Elected councillors to return but … an update
Two representatives from office of the Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig, accompanied Shire Administrator Bob Stewart and General Manager Greg Hill at meetings in Wilcannia, White Cliffs, Ivanhoe and Menindee last week to explain the current state of affairs regarding the future of the shire. There is a Local Government Amendment (Rural and Remote Councils) Bill currently before Parliament which will enable Central Darling Shire Council (CDSC) to return to a "democratic governance model."
Kyogle chef and councillor bring home the frypan trophy
Kyogle chef Shelly Snadden cooked her heart out at the Sample Food Festival in Bangalow ... Kyogle councillor Danielle Mulholland was by her side in the My Mayor Rules cook-off. Kyogle mayor Kylie Webster was unable to attend so former mayor Danielle stepped up.
Why did the koala cross the road? It didn’t because of a 1.5km protection fence
Lara Leahy. There is a sign on Bruxner Highway between Lismore and Casino that says five koalas died in August … A koala fence is about to be installed at that spot to help prevent further koalas deaths. Lismore City Council has hired contractors Ecoteam to install 1.5km of fencing along both sides of the Bruxner Highway, starting at Pelican Creek Bridge…
Captured: The wild beauty of Shellharbour
We had a whopping 96 entries for the Wild About Shellharbour photography competition and received some truly incredible images. We’re very excited to announce the winners of the Over 18, Under 18 and People’s Choice categories.
Unlocking the potential of small towns: The Village Business Expo
Luz Restrepo. Our small towns are brimming with untapped potential and as business owners, we are the driving force behind our local economies ... In these challenging times, when the economy is under pressure, it is crucial to think creatively and seize new opportunities. The Village Business Expo is one such opportunity.
2024 Pet Expo will get tails wagging
Get ready for a paw-some day at the inaugural 2024 Pet Expo this weekend. The expo features 35 pet-related stalls, free kids’ activities, plus plenty of fun for dogs, and is held at the Robert Schwarten Outdoor Pavilion from 9am to 3pm...
Carrathool Council calls out cost shifting
"Cost shifting is when state or federal governments transfer, or ‘shift’ responsibility for providing a certain service, concession, asset or regulatory function to councils ... a report prepared for Local Government NSW by consulting firm Morrison Low ... provides information on how local government ratepayers are funding more than a billion dollars of state government obligations.
Trevor Smart retires
Chris Oldfield and Nasik Swami. Naracoorte Lucindale Council CEO Trevor Smart has resigned after six years in the top job and is looking forward to spending more time with his family. Mr Smart has spent 41 years in local government and six years with Naracoorte Lucindale Council.
Murray Darling Association 80th National Conference
Jenny Clarke was a representative of the Narrandera Shire Council at the 80th National Conference of the Murray Darling Association, on which she was the Council’s delegate ... Murray Darling Association – representing local government and community in the Murray-Darling Basin since 1944 - covers 12 Regions from Queensland down to Murray Bridge where the water runs out to the sea ... A challenge in managing the Basin’s resources is delivering sufficient water for people, crops and livestock while maintaining a healthy environment.
Murray River group of councils advocate for community
Council leaders from Gannawarra, Swan Hill, Mildura, Loddon, Campaspe and Moira shires visited Canberra and Bendigo over the last two weeks, speaking to politicians and advisors on water management, renewable energy, housing and the funding of local government ... The latest round of buybacks was a pressing issue for the group.
Iluka meeting – Rezoning not needed in housing strategy
After about half of the 873 public submissions Council received objecting to its draft Local Housing Strategy came from Iluka residents, about 200 people packed the Iluka Community Hall last Thursday to hear about the details of the revised strategy currently on exhibition ... "There is a concerning lack of disclosure in the revised housing strategy, and we wanted to let the community know what we had found": Sonya Maley, Iluka Focus Group member.
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.
