Government red tape holds back vital youth services
The delay in youth centres in the Barkly region has been a major talking point in the region of late ... The project was in dire straits, with a funding extension granted until 31 December due to planning issues with the sacred tree in its original plans ... The Youth Centre is going grey whilst the crickets are chirping, awaiting occupancy certification from the same department.
100 pc mobile coverage in 2 years
Across the Limestone Coast and throughout Australia, Optus and SpaceX plan to provide 100 per cent mobile coverage by the end of 2025. The deal means an Optus customer should be able to connect to Starlink’s satellites to get mobile service if an Optus network is not available.
NLC hangs up on Telstra
An unexplained drop in mobile phone services throughout the district, Telstra profits, Optus and looming satellite mobile services are among reasons the Naracoorte Lucindale Council has rejected Telstra’s second call for ratepayer cash. But the main reason is cost-shifting and ratepayers being asked to pay for a taxpayer funded federal government responsibility.
Yes or no?
As discussions on the Yes or No debate for the Australian Indigenous Voice referendum heat up, an elected district council mayor has cautioned the public not to take the issue lightly. Naracoorte-Lucindale mayor Patrick Ross told The [Naracoorte Community] News that a referendum was a “very serious matter”, and that it was vitally important that the population was very clear on the actual question being asked.
Telstra’s plan for 27 towers
During the next few years Telstra hopes to build 27 mobile phone towers throughout the region, each costing around $1.5 million. Called Connect Limestone Coast, Telstra expects to fund 25 per cent of the cost itself, anticipating the Commonwealth will pick up 50 per cent of the tab. It will be up to councils, State Government, and industries to fund the remaining cost.
Shire stands by heritage precinct lease decision
The Denmark Shire Council has backed its decision to award the lease of the former Lions Club building to the Kwoorabup Nature School ... Heritage Precinct Alliance spokesperson Bev McGuinness labelled the council decision as ‘beyond disappointing’ ... "To listen to councillors parrot their support for heritage and community consultation, then turn around and confirm their flawed and unpopular decision to allow a heritage precinct belonging to the whole community to be taken over by a private school."
Govt blocks housing plan
Patricia Gill. The State Government has stymied local charity Denmark Futures’ bid to buy 31 on the Terrace in rejecting an application for $1.76 million funding. Denmark Futures chair Trevor Hunt said the funding was vital for the $2.3 million project which would have renovated the guest house, formerly Edinboro House, into 10 furnished micro apartments ... "Following significant effort, we have been advised of the government’s decision not to proceed, with priority being given to ‘simpler projects’ in other locations," Mr Hunt said.
It’s time to report your koala encounters: Sunshine Coast Council
Sunshine Coast Council’s Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor Maria Suarez thanked the photographer for reporting the koala sighting at Palmview Forest through the Queensland Government’s QWildlife app and is calling on others to do the same. “There are some amazing images of Sunshine Coast koalas being uploaded to QWildlife”: Councillor Maria Suarez.
Port Pirie’s military history brought to life in new mural during SALA Festival
Port Pirie Regional Council is thrilled to announce a captivating commemorative project that will breathe life into the military history of the region. South Australian artist Sam Brooks, renowned for his extensive portfolio of public art, has partnered with his assistant Mark Harding to create a stunning mural on the side of the last remaining WW2 Belmont Hangar at Port Pirie Aerodrome.
Revitalisation injects new life into Ulmarra
A new lease of life has been injected into an historic local town with visitors raving about the beautification of Ulmarra after a $3.4 million makeover by Clarence Valley Council. The Ulmarra CBD revitalisation includes new footpaths, drainage, road sealing replacement on Coldstream Street, new landscaping and trees planted, new street furniture, a new pedestrian crossing, and a raised intersection at Coldstream Street and River Street.
