Filtration is coming – at a huge cost
The Clarence Valley water supply, which is currently chlorinated and has lime added to reduce its acidity, will be filtered within the next 10 years at a current estimated cost of $83 million as part of the second stage of a planned upgrade. But filtration won’t significantly improve the water that comes out of the tap in the Lower Clarence said Council’s Greg Mashiah at a public meeting at Yamba’s Wooli Street Hall...
Lights, camera, steampunk
Serviceton Station was transformed into a steampunk dreamscape on Sunday as models, stylist, photographers, and media gathered for a ‘wow factor’ photoshoot to promote the upcoming Wimmera Steampunk Festival.
Little Desert fire continues
Emergency crews have now contained the Little Desert fires that started almost two weeks ago. The fires were ignited by dry lightning on 27 January and ended up burning 95,000 hectares in the Little Desert region so far.
Taking a moment for ourselves
The appetite for community art workshops continues to grow in Buloke, offering a much-needed escape from busy, always-on lifestyles ... In December, Charlton artist Bronwyn Fisher’s decoupage sessions in Nullawil and Nandaly attracted participants of all ages...
War on mozzies heats up
Michelle Daw. Barunga West Council has intensified pest control efforts after frustrated Fisherman Bay and Port Broughton residents reported this summer’s insect problem as the worst they have ever experienced ... “We didn’t move up here to spend summer in our house”: Robyn Lyons, Fisherman Bay.
‘Wow’: Woolgoolga named Mainland Australia’s best beach
It was never a tightly held secret and it’s even less so now with Woolgoolga Main Beach named the best on Mainland Australia. The coveted accolade for the stunning location on NSW’s Coffs Coast is revealed in the just-released Best Australian Beaches 2025.
What is going on at Kyogle Showground? Crown Lands appoints administrator for six months
What is happening at the Kyogle Showground? Crown Lands has appointed an administrator to the Kyogle Showground Trust. A spokesperson for Crown Lands in the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure said the term of the Kyogle Showground and Public Recreation Land Manager Board expired on December 19 last year.
Significant regional tourism boost from World Heritage tentative listing of the Victorian Goldfields
The decision by the Australian Government to include the Victorian Goldfields on Australia’s World Heritage Tentative List after 35 years of advocacy, creates significant tourism, economic development and community benefits for a large part of regional Victoria covering 15 Local Council areas and their Visitor Economy Partnership regions.
‘Welcome to Australia – we’re all the same’
Welcome! This was the simple but profound message delivered by South East orthopaedic surgeon Dr Barney McCusker, the Naracoorte Lucindale Australia Day guest speaker. Welcoming the district’s new citizens, Dr McCusker said by coming to Australia – the great south land – they made the country richer, more colourful and a greater nation.
“Listen to the public”
An elected member of the Naracoorte Lucindale Council has criticised the council for disregarding public input gathered during consultation processes. Speaking exclusively to The [Naracoorte] News, Cr Craig McGuire claimed trust towards the elected body was “at an all-time low” with public consultation and feedback mostly ignored or dismissed if it did not fit the narrative of what parts of the elected council wanted to see.
Taking it to the streets
Following a meeting of representatives from councils across the border region in Wodonga last week, the decision was made to march on the Victorian Parliament in a united campaign for the construction of a new Albury-Wodonga hospital.
Powerline battle still strong
In an ironic twist that many joked could have conspiracy written all over it, last Monday’s Community Meeting in Murrabit, to discuss the VNI West transmission line project, at the Murrabit Golf Club, lost power just before the meeting commenced.
Urban Channel Pipeline Project to benefit community
Murrumbidgee Irrigation (MI) is looking forward to kicking off the Urban Channel Pipeline Project this year, which will provide a range of benefits to the communities of Griffith and Leeton ... The project is designed to replace inefficient aging channels around Griffith and Leeton with 47.5 kilometres of new pipeline.
Shire tops fire funding list
The Shire of Denmark has received $193,050 from the State Government’s Mitigation Activity Fund towards 47 bushfire mitigation works in the shire this year. The annual bushfire risk reduction works will continue with those funded through the Mitigation Activity Fund identified as priorities.
Council applies for funding to create more housing options
West Wimmera Shire Council is taking proactive steps to address the critical housing shortage across the region. Council is applying for $5 million from the State Government’s Regional Worker Accommodation Fund – Round 2.
Little Desert fires devastate local communities
The Little Desert fires, which began on Monday, January 27, in the Little Desert National Park due to dry lightning, have had a significant impact on local communities.
Students begin their country practice
A trio of fifth-year University of Adelaide medical students began their practical experience on the Copper Coast last week.
Is this the community paradise you’ve been looking for? Ecovillage info session attracts a crowd
Community, affordable housing, creeks and dams in a rural village — how could this be possible? About 50 people were at an information session in Kyogle to hear more about the Afterlee Ecovillage ... Town planner for the project Shane Sylvanspring said, “All sites are good even if you’re the 60th person.”
Where does all the money go?
How many troubled children in Central Australia fall under the umbrella of the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA)? Surely that was a known number upon which Anthony Albanese’s $250m “special grant” was based.
2025 Citizens of the Year announced
Southern Downs Regional Council announced the recipients of the 2025 Citizen of the Year Awards at a special civic ceremony held at Dalveen State School on Sunday 26 January. These outstanding individuals and events were formally honoured for their exceptional dedication, leadership and service.
Sports funding
Sporting clubs and community groups in the South East play a vital role in fostering social connections and promoting an active lifestyle ... Are government efforts sufficient enough to support these local clubs in towns such as Naracoorte, Penola, and Bordertown?
New healthcare service for Robe
The Robe community will soon benefit from a new healthcare service that will significantly improve access to primary care. Robe is one of only two locations in regional South Australia, alongside Ceduna, to be selected for the expanded Nurse Practitioner Primary Care Pilot program, which aims to offer more healthcare options for residents in the region.
