney chipmunk duo, and also features Seth Rogen and Andy Samberg. Eric also appeared as a voice actor in 2024 stop-motion film Memoir of a Snail, about the life of loner Grace, alongside Succession's Sarah Snook. He has also starred in several films directed by fellow Aussie Robert Connolly - thriller The Dry (2021) and its sequel Force Of Nature (2024), as well as 2022 drama Blueback. The Aussie actor broke on to the Hollywood scene in the noughties, making a splash in hyper-masculine leading roles like Hector in Troy (2004) and Bruce Banner in Hulk (2003). The Aussie actor broke on to the Hollywood scene in the noughties, making a splash in hyper-masculine leading roles like Hector in Troy (2004) and Bruce Banner in Hulk (2003). Pictured: Eric at the world premiere of Hulk in 2003 He also featured in Ridley Scott's high-octane 2001 war film Black Hawk Down, about a US military helicopter shot down in the Battle of Mogadishu in nineties Somalia. But Eric actually started his journey towards the limelight as a stand-up and sketch comedian - before his breakout performance in 2000 crime drama Chopper. His star quickly went on the rise - and he was even one of a small group of actors approached in 2005 to play James Bond. The role, of course, eventually went to Daniel Craig, who he starred alongside in Steven Spielberg's 2005 historical epic Munich, about the Mossad operation to kill Palestinian militants behind a 1972 terrorist attack in the German city. But Eric told The Independent in 2022: 'I wouldn't have wanted to be James Bond. 'It would have been too much fame for my head.' Where Daniel played the infamous spy for around 15 years, from 2006 to 2021, Eric said avoiding this huge fame has meant he is 'largely able to do whatever the hell I want, whenever I want'. He added it 'would have been a great loss' not to have this kind of independence. Eric still lives in his native Melbourne with his wife, publicist Rebecca Gleeson, and two children, having never moved to Los Angeles like many other actors do. Asked by TNT Magazine in 2014 if he thought this had harmed his career, he replied firmly: 'No. And even if it has, it wouldn't make any difference to me. 'I love my life with my wife and kids in Melbourne and that's my home. 'I don't mind flying to Los Angeles for a few days or weeks at a time to talk to people in Hollywood when I need to. 'I still have to travel to the US or other countries when I'm shooting movies, so it doesn't make any difference anyway. 'These days you can just go online and have meetings using your computer.' The debut of Eric's new silver fox image comes after another famous grey-haired looker returned to their natural colour - after a dodgy dye job. Back in March, George Clooney, 64, dyed his hair dark brown to play Edward R Murrow in the stage adaptation of his 2005 film Good Night, and Good Luck. The actor - who recently earned a Tony Award nomination - previously admitted his wife Amal was not a fan of his darker 'do. And last month, Clooney's signature salt-and-pepper hair made a subtle comeback as he arrived at the Winter Garden Theatre in New York City. Wearing a white Bronx New York baseball cap, Clooney had noticeably grey sideburns as well as grey hair on the side of his neck. He styled his look with a black leather jacket, khaki pants, Adidas trainers and blue-tinted sunglasses. The Ocean's Eleven star looked to be in high spirits as he waved to fans and photographers outside the theatre. Clooney was accompanied by a security guard and a bodyguard as he prepared to star in the matinee performance of his Broadway play, which closed early this month.
