Greek Orthodox Church received millions in rent from aged care homes
An ABC investigation has found a group of taxpayer-funded aged care homes funnelled $31 million into one of Australia’s largest churches.
The homes include St. Basil’s in Melbourne where 45 residents died from a COVID outbreak. It was found St. Basil’s paid over $22 million in rent to the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese. A commercial real estate agent says this is double the rental market rate.
The Archdiocese declined to comment on the money it receives from its aged care homes.
Gold Coast hopes to adopt new sister city.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate announced a plan to establish a sister-city relationship with Queenstown in New Zealand.
Mayor Tate said the towns have many similarities, including a reliance on tourism. The relationship would mean the towns’ councils would enter into societal or business contracts based on their similarities.
Queenstown Mayor Jim Boult said while it is not something the Queenstown council has considered in the past, they are open to discussing the possibility.
Mackay locals call for Queensland government to reject coal mine proposal
Mackay Conservation Group led the community in holding a Rally at Bluewater Quay yesterday, calling for the Queensland government to reject the Clive Palmer-owned Central Queensland Coal Project.
The Coal Project would be located just 10km from the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area. This leads to concerns from locals and scientists about the devastating effect of pollution on marine ecosystems.
The Rally called for Environment Minister Meaghan Scanlon to reject the proposal by 28 April.
Queensland Music Trail will bring music to the outback.
Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch launched the Queensland Music Trails today – a program which will bring musicians to outback Queensland.
Minister Enoch said the project is part of the Government’s plan to support the arts and cultural sector through its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
CEO of Queensland Music Festival, Joel Edmonson, said the trail is a way to get to know the diverse people and places of Outback Queensland.
The first trail will visit the outback towns of Jimbour, Charleville, Birdsville, Quilpie, and more.
16 April 8am Zedlines
Your 8am Zedlines with Jay and Vi.
Image source: Flickr/David Amián Valle
Vaccines allegedly traded for illegally mined goods on indigenous reserve
Prosecutors in Brazil have investigated allegations that illegally mined gold has been exchanged for coronavirus vaccines on an indigenous reserve.
The Hutukara Association, which represents the Yanomami people from the Amazon region, reported a health worker for dealing vaccines to illegal miners.
The Association’s letter to the Health Ministry emphasised that the Yanomami people have “long complained that materials and medicines intended for Indigenous health are being diverted to wildcat miners."
Canine disease spread to South Australia
South Australia has recorded its first case of the tick-borne disease canine ehrlichiosis.
The disease, which can be fatal to dogs, was believed not to exist in Australia until a case was recorded in Western Australia in May last year.
Australian troops withdrawn from Afghanistan
Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced Australia’s remaining 80 troops will pull out of Afghanistan by September.
This move echoes the withdrawal of American troops by US president Joe Biden, signalling the end of a conflict that started in 2001 following the 9/11 attack.
The PM states the Australian government will continue to support negotiations between the Afghan government and the Taliban. He says allegations of war crimes committed by the Australian military will be discussed at a later time.
Medical marijuana farm to be constructed near Toowoomba
Australia’s largest medicinal marijuana farm will be built in the outskirts of Toowoomba.
Construction on the facility will begin within the next six months; the completed farm is expected to produce 500 tonnes of marijuana per year.
The facility’s $400 million construction plans have been fast tracked by up to two years thanks to the merger of Australian-owned Australian Natural Therapeutics Group and Canadian-owned Asterion Cannabis Inc.
Tweed Heads Shire Council announces boat harbour management plan
Tweed Heads Shire Council has announced a Plan of Management to ensure land at the Jack Evans Boat Harbour precinct will serve as a recreational and tourism point for the Tweed Heads region.
The plan describes the future planning and management of the precinct, including several parklands and sections of the waterway.
Mayor of Tweed Chris Cherry says the plan will ensure the land will be enhanced, protected, and managed, in accordance with the needs of the Tweed community.