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Council

NAIDOC Week begins with flag raising

Narrandera Shire Council has marked NAIDOC Week with several events and a call for the community to connect in the spirit of respect, reconciliation and understanding. A Community Flag Raising ceremony at Marie Bashir Park on Monday marked the start of the NAIDOC Week celebrations, followed by a cuppa, yarn and the Fish Trap Experience at the Discovery Hub.

Hervey Bay Whale Festival

Join us as we officially welcome the start of whale season in Hervey Bay with this annual maritime event. This special community tradition brings together the region's maritime operators, local clergy, and community members to celebrate the arrival of the humpback whales and wish our vessels and crews a safe and successful season on the water.

Change in leadership

"At its heart, Lions are about people caring enough to show up. Showing up when someone needs help. Showing up when the community needs support. Showing up even when we’re tired, busy, or would rather be somewhere else. And in today’s world, that matters more than ever": Incoming Nhill Lions President Tony Lord.

No threat

Thick foam seen floating along sections of the Naracoorte Creek poses no threat to the environment, wildlife, or the public, according to the Naracoorte Lucindale Council ... says it is aware of the foam, but no evidence suggests the unusual sight is linked to pollution or contamination.

Ready to capitalise

Riverland communities are preparing for the increased infrastructure and service needs required by growing populations, according to Renmark Paringa Council's CEO, and the Loxton Waikerie mayor. The latest Regional Movers Index (RMI) study – released last month – showed a desire to shift toward regional living reached a record peak in the March 2026 quarter.

Black Flag Opal Field Project: District Council of Coober Pedy

The Black Flag Opal Field Project was initiated to create 32 mining leases on land resulting from the closure of the Old Stuart Highway. The process involved multiple approvals and is now close to being finalised.

Greater Shepparton Business Mentor Program leaves lasting impact on local businesses

Greater Shepparton City Council has marked the conclusion of its inaugural 2026 Greater Shepparton Business Mentor Program ... The program ... brought together new and emerging local businesses with experienced mentors for practical one-on-one guidance, honest conversations and support tailored to their business goals.

Balranald Mayor calls out built-in disadvantage stacking grant system against small councils

Balranald Shire Council Mayor Cr Louie Zaffina has called on both the Australian and NSW Governments to urgently reform the way grant funding reaches communities affected by water buybacks, saying the current competitive model gives small rural councils no fair chance.

Pressure mounts for solution to Lancelin’s coastal erosion

Hayley Primmer & Seth Carter. The Shire of Gingin held a special meeting to discuss urgent business relating to coastal erosion on parts of the Lancelin foreshore this evening. Last year, as well as April of this year, $150,000 of emergency funding was spent on sand renourishment projects, only for it to be washed away within the span of a few months...

CSIRO flood report must be the start of action, not the end of a conversation

The release of the landmark CSIRO Northern Rivers Resilience Initiative report must mark a turning point in how governments approach flood resilience across the Northern Rivers, with State Nationals MP for Clarence Richie Williamson calling for urgent action to ensure its findings are translated into real outcomes for communities.

Residents revolt: ‘Hands off our parks!’

Patricia Gill. A plan to ‘rationalise' historically-named parks in Denmark has drawn outrage from residents. A stream of letters to the editor in the [Denmark ]Bulletin supports leaving the parks intact citing community wellbeing and environmental reasons.

Narrandera event serves as timely reminder for farmers

When things get tough, the temptation for some is to pull back and deal with it alone. Which is why the upcoming community screening of Just A Farmer in Narrandera is a timely opportunity for the community ... One of the highlights will be the chance to hear directly from Leila McDougall - the filmmaker behind Just A Farmer, and a farmer herself.

Water rates to rise by 5.5 per cent

Merilyn Vale. IPART has announced the maximum prices that Central Coast Council can charge for water and wastewater services from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. A typical household's yearly bill for water and wastewater services will increase by 5.5 per cent.

Flood defence finally finished

After years of waiting, Donald's long-anticipated flood levee project has reached completion, with construction of the town's second demountable flood barrier recently finished by Eco Infrastructure. The second wall, located on the town side of the Richardson River, has been under construction since April 13. It completes Donald's pair of demountable flood barriers designed to protect the township from future flooding.

No to further buybacks

Hay Shire Council has made a submission to the Basin Plan Review following the recent round of water buybacks, highlighting the basic human need of water and the importance of clean reliable water supply for local water utilities. "Investment in local government and town water supply infrastructure must be considered in any water recovery," General Manager, David Webb said.

Kaniva celebrates treated water milestone

Residents and visitors of Kaniva will now enjoy a fully treated drinking water supply straight from the tap, marking a significant milestone for the West Wimmera community. Previously the largest town in Victoria without a drinking water supply, Kaniva’s new connection means residents no longer need to rely on rainwater tanks or packaged water for drinking and food preparation, providing greater convenience and peace of mind.

Mural wins international award

The vibrant half-court basketball mural celebrating the endangered South-Eastern Red-Tailed Black Cockatoo at Naracoorte's Market Square Recreation Area is more than just public art - it is a story of conservation, community, and connection.

5 per cent rate rise

Naracoorte Lucindale ratepayers will face a second consecutive 5 per cent rates increase as the council commits to its biggest-ever investment in roads, while a heated debate over a controversial $415,000 rural road upgrade exposed divisions over spending priorities ... Despite the budget's overwhelming focus on roads, the proposed upgrade of the Mundalena Road became the centrepiece of debate before councillors voted to retain the project.

Flood report a welcome step, but leaves some Tweed impacts unrecognised 

Tweed Shire Council welcomes the release of CSIRO’s Northern Rivers Resilience Initiative flood mitigation report, focused on detailed flood modelling and mitigation scenarios for the Richmond River catchment around Lismore.

Casino gets its ‘Golden Gate’ with opening of suspension bridge across the Richmond River

Casino has a suspension bridge – and it’s a beauty. The 160 metre long bridge arcs over the Richmond River in a feat of engineering made possible by the Forge team.

Mayor seeks better deal from renewable boom

Patrick Tucker. Gannawarra Shire Mayor Garner Smith said communities hosting major renewable energy projects should receive more in return for the changes they will bring to the district. The comments come as projects including VNI West, solar farms and battery developments continue to expand across northern Victoria.

Leeton courthouse carpark to be handed to Aboriginal Land Council after court ruling

A central Leeton carpark is set to be handed over to the Leeton and District Local Aboriginal Land Council, after the NSW Land and Environment Court ruled the NSW Government had wrongly rejected a land rights claim over the site. The court has ordered ownership of the gravel lot on the corner of Oak and Church streets, next to the Leeton courthouse, be transferred to the Land Council within six months.

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