Rio reshuffles positions after major resignation
Weipa will get its own general manager again after the sudden resignation of Michelle Elvy paved the way for Rio Tinto to shuffle the deckchairs on its bauxite business ... Shona Markham will take the reins at Weipa, moving from Rio Tinto’s Bell Bay Aluminium operations in Tasmania.
Busking comp offering young performers a chance to shine
Young artists are being encouraged to showcase their talents on one of the busiest weekends in Port Fairy for the chance to win some great prizes – including a spot on the 2023 Port Fairy Folk Festival Program.
Phillip Island Pro returns to our shores
The Phillip Island Pro was held over the weekend of 10 to 13 February at Cape Woolamai, home to some of the best beach break waves in Australia. This year’s event saw 88 Qualifying Series surfers, 33 Open competitors and eight Indigenous Invitational competitors take part.
The great Local Authority debate: Should it stay or should it go?
Barkly Regional Council is urging residents and ratepayers to have their say whether the Tennant Creek Local Authority (TCLA) should continue. A questionnaire on the Council’s website is asking for input to decide if the local Authority, funded to the tune of $100,000 a year, is viable.
Third mural completed on water tower
The hard-working team of artists from Apparition Media have completed the final artwork on the Narrandera Water Tower. This impressive new addition was completed in just four days adding to the already popular attraction overlooking Narrandera.
Coonamble Shire – Waste 2 Art
It’s time to turn that trash into treasure! NetWaste, Coonamble Shire Council and Outback Arts are collaborating once again to host the annual Waste 2 Art Competition and Exhibition.
Water tower gets a good scrub before mural makeover begins
The transformation of the 83-year-old art deco water tower in South Casino has been a long time coming. Richmond Valley Council put forward several mural designs for the community to decide which one was best for the tower.
Unwelcome neighbours ruling the roost
Emma Pritchard. As Irene Armstrong gazes up into the leafy canopies of the trees outside her home, she estimates the population of the newest residents, who first appeared at the end of January, has grown to more than 40000 ... Their constant shrieking, feeding, habitat destruction, offensive odour and waste products are driving locals batty ... In NSW, flying foxes are protected ... The grey headed flying fox is also listed as vulnerable ...
The benefits of ecological burning webinar, 8 March 2022
Ecological planned burning is a land management tool applied to promote positive benefits for a local environment. These benefits include stimulating dormant seed banks in the soil profile, reducing the vigour or eliminating weeds, nutrient cycling and the removal of biomass - all of which promote biodiversity and ecosystem health.
Invasive species are taking hold in some parts of the region
Rockhampton Regional Council is being inundated with reports of Prickly Acacia and Parthenium spreading in the region, and they are calling on the community to assist. Planning and Regulation Councillor Grant Mathers said officers have been working closely with landholders and community stakeholders to establish the extent of the areas of concern, and to treat areas on a priority basis.
No NLC rubble roadside spraying before fire season
Chris Oldfield. There was no roadside spraying of gravel roads in the Naracoorte Lucindale Council district last Spring, according to operations manager Karl Manarangi. As the current fire season sparked, only the roadsides of council's sealed roads were sprayed ... “So, out there, in the district, we are actually waiting with bated breath for the roadside spraying to be done - with the 4ft thistles and that sort of thing" : Cr Cameron Grundy.
Castlemaine family loses everything
Kelly and Dustin’s rental property in Castlemaine became unliveable after the floods last Friday ... Many other locals and businesses in Castlemaine experienced loss and damage due to the severe weather front last Friday and local council has been working closely with affected residents and local emergency service team to assist.
New visitor experience approved for Chinchilla
Chinchilla will be home to the region’s first micro-brewery tourist experience following Western Downs Regional Council’s approval of an expansion of a popular tourist park in the area, Clover Hill Accommodation and Camping.
Massive storms unprecedented – deluge prompts council rethink
Narrandera Shire Council Mayor Neville Kschenka was left "frustrated and heartbroken" as he witnessed the damage Narrandera sustained during the weekend storms. On the edge of Narrandera as the storm broke, Cr Kschenka reached the centre of town as the weather event gathered momentum with lashing rain and strong gusts of wind.
GSC meetings remain virtual
Gannawarra Shire Council has announced that all councillor briefing sessions and council meetings will be held virtually, rather than in-person until at least May. Neighbouring local government areas have all returned to face-to-face meetings, making use of COVID-19 safe plans ... Speaking on the matter, Cr Garner Smith said, “I am extremely disappointed that the decision was made to force councillors to meet via Zoom with no consultation with councillors at all. I just received an email informing of the arrangements and was expected to accept it. "
The dates are set and Eat the Street is back for 2022
The popular Eat the Street Festival will return to Lismore’s CBD on Sunday, 29 May after it was cancelled last year due to COVID-19 ... Since its inception in 2016, Eat the Street has quickly become an iconic Northern Rivers festival, showcasing the regions’ finest food vendors and entertaining tens of thousands of people.
Rally outside council chambers to push for a mayor elected by the people
At the council’s meeting in January, councillors voted for Kylie Thomas to replace Danielle Mulholland as mayor. Many people were shocked by the vote expecting Ms Mullholland to continue as mayor for another term.
Group opposes quarry DA with submission from 40 members delivered to council
Bentley came to the Richmond Valley Council office in Casino on February 1. Holding their placards, the Bentley Our Sustainable Future group came on the final day of submissions for the development application of Bentley Quarry.
Raising a cup towards future progress
Emma Pritchard. Members of the local community were invited to have a cuppa with Clarence Valley Councillors last week ... residents arrived at the Grafton Council Chambers in Prince St and spent the morning chatting with councillors, sharing their concerns, identifying areas of improvement, and raising awareness of community events.
Cooktown volunteers recognised
“From music and the arts, to sport and the passionate commitment of the many tireless volunteers in our community, our award recipients and nominees are to be applauded for their hard work and dedication. Their passion demonstrates the Australian spirit in action” : Cook Shire mayor, Peter Scott.
New Year, new barra challenge
The countdown to the 2022 barramundi season is well and truly on with keen anglers across the Rockhampton region and country ready to wet a line and chase their New Year barra personal bests (PB’s) from the 1st of February. Rockhampton Region Mayor Tony Williams said the number of trophy Barra over the magic metre in length continues to grow each season.
Dark skies the limit for stargazers with new position statement released
Western Australia's clear skies are ideal for high-quality astronomical observation and have long been a destination for both scientific and recreational stargazers. The policy sets out to preserve and protect the night sky through limiting light and dust pollution, while signalling support for astrotourism - an emerging niche within the local tourism market - with countless opportunities across the State.
