CATEGORY

NSW

Squatters transform buyback housing to ‘public’ housing

Andrew George. Three years after the catastrophic 2022 floods and the NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) are finally getting into the swing of their Resilient Homes Program (RHP) … Pine Street in North Lismore has become a niche of human adaptation in our climate and bureaucracy deranged world. Seven of eight of the houses at the cul-de-sac end of Pine Street are buybacks.

Zac Mac steps up for titles

Marc Le Bars. Local Nimbin man, Zac McDonald is set to participate in the Australian title coming up on 21st-22nd February in Warnambool, Victoria, at Premier Speedway where he hopes to stamp his name in the books, and stand on the top step as the Australian Champion.

When government fails, community steps in: this time it’s the housing crisis

Aidan Ricketts. There are things government can do well, there are things business can do, but for everything else there’s community ... The spiralling cost of homes to buy or rent in Australia is an intergenerational crime, and a ponzi scheme that benefits very few. Homeowners don’t really benefit from the high onpaper value of their home, as replacing it will cost just as much, and young people are squeezed out of purchase and rental markets; and the banks’ net share of national wealth escalates.

The Nimbin GoodTimes, February 2025

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Minister Plibersek concedes that the accreditation of water resource plan is unlawful

Legal action taken by MLDRIN, a Confederation of First Nations from the southern half of the Murray-Darling Basin, has led to the Federal Environment and Water Minister Tanya Plibersek conceding she made a mistake in accrediting the NSW Fractured Rock Water Resource Plan.

Farmers warn of cactus crisis: NSW Farmers Association

Farmers have warned the march of a destructive cactus through NSW could be only the beginning of the state’s weed woes unless ongoing funding for weed control is secured. NSW Farmers’ Croppa Creek and North Star Branch Chair Richard Doyle said farmers in the north of the state have reported a drastic surge in harrisia cactus infestations as the destructive cactus continues to spread south from the Queensland border.

Two Queensland turf companies fined for moving soil from fire ant areas into NSW

Two Queensland businesses have been convicted of breaching biosecurity regulations that are in place to protect NSW from red imported fire ants. The businesses were ordered by the NSW Local Court to pay $60,000.

Homeowner rebuilding house appalled at way flood authority made decisions based on a drive-by

“I do not feel the RA (Reconstruction Authority) has actively aided or helped me in any aspect through the entire event. Rather, they have prolonged and complicated every detail” - Luke O'Driscoll.

Murray MP calls for split from Murrumbidgee Health

Addressing NSW Parliament on Thursday the independent member said MLHD has "failed communities." ... "For too long, MLHD has failed our communities- and has not followed through on a number of issues such as the two orthopaedic surgeons that were promised in 2021.

Milestone for Kurrajong’s larrikin

Sean Cunningham. In today’s society where careers change often, 43 y/o John Howitt has proven that dedication, commitment and hard work can stand the test of time. Well-known in the Narrandera community, John recently celebrated an incredible milestone - 35 years of service at Kurrajong Recycling.

Councils shut out of hospital discussion

A decision by councils across the border region to march on the Victorian Parliament next week in a united campaign for the construction of a new Albury-Wodonga hospital has been put on hold, pending talks with the Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas. The councils have previously rejected the proposal from the Victorian and NSW governments to redevelop the Albury hospital.

Walsh labels Allan Labor government flood response as ‘appallingly callous’

The Member for Murray Plains, Peter Walsh, has dismissed the Allan Labor government’s response to the flood inquiry as a callous example of a citycentric government which “couldn’t care less about regional Victoria and regional Victorians”.

The KP group of forests February report – Net results: Fin-tastic

"A healthy working forest where native species can flourish, and where local communities can connect and co-manage the forest for future generations" ... Over the past few months, various locations within the KP Forest have been sampled for native and exotic fish abundance and biomass, as part of the annual monitoring program. This sampling has involved a combination of fyke netting...

Barham childcare shortage

Barham is in the midst of a childcare shortage crisis, with a wait list of 90 at the Barham Early Learning Service alone, with 75 per cent aged in the 0-3 years old bracket. It is estimated that 45 per cent of the children in Barham, Koondrook, Moulamein and Wakool have been unable to be placed in a childcare facility.

NSW regional airports set to fly high: King, McBain, Phillips

Airports are vital for regional communities, providing critical access to emergency healthcare, as well as commerce, industry, tourism and education. This funding, which is provided under Round 4 of the Regional Airports Program, will deliver essential upgrades – such as runway resurfacing, fencing, lighting and drainage...

Widespread damage across electorate: MP calls for disaster declaration

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the damage across Harden and Murrumburrah from severe storms on Monday varies from businesses who were dealing with up to two inches of water in their stores, to nearby farmers and wildlife. “We’re seeing trees that are down, fences that have gone into creeks, the bird life has been impacted and most importantly, pastures have been shredded.”

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.

Narrandera Argus, 13 February 2025

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Community crime crackdown

A former police officer, who was recently honoured in the 2025 Lismore Citizen of the Year awards for helping the community tackle the escalating crime problem, is bringing his innovative and effective approach to the Lower Clarence, holding a public meeting next month.

Filtration is coming – at a huge cost

The Clarence Valley water supply, which is currently chlorinated and has lime added to reduce its acidity, will be filtered within the next 10 years at a current estimated cost of $83 million as part of the second stage of a planned upgrade. But filtration won’t significantly improve the water that comes out of the tap in the Lower Clarence said Council’s Greg Mashiah at a public meeting at Yamba’s Wooli Street Hall...

Inmates helping build futures

A partnership between Serco, Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) and the Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO) is providing Clarence Correctional Centre (CLA) inmates with valuable employment qualifications and skills through the construction of 2, 3, 4, and 5-bedroom modular houses for locations around the state.

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