Three-day submission extension “an insult”
Terry Collins. The NSW Government has come in for strong criticism for allowing just three days extra for public comment on its controversial Draft Central Coast Strategic Conservation Plan ... "The Plan proposes 14,000 new residential lots; it outlines how our unique biodiversity will be managed for the next 30 years and it describes how the NSW Government will deliver its housing targets by unlocking new lands for development": Acting Mayor John Mouland.
Expo success for Mid-Murray businesses
Almost 400 people filed through the impressive displays and stalls at the Mid Murray Industry Expo. 32 site holders showcased a range of services, products and expertise available in the local community. From forestry, to milled timber products, veterinary services, fires and ambulance services, real estate, garden supplies, plumbing, education, and so much more.
Castlereagh Country Drought Resilience and Innovation Showcase, 20 November 2025
Following community consultation held in 2024 on the Castlereagh Country Drought Plans, the Gilgandra and Warrumbungle Shire Councils, supported by the Australian Government’s Future Drought Fund and the NSW Government, are pleased to announce the launch of an innovative free event aimed at building resilience, empowering communities and showcasing opportunities.
Murray Local Health District: To split or not to split? Community needs to decide
Independent Member for Murray, Helen Dalton, has called on everyone in her electorate to write to NSW Parliament in support of creating a new local health district for the region, called the Western Riverina Local Health District ... "Parliament is calling for submissions about this new health district, and I want thousands of submissions to be sent in."
Timber Towns Victoria tours Wellington Shire region showcasing timber towns businesses and communities
Timber Towns Victoria (TTV) has visited the Wellington Shire Council region for a 3-day members forum incorporating their annual general meeting and tours through several businesses featuring timber processing, innovation, and economic development.
Government welcomes parliamentary inquiry into local government sustainability: McBain
The Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport has accepted the Albanese Government’s referral of an Inquiry into Local Government Sustainability. This is something the sector has been calling for since the initial Inquiry lapsed in May when the 47th Parliament of Australia was dissolved.
Fire breaks commencing – Get disaster-ready this wet season
Starting from ... 10 November 2025, the Shire of Ashburton’s Ranger Services will commence annual property inspections to ensure compliance under the Bush Fires Act 1954 and the Emergency Management Act 2005. These inspections are aimed at ensuring properties are prepared for the upcoming bushfire and cyclone seasons.
After 40 years with his orange family, Chris Olive has no plans to retire his uniform
Soon after Chris Olive’s son Ben was born, a man asked him to join the SES. That was in 1984. Forty years later and Chris is recognised for his long service at Kyogle SES Unit at a presentation in Lismore on November 1.
Food manufacturer to chip in $300 million for potato processing plant in Dooen
Horsham Rural City Council has welcomed Victorian State Government approval for the establishment of a $300 million food manufacturing plant in Dooen. Farm Frites specialises in frozen potato products.
Cohuna celebrates in style
Cohuna's 150 Year Anniversary opened with a packed house at Memorial Hall on Friday night. The walls of the hall were lined with an array of past fashions, hospital history, sporting memorabilia, and historical photos.
Another small step towards closing the gap on childcare
Negotiations initiated by Hay Shire Council are continuing with Homes NSW and NSW Police in a bid to improve childcare availability in the community. Hay has one early childcare provider, Hay Children's Services (HCS), with space for 24 children/day. There is a current wait list of over 90 spaces...
Mayor stands firm behind GM
Mayor Ray Smith has acknowledged his full support for Clarence Valley Council General Manager (GM) Laura Black, following a speech in the NSW upper house by Green’s Local Government spokesperson, Dr Amanda Cohn. Following the October 23 speech and subsequent fallout reported in local media, Cr Smith called an extraordinary meeting on November 3, at 11am, in the Grafton Chambers to address Dr Cohn’s speech.
When a crazy idea becomes a reality and a ‘38 Dodge ambulance returns to town
Never has a ‘38 Dodge had such applause on its arrival. When Mark and Sue Butler pulled into town with the 1938 Dodge Kyogle ambulance on the back of their tilt tray truck, everyone wanted to see it ... The Kyogle ambulance has been returned for three months to be part of the Kyogle Memorial Hospital centenary celebrations on November 15.
Grong Grong Horse Sports ready to stage first event
Sean Cunningham. It's been all hands on deck recently for the Grong Grong Horse Sports (GGHS) group as members throw their energy into reviving the town's old rodeo grounds and plan a busy calendar of events. The grounds are being rejuvenated thanks to the dedication and determination of a small, but passionate group of GGHS volunteers.
Denmark voters turn out for Alex
Patricia Gill. Forty-six per cent of voters turned out on October 18 in the Shire of Denmark elections in which local GP Alex Sleeman stormed home to victory with 1024 primary votes. In second place on primaries, was incumbent deputy shire president Jan Lewis on 368 and third, sitting councillor Clare Campbell, 279.
Council raises concerns over Warracknabeal Energy Park
Horsham Rural City Council (HRCC) is concerned about the potential impacts of this major renewable energy project on housing, the local workforce, and roads. Councillors last night endorsed the HRCC submission to the Environment Effect Statement (EES) Inquiry into the proposed Warracknabeal Energy Park.
“Damning” – Council controversy raised in NSW parliament: “When will Clarence Valley Council be held to account…”
The controversy enveloping Clarence Valley Council was raised in the NSW Legislative Council last week, when Dr Amanda Cohn unleashed her opinion under parliamentary privilege, putting local Government Minister Ron Hoenig on notice. The statement follows the polarising “Wrecking Ball” leaked internal Clarence Valley Council email concerning a ‘suggested’ Council staff skit in the award-winning Jacaranda Festival.
Serviceton’s Les Millikin recognised as Senior Citizen of the Year
West Wimmera Shire Council has named Serviceton's Les Millikin as the 2025 Senior Citizen of the Year ... Since moving to Serviceton in 2002, Mr Millikin has made an enormous contribution to the local community through his volunteer work at the historic Serviceton Railway Station.
A ‘great day’ for Bookmark Creek
Hugh Schuitemaker. Significant infrastructure upgrades at Renmark's Bookmark Creek – allowing for improved natural water flows, better conditions for native fish and other species, and greater recreational opportunities – have been completed.
Turn your old linen into lasting change
This spring, don’t just declutter, transform your tired textiles into something meaningful for the environment. To champion National Recycling Week, Sunshine Coast Council has teamed up with BlockTexx® to hold a community textile recycling event, ‘Give a Sheet® for the Planet’.
Port Pirie Youth Festival backed by Drought Relief Funding
Port Pirie Regional Council is delighted to announce that the State Government, through the South Australian Tourism Commission’s (SATC) Drought Relief Regional Event Fund, has committed support for Our Youth / Our Festival, a brand-new community celebration designed and delivered by young people in Port Pirie.
Neoen inaugurates its 412 MW Goyder South Wind Farm, the largest in South Australia: Neoen
Neoen, one of the world’s leading producers of exclusively renewable energy, is today celebrating the inauguration of its 412 MW Goyder South Wind Farm in South Australia. Located on the lands of the Ngadjuri Nation near the town of Burra in SA’s Mid North region, Goyder South is the largest wind farm in the State and in Neoen’s portfolio.

