Councils join forces in fight against Fireweed
Two South-East Queensland councils are joining forces in their fight against Fireweed, as the invasive pest carpets their regions. Adding to the regular treatments to the councils’ roads and reserves, Somerset Regional Council and Lockyer Valley Regional Council are banding together, actively encouraging landholders to identify and treat Fireweed on their property to reduce its spread.
The rise of rates and outrage: Bev McArthur
Glenelg Shire residents are right to be alarmed at an effective 20 per cent increase in their rates. Farm rates will go up 22 per cent ... This comes at a time when a 2 per cent rate cap is in place across the state. The council argues that it is technically still within a 1.75 per cent rate cap. “But in reality – the Glenelg Councillors have enabled a rate rise in excess of eight times the rate cap,” Mrs McArthur said.
McLean queries if house values are down in Naracoorte?
Chris Oldfield. Malcolm McLean wants to know why his council rates have gone down on his house in Naracoorte, but his son’s rates on a Hynam farm “have gone up considerably”. He queried if house values had dropped in Naracoorte as it “just looks as if the rural ratepayers are subsiding the town ratepayers”.
Local link with Royalty
Chris Oldfield. Richard Downward remembers the magical glamour, pomp and pageantry of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 because he was there. Just 14 years old at the time, he and fellow Naracoorte High School student Geoffrey Arthur (deceased) were selected to join The Advertiser Sun Youth Travel Coronation contingent.
Mayor takes leave in face of drug-related charges
The gossip in Tennant Creek and the Barkly has been in overdrive this week after news broke our Mayor had been charged with drug-related offences. The town’s flamboyant Mayor Jeff McLaughlin (42) was arrested by police around 10.15am Monday morning after a roadside test.
Cannabis expert says saliva tests not reliable
While we await the outcome of the Mayor’s charges in October, it might be pertinent to have a look at just how serious these charges are, and maybe just how reliable marijuana saliva tests are ... “The saliva tests are only checking for a per se zero presence of cannabis”: Andrew Kavasilas.
Rates hikes and falls
David Lee. Number of Narrandera Shire Council residential and business ratepayers are set to get a rate rise, while others will see their rates fall for the 2023-24 rate levy, in a move by the council that it hopes will make rate distribution fairer through changing the Narrandera Residential and Business rate sub-category boundaries. The current boundaries were introduced about 25 years ago following the update of the Local Government Act in 1993, with minimal change since its inception.
Thirty koalas hit on roads, attacked by dogs in recent weeks: Tweed Shire Council
Motorists are urged to take care on the roads, particularly at dawn and dusk, following a horror spate of koala deaths and injuries so far this active season. Since mid-July, at least 30 koalas have been reported to have been hit by cars or attacked by dogs across the Northern Rivers.
A burning issue for council
What is the council’s intention on waste and incinerators? Liz Stops asked this question in the public access time at last month’s Richmond Valley Council meeting ... The State Government has identified four sites suitable for Energy from Waste (EfW) facilities and the Richmond Valley Jobs Precinct (RJP) in Casino is one of them.
Could these hydropanels be a game changer in Cape?
A pilot program in Mapoon has implemented climate-resilient drinking water technology. The council has partnered with Source Global to deliver a resilient, sustainable, and off-grid drinking water solution for locals. Ten hydropanels were installed behind the new cultural centre to make clean, safe drinking water.
Festival of pre-loved stuff set to wind through the Scenic Rim
Prepare your pre-loved goods, your home, unit, garage, street or the school yard as the Scenic Rim community joins in this year's national festival of pre-loved stuff. Residents are invited to do their part towards building a circular economy and hold their own event over the Australia-wide Garage Sale Trail events held on 12 - 13 and 19 - 20 November...
Let country people bet on their town’s future
Looking at Western Australia’s Wheatbelt of 44 shires between 2001 and 2021, the census has tracked the population fall at a steady rate of just under 1% a year across most of the sub 1,500 person shires in the Wheatbelt ... maybe the current generation of national MPs can come up with a Royalties for Regions II plan.
Canola Trail blooms new partnership
... the 2022 Canola Trail experience - a self-drive immersive experience filled with good food, exciting experiences, and incredible views ... The 2022 Canola Trail flowering season was launched at a media brunch held at the Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory on Saturday.
Tourist hot spot to become fully renewable
Phillip Island’s bold vision to become Victoria’s first fully sustainable tourist hot spot in Australia is one step closer, with plans approved for a revolutionary community energy storage system. The Phillip Island Community Energy Storage System (PICESS) will offer greater reliability in electricity supply for the Island, especially during peak holiday periods and could potentially slash power bills, with residents able to use the grid to store their power.
Concept plans ready for new youth recreation area at Tweed Heads
With construction of the Tweed’s new inclusive play space in Goorimahbah – Place of Stories underway at Jack Evans Boat Harbour, focus is now turning to the planning and delivery of Stage 2 of the park.
Seas the day for a splashing good time with Migrant Learn to Swim and Beach Safe Program
Sunshine Coast migrant residents are invited to apply for their chance to attend low-cost learn-to-swim classes. “Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy our wonderful lifestyle and the Migrant Learn to Swim and Beach Safe Program incorporates water safety and water confidence techniques along with basic swimming lessons”: Sunshine Coast Council Community Portfolio Councillor David Law.
Bendigo in Bloom this spring
Bendigo’s stunning tulip displays will take centre stage in a new annual Bloom spring program that brings together 60 exciting events, experiences and attractions, including new night time activations in the city centre. A sea of 53,000 tulips will bloom from mid-September at the Conservatory Gardens, Queen Victoria Gardens, Civic Gardens and along Pall Mall.
Moobird soaring into the Moooving Art herd
Greater Shepparton’s popular Moooving Art collection continues to grow as Council welcomes a new member to the herd this week. Introducing Moobird, designed by talented Mooroopna artist Mandy Charquero, Moobird is inspired by the region’s very own Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton and the native birds which can be found there, and around our region.
Plans adapted for native veg and walking trails
Chris Oldfield. Developer Robert Moore has adapted his "high level plan" as a result of feedback regarding native vegetation and walking trails in the North Parklands. The adapted plans will be unveiled on September 21, in the Naracoorte Town Hall ... Mr Moore explained how times had changed for Naracoorte, which had not seen a population increase since the 1970s.
Council reviews high business rate hike
Commercial businesses in the Barkly are up in arms about a significant Council rate hike, but Barkly Regional Council is calling for calm and is reviewing the rise. Council CEO Emma Bradbury said following the release of the 2022-23 rates notices last week, businesses in the region noticed their rates liability had increased significantly compared to last year, in some instances by more than 100 per cent.
CVC takes less than 24 hours to reject James Creek Residents Group request
Rodney Stevens. A request by The James Creek Residents Group for an independent Landscape Architect to research and report on a proposed controversial subdivision has been rejected by Clarence Valley Council in less than 24 hours ... “What worries us is it’s the first subdivision out here in the hinterland of what we call Yamba and it's important to do it correctly," said Lorri Brown.
Rail trail on track
A timely update for the Rushworth to Murchison Rail Trail Project, with the $3 million development progressing through Campaspe Shire Council’s planning stages. Mayor Chrissy Weller said the trail project will develop 11 kilometres of the former railway track, between Rushworth and the Campaspe Shire boundary of Channel Inlet Road.
