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.
Homes on hold
Joanna Tucker. At least 1000 proposed homes across Yorke Peninsula are being delayed due to a lack of infrastructure within the SA Water network, according to Copper Coast Council. Chief executive Dylan Strong said the issue is not unique to the Copper Coast, but delays in SA Water’s trunk upgrades are affecting local developments.
Fishing club gobsmacked by sudden closure of Bells Bay campground by WaterNSW
WaterNSW is closing Bell’s Bay campground and cottages at Toonumbar Dam in late June ... Kyogle Fishing Club has been using the campground for more than 50 years.
Gannawarra Shire Council formalises Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund stance
Gannawarra Shire Council has formalised its opposition to the State Government’s implementation of the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund. Councillors approved an urgent item motion at last week’s Council meeting opposing the fund, which will come into effect in July to support VICSES, Triple Zero Victoria, the State Control Centre, Forest Fire Management Victoria and Emergency Recovery Victoria, as well as the Country Fire Authority (CFA) and Fire Rescue Victoria (FRV).
Contentious levy law passes
The proposed State Government levy at the centre of a recent community meeting in Baringhup has been passed by the Victorian Parliament ... During her visit to Castlemaine Station, Premier Jacinta Allan responded to a TT query about the timing of the new levy.
Mayor’s heartfelt appeal
“This is an emergency”. That is the urgent message from Naracoorte Lucindale mayor Patrick Ross, who has issued a heartfelt appeal to the government for immediate support for farmers grappling with severe drought in the area.
Big plans to promote Narrandera businesses
The Narrandera Business Group (NBG) had a strong turnout for its May meeting last week ... Members also openly assessed the group's strengths and weaknesses, sparking discussion which set the stage for future growth.
State budget insults regional communities
The Victorian government has sacrificed regional and rural communities on the altar of budget repair, according to Rural Councils Victoria (RCV). "The budget is propped up by hundreds of millions of dollars that will be ripped from the state's rural communities through the unfair Emergency Services Volunteers Fund levy," RCV chair, Rob Amos said.
Northern Grampians Shire joins call to scrap ‘outrageous’ Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund
Northern Grampians Shire Council is standing behind its residents – particularly its farmers – by joining an overwhelming call for the State Government to ‘scrap’ its unjust new Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund, ESVF ... "I haven’t spoken to one person in favour of this new levy. We are very concerned about how people will cope with this on top of everything else": Mayor Karen Hyslop.
