Flood modelling now complete
The CSIRO has released its catchment-scale virtual model of the Richmond, Tweed and parts of the Brunswick Rivers, which offers an unprecedented understanding of how floodwaters move through our catchment, and will be used to test future flood mitigation scenarios.
NSW Country Mayors reiterate cost shifting frustrations: CMA
Local Government NSW released a new report on ‘cost shifting’ last week and the Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) has reiterated their frustrations and the fact that the impacts are more deeply felt in rural, regional and remote communities. Cost shifting is the terms given to the offloading of cost burdens by State and Federal Governments onto already cash starved Local Government.
Record numbers for 2025 Somerset Rail Trail Classic
The Brisbane Valley Rail Trail was a buzz of excitement on Sunday morning, 13 July with perfect weather and record numbers at the 22nd annual Somerset Rail Trail Classic. Somerset Regional Council’s 2025 event broke the 2021 record with 978 registrations across categories – the 3km and 8km walk or run, and the 20km and 44km bike rides.
Walking plan for Allora
Allora is set to take a major step toward a more walkable and connected future, with Southern Downs Regional Council securing $20,000 in funding to develop a walking network plan that will support healthier, more active lifestyles in the community.
Steelworks administration benefiting community
Mayor Phill Stone and Whyalla City Council CEO Justin Commons met with steelworks and mining administrators KordaMentha at this week’s OneWhyalla community meeting, receiving an update on the administration process and the flow-on benefits it’s providing for the local community.
Too many compromises says Cr
Patricia Gill. Shire councillor Aaron Wiggins described the approval of 15 tiny cabins on Raintree Estate as 'too many compromises' without getting the best result for the community. Cr Wiggins moved the motion to approve the development 'en bloc' of five separate lots, at the June 24 Denmark Shire Council meeting. Though he moved the motion, he was against it.
Tiny cabins next big thing
Patricia Gill. Fifteen short-stay 'tiny house cabins', or holiday chalets, have been given the green light for Raintree Estate on South Coast Highway. The caravan-size chalets, which can be moved, will be placed on five locations on the farm and the development includes a manager's residence south of The Dam restaurant also on Raintree Farm.
$500 per ratepayer: Cost shifting blowout exposed in new report
Local government councils across NSW are now absorbing a staggering $1.5 billion in cost shifting from State and Federal governments each year – a cumulative $11.3 billion over the past decade – according to a new report commissioned by Local Government NSW (LGNSW).
Council supports small businesses with reduced permit fees
Gannawarra Shire Council is undertaking efforts to support small businesses operating in the municipality. As part of its 2025/2026 Budget, Council has reduced the costs associated with obtaining a footpath trading permit from $65 to $10.
Clarence Valley military connections celebrated at book launch
Nestled within the rural confines of Northern NSW, the Clarence Valley is a long way from overseas conflicts ... more than 50 people including family members and representatives of servicemen and servicewomen, both former and current, came together at Grafton’s Schaeffer House Museum to attend the official launch of local publication A Military Connection.
Shire comment on convicted offender
Monica Revell. Hindmarsh Shire Council is deeply saddened and concerned following the conviction of Mr Ronald Marks, Indigenous Elder, only learning of the conviction through media reports. We acknowledge the distress this news has caused across our community, particularly for families and those who engaged with Mr Marks through his cultural programs...
Mobile tower funding
Naracoorte Lucindale mayor Patrick Ross has set the record straight by explaining why the council chose not to allocate ratepayer funds to Telstra’s Limestone Coast Connectivity Project which had only two mobile base stations earmarked for the district ... it was not prepared to use limited public funds to subsidise infrastructure that Telstra—a major telecommunications provider—had a responsibility to deliver.
Property owners face homelessness
Christine Webster. The owners of a Mount Mary property, who were told by Mid Murray Council they were breaking the law by living on their vacant land in a motorhome and bus, have left the area in frustration ... Mr King believes he and his friend have a right to live on the property in their registered bus and motorhome.
Grampians set to Glow this winter
A plethora of events focusing on community, culture, art, wellbeing, creativity, gastronomy and adventure will be on offer in Halls Gap and Pomonal this winter, thanks to a new festival designed by volunteers. Glow – Bringing light to Halls Gap started on Saturday and runs for eight weeks until August 31.
Big turnout for the 2025 Greater Shepparton Business launch
Greater Shepparton City Council, supported by the Greater Shepparton Business Network (GSBN), officially launched the 2025 Greater Shepparton Business Festival on Monday 7 July at the Aussie Hotel in Shepparton ... The festival, running from Monday 4 to Thursday 21 August 2025, features 13 free workshops designed to help local businesses learn, connect and grow.
Proposed Yanchep development transport impact assessment
The April 2025 Yanchep Central – commercial development transport impact assessment prepared for FRP Capital says the proposed development on the western side of Kakadu Rd and north of Morwell St will include a fastfood outlet, showrooms and a gym along with two medical centres and an automotive unit.
Monash Uni students join the Cactus Warriors
Last weekend an enthusiastic group of Monash University students made their annual field trip to Maldon to help win our war against Wheel Cactus ... Other comments from the students were: "I didn't expect to see anything this bad!", "It is pretty scary to imagine what the area would look like if your group did not exist,"...
New sports precinct plan endorsed
Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) recently endorsed an updated Toowoomba Region Sports Precinct (TRSP) Master Plan for the Charlton site, on the north-eastern side of the Toowoomba Bypass and Warrego Highway intersection.
Mayor disappointed as NSW Budget ignores critical needs in Narrandera
Narrandera Shire Council Mayor Cr Neville Kschenka has expressed disappointment following the release of the 2025-26 NSW Budget, which failed to deliver any new funding for vital infrastructure and services in Narrandera. "While we welcome ongoing investment in regional health infrastructure in parts of the electorate, Narrandera Shire has once again been overlooked in this budget," Mayor Kschenka said.
Rates rort hurting farmers: VFF reveals five biggest farm rate rise offenders
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) says evidence of some Victorian local government councils slugging huge rate rises on farmers shows the Victorian Government’s local government rate capping policy isn’t working. VFF President Brett Hosking said farmers continue to get the raw end of the stick with rate capping failing to deter unfair rate hikes in some regions.
Council launches emergency dashboard to empower community preparedness
Campaspe Shire Council is leading the way in emergency preparedness with the launch of a new Emergency Dashboard. The Emergency Dashboard is a centralised online hub designed to provide real-time, reliable information to residents before, during and after emergency events.
“Town interests at heart” – Hindmarsh community satisfaction improves
The Hindmarsh Shire Council Community Satisfaction Survey has been completed, and we are proud to share the results with our community. The annual survey invites residents to share their views about the place they live, work and play, and provides valuable guidance to Council on what's going well and where we can improve.
