Cherbourg and South Burnett working together to look after Country
The Local Government Illegal Dumping Partnerships Program (LGIDPP), a collaborative project between North Burnett Regional Council, South Burnett Regional Council and Cherbourg Aboriginal Shire Council, is a very positive way for Councils to build a relationship and look after Country.
Business holdups – expansions, potential jobs lost
Chris Oldfield. Millions of dollars of development and jobs are being held up by Naracoorte Lucindale Council, according to several of the district's leading businesses. Alternatively, traditional businesses are being charged up to hundreds of thousands of dollars to expand with council demands for costly stormwater and drainage reports – and works. Most believe the council is deliberately holding up long-term businesses, particularly those servicing agriculture, the rural community and outlying districts. And they believe council is giving preferential treatment to some developments, even using ratepayers’ funds in court action.
Tatiara Council withdraws Murray Darling support
Tatiara District Council has voted to stop providing funding and councillor representation for an organisation that supports the sustainability of Keith’s water supply. Councillor Miles Hannemann made a recommendation that council cease to attend monthly MDA meetings and stop paying the $2,200 annual subscription fee. “They keep saying we’re ‘paying a fee so we might as well be at the table’,” Cr Hanneman said. “I recommend we stop paying money and let them know we’re not coming.”
Shining a light on homelessness challenge
Sunshine Coast Council is joining outreach providers to shine a light on the challenges faced by vulnerable community members and provide support information across the region. An outreach program will deliver a range of services, support and information from next week, highlighting the help that is available to Sunshine Coast people experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless.
Local author showcased at Rockhampton Regional Libraries
Rockhampton Regional Libraries will share tales of empire, war, love, betrayal, Spanish Influenza and youthful naivet̩, thanks to a Rotary Club donation. Local author Mark Svendsen has recently released "As Hammers Fall", a book for young adults focusing on WWI with a Brisbane perspective Рand it is now available at the Southside Library.
State intervenes on Dunoon Dam
Rous County Councillors voted 5–3 to keep the Dunoon Dam out of the region’s future water strategy and instead tap into ground water aquifers in Alstonville and Tyagarah ... “The community feedback on the council’s strategy was overwhelmingly in favour of the Dunoon Dam project with more than 10,000 of the 13,000 submissions received supporting the dam being investigated as a future water project. It is outrageous that the majority of elected councillors have completely ignored the community consultation process and Rous County Council staff recommendations”: NSW parliamentary secretary for Water Infrastructure, Sam Farraway.
Bellingen council back’s CVC’s anti mining stance
Geoff Helisma. Bellingen Shire Council is the second council to support Clarence Valley Council’s anti-mining stance ... "So, this is asking that we don’t mine areas of high rainfall where there is a chance that it will have lasting effects on the environment and our economic opportunity. We do protect those things that are so valued in our community, so I have no qualms about putting this motion up to support what the Clarence Valley councillors have put” : Bellingen mayor, Dominic King.
Sign up for Artisan Agriculture Business Mentor Program
Whether you’re a producer who is looking for support in marketing your product or service, increasing sales, or just seeking greater motivation and confidence, apply now to join Hepburn Shire Council’s free Artisan Agriculture Business Mentor Program.
Entsch is blown away by Cape York communities
Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch said he was blown away by the progress of a number of Cape York communities during last week’s trip across the Peninsula ... He said he was particularly impressed with the work being done by the Lockhart River and Mapoon councils. “I was very, very encouraged to see what they are doing.” ... While in Weipa, Mr Entsch said he had a positive sit down with Rio Tinto to discuss normalisation.
Celebrating the 150th anniversary of the City of Sandhurst
This year marks the 150th anniversary of the proclamation of the City of Sandhurst. Now known as Bendigo, the Borough of Sandhurst was formally declared a City on July 21, 1871 in the Victorian Government Gazette. To acknowledge this occasion and pay tribute to the many generations of civic leaders who have contributed to the city over that time, the City of Greater Bendigo has unveiled a plaque and a collection of Mayoress portraits in the Bendigo Town Hall Council Chamber.
