Western Riverina drought resilience planning workshop invite
Murrumbidgee Council is inviting you to contribute your insights, experiences and ideas to how we can improve our region’s drought preparedness into the future. Preparation of a Western Riverina Regional Drought Resilience Plan (RDRP) has recently commenced.
Community information sessions for Rochester Flood Study review
Campaspe Shire Council is inviting community members from Rochester and surrounding areas to attend a series of information sessions as a comprehensive review of the Rochester Flood Study is launched. Following the significant flooding events in 2011, 2022, and most recently in 2024, this updated study aims to reassess and enhance flood mitigation strategies to better protect the community.
More housing blocks open for Hay
Work on the Bishop’ Lodge subdivision has been completed at a cost of $405,000 and Council hopes to utilise the area to create affordable housing. General Manager, David Webb said many local councils were committing to specific mechanisms and actions to increase housing supply and housing affordability, such as affordable housing contribution schemes.
Edenhope Equine Facility transformation
The Edenhope equestrian community is going from strength to strength ... The Edenhope Equine Facility features modern amenities ... The fully off grid system will mean that operating costs for these community groups are greatly reduced ... West Wimmera Shire Council Mayor Tim Meyer said Council was proud to have played a crucial role in bringing the Edenhope Equine Facility to life.
Rates to rise 4.7 per cent, water charges increase
Clarence Valley ratepayers will be slugged 4.7 per cent more for residential rates and an extra 6 per cent for water access and consumption after a split 6 to 3 vote by Clarence Valley Councillors when they endorsed the 2024-2025 Fees and Charges.
New Maroochydore landmark celebrates First Nations culture
A new sculptural public artwork by Kabi Kabi artist and cultural leader Lyndon Davis will fittingly welcome visitors to Sunshine Coast City Hall with a story that is significant to the region’s First Nation’s people. Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli unveiled the piece today (July 1) ... “The 4.5 metre tall work titled Dura Gunga (Mullet & Sea Eagle), embodies the rich cultural narrative of the Kabi Kabi people,” Mayor Natoli said.
Record-setting restoration of rural gravel roads commences
Lismore City Council has commenced an historic effort to restore over 120km of unsealed gravel roads damaged by natural disasters. Over the next three months, Council will deploy six dedicated local crews to grade and repair the most severely affected areas.
Expansion one step closer – community precinct to be created
Last Wednesday’s meeting of the Southern Downs Regional Council decided unanimously to remove the old Allora Fire Station building from the site and go ahead with the future redevelopment of the Allora Community Precinct. This leaves the way open for the Sports Museum and the Allora Library to make a move.
Longridge help?
What’s the future of our community-owned aged care facility, Longridge Aged Care (LAC)? LAC is facing financial pressures due to the increased cost of business and is struggling to retain a stable workforce ... has written to the Naracoorte Lucindale Council to come to its rescue so it can continue to provide the best care for its residents.
TRC trying new ‘community engagement’ model
Council has adopted a ‘Councillor Community Engagement Model’ put forward by Mayor Geoff McDonald. The model will see three areas outside of Toowoomba City given three councillors each year on a rotating basis.
No divisions for Toowoomba Region
Hope that some of the Toowoomba Region’s councillors will specifically represent those living outside of Toowoomba City has been quashed following a vote at last week’s Council meeting. Cr Kerry Shine was spearheading an electoral arrangement review which could see divisions brought to Toowoomba Regional Council, potentially providing areas outside of Toowoomba with their own councillor or councillors.
Writer proposed for park honour
The author of the renowned ‘Silver Brumby’ series of books, Elyne Mitchell, has been nominated to have a park named after her. Wodonga Council is seeking feedback on a proposal for the Elyne Mitchell Park to be established in the Kinchington Estate on the southern outskirts of the city.
Council adopts 2024-25 Budget
West Wimmera Shire Council has adopted its 2024-25 Budget and Annual Plan. Council endorsed both documents at a meeting on Wednesday. A key feature of the 2024- 25 budget is a strong focus on maintaining and enhancing key infrastructure, particularly roads, and promoting education, healthcare, tourism, and economic development.
Toddler attacked by kangaroo in South Grafton
Within seconds, it was over. But for Connie, it was a frightening moment in time which felt like eternity. The South Grafton mother recalls watching her two-year-old daughter Georgia and her partner Daniel playing with remote-control cars together in the backyard ... a juvenile male eastern grey kangaroo raced up to the little girl and kicked her over before turning around and striking at her again while she lay on the ground.
Razor gang cuts funding to slash council deficit
Paul Mitchell. Berri Barmera Council has cut a list of programs and expenses from its budget, in a bid to reduce its projected deficit in the next financial year – and avoid lifting rates. Among the defunded projects are the Loveday Internment Camp, for which $53,877 was set aside in the council’s original 2024/25 budget, and the Rally for the Riverland initiative, a joint Riverland councils project ...
Demand for agritourism growing five per cent each year
Rachel Hagan. The value of agritourism in Australia is expected to reach about $18 billion by 2023, and Yorke Peninsula residents have shown they are ready to learn all the tricks of the trade ... "People are doing it a lot in Europe, spending time on a European farm eating French food, on a French farm, and people are loving that very authentic cultural experience all over the world": Susan Lee.
New artworks breaking out
Rachel Hagan. A fabulous creature from the deep has washed up at the Warooka Hotel, helped ashore by Marion Bay artist Jason Swales. Across the past two weeks, Mr Swales has brought his love for the coast onto Main Street, Warooka by creating two enormous murals at the hotel and the Ballara Art and Lifestyle Retreat.
New Zealand flights to take off after Bonza closure
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli’s call to the Queensland Government for a lifeline following Bonza Airline’s closure has been met with a positive step forward ... The Fund will support direct Jetstar flights from Sunshine Coast Airport to Auckland all year round, starting in December.
Barkly Regional Council members dismissed, new era set to begin
After yesterday’s official dismissal of the members of Barkly Regional Council, Local Government Minister Chansey Paech has stated it was not a decision he took lightly. Minister Paech says, however, that it was necessary to ensure the effective operation of BRC for the region’s community.
Changes to council signal opportunities for Maldon residents
Local government elections will take place in October, and chatter has commenced over coffee and beer about council and candidates. Stephen Gardner, the current councillor for Tarrengower Ward, which includes the township of Maldon, has confirmed to the [Tarrangower] Times that he does not intend to re-nominate. This means that other aspiring leaders in the community who are passionate about Maldon can now consider stepping up to fill the vacancy.
Future of the Obelisk
Preserving Robe’s historic landmark and popular tourist attraction, the Obelisk, in its current location is “not a responsible use of ratepayer funds” ... “While we recognise its profound historical significance, various factors such as cost, environmental impact, practicality, and community opinion present significant challenges”: Mayor Lisa Ruffell.
Maywald, Noll resign
Naracoorte based regional LGA executive officer Adrian Maywald and Wattle Range mayor Des Noll have both resigned from the $1.38 million Limestone Coast Local Government Association (LCLGA). Mr Noll has also called for an independent review of the organisation, emphasising it must be “independent”. Funded by ratepayers via the region’s seven councils the association is a wholly owned subsidiary of them.