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Flamingo Land developer criticises 'hysterical' opposition to Loch Lomond resort plans
Lomond Banks has hit back at the campaigners who have been opposing the proposed Flamingo Land development at Loch Lomond. The developer behind the controversial plans to bring a Flamingo Land development to the banks of Loch Lomond has expressed "extreme disappointment" after ministers recalled the application following a fierce campaign from activists. Theme park operator Flamingo Land, through its subsidiary Lomond Banks, had proposed to construct two hotels, more than 100 lodges, a waterpark and monorail at Balloch in a £43.5million development. Public Finance Minister Ivan McKee had previously declined to step in regarding the decision to proceed with the plans. But last week he confirmed that the government would now 'call-in' the plans. In a statement issued this week, Lomond Banks said that the move 'undermines the objective and independent judgment of the DPEA reporter'. Lomond Banks Development Director, Jim Paterson, said: 'As you would expect, we are taking legal advice. 'We have engaged with the planning process in good faith, following every regulation and expectation set by the National Park and Scotland's new national planning framework. "The land in question has been allocated for sustainable tourism development for decades, a fact acknowledged by the DPEA reporter. To have this long-established planning context disregarded at the eleventh hour raises serious questions not only about the integrity and consistency of the Scottish planning system, but also about Scotland as an investment destination.' He continued: 'The opposition has, unfortunately, relied on a sensationalist and misleading campaign, filled with hysteria, mistruths and inaccuracies, some of which disconcertingly continued to be relayed in last week's parliament debate. "Claims that we are developing a 'mega-resort' or bringing a 'theme park' to Loch Lomond are not only false, they are deliberately designed to stoke public fear and misinformation. There is no Flamingo Land-style park in our proposals, and such language is nothing more than a cynical attempt to derail a responsible development that aligns with the local development plan. 'Suggestions that this project will 'dominate the loch' are also disingenuous. Our development would front onto just 280 metres, that is 0.2 percent, of Loch Lomond's 153.5-kilometre shoreline. This is a proportionate and thoughtful approach, directly aligned with earlier developments such as Lomond Shores and fully consistent with the National Park's own vision. 'Contrary to the false narrative being pushed, this project has strong local support. Anyone genuinely interested in the views of the Scottish people need only look at the widespread positive engagement on social media and elsewhere, reflecting a clear desire for sustainable, year-round economic activity and job creation.' Mr Paterson insists the firm 'categorically reject' the 'baseless and offensive claim' that the firm are a Yorkshire-based company 'infiltrating Scottish shores'. He added: 'Flamingo Land is a Scottish-registered business, incorporated in 1973, and all taxable profits are retained within Scotland. Despite the name conjuring up connotations of a theme park style resort, Flamingo Land is the overarching company behind Lomond Banks – which is also a Scottish-registered business. These types of attacks are not only factually wrong, they are intentionally divisive and completely inappropriate. 'We remain fully committed to protecting and enhancing the natural environment. The ancient woodland at Drumkinnon Wood will be preserved and actively managed through a dedicated woodland management plan. Public access will not only be maintained but improved through upgraded core pathways. 'Claims that wildlife will also be affected are also unfounded, as the DPEA reporter concluded, there is no evidence to support these concerns. 'We now call on all Ministers, especially the planning minister, to uphold the integrity of the planning system. This process must remain impartial and evidence-led, not subjected to political opportunism or pressure campaigns built on misinformation. The rules must apply fairly and equally to all, or public trust in the system will be irreparably damaged. 'We urge the Scottish Government to see through the hysteria and consider not just the facts of this proposal, but the precedent it sets for all future investment in Scotland.' Campaigners against the plans last week welcomed the decision. Loch Lomond South Community Development Trust (LLSCDT) chairwoman, Lynne Somerville said: 'The people who live here must have a real say in the future of this place—not as an afterthought, but as equal partners. 'The overwhelming response from the community shows not only opposition to inappropriate development, but also a clear appetite for something better—something rooted in fairness, sustainability, and local benefit. 'Under the 2015 Community Empowerment Act, communities like ours are legally entitled to be heard and treated with respect in decisions that affect our land and future. It's time that legislation was meaningfully upheld.' Three local charities in favour of the development voiced their concerns that the Scottish Government had 'buckled to pressure'. The Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs, Maid of the Loch Steamship Company, and Helensburgh and District Access Trust argued that the government had made a U-turn due to the Lomond Banks planning application 'becoming a political football in the run up to the Scottish Parliamentary elections next year'.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Indigenous-led plan sets example in caring for Country
