Council

This year marks 100 years since the first subsidised air-mail service in Australia, and Geraldton holds a rich history in the momentous milestone. In 1921, Major Norman Brearley, a decorated pilot with the Royal Air Force, was awarded a Government tender to deliver the country’s first subsidised air-mail and passenger contract. Tragically, during the inaugural flight, one of the three planes flying from Geraldton to Carnarvon met with disaster near Murchison House Station. 100 years later, that milestone is being commemorated with an RAAF aerial acrobatics display and the launch of a historical booklet.

When Jill Adam saw that blocks of land in Tabulam were up for sale because of unpaid rates, she dug deeper. The properties ... were owned by the now-deregistered Jarguan Aboriginal Corporation. The properties are now held by ORIC – the federal government’s Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations. ORIC said it will not pay the rates and charges owing on the land in the name of Jarguan Corporation.

We asked the 18 Richmond Valley Council candidates about water. There has been much heated debate about the Dunoon Dam expansion, tapping into groundwater and using recycled water. Here’s what the candidates said.

On Saturday night over 500 guests celebrated the launch of the Geraldton Regional Art Gallery’s signature exhibition the Mid West Art Prize to applaud the artists who secured this year’s awards.

Commended in the Local History Small Publication Award, 2019 Victorian Community History Award. This award recognises the best small publications or or e-books which feature Victorian local, cultural or social history. The fascinating story of the establishment and development of the Art Gallery of Ballarat has been told in a book by noted Ballarat historian Dr Anne Beggs-Sunter.

Cook Shire Council supports the COVID-19 vaccination rollout but last week passed a motion that outlined its respect for freedom of choice. The council has been facing pressure from a small group of local residents who want Cook Shire to push back against new vaccine laws that are set to come into play on December 17. However, the council is eager to let residents know to voice their concerns towards the state government.

Wanneroo councillors have given their approval for the city to enter a memorandum of understanding with the Wanneroo Trotting and Training Club for a temporary animal relocation area during emergencies such as bushfires. During the 2019 Yanchep bushfire some Seatrees and Breakwater residents with horses, sheep and alpacas had to leave them behind when they evacuated.

Catherine Grimley. With the COVID-19 outbreak facing communities around Katherine and Robinson River, Anyinginyi Health Aboriginal Corporation has ramped up its mobile vaccination clinic in the Barkly in order to keep the community safe.

Sheryl Lowe. Members of the Millicent and surrounding district rural community converged on the Wattle Range Council owned saleyards on Tuesday 16 November at 5 pm to find out if Council was going to sell or repair the facility. Millicent Saleyards was discussed at the October and November Council meetings in confidence, amidst claims Council was seeking expressions of interest for the facility.

The Narrandera Shire Council has approved an elevated walk (skywalk) and viewing platform as a replacement for the rejected lattice bridge project over the Murrumbidgee River bridge at Narrandera. The Council will reallocate $821,000 from the now cancelled Lattice Bridge walk project to the alternate project of an elevated walk and viewing platform, improved pedestrian access and lakeside deck.

A special morning tea event at Sunshine Coast Council’s Nambour and Heritage Library has celebrated the venue’s contemporary and vibrant new look. Division 10 and Community Portfolio Councillor David Law said the Nambour and Heritage Libraries formed an integral part of our hinterland community, with more than 87,000 people coming through their doors during the past 12 months.

The Barossa will host the Women’s Ziptrak ® Stage 1 of the Santos Festival of Cycling with an exciting route from Tanunda to Williamstown on Sunday, 23 January 2022. Sunday will also see the Santos Paracyling Time Trial held at Williamstown, with the opportunity to watch and celebrate our Tokyo cycling Paralympians in action.

Tweed farmers are invited to attend a field day to learn why and how to restore and protect biodiversity on grazing properties. The field day is being delivered by Council’s Sustainability and Environment team alongside Tweed farmers Rhonda and Greg James, who will host the event on their 220-hectare cattle grazing property at Cudgera Creek on Thursday 16 December 2021.

We asked the 18 candidates running for Richmond Valley Council about the rental housing shortage in our region? There is no simple answer to this nationwide issue, read what your councillors of the future say. We asked: What can council do to alleviate the shortage of rentals in our LGA?

Geoff Helisma. The  Regional State of the Environment Report Summary  2020 reveals that Clarence Valley Council is near or at the back of the pack when it comes to its renewable energy and emission reduction targets. The document, which was funded by 12 north coast councils (and Rous County Council), from Port Macquarie to the Queensland border, “aims to provide data on environmental conditions at both a regional and local level from 2016 to 2020”.

The immediate need for the development of a Desalination Plant on the Eyre Peninsula was fully supported by the District Council of Cleve at its November Council meeting. However, the Council also decided that it does not support SA Water’s proposed location of Billy Light’s Point in Boston Bay, Port Lincoln.

Mark Knowles. Torres Cape Indigenous Council Alliance chair Robbie Sands has written an open letter to PM Scott Morrison, calling on him to stop a bill that would require voters to show ID before casting their ballot as it would discriminate against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living in remote communities by limiting their right to vote if they cannot produce ID ... Outspoken North Queensland MP Bob Katter said he was against the proposed changes.

Avoca’s iconic War Memorial will be celebrated this week, following months of restoration work ... Built in 1921, the Avoca War Memorial was constructed by the local community to remember those who fought in the First World War. The memorial was later rededicated in 1988 to also commemorate soldiers who served in the Second World War.

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) Environment and Community Committee Chair Cr James O’Shea said after a difficult two years, the festive spirit was well and truly here with Council thrilled to be involved in the CBD’s Christmas celebrations, giving everyone something to enjoy this Christmas season.

Rural households across the Western Downs are being urged to dig out their decorations and build their brightest festive displays as part of this year’s ‘Christmas Where the Gumtrees Grow’ competition. Entries are now open for this year’s challenge which encourages residents in rural areas to decorate their letterboxes, property entrances and farm machinery for a chance to win some incredible prizes.

Walgett Shire Council, News, 18 November 2021