Many issues behind empty shops
The condition of buildings, rental levels and the challenging economic environment are some of the causes of empty shops along Smith St, according to CEO Trevor Smart. Mr Smart said while some may suggest shop vacancies were caused by parking, “there are also many other issues" ... The [Naracoorte Community] News queried suggestions that under the previous council’s rejuvenation plan it was going to offer $1m for the purchase of Norman’s Carpets and its private car park.
Count draws koala spotters
Over a hundred people gathered at the Narrandera Flora and Fauna Reserve recently to attend the annual Koala Count event ... "These magnificent creatures have since spread far and wide, and the community are determined to uncover the full extent of their reach. It is reported that 25 koalas were counted this year, with five of them accompanied by their adorable little joeys, bringing the total tally to 30."
Leeton Council says no to Murray-Darling Water Amendment Bill 2023
Leeton Shire Mayor Tony Reneker said the Federal Government’s Bill to rewrite the 2012 Murray-Darling Basin Plan endangers the future of businesses and communities in the Murrumbidgee Valley ... Leeton Shire Council, along with Murray Darling Association Region 9 members and key commodity groups in the MIA (such as citrus and rice), urge Murray Darling Association (MDA) members to oppose expanded buybacks and removal of socio-economic protections.
Allora again loses major event to Clifton
The reason - Allora still has NO community hall to hold large functions. Saturday night saw the successful Wattles Banquet held at the F E Logan Hall in Clifton ... To find out what’s happening with our Hall The Allora Advertiser contacted the Southern Downs Regional Council for an update.
Truck drivers urged to slow down on gravel roads
With the 2023 harvest now underway truck drivers are being urged to slow down to 70km/h to help preserve the condition of unsealed rural roads in the Midwest. Corrugations, or washboard effect, caused by acceleration and deceleration pose the greatest risk to drivers and their vehicles.
Innovative bike library lends bicycles to school students
A new bike library will link Orelia Primary School students with unclaimed bikes from WA Police to encourage physical activity. An exciting new bike library concept aims to leave a positive legacy in Kwinana by linking unclaimed or donated bikes with students at Orelia Primary School.
Extra rates to be spent on roads
Patrick Goldsmith. Yorke Peninsula Council will spend the $405,114 in extra rates revenue garnered from primary producers, on road-related efficiency improvement. YPC rates increased by eight per cent this year, with an extra three per cent hit taken by primary producers.
BWC to push for heritage listing
Port Broughton’s ornately decorated hotel and its stately Norfolk Island pines, the Alford Institute Hall, churches at Bute and a farmhouse at Mundoora are among 46 sites which could be heritage listed by Barunga West Council ... Council has proposed new planning rules to protect the area’s local heritage, which would make it the first council to utilise South Australia’s code amendment process for this purpose.
Lismore Housing Expo: Your guide to housing and recovery
The current housing crisis is not just a statistic or a news headline, it's a current reality that affects countless individuals and families in Lismore and beyond ... In response to this crisis, Lismore City Council has developed the Lismore Housing Expo, demonstrating Council's commitment to providing access to the knowledge and resources needed to find a safe and secure place to live.
Australia must restore the Federation and devolve power to the States and to Local Government
The resounding defeat of the Voice referendum demonstrates, once again, that far too much of day-to-day life in Australia is being dictated by remote and disconnected from the population elites ... The big lesson from the recent referendum is that people want to make their own decisions. They do not need ‘help’ from the elites, who know nothing about how life actually transpires in most of Australia.
Community plans to bolster regional drought resilience: Watt, Spence
Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Murray Watt and Victorian Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence announced the Drought Resilience Plans for the Gippsland, Goulburn and Wimmera Southern Mallee regions have been finalised. These are the first of nine regional communities across the state to develop community-led Regional Drought Resilience Plans through the Future Drought Fund’s Regional Drought Resilience Planning Program, jointly funded by the Albanese and Allan Governments.