Kakadu National Park's natural and ecological diversity, and cultural significance through archaeological sites make the World Heritage-listed area a special place. For Bininj Mungguy Aboriginal Corporation founder James Morgan, Kakadu's uniqueness extends beyond the diversity of the bird life and other natural values. "For me personally, it's special because of the continuing connection that Aboriginal people - the Bininj/Mungguy people - have in Kakadu and that has been scientifically established to be at least 65,000 years," he said. But the same values for which the 20,000 square kilometre national park in the Northern Territory has been World Heritage-listed, are under threat from invasive weeds, feral animals and fires, which impact the natural landscape and culturally significant sites. Traditional Owners have worked with the Natural Environmental Science Program (NESP), and Parks Australia to develop the Kakadu Research Strategy, setting the agenda for research in the park to address some of these challenges. "We know a lot about northern Australia from the more than 40 years of research done in Kakadu and there is a wealth of Bininj/Mungguy knowledge to help manage the park," the program's resilient landscapes hub leader and University of Western Australia professor Michael Douglas said. "But responding to new threats, like invasive species and climate change needs new information, and that's where research is critical." The 10-year strategy sets out how Traditional Owners want research to be done, their priorities, and expectations for researchers operating in Kakadu. Kakadu Traditional Owner and NESP project leader Margaret Rawlinson said being involved in the development of the strategy was an empowering experience. "We've worked really hard together to try and achieve this and it's actually really happening now," she said. "I talk to my mum and everyone on the community and they're really proud that this is happening, and we feel good." Kakadu Traditional Owner and NESP project leader Victor Cooper said he's looking forward to working to protect Kakadu National Park for future generations. "A lot of our team leaders, Bininj team leaders, are very proud of that because it all came from the people themselves and how they wanted it done," he said. "There's guidelines and there's actions we need to follow now on how to make the park run better." The Indigenous-led strategy outlines the use of 'two-way science', which draws on traditional and western knowledge systems, working with and involving the appropriate Bininj and Mungguy Traditional Owners and considering the local benefits including employment and training opportunities. It is the first Indigenous-led research strategy for Kakadu National Park, and is hoped to set a new standard for collaboration between Traditional Owners and scientists. "The Kakadu Research Strategy ensures that by working in partnership with Traditional Owners, we achieve management outcomes that not only look after Country, but value Indigenous knowledge and culture," Environment Minister Murray Watt said.
STV News
4 days ago
- Business
- STV News
Scottish Government urged to ignore ‘hysteria' around Loch Lomond proposals
The developer behind controversial plans to build on the banks of Loch Lomond has urged the Scottish Government to ignore the 'hysteria' from opponents. Lomond Banks – owned by theme park operator Flamingo Land – has proposed to build a multi-million-pound mega-park. It includes plans for a water park, two hotels, 104 wooden lodges, spa, cafes, shops, restaurants, brewery and more in Balloch, West Dunbartonshire. In May, the Scottish Government Reporter approved the plans – allowing them to go on to the next stage of planning and development – despite opposition from the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority itself and more than 150,000 people who joined the Save Loch Lomond campaign. The Scottish Government initially said it had 'no intention' of stepping in to re-evaluate that approval, but Scottish ministers U-turned last week, once again putting the Flamingo Land plans in doubt. On Monday, speaking for the first time since that decision, Lomond Banks development director Jim Paterson said the firm was 'extremely disappointed'. 'We have engaged with the planning process in good faith, following every regulation and expectation set by the National Park and Scotland's new national planning framework,' he said. 'The land in question has been allocated for sustainable tourism development for decades, a fact acknowledged by the DPEA (Planning and Environmental Appeals Division) reporter. 'To have this long-established planning context disregarded at the 11th hour raises serious questions not only about the integrity and consistency of the Scottish planning system, but also about Scotland as an investment destination.' 'That's why Mr Paterson called on ministers to back the Flamingo Land proposals. 'We now call on all ministers, especially the planning minister, to uphold the integrity of the planning system,' he said. 'This process must remain impartial and evidence-led, not subjected to political opportunism or pressure campaigns built on misinformation. The rules must apply fairly and equally to all, or public trust in the system will be irreparably damaged.' Mr Paterson added: 'We urge the Scottish Government to see through the hysteria and consider not just the facts of this proposal, but the precedent it sets for all future investment in Scotland.' Mr Paterson accused opponents of the development – spearheaded by Scottish Green MSP Ross Greer – of a 'sensationalist and misleading campaign' full of 'mistruths and inaccuracies'. More than 150,000 people signed a petition to halt the plans, and 50,000 wrote to the Scottish Government to intervene, but Mr Paterson claimed the project has 'strong local support'. 'Anyone genuinely interested in the views of the Scottish people need only look at the widespread positive engagement on social media and elsewhere, reflecting a clear desire for sustainable, year-round economic activity and job creation,' he said. Public finance minister Ivan McKee said last week the government would recall the plans for the Flamingo Land resort, saying it raises issues of national significance due to its impact on the national park area. Over 150,000 people objected to the development through a petition launched by the Scottish Greens. The final outcome will be now be decided by Scottish ministers. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