People power saves park
Chris Oldfield. Hailed as “a win for the people”, deputy premier and local government minister Vickie Chapman has refused the Naracoorte Lucindale Council permission to change the community land status of the Janz St parkland. Without Ms Chapman’s permission for a change of status, the council cannot sell the parkland. Last April a 5-4 vote enabled council to seek ministerial permission and sell the park. Retired senior research scientist Mick Deland – who led a petition against the sale with his son Brian – has praised Ms Chapman, Member for MacKillop Nick McBride and their ofï¬ce staff.
Spinifex Spree, 23-24 July 2021
A variety of performers, entertainers and attractions from all across WA will be featured at this year's event, including Freestyle Motocross FMX Demos, Live Music from Fieldsy, Oompah! and a range of local artists, as well as roving performers coming up from Perth
The Scenic Rim to host the rowing and canoeing events at the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games
The Scenic Rim will shine on the global sporting stage when it hosts the rowing and canoeing events at the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games ... Scenic Rim Mayor Greg Christensen: "In 11 years we will have the world's best rowers and canoeists paddling here at Lake Wyaralong, cementing their place in history and making dreams come true."
Hervey Bay Whale Festival, 29 July – 8 August 2021
There is no other place in the world that compares to the awe-inspiring, soul-stirring, up-close whale watching encounters that you will find in Hervey Bay. Between July and November, thousands of humpback whales travel the ‘humpback highway’ and arrive in the calm, protected waters of Hervey Bay.
Chinchilla Weir is now even more welcoming!
Western Downs Regional Council has revitalised the Chinchilla Weir as part of its COVID-19 Recovery Package, stimulating the economy and boosting the region's great liveability. Chinchilla Weir is a longstanding recreational spot which is popular among local residents and travellers alike.
Boabs branding binds ties
Eye catching Boabs are a unique feature of our Kimberley backyard, and are now part of the branding of both the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley (SDWK) and RAAF Base Curtin.
Council to take over Jondaryan Woolshed operations
Operations of the Jondaryan Woolshed will transition to Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) following a decision at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on 20 July.
‘Birrigan Iluka Beach’ subdivision development to start soon
Geoff Helisma. Birrigan Gargle Local Aboriginal Land Council say the Birrigan Iluka Beach’ subdivision is another step towards achieving the land council’s ‘vision’, “to empower our members to become socially and economically self-sufficient through improved health, housing, education programs and employment opportunities”.
Welcome support for CQ defence industry hub
Rockhampton Regional Council and Livingstone Shire Council have welcomed the State Government’s support for Central Queensland to become a bigger hub for the Defence Industry. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced last week that lease arrangements had been secured at Shoalwater Bay which would allow for 14,000 Singapore Armed Forces personnel to train between there and Townsville.
Biosecurity alert – Harrisia Cactus
Harrisia Cactus, an invasive cactus species, has been confirmed by the Queensland Herbarium as being present in the Glan Devon district of Nanango. Council’s Pest Management contractors made the discovery during routine weed surveillance on a property recently.
Launch of two-year alcohol restrictions welcomed by Shire of Broome
Alcohol restrictions will be in place in Broome and Derby for the next two years after the State Government announced a hard launch of the initiative today – which is fully supported by the Shire of Broome. While not being the core function of a local government, the Shire has advocated in recent years for the implementation of measures to tackle alcohol-related harm in our region.
Nominations open for Council elections
Nominations are now open for the 2021 Local Government Elections. Barkly Mayor Jeffrey McLaughlin will be standing to retain the role while word about town Councillor Hal Ruger may also throw his hat in the ring. Cr Ruger has a long history with Council, with his father Paul elected as Tennant Creek Mayor in 1999.
