Big Rocks Weir handed to State Government
Charters Towers Regional Council has ... made a decision to relinquish its role as proponent, developer, owner and operator of the Big Rocks Weir Project (BRW) to the State Government. Council’s original aim was to build and operate a weir in the Big Rocks area, located on the Burdekin River approximately 35km north of Charters Towers.
RDA welcomes new Riverina board members
Regional Development Australia (Riverina) is now officially halfway through the year and the first half was filled with exciting opportunities for the Riverina with momentum only increasing for the rest of the year. An Economic Development Officers Forum was recently held in Narrandera.
Enough is enough says Murrumbidgee Council Mayor
Councillor Ruth McRae OAM, Murrumbidgee Council Mayor. Enough is enough...things you all should know. Crippling water buybacks will see many communities, currently with their back to the wall, disappear, and the shiny trinkets offered by the Federal Government as compensation are $300 million. The Federal Government plans to buy back up to 450GL of water which, at our estimates, will cost them $8 billion. No surprises, there is an undisclosed amount in the Federal Budget to buy water ...
Melbourne firm awarded Koondrook’s $500,000 transition fund
Gannawarra Shire Council staff have awarded the $500,000 State Government’s Community Development Fund to Melbourne based Urban Enterprises. The $500,000 grant from the Victorian Labor Government was in response to the Andrews – Allan Government’s decision to end over 150 years of native forestry in the state. Urban Enterprises edged out three rival bids for the contract, two being Barham-based and from Bendigo.
Water security bolstered
Toowoomba Regional Council's (TRC) $40 million major upgrades to the Mt Kynoch water treatment plant were officially opened on Monday, supporting water needs into the next decade. Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald said TRC had invested $40 million in the Stage 4 upgrade to implement modern water treatment processes.
Millions more in support flowing for Riverland councils, but – too little too late?
Madison Eastmond, Hugh Schuitemaker ... The Federal Government yesterday announced $25m worth of funding to support flood recovery efforts. However, Chaffey MP Tim Whetstone said the repair of damaged local infrastructure needed to be a higher priority ... "Some are unsafe, and councils are left swinging in the breeze wondering if funding will eventuate to repair the flood impacted road network."
Wondai Heritage Museum Open Day
Come and enjoy the day. Wander through the Museum and ask the volunteers questions. There will be a sausage sizzle, coffee van and many stalls featuring local crafts and produce.
Australian Army rolls into Derby ahead of biggest exercise in years
Leaders from multiple agencies across the Shire of Derby/West Kimberley met with senior Australian Army personnel ... ahead of a major local training exercise. The ADF’s Exercise Austral Shield kicks off over the coming days and will see hundreds of soldiers and their armoured and heavy vehicles moving around town for the next week as they fight a fictitious enemy role-played by other Army soldiers.
Council ranks above average in community survey
West Wimmera Shire Council has ranked well above the state average in this year’s Community Satisfaction Survey ... “We are pleased with the fact that our overall performance has been well above other small rural councils and the state average; however, that will not stop us from trying to improve in all areas, especially our roads": Council CEO David Bezuidenhout.
Wallumbilla’s new community precinct breaks ground: Chisholm, Taylor, Kennedy-Clark
Construction works on Wallumbilla’s new community precinct has officially begun with Assistant Minister for Regional Development Anthony Chisholm joining Maranoa Regional Council representatives to turn the first sod on the new $4.85 million facility (in south-west Queensland). The precinct upgrade will feature a new community centre, library, visitor information centre and professional service spaces.
Remediation works to maintain perfect water quality
Lismore City Council is investing $1 million in important remediation work on two water reservoirs after a scheduled in-depth health check on the system's condition. The two identified for repairs are the Esmonde Street and Wyreema Avenue reservoirs.
Gallery launches Mid West Arts Membership program
Exciting times are ahead for artists in the Midwest following Geraldton Regional Art Gallery’s (GRAG) announcement of its first ever arts membership program. An innovative new initiative the Mid West Arts Membership (MWAM) is open to all artists living or working in the Midwest, providing the chance to upskill through workshops as well as gain valuable experience exhibiting in a professional gallery setting.
SA medical imaging Mobile Bone Density clinic visit to Coober Pedy
The Royal Adelaide Hospital Mobile Bone Density clinic is visiting Coober Pedy soon in August 2024. Speak to your GP to get a referral beforehand, then phone (08) 7074 5400 to book an appointment while the mobile unit is in your local area.
Giant sculptures and 500 artworks thrill Bentley Art Prize crowds
Brisbane artist Elena Churilova had no idea where Bentley was ... She was worried she was going to be late and miss the announcement of the winners. Luckily, she made it in time to win four major categories scooping $4350 in prize money.
50 years of depreciation?
The whereabouts of 50 years of depreciation for the Naracoorte saleyards is under the spotlight following questions by Cr Cameron Grundy. Cr Grundy has further queried if livestock owners have paid for the yards twice - once via fees when they sold their stock, and again as ratepayers via their council rates. He raised the matter at council’s June 25 meeting following a motion on notice by Cr Craig McGuire regarding the Naracoorte Regional Livestock Exchange (NRLE).
Attacking the housing crisis from all fronts
Housing is the hottest topic at the moment, with agencies and organisations across the country putting their expertise towards various ways of analysing and addressing the multi-faceted issue. It is a crisis of availability and affordability across the country, affecting home buyers as prices and interest rates continue to increase, but most particularly the detrimental effects are being felt by renters.
Built to thrill: Yarrila Place wins industry acclaim
City of Coffs Harbour’s cutting-edge community building Yarrila Place has won construction industry acclaim, with the builders recognised for their part in the exceptional project at the Master Builders' Association NSW Northern Region Awards. Lipman, the commercial builders, won Best use of tiles, Best use of brick, Public Buildings over $50 million, and the esteemed title of Commercial Builder of the Year at the prestigious awards.
Rate rise kept to a minimum
The Towong Shire Council has adopted its 2024/25 Budget which focuses on roads maintenance. “We recognise that we’re facing challenging economic times and on that basis, we believe the budget strikes the right balance between ensuring your rates are being invested efficiently and effectively while meeting all the needs of our community,” said Towong mayor, Cr Andrew Whitehead.
An oar-some announcement
Hugh Schuitemaker. Collaboration between Renmark Paringa Council, the State Government and a local rowing club is set to support a $1.7m infrastructure upgrade ... "The project will result in a 70m long wharf with 6m ramps down on either side to allow the Renmark Rowing Club to host large meets and become a premier destination for rowers statewide": Tim Tol.
Council resolves to trade surplus water
Future surplus water will be traded by Hay Shire Council with revenue to be returned to Council’s Water fund for further water projects. A Sale (Trade) of Water policy was unanimously adopted by Council at its recent monthly meeting in a bid to generate additional revenue for the Water Fund as well as improve the efficiency of water usage.
Locals evidence to Land and Environment Court
Six local community members presented evidence to a Land and Environment Court conciliation conference between Yamba developer Clifton and Clarence Valley Council ... Mr Cousins said recent reports identified that by the year 2030, there is a chance between 50 and 80 per cent of the houses in Yamba will be uninsurable and before any development on the floodplain is allowed to proceed, developers should "get the fundamentals right".
Growing Wallaroo
Joanna Tucker. Privately owned rural land on the outskirts of Wallaroo is in the process of being rezoned, with new housing and an industrial estate looking increasingly likely to be built there in coming years ... Wallaroo’s population has increased by more than a quarter in the past decade and continues to grow rapidly.
