Council

The provision of these services has been an important part of the Buloke Shire Council’s operations for nearing 40 years; however, with the comprehensive changes to be introduced as the Commonwealth Government progressively reforms the national aged care system, Buloke, like many other Councils, has reviewed its position and decided to exit service.

Which projects will benefit communities outside Tennant Creek? A number of initiatives are designed to benefit communities outside of Tennant Creek including the Student Boarding Facility which will see a 40-bed boarding school built next to the Tennant Creek High School ... The Alliance has positions on the Governance Table and contributes to decision-making about the implementation of the Deal initiatives.

Northern Grampians Shire Council has called on governments and energy agencies to respond directly to the concerns of farmers and local landowners before it develops new power transmission infrastructure ... "At the forum most of these questions were left unanswered. Rather than decide and defend, the government needs to ensure that meaningful consultation and direct negotiation is offered": Cr Kevin Erwin.

Community members across Murray River and Gannawarra local government areas continue to express their dismay at the Bendigo Bank’s decision to close the Barham, Cohuna and Pyramid Hill agencies. The bank claims the closures, along with 13 others, are due to the number and value of over-the-counter transactions falling as more customers choose to do their banking online ... This week, a meeting was held between Bendigo Bank executives, Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh and a representative of the Gannawarra Shire Council.

More needs to be done to incentivize the aged care industry in the Limestone Coast region and make it more appealing, says Shadow Minister for Ageing Penny Pratt. Ms Pratt says as the population in the regional towns continues to grow, with that must come an expansion of services, including aged care ... “More and more people want to age well at home or be assured that their quality of life will be enhanced in aged care facilities”: Shadow Minister for Ageing Penny Pratt.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.