Infrastructure

The condition of buildings, rental levels and the challenging economic environment are some of the causes of empty shops along Smith St, according to CEO Trevor Smart. Mr Smart said while some may suggest shop vacancies were caused by parking, “there are also many other issues" ... The [Naracoorte Community] News queried suggestions that under the previous council’s rejuvenation plan it was going to offer $1m for the purchase of Norman’s Carpets and its private car park.

The reason - Allora still has NO community hall to hold large functions. Saturday night saw the successful Wattles Banquet held at the F E Logan Hall in Clifton ... To find out what’s happening with our Hall The Allora Advertiser contacted the Southern Downs Regional Council for an update.

South Korean steel making company POSCO and French energy generator ENGIE will conduct a pre-feasibility study for a major renewable hydrogen project in the Pilbara. The study will determine the feasibility of using renewable hydrogen to power POSCO's proposed Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI) plant in Port Hedland.

The Minns Labor Government has introduced its landmark Climate Change Bill, to enshrine emissions reduction targets in law in NSW and establish an independent Net Zero Commission. The Climate Change (Net Zero Future) Bill 2023 commits NSW to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50 per cent by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050.

The district is in urgent need of a robust and reliable telecommunications infrastructure that can support economic growth, create an inclusive community, and help safely manage emergencies. For many years, many stakeholders in the region have called for an improved digital infrastructure that reduces blackspot areas, boosts internet access, and connects the public to essential services.

Member for Northern Victoria Region Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell has introduced her first bill of the parliamentary year, aimed at protecting Victoria’s prime agricultural land from large-scale solar farm development. Mrs Tyrrell introduced The Planning and Environment Amendment (Soil Protection) (Solar Power Generation Facilities) Bill 2023 in State Parliament last week to protect precious agricultural land and water catchment areas from large scale solar farms.

Michelle Daw. Barunga West Council is looking to recoup up to $305,000 a year in expenses and lost income associated with council land and buildings ... The audit covered council land use and unmade road reserves for cropping, grant payments and public liability as well as personal accident insurance premiums for progress associations and groups. Payment of water and power bills and building insurance for buildings not owned or used by council, council mowing the ovals at the Bute and Port Broughton sports clubs, and council’s community grants program were also audited.

General Manager George Cowan highlighted issues around the council’s financial position at last week’s Council meeting and sought a resolution to proceed to community consultation on a potential application for a proposed permanent Special Variation (SV) ... representing a cumulative Special Variation of 48.1 per cent over two years. "Some of the causes of this position have been building progressively over a long period and some are much more recent ..."

A report presented to the Narrandera Shire Council last week provided a detailed analysis of Council’s current and long-term financial position and outlined drivers for those outcomes. It was tabled together with the recommendation for a rate variation application that will now go to the ratepayers of the shire for consideration. The report identified implications for service levels and impact on residents.