Heating and cooling system for Kaniva Shire Hall
The historic Kaniva Shire Hall can now offer increased comfort and functionality with the installation of a new heating and cooling system. This marks a significant milestone for the building ... The Kaniva Shire Hall was officially opened in 1929 and is renowned for its unique architectural features, including a rare cameo ceiling.
BWC takes levy battle statewide
Barunga West Council has stepped up its fight to get better value for money from the levy collected by the Northern and Yorke Landscape Board ... Council is calling for the state government to review its approach to managing landscapes and natural resources, including community engagement, transparency and equitable allocation of the levy and its resources.
Some councillors move to revoke glamping proposal
Some Wanneroo councillors want the city to revoke a decision made earlier this month to approve a glamping tent proposal for the old Quinns Rocks caravan park site ... The six councillors said they wanted to revoke the earlier decision as it did not accord with the clear wishes of the community who did not support the development proposal of Eco Tourism or any other entity ...
Reborn: Mesmerizing magic and illusions live at Riverlinks Westside!
Combining the art of magic, mind-bending illusions, and an electrifying soundtrack and lighting Luke Blaze is bringing the extraordinary spectacle, REBORN to Regional Victoria commencing September 2 at Riverlinks Westside in Mooroopna. REBORN will captivate and mesmerize audiences as Luke Blaze, Australia’s youngest current underwater escape artist, embarks on a show which pushes boundaries...
Art through the ages: A captivating journey behind the City of Whyalla Art Collection
Whyalla City Council has released a new book showcasing its historic art collection to the public in its entirety for the first time. ‘City of Whyalla Art Collection ... the history of Whyalla’s Art Collection starting from the 19th Century to the more recent pieces created in the 2020s.
New fish passage for Fitzroy Barrage thanks to Rookwood Weir: Butcher
The Rookwood Weir project is helping fish species move safely and more freely in the Lower Fitzroy River system. As part of the project’s environmental offset strategy, a $7 million fishway is to be added to the Fitzroy Barrage, located at Rockhampton, downstream of the weir.
Flood outlook and recovery update for Undera residents
Greater Shepparton City Council invites members of the Undera and surrounding communities to an information session providing a comprehensive update on flood outlook, flood recovery actions, and essential emergency readiness. The session will be delivered in partnership with VicSES, Goulburn Murray Water, and the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority.
Next steps for Carisbrook Levee
The final stage of Carisbrook Levee project was completed in June 2023 and Council is now working with our funding partners to confirm a date for an official opening ... This project has delivered a significant piece of infrastructure which will mitigate flooding for the township of Carisbrook.
“No confidence””ˆmotion on Grampians health
Northern Grampians Shire Council has passed a motion of no confidence in Grampians Health at a Northern Grampians Shire Council Meeting, held on Monday, August 7, in St Arnaud, with votes falling four councillors for the motion, and two against. The motion, submitted to the council meeting agenda by Cr. Rob Haswell, cited a significant list of rationale behind the move ...
Rates up at Robe
Ratepayers at Robe will have an average rate increase of 7.7 per cent, which mayor Lisa Ruffell believes is “fair and reasonable in the current climate” ... At the top end of the rate rise sits primary producers who are likely to see their rates soar by 11.95 per cent, or more.
Indigenous leader calls for bureaucrat-free Cultural Heritage panel
David Prestipino, NIT. A prominent First Nations leader in the Kimberley has called for an independent panel chaired by an industry leader and Indigenous expert to re-draft WA's doomed Aboriginal Cultural Heritage legislation. Nyikina man and former Kimberley Land Council CEO Wayne Bergmann said a roundtable of industry, pastoralists, farmers, native title holders and land councils should be involved in drafting the new laws.
Exciting times ahead at Bracknell Lodge
After more than two and a half years since it was first applied for, Wyreema’s Bracknell Lodge can now become home to a horse equestrian arena after Toowoomba Regional Council gave its approval last week. Councillors had the final say at a special meeting held last Wednesday and gave their unanimous support for the development application.

