Democracy failing regional Australia says agricultural leader
The NSW Government has been urged to show its commitment to regional NSW by backing a feasibility study into a community-supported water-saving project. Narrandera resident David Farley, who has spent time abroad developing water management strategies that support both the environment and agriculture, is calling on NSW Water Minister Rose Jackson to back a $1 million feasibility study for the Lake Coolah project.
North at the mercy of mother nature without Bradfield: KAP
The visionary Bradfield Scheme – which by design diverts excess floodwaters from the upper Tully, Herbert and Burdekin river systems – could have ameliorated the devastating 2025 North Queensland floods had it been built, Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Leader and Traeger MP Robbie Katter has said.
Taking it to the streets
Following a meeting of representatives from councils across the border region in Wodonga last week, the decision was made to march on the Victorian Parliament in a united campaign for the construction of a new Albury-Wodonga hospital.
Powerline battle still strong
In an ironic twist that many joked could have conspiracy written all over it, last Monday’s Community Meeting in Murrabit, to discuss the VNI West transmission line project, at the Murrabit Golf Club, lost power just before the meeting commenced.
Urban Channel Pipeline Project to benefit community
Murrumbidgee Irrigation (MI) is looking forward to kicking off the Urban Channel Pipeline Project this year, which will provide a range of benefits to the communities of Griffith and Leeton ... The project is designed to replace inefficient aging channels around Griffith and Leeton with 47.5 kilometres of new pipeline.
Students have to wait one more term before they’re back home
Students and parents of the flooded Broadwater Public School had hoped they would be back at their rebuilt school this coming term ... They return to school on day one of term 2, more than three years after the 2022 floods severely damaged the small school.
Is this the community paradise you’ve been looking for? Ecovillage info session attracts a crowd
Community, affordable housing, creeks and dams in a rural village — how could this be possible? About 50 people were at an information session in Kyogle to hear more about the Afterlee Ecovillage ... Town planner for the project Shane Sylvanspring said, “All sites are good even if you’re the 60th person.”
A fresh start for Queensland – Local community consultation rights made permanent on wind farm developments: Bleijie
The Crisafulli Government has delivered a key election commitment with all wind farm developments becoming impact assessable from Monday, 3 February. The new planning pathway for regulating wind farms is the first step to requiring all renewable projects be impact assessable and subject to the same rigorous approval process as other major development projects.
Promise to build career fire station in Yanchep
WA Labor has promised to build a career station in Yanchep if they are re-elected at the March 8 state election. When making the announcement this morning Emergency Services Minister Stephen Dawson said if Labor was returned, planning for the new career fire station would take place after the election with it to be built in about the following 18 months or so.
Pole top fires cause power outages
About 12.30pm Western Power said weather conditions had impacted Western Power’s network with dozens of pole top fires affecting power supply to about 38,000 homes and businesses throughout Perth and the Mid West and Wheatbelt regions.
Under Federal Government – Climate zealotry takes priority
The Federal Labor Government’s inability to read the international political climate and instead press on with its domestic climate agenda, demonstrates that the Prime Minister isn’t focused on the struggles of the Australian people, Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster said this week.
Vena Energy leads Australian renewable energy innovation with utility-scale greenfield solar and battery energy hybrid project: Vena Energy
“This hybrid configuration redefines operational flexibility. Our system enables simultaneous export of solar power to the grid and independent operation of the battery for energy export or storage. By optimising existing grid infrastructure, we are enabling renewable energy to be dispatched when needed, delivering cost-effective power to South Australia" : Owen Sela, Head of Vena Energy in Australia.
New bridge taking shape
Hugh Schuitemaker. A Riverland council continues to make progress on the reconstruction of a major bridge in Renmark, utilising some of the largest construction machinery ever seen inside the region.
Debt-free pool – $8M project fully funded
The replacement pool and facilities at the John Houston Memorial Swimming Pool will be constructed free of debt to Council and at minimal cost to ratepayers. The $8.067 million project received a further boost of $4.191 million last week following Council’s successful funding application under Round 2 of the Growing Regions Program.
YP residents crying out for connection
Rachel Hagan. Locals say existing communications coverage problems across Yorke Peninsula have been exacerbated by the influx of tourists to the region’s busy beachside towns. In October, Telstra’s 3G coverage was turned off across Australia, leaving many YP residents unable to rely on their phones and stuck on roaming.
New clean energy resource under our feet
A new report from Geoscience Australia, in collaboration with the Geological Survey of New South Wales, has found elevated levels of natural hydrogen and helium in locations throughout New South Wales.
Council to assist with raw water connection costs at Showground
The Narrandera Shire Council has agreed to a request for assistance from the Narrandera Showground Land Managers to reduce the financial impact of the raw water connection to the Narrandera Showground. Council will make a contribution of $2,500 to the Showground Trust ... Based on expected water usage on the site there is anticipated to be an operational cost in excess of $20,000 a year that will need to be paid by the Narrandera Showground Trust.
Consultation attracts Olympic-size response
Queenslanders have responded in their thousands to the Games Independent Infrastructure and Coordination Authority’s call for ideas and feedback on plans and legacy projects for the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. The 100 Day Review attracted more than 5,000 submissions from a broad array of groups including residents, infrastructure and planning experts, sporting and community organisations and aspiring Olympians of tomorrow.
$7.2 billion for a new Kwinana port
On November 11 last year the WA Premier all but confirmed the project will go ahead. The only question is how much the Feds will stump up and how much influence will the unions have on the final design.
Strengthening Hindmarsh Holiday Parks
In September 2024, Hindmarsh Shire Council resumed management of the Nhill Holiday Park, bringing operation of all four parks across the Shire back in-house, as well as Four Mile Beach Camping area ... Hindmarsh Holiday Parks play a crucial role in the Shire’s tourism and economic development strategy, driving increased visitation and longer stays in our region.
Community support for pothole campaign
Victorians are being encouraged to highlight the worst potholes in the state through a new competition to put more pressure on the Allan Labor Government to fix our appalling roads. The Nationals and Liberals are running a statewide photo competition, with the worst potholes to feature in a 2025 "Potholes for All Seasons" calendar…
Solar heating for new pool: Council considers options for renewable energy at replacement pools
Heating options for two of the replacement pools at the John Houston Memorial Swimming Pool are currently being investigated by the contractor, ELM Aquatics. Works are due to commence late next month, with the pool closing on February 24, to be completed for re-opening late November 2025. General Manager, David Webb said the replacement project includes three new pools, filtration equipment, solar heating, renewable energy supply, recreational facilities and landscaping.
