Solar farm final report includes changes to fence, substation location and size of site
Ark Energy has completed its report on the Richmond Valley Solar Farm after issues came from the community during public exhibition. The issues relating to the development application and environmental impact statement include visual and noise impacts, biodiversity, bushfire risk and changing land use.
Merger will not restore deleted emergency capability
Victorian Fisheries Media Centre. On May 20, 2025, the fisheries authority (VFA) finalised an organisational restructure, under which it has since shed 30 (44 per cent) of the state's 69 Fisheries Officers; leaving just 39 officers to patrol Victoria's 2,512 km coastline, 10,000 square km of ocean waters and 170,000 km of inland water frontage along 85,000 km of rivers and creeks. Then in a separate decision, on Friday, June 13, 2025, the VFA stripped the remaining officers of their duties to "respond to any emergency" by deleting these duties from their Position Descriptions ...
Tractor pull gains traction
The Donald Tractor Pull is getting all geared up for this year’s Donald show – it seems all it needed to gain traction was a couple of major sponsors, so with North West Ag and Adams Family Farms offering to support the new event, organisers can move full throttle towards providing some new and exciting entertainment.
Secrets of the shire – Maldon District Museum
This striking red brick building was constructed in 1859 as a market building for Maldon, but it wasn't a success and the market closed down a few years later. Now it is home to the Maldon District Museum and History Research Centre, which seems entirely appropriate given the historic significance of the building.
A journey of community and commerce in Cohuna
In the heart of Cohuna, Victoria, Craig and Atalie Warren have built a thriving business at Cohuna Betta Home Living, a one-stop shop for homewares, electrical appliances, flooring, and furniture. Since taking ownership in 2021, the couple has transformed the store into a cornerstone of commerce, offering a diverse range of products and exceptional service. Now, as they prepare to sell the business, they reflect on their journey ...
Cambooya Hall has a history wall
The Cambooya Public Hall Committee has created a valuable asset for the local community with the creation of a "History Wall" ... The wall already features a varied range of photographs that relate to Cambooya and the local district in years gone by.
Mayor disappointed as NSW Budget ignores critical needs in Narrandera
Narrandera Shire Council Mayor Cr Neville Kschenka has expressed disappointment following the release of the 2025-26 NSW Budget, which failed to deliver any new funding for vital infrastructure and services in Narrandera. "While we welcome ongoing investment in regional health infrastructure in parts of the electorate, Narrandera Shire has once again been overlooked in this budget," Mayor Kschenka said.
Council launches emergency dashboard to empower community preparedness
Campaspe Shire Council is leading the way in emergency preparedness with the launch of a new Emergency Dashboard. The Emergency Dashboard is a centralised online hub designed to provide real-time, reliable information to residents before, during and after emergency events.
“Town interests at heart” – Hindmarsh community satisfaction improves
The Hindmarsh Shire Council Community Satisfaction Survey has been completed, and we are proud to share the results with our community. The annual survey invites residents to share their views about the place they live, work and play, and provides valuable guidance to Council on what's going well and where we can improve.
Long-term potential
Madison Eastmond. A Riverland ecology site has received more than $400,000 worth of state funding to complete the first stage of a five-point masterplan to secure a sustainable future ... Providing a learning environment facilitated by ecologists and a dedicated ranger team just outside of Renmark, Calperum Station is comprised of prominently open Mallee bushland and Murray River flood plains, and hosts opportunities for educational and training programs, and nature-based recreational activities.
The wine warning
Hugh Schuitemaker. Riverland wine grape growers have been advised by their peak representative body, and senior local politicians, that realistic expectations and business decisions are required before the next vintage. Riverland Wine today released a statement asking members to "carefully consider their business models and make balanced, financially viable decisions heading into vintage 2026".
Fun Fly Weekend
It wasn’t just an impressive variety of model aircrafts which were flying high over the Clarence Valley in recent days with the enthusiasm and enthralment of spectators at the Grafton Model Aircraft Club’s annual Fun Fly Weekend also soaring to new heights.
Twelve hours for one appointment
Sarah Herrmann. Amid a state government review of regional public transport, a Stansbury resident has shared her travel challenges following two surgeries ... Cheryl Waldron, 68 ... made the trip using Care In Motion's health bus, a not-for-profit transport service ... "I caught it from Stansbury at 6.10 in the morning and got home at 6.30 at night."
“Ridiculous” wait times for blood tests on SYP
Joanna Tucker. Residents in Yorketown and Minlaton have raised concerns about long wait times for blood tests. Stephanie Parsons, of Minlaton, said that, although she did not often need a blood test, she thought the delays others regularly faced were bizarre.
Today means everything: Celebrating 100 years of Kyogle Hospital
Dorothy McQueen and Noelene Fuller were 17 year old nurses when they worked at the maternity hospital on Campbell Road, Kyogle in 1959. “I couldn’t count how many babies I’ve delivered,” Ms Fuller said ... Ms Fuller was speaking about the 100th birthday of Kyogle Hospital celebration...
Frostbite rally riders roar into Allora
This is the 31st Annual Frost Bite Rally to be conducted by the Warwick Chapter of the Historical Motorcycle Club of Queensland. The first Rally started at Leslie Dam all those years ago. Riders from Northern New South Wales, Brisbane, Townsville and around South East Queensland arrive for Allora's frosty weather and they won't be disappointed.
Hard Talk: Councils are struggling
Stakeholders call for local government reforms. Many local councils in the MacKillop electorate are facing serious financial strain, struggling to meet community demands while navigating complex partnerships with state and federal governments under the Local Government Act 1999.
Fire love
After the morning fog cleared away, the skies were clear on Saturday 21 June for the Maldon in Winter Bonfire which was even bigger and brighter than last year in every way. A packed train brought hundreds of visitors — many of them families with children — to excitedly walk across from the railway station and through to the back of the Machinery Museum.
Saddle up for Pony Club
Congratulations to Maldon Pony Club, who have been announced as recipients of a grant that they will use to run a Confidence and Connection Camp later in the year ... The Confidence and Connection Camp, which will take place in November, is a chance to get everyone from the club together, forge friendship bonds and strengthen the club community.
Annabelle Cleeland statement: Winton Wetlands closure
The sudden closure of the Mokoan Hub and Café at Winton Wetlands is incredibly disappointing and has left our local community reeling. My thoughts are with the hardworking staff who lost their jobs with no warning or transparency. They deserved far better.
Commissioner hears transmission pain in Moulamein
The Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner, Tony Mahar, met with locals in Moulamein on Tuesday to listen to their experience of the country's energy transition to date ... many of the complaints heard were not new to Commissioner Mahar. “Community engagement is nowhere near where it needs to be.”
Ratepayers losing patience
Ratepayers using the Greenmount Waste Management Facility will be disappointed to learn that the Toowoomba Regional Council 2025/26 budget, handed down last week, includes no major funding for the facility. Toowoomba Regional Council Waste Portfolio spokesperson, Cr Melissa Taylor confirmed with On Our Selection News that no whole scale upgrades are planned for the waste facility in Council’s 2025/26 capital program.
