Community voices concern
A group of Naracoorte residents gathered at the Town Square last Friday to express their disappointment at the Naracoorte Lucindale Council’s decision not to waive burial fees for children under the age of 10. The community demonstration reflected growing frustration over the council's stance, which many believe lacked compassion for grieving families.
Burial fee debate
A Naracoorte Lucindale councillor has voiced strong criticism over the council’s decision to keep $8,600 in its budget for post-meeting “meals and drinks” but reject a proposal to waive burial fees for children under the age of 10. Speaking to The Naracoorte News, councillor Craig McGuire expressed disappointment following the council’s recent May meeting, where his motion to waive all cemetery charges for children up to 10 years old—excluding plaque expenses—was voted down.
Council directed to ‘agree’ with amended DA
Clarence Valley Council has been directed by the Northern Regional Planning Panel to agree to an amended proposal for a Yamba manufactured home estate which is subject to an appeal in the Land and Environment Court.
Mayoral matters
Hindmarsh Shire Mayor Ron Ismay. I would like to commence by commending the thousands of regional people who took part in the protest over the recently legislated Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund (ESVF) levy on the steps of Parliament House in Spring Street last week ... This levy is an absolute disgrace!
Council advocating for drought support in Hindmarsh
Hindmarsh Shire Council is advocating for our community to be added to the list of Council's Drought Declared. Hindmarsh Shire has recorded significant rainfall deficiency over the past 12 months and soil moisture levels are rapidly declining. There are currently 24 Local Government areas eligible for dry seasons and drought support, and Hindmarsh Shire Council is not one of those included on this list.
Library remains one of Hay’s greatest and best-used assets
Hay Library continues to grow in popularity, with an increase of 24 per cent in borrowers in March compared to the previous month and a slight decrease in April due to the two long weekends. In a comprehensive report to Council, the Library Team Leader noted 11 new members, a registration renewal and a busy month with community activities.
Hay drops costly membership
Council has relinquished its membership with RAMJO (Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation) following a steep increase in its annual fee. This is despite a recommendation from General Manager, David Webb to continue full membership for the 2025-26 financial year and then reassess Council's position. Cr John Perry vehemently opposed this, and called for Council to cut its losses now, resign from RAMJO and not pay the $30,000 fee.
Big win$
Hugh Schuitemaker. The "financial burden" on Renmark Paringa ratepayers from major local infrastructure projects will be reduced after new funding was obtained from the State Government. Renmark Paringa councillors at last month's general meeting passed a motion to accept a $4.1m funding offer ...
Declare drought a disaster
South Australian premier Peter Malinauskas has declined to officially declare a drought in the state, claiming that his administration's drought relief package represented the "largest in South Australia's history." … Naracoorte Lucindale mayor Patrick Ross and local accountant Abby Miller made an impassioned plea to the government, urging swift action to aid farmers in the region who were struggling with extreme drought conditions.
Australia’s cotton capital struggles to buy underwear
Narrabri launches a cheeky new campaign calling for major retailers to close the regional retail gap ... Watch the saucy short video and read the ARR.News interview with Narrabri Shire Mayor, Darrell Tiemens and Narrabri Shire General Manager, Eloise Chaplain.
Protecting Toowoomba’s garden region legacy
In the lead up to Toowoomba Regional Council's planning scheme draft being released, The Darling Downs Environment Council (DDEC) has launched a new community campaign, Protect Trees Toowoomba.
Free caravan and weighing day at Narrandera
Caravanners in Narrandera will be offered road safety and caravanning advice at free caravan weighing days on Saturday 31 May and Sunday 1 June. Narrandera Shire Council and Transport for NSW will co-host the caravan weighing days with "Your Weigh - Mobile Vehicle Weighing" to educate caravanners about correctly calculating their caravan’s weight...
Murrumbidgee Council leads new chapter at Darlington Point Riverside Caravan Park
Murrumbidgee Council has taken over the reins of one of the area's most-loved holiday spots - the Darlington Point Riverside Caravan Park, a popular destination nestled on the picturesque banks of the Murrumbidgee River.
Inlet caretaker wins shire citizen of the year award
Shaun Ossinger was announced the Community Citizen of the Year on Saturday night at a Shire of Denmark Volunteer Appreciation Sundowner. Wilson Inlet Catchment Committee chief executive Shaun won the award for his commitment to sustainability and community wellbeing, through championing initiatives aimed at protecting and restoring the natural environment.
VNI West loses social license
Despite our vast natural resources, Australia now has some of the highest electricity prices in the world and the road to “renewables” seems bumpier than ever. The Gannawarra Shire Council meeting last week, saw a motion to oppose the VNI West electricity transmission project planned to pass through the municipality, approved. (April fools image)
Birdsong Yamba celebrates outstanding success with over 5,000 attendees
The streets of Yamba came alive on Saturday 24 May with the vibrant celebration of Birdsong Yamba, a free family-friendly street festival that drew an estimated crowd of over 5,000 people throughout the day.
Community Justice Centres to close
A frequently used dispute resolution and mediation process will no longer be available to Clarence Valley residents when the NSW closes Community Justice Centres across the state on June 30. An item about the closure of Community Justice Centres (CJC) was tabled at the May 15 ordinary Council meeting by Clarence Valley Council General Manager, Laura Black.
Leap forward for Nhill Renewable Energy Facility
Construction of a new solar farm and battery at Nhill is now complete and has successfully connected to the electricity grid – supplying cheap renewable energy to power operations at Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water (GWMWater).
Council calls for fair share of grant funding
Hay Shire Council has joined other Local Government Areas in their bid for a fair distribution of Financial Assistance Grants (FAGs) from both the Federal and State Governments. General Manager, David Webb said there is a general belief that the current model favours metropolitan regions over rural and remote councils.
Mayors say “nay”
Shadow Minister for Local Government, Bev McArthur MP, has joined an unprecedented gathering of six Western Victorian mayors united in opposition to the Allan Labor Government's controversial emergency services tax ... The mayors called for a fairer funding model for rural communities – who will be hardest hit by the tax – along with clearer communication regarding the tax's purpose and use.
Meet the Queen or King of your heart at the Royal Cat Adoption Day!
Greater Shepparton City Council invites community members to give a loving forever home to one of the many cats and kittens waiting at the Shepparton Animal Shelter. Inspired by the King’s birthday, the Shelter will be hosting a Royal Cat Adoption Day on Saturday 14 June from 10am to 2pm at 125 Wanganui Road, Shepparton.
New facility enhances accessibility and inclusivity for all community members
Rockhampton Regional Council, in partnership with the Queensland Government, has officially opened a new Changing Places facility at Southside Pool, ensuring more people in our community can enjoy a day out with dignity and ease ... provides essential amenities for people with extra support needs, including a ceiling hoist, an adult-sized change table, and additional space to improve safety and comfort.
