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.
Nobby to be biosecurity surveillance target
Landholders in Nobby will be targeted by Toowoomba Regional Council’s Biosecurity Surveillance Program in the 2024/25 financial year. Nobby in one of six places in the region to be selected as a priority surveillance area for the upcoming year, alongside Athol, Gilla, Douglas, Malling and Dunmore.
Recovery hub has done its job
The Towong Shire Council will hold a community celebration to recognise the vital role it has played in the recovery from the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires. After three and a half years, the funding to support the hub’s operations will cease on June and the facility will close.
All hands on deck as Mossman harvest gets green light: Canegrowers
The race is on to get Mossman’s cane crush underway, following confirmation the State Government would chip in up to $6 million towards the cost of transporting the cane 100kms south to MSF’s Mulgrave Mill ... the local Douglas Shire Council, Douglas Chamber of Commerce, MSF Sugar and the Queensland Government, Premier Steven Miles announced the government would cover nearly half of the transport costs.
Whose road is it anyway?
Understanding the difference between VicRoads arterial roads and Council local roads In an effort to provide clarity to the public regarding the management and responsibilities of different types of roads, West Wimmera Shire Council is pleased to offer an explanation on the distinction between VicRoads arterial roads and Council local roads.
Rejected – NRPP refuse Miles Street Yamba subdivision
The Northern Regional Planning Panel have refused a proposal for a controversial $53 million 284 lot subdivision at Miles Street, Yamba, in a split decision 3 votes to one ... The NRPP gave ... reasons for refusing the application relating to filling of the site, the flood risk and evacuation, community concerns about flooding, and the management of Acid Sulphate Soils ...
Community support still vital for fight to secure airport’s future
Put your voice forward and let the Commonwealth Department of Defence know about why it is important to you, your family, your business or organisation for the Wagga Wagga Airport to the remain in the community's hands. Council is pleading with local and surrounding communities to keep their submissions coming in support of the fight to secure the future of the airport...
‘Huge loss’: Mayor seeks State help after Bonza collapse
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli is calling on the Queensland Government to address the wide-reaching impacts felt through the loss of Bonza Airlines ... Those affected include the airline’s 150 staff, as well as suppliers, cleaning, catering and support services and the many accommodation providers, restaurants, retailers, car rental and attractions, who had benefited from the record numbers of visitors brought in by Bonza.
Rates go up 5 per cent
Local ratepayers have been slapped with a rate increase of five per cent for the next financial year. Elected members of the Naracoorte Lucindale Council had mixed reactions to the increase, but the majority agreed a five per cent increase was the right thing to do to safeguard and protect the council, which is in a “dangerous position” financially. The council administration had initially proposed a 5.8 per cent increase in rates via a 53-page document...
Regional uni study hub to be operational next year
Building modiï¬cations and ï¬t-out work will commence shortly on the Southern Downs regional university study hub, located at 163 Palmerin Street, Warwick ... When completed, the centre will include quality learning spaces, meeting rooms, technology and pastoral care ...
CWA International Food Fair goes from strength to strength
CWA Narrandera Evening Branch is celebrating another huge success with their International Food Fair on Saturday ... "There were over 30 food and market stalls on offer, again a further increase on last year’s stall numbers": CWA President Beryl Brain ... Free children’s activities included a jumping castle, face painting and fun activities provided by Fusion.
‘Forgotten’ rail line to be raised with Federal Government
Narrandera Shire Council will discuss with the Federal Member for Farrer Sussan Ley MP and the Federal Government the possibility to reinstate the Narrandera to Tocumwal Rail Line as a supplementary line to the planned Wagga Inland Rail Route. Cr Jenny Clarke said a previous Council had lobbied vigorously for the Narrandera to Tocumwal line to be reinstated, but unfortunately all the progress achieved had been basically forgotten by the current Council.
