Council

A total of 25 civil and $7.2 million in residential and commercial projects in the Narrandera Shire have given employment and service providers a massive boost. The civil projects undertaken with government and Council funds include: the Narrandera sportsground, the Narrandera sports stadium, Narrandera Destination and Discovery Hub and the realignment of Kamarah Road.

Water extraction from the Nymboida River is on track to see Shannon Creek Dam reach its maximum storage capacity ... “Frequent heavy rainfall events in the Nymboida catchment throughout the summer continued to cause issues with river water quality and delayed the refilling of Shannon Creek Dam. We also experienced issues with extraction infrastructure which further limited the amount of clean water which could be taken from the Nymboida River to replenish water levels in the dam,” says Greg Mashiah, Manager for Water Cycle at Clarence Valley Council.

The Queensland Minister for Main Roads and Transport, Mark Bailey, says he is blown away with the progress of the Lockhart River community every time he visits the place. “What they are doing there is absolutely trailblazing,” he said on Friday after his visit. “They are the leading community in the Cape in what they are doing in terms of having a vision and getting it done.”

A report to be considered by the City of Ballarat Council this month will recommend the commencement of works to extend Ballarat Airport’s north south runway. The report to the 23 June ordinary meeting of Council will also recommend a commercially focused board be appointed to oversee the management of the Airport, with Council retaining ownership of the facility.

Tourism businesses and organisations are invited to come on board to work together to build greater awareness and encourage visitation to the Wagga Wagga + Surrounds region ... “Domestic travel is booming in regional areas as people are exploring a little closer to home, which is a significant opportunity to leverage off.”

Bendigo’s newest food precinct, Lyttle Eat Street, has been launched on the footpaths at Lyttleton Terrace in the city centre to celebrate and indulge in delicious global street food. Fourteen local businesses from Lyttleton Terrace have joined forces to create Lyttle Eat Street, an initiative to create a new ‘street food vibe and neighbourhood’ in the city centre. It is the first in a winter-long series, Slow Smoking Saturdays, to entice more people to visit the area on weekends to enjoy unique dishes and drinks.

Mildura Mayor Jason Modica has welcomed RayGen's plans for a multimillion dollar solar hydro power plant in the Mallee, which he says will further cement the region's reputation as a hotspot for innovative solar technology and stimulate the local economy.

Rockhampton Regional Council is encouraging residents to report any sightings of feral pigs after some recent activity in the lower Mount Archer, Frenchville Road and Moore’s Creek/First Turkey areas.

The current erosion has been spiralling out of control ever since the Australian Federal Government developed a plan to ironically ‘save the Murray’. Under the current Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) management, over 300km of the Murray’s natural constraints have been severely eroded taking with it trees, habitats, infrastructure, and any last remaining hope that the MDBA actually care for the country and her communities.

Geoff Helisma. Glen Innes Severn Council (GISC) has voted to “support Clarence Valley Council (CVC) in seeking a moratorium on future mining and mining exploration in the Clarence Valley catchment”. Mayor Carol Sparks tabled a mayoral minute at the May 27 GISC meeting, outlining her motivation to table the minute.

Doonan Creek Environment Reserve in Peregian Springs is now the largest reserve in Sunshine Coast Council’s conservation estate thanks to the acquisition of an additional property. The latest purchase adds 94 hectares to the existing reserve and brings it to an impressive 474 hectares in total.

Somerset Regional Council is using new materials in its resurfacing works of some sections of the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail. Somerset Mayor Graeme Lehmann said council was using a new plasticised binder in its resurfacing project ... “It feels distinctly different from the old surface."

Armed with a list of issues that need addressing in the Far North, the remote mayors and council CEOs from the Torres and Cape Indigenous Councils Alliance were met with a warm welcome. “We felt like we were listened to,” said Lockhart River mayor Wayne Butcher, who is also the chair of TCICA.

Central Goldfields Shire Council is reminding all households using an open fireplace or wood heater to ensure care is taken to prevent producing excessive amounts of smoke, which can have a negative impact on your neighbours and the environment.

This year's theme for World Environmental Day 2021 is "Ecosystem Restoration" in line with commencement of the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Knox Park is a hosting venue on June 6 from 10am- 3pm.

Earthworks and preliminary works have commenced for the Marapikurrinya Park pop-ups project, delivered in partnership by the Town and BHP. The project is part of the reinvigoration of the West End district, which includes the current greening works. Trade from the pop-ups will boost economic activity, support local job creation and foster skills development.

South Burnett Regional Council Mayor Brett Otto revealed he is getting desperate for a permanent water solution for Kingaroy, saying he has called on the state government to help make a case for federal funding ... “We all need to get on the same page with this issue or we will end up trucking water and that is not sustainable for us or for the Queensland Taxpayer,” he said.

Upgraded taxiways designed to accommodate Regional Express, Qantas and larger passenger aircraft at Wagga Wagga Airport has opened to air traffic this week. The scope of the project included widening and strengthening the existing taxiways and extending taxiway A to the runway end to allow for the passenger traffic to enter onto the runways without having to perform a turnback to take-off.

The new Whyalla Airport is taking shape, as work continues on the expanded terminal, enhanced facilities, upgraded runway and improved safety and security measures ... Whyalla City Council Mayor Clare McLaughlin said the upgrades would deliver a modern, future-proofed facility, well placed to service Whyalla and the region.

TAFE NSW and Airways Aviation will start delivering world-class training to students at Airways Aviation’s base from July at the Lismore Regional Airport, Lismore City Council’s Commercial Services Business Manager Kevin Trustum said. “Along with the university, it strengthens Lismore as the educational centre for the Northern Rivers and beyond,” he said.