Starting the discussion: How to build back better
Lismore City Council has released a discussion paper that presents some broad brushstrokes for how Lismore can build back better ... Lismore City Council’s General Manager John Walker said now is the time for the community to have their say in how we plan for Lismore’s future.
Telecommunications fix to improve Cape York connectivity
Three Cape York communities will today be announced as recipients of federal funding as part of the government’s Regional Connectivity Program. Lockhart River, Seisia and Cooktown will all benefit from a combined $3.5 million to fix their broken or nonexistent telecommunications infrastructure. And the good news for locals in those communities is that it isn’t dependent on the election result – the funding is in the budget.
Festivals of the Dry, May-September 2022
The Festivals of the Dry is kicking off in Katherine. See the full program.
More protection for the Cotton Tree coastline with new Maroochy Groyne works to start
Sunshine Coast Council will start coastal protection works on Stage 2 of the Maroochy Groyne Field Renewal project next week to help shield the Cotton Tree foreshore from the current and future impacts of coastal erosion.
Significant Tree Register to help protect shire’s natural history
Trees of significant community or historical value can now be recorded on the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale’s Significant Tree Register, which aims to provide further protection for the trees, as well as recognising the important roles trees play in community health and wellbeing.
Human resources and equipment important for good roads
Chris Oldfield. Council amalgamations, redundancies and retirements have resulted in the loss of experienced staff when it comes to managing road networks. And often council managers are trained in different fields, not civil engineering. “They are busy doing everything else they have to do,” national road chief Tyrone Toole said. So, road networks deteriorate and costs increase.
Sewage solution lights up Logan’s carbon ambitions
Logan City Council has opened an innovative new facility that turns human waste into energy and fertiliser ... The facility, which is the first of its kind in Australia, blasts sewage with extremely high heat to turn it into a product called biochar. Biochar can be used for a variety of purposes including as a fertiliser for the agricultural industry. It also has potential applications in the building industry.
Disaster funding for infrastructure upgrades and strategies
Geoff Helisma. At yesterday’s Clarence Valley Council (CVC) meeting, councillors are likely to have allocated $1 million of Category D funding under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements ... Staff advised councillors that the $700k allocated towards updating its flood plain documentation is “intended to ensure CVC has robust business plans and costings for future funding opportunities”.
$160k for local radio
Gabrielle Duykers. Community radio station 5TCBFM has received a sizable cash injection to update its studio equipment and ensure broadcast continues. At its April meeting, Tatiara District Council voted to grant the station $80,000 to replace broadcast and studio equipment, and approved an additional $80,000 loan to help facilitate further infrastructure upgrades.
Gingin plans for a consolidated caravan park at Guilderton
Parts of Dewar and Edwards streets will need to be permanently closed prior to their inclusion into a consolidated caravan park reserve if the Shire of Gingin proceeds with an agenda item.
Don’t forget us – Lockhart River desperate for action
Lockhart River mayor Wayne Butcher is hoping a close federal election race in Leichhardt will be the catalyst for a major upgrade to the town’s disgraceful telecommunications network ... “We are not asking for 5G like the cities, we are simply asking for a reliable 4G service ... There is a lack of understanding in the capital cities about how bad we have it here.”
Deputy PM announces doctor training for Tennant Creek
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce flew into Tennant Creek on Wednesday morning to deliver the good news for health in the region. Tennant Creek has been listed as a targeted General Practitioner (GP) recruitment location under the Remote Vocational Training Scheme (RVTS).
Councils urged to seek expert help
Chris Oldfield. When it comes to roads, 'a stitch in time saves nine’ and it is a lot cheaper for councils to look after them, says one of Australia’s leading road research experts, Tyrone Toole. Only in very poor countries has Mr Toole seen bitumen roads ripped up and replaced with gravel ones ... for councils to do such things in Australia, Mr Toole said it would be a sign of “desperation” and “a backwards measure”.
Battery powered electric trucks
Electric truck maker Janus has debuted the first battery-powered prime mover in Australia and has plans to set up battery swap stations up and down the eastern seaboard within months. Narrandera Shire Council's EDM Peter Dale recently attended a showcase of Janus products. Mr Dale met with representatives for Janus to discuss the merits of the company establishing facilities in Narrandera.
Mayor congratulates Wakka Wakka people on Native Title determination
“It gives me great pleasure to acknowledge the Wakka Wakka People as the traditional, and now, legally recognised native titleholders of approximately 9,393 square kilometres of land covered by this determination”: South Burnett Regional Council Mayor Brett Otto.
Council’s flood response: 1000 homeless, $150 million repairs
“The social and economic fabric of the Northern Rivers region is slowly being unravelled as the days and weeks go by,” the Richmond Valley Flood 2022 Response document reads. That is a sad statement, but true. The expectation is that it will take at least three years for the valley to recover.
Cape York showcased at Gateway
Fast becoming a Cape York icon, Lakeland’s Gateway to the Cape was officially opened on Friday ... Now complete, it boasts comprehensive visitor information, as well as a sculpture park that showcases each community in the region.
IoT technology to count Mildura’s CBD crowds this Easter long weekend
Utilising Internet of Things (IoT) technology, the trailer-mounted device features two solar-powered 3D movement sensors that capture, count and record pedestrian and vehicle numbers every hour. All data captured is publicly accessible via Council’s website.
Lack of child care at Kingston hits federal parliament
Chris Oldfield. The lack of child care for around 50 families on a waiting list at Kingston has been raised in the Australian Federal Parliament. “Those in this chamber have heard me speak about Kingston South East and a lack of childcare services before,” Member for Barker Tony Pasin told parliament ... “A farming region devastated by fire, and parents unable to earn off-farm income because there was no childcare service available."
Master class with Mark: vital propagation skills passed on
Serena Kirby. Mark Parre is busy passing on his skills and knowledge to the next generation because, after nearly 30 years with the Shire of Denmark, retirement looms ... “The work is the greatest reward and when I revisit a site I planted up years before and see the diversity of flora and fauna it really makes my heart sing.”
Public meetings called to address mining threat
Two public meetings will be held on April 12 and April 19 to discuss the implications of a mining exploration licence application ... Bart Lebbing said the Denmark shire relied on primary production, nature-based tourism, education, art and craft enterprises, viticulture and the service industry. “Mineral exploration and mining do not value-add to these sectors, but compromise their viability,” he said.
Delay to Gingin Emergency Services Centre
When the new emergency services centre was announced for Gingin last year it was expected to be finished by April this year but the project is running behind with some site works among the jobs still to be completed.
