Rob Gersch to stand down
Hindmarsh Shire Councillor and OAM recipient Rob Gersch has announced that he will not be standing for re-election in October, marking the end of an almost 40-year tenure representing the Hindmarsh Shire ... “While local government was not a priority when I was first asked to stand, it turned out to be one of the best decisions I have made.”
Ground broken on first renewable project in Hay
Clean Peak Energy has officially commenced construction of its Hay Solar Farm, adjacent to Hay Cemetery, east of Hay township. The advancement of the project was marked with an on-site sod turning, which brought together Clean Peak Energy executives and staff, Hay Shire Council and host landholders.
Boats grounded on the Riverland
Sebastian Calderon. Houseboats traveling along a section of the Murray River are facing challenges, due to low water levels, forcing operators to limit mobility through the Riverland. Changes in the river’s water flow following environmental conditions have recently seen a group of boats unable to travel between towns like Renmark and Berri.
Oasis in Grey’s childcare desert
Rachel Hagan. Minlaton's time to celebrate arrived with the official opening of the long-awaited Minlaton Family Centre ...The ribbon was cut by Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey, and the three women who started it all: Katie Hughes, Anna Phasey and Amy Honner ... The centre has created 120 childcare places in the region, which is an incredible increase from a few years earlier when there were only 14.
Reminder: Mt Eliza track closed for the season
Suzie Christensen. Access to the Mt Eliza track is closed annually between 1 September until early March to protect nesting sooty terns (Onychoprion fuscata) and their young. The trail and summit provide important breeding grounds for the seabirds.
Kyogle, here is a Yes and No case on the referendum
The answer to the Kyogle Council election referendum question is simple – Yes or No. The problem is the question itself isn’t simple and is complicated by bringing two concepts together that have only one answer – Yes or No.
Rockhampton Zoo welcomes Green Wing Macaws, Poppy and Dahlia
Rockhampton Zoo has expanded its family with the arrival of two Green Wing Macaws, Poppy and Dahlia. The vibrant new additions have joined the Zoo’s resident Blue and Gold Wing Macaws. Councillor for Parks, Sports, and Public Spaces Cherie Rutherford said the duo, originally from Perth, are settling into their new home well.
Small homes get tick of approval
Already in Allora two small homes have been erected this year and occupiers are happy with the outcome. Following a recent survey on small homes, Southern Downs Regional Council considered the 491 survey submissions and resolved to implement .. changes to make housing more accessible and affordable...
Public Transport Levy explained
In response to backlash from outside of Toowoomba, where residents do not have access to public transport yet alone use it, Toowoomba Regional Council has published responses to frequently asked questions regarding the Public Transport Levy on the most recent rates notice. Part of the FAQ is as follows: Why has TRC included a Public Transport Levy on my rates notice? ... What is the Toowoomba Region Sustainable Transport Strategy 2023? ... Am I paying more in my rates because of this levy?...
Big future for little houses
Patricia Gill. The Shire of Denmark can approve the use of caravans and small houses for accommodation for up to two years on private property from September 1. The changes announced last week on Sal and Justin Bellanger’s Nornalup property aim to ease the housing shortage for seasonal workers and homeless people, and give an option while a house was being built or renovated.
Council to preserve Serviceton Railway Station history
West Wimmera Shire Council is embarking on a project to professionally record the rich history of the historic Serviceton Railway Station. The project involves creating a high-quality audio recording of local historian Les Millikin as he narrates the detailed history of the Serviceton Railway Station, capturing his extensive knowledge and personal insights about this significant heritage site.
Meet the candidates – Balranald local government elections 2024
Kimberly Grabham. The Riverine Grazier contacted each of the 13 members of the Balranald and Euston communities who have nominated to run for a position on Balranald Shire Council. Local government elections will be held on Saturday September 14, 2024.
