The ACT government will trial a kangaroo fertility drug. Photo: Jeffrey Chan
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The ACT government plans to begin field trials of a kangaroo fertility drug by July, to determine whether it can deliver the vaccine effectively by dart.
Environment Minister Simon Corbell said the trials would target about 200 eastern grey kangaroos across 10 sites with high female populations.
Carried out by the CSIRO, the Invasive Animals Co-operative Research Centre and the government, the trial would be the first in the country to determine whether GonaCon could be delivered via dart.
Mr Corbell said the drug was known to be effective when administered by injection, rendering kangaroos infertile for up to six years.
- Yarralumla residents are angry about what they say is a planned massive flattening out of the landscape behind the suburb, removing as much as seven metres from the tops of the forested ridges between Government House and the Brickworks for the new housing precinct.
- The family home that Sylvia and Alan Kelly have spent 62 years in is slated for demolition by 2020 because of Mr Fluffy asbestos - but the couple just want to live out their final years without that deadline hanging over their heads. ( About 30 frail and elderly Mr Fluffy residents are pleading for government flexibility around a five-year time-limit on them remaining in their homes.
- The delay to the Bali nine executions is being linked to everything from phone-tapping rumours to Prime Minister Tony Abbott's lack of popularity in Australia.
- In a last-ditch attempt to kickstart debate about the ban on the ACT legislating about for euthanasia, Greens minister Shane Rattenbury has launched a new petition seeking change from the Abbott government.
Josh Papalii is slowly getting used to playing in the middle for the Raiders. Photo: Melissa Adams
Canberra Raiders forward Josh Papalii is unsure whether he's in line for a permanent move to the front row, admitting the shock dropping of veterans David Shillington and Dane Tilse has reminded everyone no one's spot is safe.
Papalii admitted he is still adjusting to the heavy workload in the middle as the Raiders pack undergoes the most radical transformation in years.
Canberra's front row rotation has gone from a wealth of experience to youth within the space of 12 months.
- The Canberra Raiders fear fullback Jack Wighton could face a stint on the sidelines after undergoing scans on a facial injury suffered in Sunday night's 18-6 home loss to New Zealand Warriors.
- Canberra cyclist Michael Matthews has started his year off with a bang by winning the green jersey at the Paris-Nice race.
- ACT Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham believes Liam Gill's two-week suspension for his dangerous tackle on Nic White is adequate, despite it being described as a move straight out of the WWE.
- Nick Kyrgios will await scan results on an ankle injury suffered in his second round loss to Grigor Dimitrov at the Indian Wells Masters in California - Kyrgios turned his ankle in the ninth game of the third set before going down 7-6 (7-2) 3-6 7-6 (7-4) on Sunday.
8.48am: Roads are blocked on Knoke Ave and Matson St in Gordon for a police operation.
8.20am: Firefighters are on Cape Street in Dickson, after a laundromat filled with smoke.
7.32am: A water main has burst on Torrens St and Helemon St in Braddon. Road diversions in place. Police are advising motorists to avoid the area.
Florey Drive will be closed from 9am today, between Herron Crescent and Osburn Drive, to allow for road resurfacing works following a burst water main yesterday.
Fairbairn Avenue will be closed between the Northcott Drive and Majura Road roundabouts, and Morshead Drive will be closed to northbound traffic from Pialligo Avenue from 6.30pm to 5am, until Friday, March 20 as the Majura Parkway project nears completion.
Ongoing lane closures and a lowered speed limit will restrict traffic at the Eastern Valley Way and Aikman Drive intersection in Belconnen from today until 2016 as the construction of a high rise building gets under way.
If you are stuck in traffic or have any info, let us know: morningblog@canberratimes.com.au or tweet us @canberratimes
St Patrick's Day is being celebrating at various venues across the capital, to be sure. Check out our Canberra guide here.
The Canberra Comedy Festival Opening Night Gala will get bellies aching at the Canberra Theatre Centre from 7pm.
More smoke is expected over the ACT today with another hazard reduction burn west of Tidbinbilla, which could last up to two days.
Artist Stuart Ringholt leads a naked tour through the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney. Photo: Christo Crocker
You may have seen the James Turrell: A Retrospective exhibition, but has the exhibition really seen you?
The National Gallery of Australia has announced its first ever naked tours in April, as part of a collaboration with Melbourne-based artist Stuart Ringholt.
A spokeswoman for the NGA said Turrell had suggested including a naked element to the Canberra exhibition to completely remove all material barriers between artist and audience.
Touch or click through for more David Pope
Sylvia and Alan Kelly have spent 62 years in their home which is slated for demolition by 2020 because of Mr Fluffy asbestos. Photo: Jamila Toderas
Today: A cloudy day in Canberra with a possible late sprinkling of rain, a forecast minimum of 8 degrees and a top of 26 degrees.
The rest of the week: Wednesday, possible shower - min 13, max 30. Thursday, sunny - min 11, max 32. Friday, shower or two - min 15, max 28. Saturday, partly cloudy - min 9, max 23.
