WIDESPREAD rain during the long weekend has given a spring boost to crops and pastures and comes as a reprieve for those crops in the hardest-hit drought areas that were about to be cut for hay.

The North West, Central West and Hunter Valley fared particularly well, with Jerrys Plains scoring 66 millimetres, Narrabri West 44mm, Woolbrook 42, Geurie 41mm, Gwabegar 40mm and Brewarrina 37mm in the week to Tuesday.

Notable registrations in the south included 56mm at Taralga, 41mm at Quandialla, 32mm at West Wyalong and 22mm at Booligal.

teve Posselt sets out in his kayak again in his quest to save the Mary River.

 

To convey the views of thousands of Australians, Steve is taking their letters and petitions in his kayak from Brisbane to Peter Garrett’s electoral office in Sydney.

 

“Traveston Crossing dam will obliterate lungfish breeding grounds,” he says. “This creature is much older than the dinosaurs and it only lives in SE Queensland with the Mary River breeding grounds being fundamental to its viability.”

 

“Peter Garrett can protect this ancient and vital species from the greed of the Queensland government. He can save Australia from acute international embarrassment.”

 

Last year Steve paddled and dragged his kayak from Brisbane to Adelaide. This year he paddled up the Brisbane River, dragged the kayak over the Conondale Ranges, paddled the length of the Mary River and returned to Brisbane via the ocean.

 

In less than a year he covered more than 4000km.

 

He leaves from the boat ramp on Riverside Drive, West End, between Jane and Boundary Streets at noon Saturday 4^th October. A flotilla of kayaks plus many supporters are expected. Speeches and media opportunities will be held for up to two hours before this but he paddles away at mid-day.

 

Steve will be available for media opportunities and to talk to people all the way down the coast.

 

He will arrive at the opera house in Sydney on Saturday 1^st November at mid-day.