Gingin says CEO disclosed previous dealings during earlier tender process
The Shire of Gingin says councillors were made aware when the Gingin council dealt with the Guilderton caravan park tender process that chief executive officer Aaron Cook had prior dealings with Belgravia Leisure’s WA state manager when Mr Cook was the Narrogin CEO.
National Regionalisation Roadshow kicks off in Stawell: Regional Australia Institute
The Regional Australia Institute (RAI) CEO Liz Ritchie will launch the national Regionalisation Roadshow in Stawell this week – helping local leaders of Northern Grampians tackle the issues holding their country towns back ... As a member of the RAI, the Northern Grampians offered to host and be the first location in regional Australia to ignite a place-based lens on the framework – focussing on areas including job vacancies, education, and housing.
Far from a Still Life
Studio? Who needs a studio? I paint anywhere the mood takes me. Easel? Who needs an easel? Margaret Olley.
Major milestone for reform of Local Government Act: Carey
The Legislative Assembly has passed the Local Government Amendment Bill 2023, which will deliver a range of major reforms to the system of local government across Western Australia. Tranche one of the reforms is progressing to allow for key changes to be implemented for the October 2023 Ordinary Elections.
Desperate measures to keep bank open
The proposed closure of the Bank SA branch in Kingston will have a devastating impact on the township, its neighbouring communities, and businesses that rely on rural banking. This was the sentiment echoed by almost every member of the public who attended the committee consultation on the future of Bank SA organised by the Kingston District Council on Wednesday.
Council’s Inland Rail fight continues
Lockyer Valley Regional Council is continuing in its ongoing objection to the unreasonable impacts of Inland Rail on the future of the region ... “These considerations and alternative routes are now being considered by Inland Rail – and we hope they consider all factors, not just saving money”: Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor, Cr Tanya Milligan.
Inside fascinating operation to secure river crossing
A “complex, rare and logistically challenging’’ operation to replace a 100-year-old Sunshine Coast bridge has been successfully completed ... The 21m-long timber bridge is located at 298 River Road, Maroochy River, a rural suburb between Yandina and Marcoola.
Boom town: Westbrook expected to more than double
The recently released Toowoomba Region Growth Plan shows Westbrook is anticipated to grow by more than 4,800 people by 2051, taking the total population to just over 9,200 ... The Toowoomba Region Growth Plan, presented to Toowoomba Regional Council last week, is intended to act as the long-term population and employment growth strategy for the Region to 2051.
Replacement of Rockhampton Memorial Gardens Leichhardt tree
This week Council will be removing the Leichhardt tree at the Rockhampton Memorial Gardens and replacing it with two young trees which have been propagated from the original ... “This tree has been part of the Memorial Gardens landscape since the site was created in 1996": Communities and Heritage Councillor Drew Wickerson.
Forum to help in-home aged care providers prepare for major industry reform
Tweed Shire Council, with partners Social Futures and Boosting the Local Care Workforce Program, are inviting Commonwealth Home Support Program providers to attend a free educational forum ahead of major changes to the in-home aged care sector next year. Strategy In The Face Of Change – Community Aged Care Forum will inform the sector of changes coming into effect in July 2024.
Number’s up for wild dogs as 1080 baiting program begins
Scenic Rim Regional Council is set to put the bite on wild dogs with its biannual baiting program ready to roll out mid-April. The program, which uses sodium fluoroacetate baits more commonly known as 1080, assists owners of larger land holdings in managing pest animals which not only pose a threat to native wildlife but also pets and other domestic animals.
Rosalind Park piazza transformed for Ring Cycle opera
A special installation featuring a dragon and fiery BENDIGO letters has been unveiled at the Rosalind Park piazza to celebrate Richard Wagner’s epic opera series, Ring Cycle, taking up residence in Bendigo’s Ulumbarra Theatre for the next five weeks.
Award-winning maps promote accessible tourism
A clever project that makes it easier for people of all abilities to get out and enjoy the Sunshine Coast way of life, is being expanded ... “The project provides a clear solution for those with disabilities to plan and map their routes and is a comfort to travellers and visitors to our region with mobility issues in identifying where they can get to with ease": Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson.
Council meetings on the move
Nasik Swami. In a bid to re-connect with Lucindale and Frances, the Naracoorte Lucindale Council will meet at least once in both towns. The meetings are on the move following a motion by Cr Abigail Goodman to meet in these areas instead of holding meetings at the Naracoorte and Lucindale council chambers all the time.
Calls for action on housing shortage
Narrandera Shire ratepayer and former local government councillor Bob Manning believes that councils like Narrandera need to do more in regard to the lack of housing, especially in relation to independent living developments like the one proposed for the corner of Elwin and Crescent Streets near the Narrandera TAFE College ... "We need to drive this issue if we want to cater for the influx of people for various developments taking place in the town and shire and also to cater for our ageing population so that they do not have to move elsewhere," said Mr Manning.
Mayor Tiley gags himself after radio interviews
Clarence Valley Council Mayor Ian Tiley says he will no longer discuss council meetings in radio interviews after admitting he disclosed confidential information in two separate interviews in December. Addressing the February Clarence Valley Council meeting, Cr Tiley said a code of conduct complaint had been made about disclosures he made about passenger services for Grafton Regional Airport.
At-Home Support Program changes in Hindmarsh, Yarriambiack
At their most recent Council Meetings, Yarriambiack Shire Council moved to transition out of the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) and Hindmarsh Shire provisionally moved (subject to consultation with staff) to exit out of the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) and the State Government funded Home and Community Care Program for Younger People (HACCPYP) program from 30 June 2023 ... Yarriambiack Shire Council Mayor, Kylie Zanker said "This is one of the most difficult decisions we have had to make, and with the significant changes being introduced into the aged care industry it has made it almost impossible for Council to continue to deliver the services".
Service to commemorate 81st anniversary of 25th Battalion’s Spring Bluff departure
A special commemorative service will be held at Spring Bluff station on Friday, March 17, 2023 to remember the 1000 brave soldiers who left the station at night on their way to serve in World War II. The service marks the 81st anniversary of the historic day the Darling Downs’ 25th Infantry Battalion boarded trains at Spring Bluff station at the start of their journey to New Guinea.
Cooktown Discovery Festival 2023: Good for business, great for the community
Cook Shire Mayor, Peter Scott is looking forward to the upcoming festival, stating, "The Cooktown Discovery Festival is a celebration of our community's rich cultural heritage and the special place Cooktown has in Australian history. It is a time for us to come together and celebrate all that makes Cooktown and this region so special."
New leadership to shape future of Coober Pedy: Brock
Following a national recruitment campaign, three people have been appointed as ongoing administrators for the District Council of Coober Pedy (Council) in a move expected to fast track the road back to an elected member body. Mr Geoff Sheridan has been appointed as the new principal administrator and will work with two supporting administrators, Ms Erika Vickery OAM and Mr John Moyle to make critical decisions for Coober Pedy’s future.
How a river icon was restored to its former glory
An incredible makeover for one of the Sunshine Coast’s beloved boathouses has sparked a trip down memory lane. The heritage listed Maroochy River ‘Wheel House’ has been lovingly restored thanks to specialist heritage advice and the handy work of volunteers from the Buderim Men’s Shed.
Minister says councils called for donation return changes
Changes to how campaign donation returns are lodged were at the request of SA’s councils, Local Government Minister Geoff Brock has revealed. The changes were considered a factor in the campaign donation return saga which saw 45 elected members, including four mayors, throughout the State lose their positions after failing to lodge their documents on time.
