Housing crisis
The federal, state, and local governments have a role to play in curbing the housing crisis in Naracoorte and its surrounding towns. That’s the word from Shadow Minister for Regional South Australia, Nicola Centofanti, who revealed a state migration strategy was being developed to tackle the housing crisis in the regional towns. Ms Centofanti told The News that the strategy would be made public once it was ready.
Emu greeting visitors and locals to Yamba
Visitors to Yamba this Easter may be greeted with the same inquisitive looks that have been exciting locals over the past couple of months from a Coastal Emu that has taken up residence in paddocks near Wynyabbie House at Palmers Channel. Social media has been abuzz with sightings and photos of the critically endangered, world’s second tallest bird, which is only found on the NSW North Coast.
PS Oscar W is back on the water, to launch the SA Wooden Boat Festival’s program
We are thrilled to announce one of the SA Wooden Boat Festival's most iconic vessels, the PS Oscar W is back on the water this week and just in time for the launch of the festival’s official program. The final count-down is on towards the 29-30 April South Australian Wooden Boat Festival (SAWBF) weekend.
Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital proposed $12 million wildlife plan for Northern Rivers
An innovative regional wildlife care plan has been launched by Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital chair Ninian Gemmell, seeking an extra $6 million for a region-wide strategy. The 10-point plan aims to support all organisations involved in local wildlife care, recognising the vital roles played by the Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital, Friends of the Koala Hospital and Currumbin Wildlife Hospital.
Emu working group hatched
To ensure that the emu population receives appropriate funding and care, a recent on-country meeting was held on Mount Wycheproof, with participation from Council, Traditional Owners, State Government agencies, Friends of Mount Wycheproof, Landcare, and community members. The group collectively resolved to establish a team representative of all stakeholders to oversee the welfare of the emus.
Narrandera’s tap water prompts complaints
Narrandera Shire Council General Manager George Cowan assured residents of the town that water quality is the Council’s number one priority, but relief is estimated to be three years away. Claims have been made that many residents are living off bottled water because the town supply is leaving them with irritated bowels and skin rashes.
Concern over weed spread
Stewart's Range farmer Heather Heggie is concerned about the rapid spread of weeds throughout the Naracoorte Lucindale Council district ... “My question is in the absence of an engineer, what is the criteria for managing unsealed roads and the potential for weed spread?: Stewart's Range farmer Heather Heggie.
Rate debate
Will our council rates increase next financial year? While that could be possible because of inflationary pressures, an elected councillor of the Naracoorte Lucindale Council hopes the new council adheres to its core responsibilities and does not increase rates excessively. Last year Cr Cameron Grundy called on the council to look at how it could more fairly spread the rate burden across the district.
HOPE investigating potential vegetable gardening opportunities for socially disadvantaged
Householders’ Options to Protect the Environment (HOPE) has been investigating opportunities for people to access under-utilised suburban backyards, especially for those who are unable to garden in rental properties. HOPE president Frank Ondrus said there are many people who own their own homes but who do not or cannot use the space they have for gardening. "It is our hope that with your support we will be able to offer space to people who wish to produce food for their own tables," he said.
Leeton’s Roxy development in limbo
Roxy Theatre project developers the Lloyd Group entered voluntary administration on Friday. Leeton Shire Council was telephonically advised at 11.30am that day that the Lloyd Group had gone into voluntary administration at 7am that morning. The Group has 59 state and local government projects under construction in Victoria and NSW.
Clarence and Coffs councils’ disagreement over water supply agreement
A decision on a bulk raw water supply agreement with Coffs Harbour City Council has been deferred by Clarence Valley Council at its March meeting to allow the mayors of both councils to discuss an arrangement that is mutually agreed on. At the March 28 Clarence Valley Council (CVC) meeting councillors were advised a dispute resolution process that council resolved to enter at the December 2022 meeting had failed to negotiate an outcome both parties agreed on.
Illuminate Festival returns to Shepparton in May
Greater Shepparton City Council is excited to welcome back the Illuminate festival to the shores of Victoria Park Lake next month. The event creates a full sensory experience, incorporating lights, music and food in a way that celebrates the region and builds Greater Shepparton’s brand as regional Victoria’s abundant, dynamic, cultural capital.
The festival sure to open a can of bookworms
Are you looking for a novel idea this Easter? How about hunting for a literary gem among more than 200,000 offerings at Lifeline Bookfest Sunshine Coast at Nambour Showgrounds. Division 10 Councillor David Law said a massive range of bargain books would be on sale at the four-day event from Friday, April 7, to Monday, April 10, being held from 9am to 4pm each day. Â
Residents reminded to secure livestock
Rural residents in the Gannawarra Shire are reminded to secure all livestock on their properties following several recent collisions between roaming animals and vehicles. Council’s Local Laws officers have attended a higher number of incidents involving collisions between roaming animals and vehicles compared to previous years.
Lord Howe Island Board News
Kermadec Petrel to call LHI home once again, thanks to new project funding - Road upgrade - Project and funding updates - Welcome to the new Ranger, Thomas Nixon
Permanent Park Preserve fully open: LHIB
LHIB. The southern walking tracks in the Permanent Park Preserve (PPP) were re-opened on March 31st, after a brief closure in response to the escalating risk of Myrtle rust to the critically endangered ecosystems within that section of the PPP. The entire PPP is now open in full to managed visitation.
Community leaders to meet to discuss anti-social behaviour in our city
Mayor Mislov advised that on Friday 31 March 2023 Council was made aware of an incident that occurred in Port Lincoln on Thursday 23 March 2023 which involved a number of young females, including at least one school student in a violent attack. "Council has been made aware of what can only be described as an appalling incident, which has been filmed and distributed via social media, involving young females in a violent attack on a female school student": Mayor Mislov.
Echuca Moama Discovery this Saturday
Local residents are encouraged to come along to Echuca Library this Saturday for the annual Echuca Moama Discovery Day. The event will showcase over 50 groups from Echuca Moama and surrounds, ranging from local service and sporting clubs, to singing, art, craft, history groups and many other community organisations.
Land valuations steep for Southern Downs
Most in the Southern Downs Region can expect rates to be significantly higher following the release of the latest land valuations. Across the Region, the revaluation dated 1 October 2022 included 18,533 properties, with an estimated total value of approximately $3.8 billion, an overall increase of 50 per cent since the last valuation in October 2020.
Moving LGA boundaries will cut the number of properties paying rates to two councils
Kyogle received a request from Richmond Valley to consider boundary adjustments between the local government areas because some parcels of land pay rates to two councils. Kyogle Council staff reviewed the Richmond Valley Council proposals and recommended the changes with the exception of those affecting 895 Bulmers Rd ... The proposal is untenable and not in the interests of the residents or the councils, staff decided.
Big schedule for 2023 Youth Week across Toowoomba Region
A wide-ranging program of activities is planned to engage young people across the Toowoomba Region for Queensland Youth Week 2023. Held from 11 to 17 April, Queensland Youth Week is an annual celebration of young people aged 12–25, and an opportunity to recognise the positive contributions they make across our Region.
2022-2023 rates relief package for flood-impacted properties
Campaspe Shire Council has announced a package of rates relief in 2022-2023 for properties impacted by the October 2022 floods ... “About 1,000 properties have already had rate adjustments by the Victorian Valuer General as they have had a secondary impact assessment and been through the supplementary rates process": Campaspe Mayor Cr Rob Amos.