Legislation introduced to expand national park under Plan for Our Parks: Carey, Whitby
The Cook Labor Government has introduced the Reserves Bill 2023 to the WA Parliament to enable 145,000 hectares of land to be added to the Helena and Aurora Ranges National Park. The protection of the Helena and Aurora Ranges is a strategic priority under the Cook Government's Plan for Our Parks initiative which aims to add five million hectares to the State's conservation estate.
Micro abattoir tour excites
The need for humane and accessible abattoir facilities has never been greater as producers are forced out of larger facilities and face ever-increasing costs of transporting their animals. Last week’s meeting and tour with the Murray Plains Meat Co-Operative (MPMC) was well attended with everyone being brought up to speed on how the project is progressing.
In Conversation: Leila Jeffreys with Julie Mclaren
We have just confirmed that acclaimed Sydney-based wildlife photographer Leila Jeffreys will be visiting Ballarat later this month for the launch of her work on the new Art Screen in Alfred Deakin Place. Join her as she discusses her career and experiences working with birds with Gallery Curator Julie McLaren.
Lockyer Valley welcomes possible recycled water for agriculture and industry
Lockyer Valley Regional Council has welcomed announcement by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk on plans for a new desalinisation plant, saying it could free up existing infrastructure and water supplies for industrial and agricultural use and provide water security for our population growth. Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor, Cr Tanya Milligan said while the Premier’s announcement wasn’t specifically about water security for the Lockyer Valley and Somerset regions, the overall SEQ water plan put the local project in a favourable light.
Excitement builds for Dunolly Gold Rush Festival
Excitement is building for this year’s Dunolly Gold Rush Festival to be held on Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 October. The weekend will kick off on Saturday 21 October with the Dunolly Gold Rush Music Festival ... There will be a variety of stalls, prizes, great music in the Rotunda, the favourite “Hold the Gold” competition, Festival merchandise sales, displays of classic cars ...
BWC seeks to recoup costs
Michelle Daw. Barunga West Council is looking to recoup up to $305,000 a year in expenses and lost income associated with council land and buildings ... The audit covered council land use and unmade road reserves for cropping, grant payments and public liability as well as personal accident insurance premiums for progress associations and groups. Payment of water and power bills and building insurance for buildings not owned or used by council, council mowing the ovals at the Bute and Port Broughton sports clubs, and council’s community grants program were also audited.
New weapon detects bushfires in minutes: Sunshine Coast Council
The Sunshine Coast faces one of its most threatening fire seasons but now has a world-leading tool to help safeguard people, properties, and our natural assets. Developed by local company exci (formerly Fireball International), this AI-assisted program analyses satellite images and on-ground cameras to swiftly spot heat and smoke.
Crime wave
In the shadow of darkness, sometimes thieves are lurking down side streets, back roads and farm paddocks, checking for unlocked cars, sheds, houses and gates to steal whatever they can. “It is a sign of the times, driven by the high cost of living as a result of high electricity prices,” according to RM Electronics owner Rob Mutton who is currently selling a record number of security cameras, helping police catch thieves.
Iconic track comes under review
A draft strategic plan to bolster the Hume and Hovell Track has been released ... [following] consultations and workshops with tourism groups, community members, local councils, Aboriginal organisations, and agencies including the National Parks and Wildlife Service and NSW Forestry Corporation.
Charging ahead on Yorke Peninsula
Michelle Daw. The RAA is set to install its second electric vehicle charging station on Yorke Peninsula, part of a planned total of eight within the region. Barunga West Council has accepted an offer by the RAA to replace its two existing Teslabranded chargers on Harvey Street, next to the Port Broughton council chambers by the end of the year.
Land sale puts history in jeopardy
Will Hunter. It is feared a historic crane located on an allotment listed for sale as part of a Department for Infrastructure and Transport land disposal in Port Wakefield may be at risk. The allotments … were listed for sale with Ray White Yorke Peninsula after Wakefield Regional Council advised DIT it had no interest in acquiring any of the land identified for disposal.
