Clarence Valley Independent

Emma Pritchard. After polling strongly in the 2019 Federal Election with more than 43000 votes, the Australian Labor Party’s candidate for the seat of Page Patrick Deegan has spoken of his confidence in gaining additional support and momentum ahead of the 2022 Federal Election.

Emma Pritchard. The Grafton Greyhound Racing Club will host several races in a new feature series worth more than $200000 following a stunning announcement by Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW). Set to become the world’s richest race over a short distance course, The Thunderbolt series will include qualifying heats held at eight regional venues, a semi-final and final.

Geoff Helisma. An initiative to incorporate population growth as a primary factor when deciding the annual rate peg for NSW councils has been rejected before its implementation. In early 2021, the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) began a review that would include population growth in its calculation of the rate peg, and, upon its adoption, set the rate peg at 0.7 per cent for 2022-23 financial year ... attendees at the Local Government NSW Special Conference disagreed with the IPART, the OLG and the former minister.

Emma Pritchard. Driven by her determination to restore trust, honesty and integrity in Government while advocating for climate action, stronger funding for equitable healthcare, strengthening the regional economy, and fighting for a fair future, Dr Hanabeth Luke has nominated as an independent candidate for the seat of Page at the upcoming Federal election.

Brigadier Robert Lording, Commander of ‘ADF Operation Flood Assist 22’ for the NSW Northern Rivers Region said the first request for assistance came from the NSW State Emergency Services. “By Saturday February 26, the SES were aware there was going to be a flood emergency develop and they were quickly onto it, requesting ADF assistance to doorknock residents and provide other logistical aid”, said the Brigadier.

Geoff Helisma. As the federal election nears, former ABC journalist, presenter and interviewer, Kerry O’Brien, will join former member for Indi, Cathy McGowan, at the Grafton Services Club on Sunday April 3. The pair will speak about how independent candidates can help stop the “erosion of democracy” in Australia.

Geoff Helisma. Member of the Legislative Council (MLC) Catherine Cusack, who received the Clarence Catchment Alliance’s Clarence Valley Council-backed antimining petition, is resigning from her position. Ms Cusack said she would quit the NSW Government following Prime Minister Scott Morrison’s initial announcement on March 9 that extra disaster funding would be available immediately for people in Lismore, Richmond Valley and Clarence Valley local government areas (LGAs), all of which are within the Nationals-held seat of Page.