The Corona pandemic has caused a dramatic silencing of human activities that is making the voices of nature resound on an unprecedented scale. In this unique situation in May 2020, the idea was born to make the birds’ voices heard. Local recordings for the DAWN CHORUS will be mapped worldwide.They will be included in a scientific database for biodiversity research. From now on, the Dawn Chorus project will take place every year and thus provide important comparative data.https://dawn-chorus.org/en/
While our community is seeking a recovery strategy from recent
dislocations, it is worth thinking about what we value as Australians and what sort
of society we wish to be. Here are some thoughts to contemplate:
1.
Democratic: Free and fair elections (competition
solely funded by the public purse); efficient, effective and corruption free
government processes; community engaged with the political processes - and feels
that they are listened to; the government respects civil liberties and
minimises intrusions into people’s lives.
2.
Fair: Equality of opportunity for health,
education, wealth generation.
3.
Compassionate and caring.
4.
Fun loving and happy.
Australian business titans Anthony Pratt and Andrew Liveris have named food manufacturing as a key to the nation's future in a post COVID-19 world.Mr Pratt said manufacturing would be "turbocharged" if Australia: improved water infrastructure; accelerated depreciation for manufacturing investment; brought down power prices through an "all of the above" energy policy involving renewables, gas, coal, and nuclear; increased superannuation fund lending to corporate Australia for investment and jobs; and embraced free trade agreements.Mr Pratt used wheat as an example. He said wheat sells for $100 a tonne. If it is turned into flour its sells for $500 a tonne and if it is made into bread it is worth $5,000 a tonne.https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/6771699/foo
