‘Desperation’ over doctor shortage
Christine Webster. The Australia-wide problem of being unable to attract enough doctors to rural areas is impacting heavily on the Waikerie Medical Centre and local community ... Dr Wanguhu said young doctors often preferred to take up posts at medical centres in Barmera, Berri and Renmark where they were not required to work in an emergency hospital.
Cape Elizabeth ‘single biggest driving force’
Sarah Herrmann. Damage at Cape Elizabeth was the single biggest driving force behind a proposed coastal access strategy for Yorke Peninsula, Northern and Yorke Landscape Board general manager Tony Fox says.
Coastal plan out now
Sarah Herrmann. Community consultation is now open on the draft Yorke Peninsula Coastal Access Strategy 2025-2035, with members of the public invited to share their feedback via a survey ... Consultation sessions have already been held with local landholders and progress associations, 4WD representatives and the tourism sector.
Facelift for Bute beauty
Michelle Daw. Much-needed repairs have been completed to the acclaimed artwork on a silo at Bute. Artist Adam Poole-Mottishaw and his assistant, Shane Cook, repaired sections including the face, hair and hands of the young girl depicted on February 18 and 19.
“Labor’s state tax disguised as a local charge” – the ESVF is the latest blow to rural communities: McArthur
The Labor Government’s Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund levy will increase the financial strain on ratepayers during a cost-of-living crisis, particularly in rural and regional communities. The new tax is set to be collected by local councils on 1 July 2025.
Biodiversity Trail final installations complete
The final art installations for the Men’s Sheds Biodiversity Trail have now been installed in Nandaly, Watchem, and Nullawil, completing this unique community-led project in ten towns across Buloke Shire. Featuring handcrafted avian and insect homes, the trail has been a collaborative effort between the Men’s Sheds in Birchip, Charlton, Donald, Wycheproof and Sea Lake, local artists and community members, Landcare and Buloke Shire Council.
Fruit and veg in regional Victoria are not dearer!
A new study analysing fruit and vegetable prices in regional Victoria shows that locally grown produce doesn’t necessarily cost more than fruit and veg. grown outside of the region. Health experts say the findings are good news for household budgets, local communities, local farmers and retailers, as well as the environment.
SDRC tackles farm plastic waste
Southern Downs Regional Council is leading the charge towards a more sustainable future with the launch of a $350k waste recovery pilot program designed to manage excess agricultural plastic waste currently landfilled, stockpiled or buried on farms across the region.
Five metre lizard sculpture plus new entrance sign – what’s your thoughts?
Sean Cunningham. Anyone want a five-metre lizard (Eastern Bearded Dragon) sculpture in town and a new entrance sign which could cost $300,000? This was the hot topic of conversation during Narrandera Shire Council’s meeting on Tuesday.
New strategy combatting battery fires
A $2 million program is supporting councils to expand collection points for problem batteries like those found in vapes and e-scooters. The new LNP Government has announced a three-point plan to tackle battery safety risks sparked by a spike in dangerous fires.
Community enthusiasm makes a splash as 50m pool opens in Grafton
As she positioned herself on the starting block, adjusted her goggles, and concentrated on her breathing while focusing on the water in front of her, it was a moment 16-year-old Andrea Thomson was determined to savour ... Andrea was one of the first swimmers to dive into the 50m Grafton Olympic Pool at the Clarence Regional Aquatic Centre during its public opening on February 15.
What did the Land and Environment Court hear?
A crowd of more than 50 concerned residents gathered near the intersection of Golding and Miles Streets to hear deputations from 6 local residents to the Land and Environment Court on site Conciliation conference last Friday. The conference was in relation to case 2024/00279190 Garrard Building Pty Ltd v Clarence Valley Council...
Councillor walks out
Sarah Herrmann. Yorke Peninsula Council elected member Adam Meyer walked out of his first council meeting after being suspended from elected office ... “I’m unsure whether I can declare a conflict of interest tonight because I actually haven’t been issued with the agenda,” Cr Meyer said.
Ratepayers enlist Pangallo
Rachel Hagan. In the wake of the suspension of elected member Adam Meyer from the Yorke Peninsula Council, a crowd of almost 200 people rallied at a Yorke Peninsula Ratepayers Association meeting where speakers called for an audit into the council ... YPRA chair Ian Markos said the turnout was a good indication of the level of anger the community had towards YPC for the way it had treated Cr Meyer ...
Robe wins critical grant funding
The District Council of Robe is excited to announce the successful receipt of funding through the 2024-25 Coast Protection Grant Program for two critical coastal protection initiatives: the annual Sand Replenishment Program at Hoopers Beach and Fox Beach, as well as the Fox Beach Coastal Protection Project, which includes investigations and design work to address ongoing coastal erosion.
What’s our strategy?
Future developments in the district must be thoughtfully planned with harmony, taste, and understanding, rather than solely focusing on “chasing rate dollars”. This was the key message from mayor Patrick Ross to the Naracoorte Lucindale Council as elected members began discussions on a crucial issue—the draft housing strategy—last week.
Lights, Castlemaine, action!
Mount Alexander Shire Council (MASC) announced last Friday 7 February that a large crew, shooting for a Hollywood movie, will arrive to film in Castlemaine over the next week. Permits are still being finalised so not all details are available, but the council advised that a Liam Neeson movie called The Mongoose will be shot in the centre of town in streets including Lyttleton...
On location, behind the scenes
As excitement builds for another Hollywood production filming in our region, the Tarrangower Times wanted to find out all about the behind-the-scenes processes involved. Emily Owens is Executive Producer and CEO of Toffee Studios, which has recently been host to the filming of the new Netflix show, Apple Cider Vinegar and the 2025 AACTA (Australian Academy of Cinema, Television and the Arts) award-winning film, Better Man.
Cressbrook Dam the no. 1 priority
Toowoomba Regional Council has requested support of up to $200 million for the Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Project (CDSIP) as its single highest priority in budget submissions to the State and Federal Governments. Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald said water security is critical for the Region and a key focus of Council.
Councils shut out of hospital discussion
A decision by councils across the border region to march on the Victorian Parliament next week in a united campaign for the construction of a new Albury-Wodonga hospital has been put on hold, pending talks with the Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas. The councils have previously rejected the proposal from the Victorian and NSW governments to redevelop the Albury hospital.
Barham childcare shortage
Barham is in the midst of a childcare shortage crisis, with a wait list of 90 at the Barham Early Learning Service alone, with 75 per cent aged in the 0-3 years old bracket. It is estimated that 45 per cent of the children in Barham, Koondrook, Moulamein and Wakool have been unable to be placed in a childcare facility.
NSW regional airports set to fly high: King, McBain, Phillips
Airports are vital for regional communities, providing critical access to emergency healthcare, as well as commerce, industry, tourism and education. This funding, which is provided under Round 4 of the Regional Airports Program, will deliver essential upgrades – such as runway resurfacing, fencing, lighting and drainage...
