“No show” from transmission company: Farmers rally at Wycheproof
Carey Brennan. Around 200 farmers rallied at Wycheproof on Friday, June 20, outside the Buloke Shire Offices ready to greet TCV staff when they arrived to meet with Councillors … Shortly before the meeting, TCV notified Cr Getley that they had concerns for their safety after receiving advice from Vic. Police and would no longer be attending…
Community driving action in Foul Bay
Rachel Hagan. Sandbags intended to give Foul Bay's Mud Alley another decade of protection were destroyed in recent storms, and now residents are taking matters into their own hands with plans for a permanent rock wall ... However, since the destructive May 26 storm, the wall of sandbags has been battered, and now there is little left of the seawall to shield residents.
Cooktown Discovery Festival unites community in celebration of history and culture
Hundreds of locals and visitors gathered in Cooktown over the weekend for the 46th annual Cooktown Discovery Festival, celebrating the region’s rich culture, community spirit, and place in Australian history as the site of the first recorded act of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
“Let’s talk about BIG weather”
St Arnaud and district residents are invited to participate in a community-wide conversation about ways to better respond to extreme weather events and shape solutions that make sense for the region. Make a Change Australia, in partnership with Northern Grampians Shire Council and supporting organisations, will host a "Let's Talk About BIG Weather" community event on Tuesday, June 24.
Mayor welcomes Cargill takeover
Naracoorte Lucindale mayor Patrick Ross has expressed support for the recent acquisition of Teys Australia by US-based food and protein powerhouse Cargill. Given that a significant portion of the local workforce is employed at the Teys facility in Naracoorte, mayor Ross emphasised that the longstanding partnership between Teys—and now Cargill—and the community would continue to thrive.
Video celebrates turtle heroes and their epic quest
From humble beginnings to a thriving conservation movement, this year TurtleCare Sunshine Coast will celebrate its 20 year anniversary. See rare, behind-the-scenes footage of little miracles hatching and environmental champions at work in an uplifting video dedicated to an inspiring Sunshine Coast volunteer group.
Shellharbour’s incredible whale tales
Whale watching is in full swing in Shellharbour with numerous sightings occurring this month, including some incredible drone footage from Bushrangers Bay caught by local ORRCA volunteer Ty Peters.
Councils say farmers still need more help
Rural Councils Victoria (RCV) has acknowledged some breakthrough wins delivered by the Victorian government's Drought Response Taskforce, while warning significant challenges remain unresolved. The government has agreed to speed up access to interstate fodder, expand fodder delivery routes and fast-track kangaroo control permits for rural landholders.
Council confirms support for wind farm despite strong opposition at hearing
Hay Shire Council has formally expressed its support for Pottinger Wind Farm at the conclusion of a four-hour long hearing with the NSW Government Independent Planning Commission last Thursday, amid some vehement opposition from concerned locals, lobby groups and chair of Nuclear for Australia, Adi Paterson.
State plans leave the Riverland behind?
Madison Eastmond. A local council has responded to a long-term state plan for the region through to 2051, outlining key issues within the proposal that are set to limit the Riverland's "ability to grow and thrive". Found within the council's May agenda, a formal response made by the Berri Barmera administration has been submitted to the Draft Murray Mallee Regional Plan, highlighting key issues ...
When the bills don’t get paid: council faces difficult property auction
Ruth McRae OAM has been in local government long enough to know that some decisions weigh heavier than others. As Mayor of Murrumbidgee Council, she's had to make plenty of tough calls, but few sit as uncomfortably as the one announced this week.
Government budget cuts ‘By Five’, abandoning rural child health: McArthur
The Allan Labor Government has cut critical health support for rural children in Western Victoria, axing the award-winning By Five Early Years Initiative in the latest state budget. Member for Western Victoria, Bev McArthur MP, condemned the decision as a direct attack on families already battling limited access to paediatric care.
468 people dressed in purple danced at the showground and broke the world record
They did it. Organisers of the World’s Biggest Happy Dance were thrilled to see 468 people groovin’ to the song Dancing in the Street at Kyogle Showground yesterday, Saturday, June 14. The previous record for a happy dance in Singapore was 448.
Reach for the stars: dark sky plan progresses
The movement to protect our starry night skies – along with our landscape and character, environment and wellbeing – is taking the next step. Sunshine Coast Council is proposing to establish a Dark Sky Reserve in the hinterland, encompassing almost 900 square kilometres in the Mary River Catchment and adjoining national parks in our local government area.
Action against mining demanded
United voices from scientists and experts, residents, farmers, and regional environment groups demanded action against mining in the Clarence catchment as they stood with Gumbaynggirr Traditional Owners at a packed public meeting in Dorrigo last weekend.
Exhibition celebrates sea, land and mountains
Sunshine Coast people have an incredible passion and love of the region’s beaches and hinterland. It’s part of our lifestyle, influencing how we live and connect in our communities. Strong Community portfolio councillor David Law said it was the foundation of our culture and identity - and had been for the people of this region for thousands of years.
Reconciliation Week
There was a large crowd gathered in Victoria Street, at the Kerang Council Building, last Wednesday May 28 to mark National Reconciliation Week 2025. It has been estimated a record 350 people attended the flag raising with Gannawarra Shire Deputy Mayor, Cr Ross Stanton joining Ray Davis in raising the Aboriginal flag.
Council rejects VNI West project in its current form
Northern Grampians Shire councillors will call on the State Government to find an alternative to its VNI West transmission line project amid fears for the nation’s food security along with community mental health and wellbeing. Victoria to NSW Interconnector West – known as VNI West – is a proposed new 500kV double circuit transmission line connecting high-voltage electricity grids in New South Wales and Victoria.
Drought package is too little too late
The Member for Benambra, Bill Tilley says drought affected farmers are desperate for meaningful help not a scheme to share the cost of hay sheds and poly pipes following the Victorian government's announcement of an expanded drought assistance package and a 12-month pause on Emergency Services Levy (ESL) increases for primary producers.
Council continues unfair fire tax fight
The Towong Shire Council intends to keep up its opposition to the state’s Emergency Services Volunteer Fund Levy despite the Victorian government’s announcement last Friday of a 12-month pause on the tax for farmers. At its meeting on May 28th, councillors unanimously opposed the levy, which was due to take effect from 1 July, 2025.
Country mayors welcome report on RFS assets
Mayor Rick Firman OAM, Chairman of the NSW Country Mayors Association (CMA) has welcomed the release of the Public Accounts Committee's inquiry into the Assets, Premises and Funding of the NSW Rural Fire Service. The Inquiry, undertaken to examine whether the current frameworks governing assets, premises and funding for the RFS remained appropriate, effective...
‘Positive start’: luxury hotel gains approval
A bold initiative by Sunshine Coast Council to attract more luxury hotels to the region has made a successful start with the approval of an exciting hotel project - complete with rooftop bar - in the heart of Caloundra. The project is intended to comprise of shops and cafes at Ground Level, restaurant and hotel amenities on Level 1, 160 suites over Levels 2-10 and a rooftop restaurant and bar with outdoor dining and function rooms on Level 11.