Exercise Wallaby kicks off in 2024 with arrival of Antonov AN-124
Exercise Wallaby is set to begin with the arrival of one of the world’s largest cargo aircraft, the Antonov AN-124 at Rockhampton Airport. The 402-tonne Antonov AN-124 plays a pivotal role in the transport of smaller aircraft, including Apache helicopters, between Australia and Singapore as well as other military hardware and assets required for the exercise.
Yes to free camping
Free camping at Sandy Point again reared its head, briefly, at a recent extraordinary meeting of Hay Shire Council. In a Notice of Motion by retiring councillor, Peter Handford, Council was asked to impose a fee on campers using the facilities at popular Sandy Point Reserve ... General Manager, David Webb said currently the reputation of Sandy Point as a free camp site acts as a significant attraction to Hay, drawing visitors from other free camps because of additional visitor experiences, access to supermarkets, pubs, clubs and fuel stations.
Moving ahead on roads
Michelle Daw. Farming and transport industry representatives have praised a decision by Yorke Peninsula Council to open its roads to higher-productivity heavy vehicles as a victory for common sense. The move followed an enormous response of 789 submissions to council’s public consultation about a proposed strategy to address safety concerns on its roads.
Lending a hand in the sand
One of Australia’s best beaches is making a comeback. Yorke Peninsula Council has recruited some hardworking students to help get Flaherty Beach, near Point Turton, back into shape ... "Flaherty Beach is a coastal gem on Yorke Peninsula and has been ranked as the fourth best beach in Australia," says Letitia Dahl-helm, YPC environment officer.
Former mayor addresses the ‘elephant in the room’ at Meet the Candidates session
Former Lismore mayor Jenny Dowell was the adjudicator at the first Meet the Candidates session held at the Kyogle Golf Club ... Ms Dowell told the audience of 100 what the rules of engagement were which included no heckling (clapping was allowed). 17 candidates are running in the Kyogle Council election across three wards and 16 were at the Meet the Candidates ...
Murrindindi Shire Council statement of the proposed Seymour Wind Farm project
Murrindindi Shire Council acknowledges the proposal by Fera Australia to construct a large wind farm called the Seymour Wind Farm in the area between Avenel, Longwood, Ponkeen Creek and Ruffy in Victoria. The proposed project is said to feature 80 to 100 wind turbines that are up to 245 metres tall and require approximately 30km of new 330kV transmission lines, proposed to be overhead, mainly across private and crown land within Murrindindi Shire.
Powers tougher than ASIO for Landscape Boards
Some public servants could soon enter homes without a warrant to "seize documents” including computers, phones, diaries, and bank statements under calls for tough new laws for SA Landscape Boards. Harsher than laws for Federal Police against terrorists if enacted, "authorised officers" could also make “an information discovery order”, compelling businesses and individuals to provide evidence without a court warrant. If enacted, public servants employed by councils on behalf of landscape boards could also “seize and retain” declared species of animals passing though farms and private properties.
Lovegrass control measures
What is the outcome from the motion about the invasive African Lovegrass? This was the question on notice put to the chief executive officer of the Tatiara District Council by Cr Miles Hannemann during its July council meeting. Fears of the invasive African Lovegrass fully invading the Tatiara district and potentially destroying the agriculture sector are growing … Cr Hannemann described the situation involving the spread of the lovegrass as “scary and a superspreader”.
Farm, local and now state: From farm boy to symbolic farmer icon via design
Wayne Hawthorne. This was the life story conveyed to Naracoorte Men’s Probus Club by Ben Hood, now a Member of the Legislative Council (MLC). Ben is Naracoorte born and bred and now a Mount Gambier resident. His office as MLC is in Adelaide, but he is a regular visitor to regions and invites feedback. Ben outlined his farm upbringing, career background and where he is heading.
Laidley Saleyards to cease operations
The Laidley Saleyards will cease operations next year due to the high cost of maintaining a safe and compliant facility. Lockyer Valley Regional Council voted to close the facility at the August Ordinary Meeting of Council ... Deputy Mayor Chris Wilson said a range of issues impacted the decision.
