Council

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

More than 100 memorial plaques stolen from a cemetery at Kirkwood Road, Tweed Heads have been located and reported to police. A groundsman at the Tweed Heads Lawn and General Cemetery located the 102 plaques piled up and hidden behind barriers on the outer perimeter of the grounds late yesterday.

As the industrial sprawl of green energy marches across the government-identified Renewable Energy Zones (REZ), Gannawarra Shire Councillor Garner Smith has renewed his call for negotiating lasting benefits from the VNI West project and renewable developments for Gannawarra residents. “Personally, I do not see an overall long-term benefit for communities like Gannawarra, out of either the VNI West power line or the renewable projects. Little to no long-term employment, unattractive infrastructure on a scale that the community does not comprehend and a benefits package that lacks detail and sounds more like welfare than an opportunity.

Working on the land, Moulamein farmer Nick McKindlay found farming gave him a great opportunity to explore his passion for birds. "As a farmer, I spend most of the workday outdoors, and my passion for birds has naturally woven itself into my daily activities," said Nick.

More than 100 copper plaques have been stolen from Tweed Heads Lawn and General Cemetery at Kirkwood Street. The plaques, with an estimated replacement value of between $30,000 to $40,000, were discovered missing from the southern end of the cemetery by a groundsman early yesterday morning ... Council is working with police who will review nearby CCTV footage in their investigations.

Last week, Her Excellency Professor, the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria, embarked on a regional visit across Hindmarsh and West Wimmera Shires. As the 30th Governor of Victoria and only the second woman to hold this position, Governor Gardner’s visit highlighted the innovative and forward-thinking businesses in the region.

Community engagement efforts in the Buloke Shire have highlighted the significant role online gaming plays in the lives of our residents, particularly among young people. Gaming is more than a pastime – it’s vital for community cohesion and recovery, as shown by the successful Level Up event at Sea Lake Neighbourhood House on Monday, with over 40 attendees, and another event set for Wycheproof on Sunday.

Water supply for the villages of Urbenville, Muli Muli and Woodenbong will be increased in capacity from 600 to 700 people. The Water Supply Project to these three villages will also improve the water quality as well with State Government funding of $2million to deliver the final stages to the Urbenville Water Treatment Plant.