Infrastructure

The myths about water are many. They range from Australia being the driest continent on earth, to all of our rivers dying from overuse, right up to the government being required to return water to the environment ... here are some not-so-well-known facts that should be shouted out in the present flood of misinformation about our water resources.

Catastrophic floods and droughts are currently being experienced across the world. Paul Wyrwoll and Quentin Grafton argue that our existing approaches to managing water are not working. We need a new paradigm for how we manage water, a rethinking where human societies work with and nurture the hydrological cycle, instead of trying to master it.

A  Maldon resident recently shared concerns regarding a ban on fake flowers at the Maldon Cemetery that will come into effect on 1 January 2023. The ban will include plastic toys and ornaments and breakable containers.

The last of the 42 culverts and floodways that were severely impacted by the Southern Queensland Heavy Rainfall and Flooding event during February 2020 have now been replaced by Toowoomba Regional Council ... “Closing out the February 2020 Flood Recovery Works Program means that our teams can now turn all their attention to the Flood Recovery Program from the more recent flooding events”: Cr Carol Taylor.

Farmers and landholders in the Riverina are having their say on Inland Rail, according to NSW Farmers. NSW Farmers Treasurer and Inland Rail Taskforce chair Peter Wilson said there must be benefit for landowners and the broader farming community if railway lines were to cut properties in half.

A small South East Queensland council holds grave concerns over the future of their community as Inland Rail proceeds full steam ahead with plans to rip through the heart of their towns ... “We have been raising our concerns since this project was first announced and continue to advocate for our community in our ongoing objection to the unreasonable impacts of Inland Rail": Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor, Cr Tanya Milligan.

Gingin council went behind closed doors this week to consider entering a deed of agreement relating to Lot 601 Brockman St, which is prime land with residential, town centre and parks and recreation reserve zonings. What proposal was put forward by the applicant Acumen Development Solutions for the 17.7ha lot owned by George Gifford has not been made public but after the confidential session the shire said the councillors had given in-principle support for what had been proposed in relation to public open space.

Like a shining beacon of fun and entertainment, the new cluBarham bowling facility lit up the night sky at the official opening on Friday, September 16. Members, invited guests and bowling dignitaries made up the 170 strong crowd in attendance ... What unfolded was a team of local trades and services that shared a common goal of building a facility that can attract regional, state and even national competition.

Outback road condition information will be even easier to access for travellers on SA unsealed tracks thanks to new QR code signage being installed at key locations across northern South Australia. The large QR codes are being installed on existing road condition signs, within mobile phone range, across the state’s unsealed road network to provide direct access to the Outback Roads Warnings webpage.

As Australia moves towards a renewable energy future, a growing number of agricultural landholders are being approached to host electricity transmission infrastructure on their land. The  Energy Charter  is collaborating with the ag sector and transmission businesses to co-design practical guidelines for co-existence between transmission infrastructure and agriculture.

A pilot program in Mapoon has implemented climate-resilient drinking water technology. The council has partnered with Source Global to deliver a resilient, sustainable, and off-grid drinking water solution for locals. Ten hydropanels were installed behind the new cultural centre to make clean, safe drinking water.

Rex Mansfield, a roving painter is in town working on some much needed repainting of the town’s old business fronts and iconic installations. He has started in Ray Hunter Park where he is putting the finishing touches to the “Barkindji Fish”, the original creation of the late Karen Riley. The Barrow & Co steam engine has been finished.

With construction of the Tweed’s new inclusive play space in Goorimahbah – Place of Stories underway at Jack Evans Boat Harbour, focus is now turning to the planning and delivery of Stage 2 of the park.

The Maldon Streetscape Revitalisation Project, which has been underway for several years (in fact, the push to have power lines put underground is believed to have started over 50 years ago), is now nearing completion ... The final stages of the project include filling the tree bases with crushed granite, finishing and modifying the bridges, modifying car park signage and installing crossings.

A timely update for the Rushworth to Murchison Rail Trail Project, with the $3 million development progressing through Campaspe Shire Council’s planning stages. Mayor Chrissy Weller said the trail project will develop 11 kilometres of the former railway track, between Rushworth and the Campaspe Shire boundary of Channel Inlet Road.

The duplication of the Barton Highway is forging ahead with the focus now turning to construction of several intersections along a seven-kilometre stretch as part of Stage 1 ... ARR.News asked some questions for the Ministers and Members and received a response from a spokesperson for Minister King.

Drone technology is being used to inspect the Tweed’s 40 water reservoirs, saving Council time and money. The new technology has been introduced in recent weeks as a way to more easily scan for information about the structure and quality of the water held in each reservoir ... “We can now conduct inspections of the reservoirs ourselves, on the ground, straight away and at very low cost,”: Water and Wastewater operations manager Brie Jowett