Cheque handover marks a major step forward for Jerilderie Medical Centre
Jerilderie's proposed new medical centre is a step closer, with Murrumbidgee Council formally accepting a $5 million contribution from Origin Energy through a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) linked to the Yanco Delta wind development. The contribution was marked by the official handover of a cheque from Origin representatives to council.
Councils have moved far beyond three ‘R’s
Local government is no longer all about "roads, rates, and rubbish", according to Local Government and Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain. McBain addressed representatives of 537 local government areas (LGAs) at last week's Australian Local Government Association's (ALGA) national general assembly.
Listen up! Council drives hospital protest
Towong Shire Council is encouraging the community to rally in Corryong next month to oppose the planned redevelopment of the current Albury hospital instead of building on a new greenfield site. "Council remains gravely concerned at the current plans to redevelop the existing hospital site as it will lead to insufficient capacity to meet the future demands of the region for the future," said Towong mayor, Cr Andrew Whitehead.
Tamworth’s mountain biking paradise: Anderson
One of the region’s most popular recreation facilities is moving forward thanks to the installation of new solar powered automatic opening gate. Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said Tamworth’s mountain bike track was a must visit destination for mountain bike fanatics and recreational users getting out and staying active.
Shire of Broome engages Dampier Peninsula communities on regional priorities
Last week, Shire of Broome councillors and executive staff wrapped up a two-day visit to the Dampier Peninsula, meeting with community leaders, tourism operators and residents in Ardyaloon, Middle Lagoon and Lombadina to hear their priorities and feedback firsthand.
Could cost rate payers millions claims owners group
Council could be up for millions in legal fees to defend NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal NCAT proceedings against more than 100 semi-permanent caravan owners, claims the group. Owners of 136 holiday vans at 4 Council managed caravan parks situated on Crown Land at Brooms Head, Iluka, Minnie Water, and Wooli were sent letters in early March advising of the termination of long-term (casual occupation) agreements on June 30, 2025.
Riverland Enduro earning its place on the national circuit
Christine Webster. The ARB Waikerie Hotel Riverland Enduro attracted 61 entrants from across Australia on Saturday and Sunday. Waikerie Riverland Off-road Association president James Lochert said the event at New Well Station, south of Waikerie, was becoming popular on the national racing circuit.
New Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) provider for West Wimmera
West Wimmera Health Service (WWHS) is delighted to announce that it has officially started delivering home support services to recipients of the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) living in West Wimmera Shire. This transition, effective from 1 July 2025, allows WWHS to extend vital health and aged care services to communities in Kaniva, Goroke, Edenhope, Apsley, Harrow…
Ronald Marks convicted
Horsham man Ronald Marks, who worked in kindergartens and child playgroups less than an hour from Naracoorte, has been convicted in the Horsham Magistrate’s Court of accessing child abuse material ... A Wergaia elder whose face was painted on a silo as part of the iconic Sheep Hills silo art, Mr Marks, 74, pleaded guilty to seven charges against him on July 2.
NRLE eID work nearing completion
The Naracoorte Regional Livestock Exchange is close to finalising the installation of electronic identification (eID) equipment and infrastructure for sheep. The Naracoorte Lucindale Council confirmed the progress, noting that it allocated nearly $1 million in this financial year for improvements to the sheep yards.
Mayor talk with Louie Zaffina: Everything’s ticking along well
Balranald Shire moving forward with key projects and community initiatives. Mayor Louie Zaffina has been keeping busy since taking office, with significant progress on several fronts across the Balranald Shire. From major infrastructure projects to community health initiatives, Council is delivering on multiple priorities while actively seeking solutions to regional challenges.
Confirmed fire ant detection in Moranbah
Council has been aware of a confirmed detection of fire ants at the BHP Mitsubishi Alliance Broadmeadow Coal Mine site in Moranbah on Wednesday 9 July 2025. The detection was identified and managed...
Historic church falling down
Joanna Tucker. Copper Coast Council is set to buy an historic church near the tentatively listed UNESCO World Heritage Moonta Mines site which is continuing to deteriorate. The East Moonta Methodist Church, at the corner of Verran Terrace and Deeble Street, had another wall collapse last week.
“Turner & Australia” exhibition captivates crowds
The Turner & Australia exhibition at Gippsland Art Gallery has entered its second month and continues to deliver on expectations, drawing steady and growing numbers of visitors from across the region and beyond. Public response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the exhibition as “transcendental,” “superbly presented,” and “a major exhibition as good as you would see at the NGV.”
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).
