Health services to be investigated
The delivery of regional health services across the entire Limestone Coast Local Health Network will be investigated. The government has allocated $1million for this,” Health Minister Chris Picton revealed during his recent visit to the Naracoorte Hospital. “On top of this $8million investment (for the Naracoorte Hospital), a further $1million has been allocated to investigate regional service delivery across the entire Limestone Coast Local Health Network,” Mr Picton said.
Who was consulted?
Nasik Swami and Chris Oldfield. Health Minister Chris Picton claims the Limestone Coast Local Health Network (LCLHN) has implemented several changes to improve the care being provided to the people of Lucindale, following input from the community. But the Lucindale community disagrees with the minister and after being excluded from several meetings, says it still has not been consulted. Many residents report nursing services still have not returned to previous reliable or adequate capacity.
Celebrating Coonawarra’s world-class wine at regional festival: Bettison
The Coonawarra Cabernet Celebrations’ program launched today at the National Wine Centre. From 1-20 October, festivalgoers will enjoy a range of degustation dinners, masterclasses, tastings, winery tours, and more. Festival highlights include the Coonawarra Golf Day, Pizza and Tunes at Raidis Estate, the International Cabernet Masterclass, as well as the longstanding Combined Wineries Cabernet Decade[nce] Tasting hosted by the Coonawarra Vignerons Association.
Rockhampton Zoo welcomes Green Wing Macaws, Poppy and Dahlia
Rockhampton Zoo has expanded its family with the arrival of two Green Wing Macaws, Poppy and Dahlia. The vibrant new additions have joined the Zoo’s resident Blue and Gold Wing Macaws. Councillor for Parks, Sports, and Public Spaces Cherie Rutherford said the duo, originally from Perth, are settling into their new home well.
Small homes get tick of approval
Already in Allora two small homes have been erected this year and occupiers are happy with the outcome. Following a recent survey on small homes, Southern Downs Regional Council considered the 491 survey submissions and resolved to implement .. changes to make housing more accessible and affordable...
Newstead energy: Community Q&A
Close to 50 members of the Newstead community participated in a question-and-answer session about the Newstead Community Energy Project on Thursday 22 August, following the launch of the new solar farm. Representatives from project partners Renewable Newstead and Flow Power were on hand to explain the thinking behind the partnership, some technological context and the benefits to consumers for joining the project.
Renewable energy in Newstead
Newstead hosted a horde of prominent politicians, TV crews and corporates in high-visibility vests last week at its innovative solar farm. Minister for Energy and Resources, the Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio, accompanied by Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards, visited on Thursday 22 August to officially open the Newstead Community Energy Project, initiated by locals under the banner of Renewable Newstead.
Public Transport Levy explained
In response to backlash from outside of Toowoomba, where residents do not have access to public transport yet alone use it, Toowoomba Regional Council has published responses to frequently asked questions regarding the Public Transport Levy on the most recent rates notice. Part of the FAQ is as follows: Why has TRC included a Public Transport Levy on my rates notice? ... What is the Toowoomba Region Sustainable Transport Strategy 2023? ... Am I paying more in my rates because of this levy?...
Cadets meet and greet Youth Minister
Serena Kirby. Denmark Senior High School emergency services cadets gathered last week for a meet and greet with Local Government and Youth Minister Hannah Beazley. Ms Beazley, who is also Emergency Services Minister Parliamentary Secretary, said the cadets program was the favourite thing in her portfolio.
Big future for little houses
Patricia Gill. The Shire of Denmark can approve the use of caravans and small houses for accommodation for up to two years on private property from September 1. The changes announced last week on Sal and Justin Bellanger’s Nornalup property aim to ease the housing shortage for seasonal workers and homeless people, and give an option while a house was being built or renovated.
Forestry Australia welcomes further definition of active forest management
Acting President of Forestry Australia Dr Bill Jackson says the paper answers questions around active management - and how it relates to forest management - by stating that active management is principally about human engagement in shaping forests and is deliberate tending of forests by humans for diverse purposes and goals relating to biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services and function including resilience.
Queensland’s fire ant fight grows – self-treatment becomes key as eradication zones double in size: Sundew Professional Solutions
A national pest eradication expert says the news that Queensland is more than doubling the Red Imported Fire Ant eradication zone highlights the need for residents to be equipped with site-specific self-treatment products to combat known outbreaks ... There have been several fire ant incursions since 2001, and all those outbreaks were eradicated. “That tells us eradication is possible. We have the people and the know-how to make fire ant eradication a reality”: David Priddy, Sundew CEO.
First local teaching students ready to graduate through Riverina Teaching Hub
The first students to complete their studies through the Riverina Teaching Hub pilot program were recognised at a graduation celebration in Wagga Wagga on Tuesday. The Riverina Teaching Hub was established in 2023 by the NSW Department of Education in partnership with UNSW Sydney to attract and retain local teachers. The model provides on-the-job training for aspiring teachers in local public schools while they study for their teaching degree.
Govt’s fire ant response lambasted
Local Member for Groom Garth Hamilton has strongly condemned the federal government’s response to the spread of fire ants, which have the potential to wreak havoc on the Darling Downs. Mr Hamilton, is demanding the government urgently responds to the Senate inquiry into red imported fire ants in Australia, which was delivered in April 2024.
Road questions raised
Member for Benambra Bill Tilley has called on the Victorian Roads Minister, Melissa Horne, to set a timeline to repair the Granya Road. It has been two years since the road was reduced to one lane … Mr Tilley told the Victorian Parliament yesterday that on the northern side of the township, temporary traffic lights funnel traffic into one lane to protect motorists from a compromised bridge and the gaping hole next to the road itself.
“Kick in the guts” – Norco dumped as NSW health supplier
Local Nationals MPs have joined forces to call out the NSW Heath Department’s decision to scrap Norco supplied milk to hospitals from the Tweed to Port Macquarie, a move that could threaten the livelihoods of Northern Rivers dairy farmers ... "Given our 129-year heritage in the Northern Rivers region, we are naturally disappointed by their decision to no longer support local and 100 per cent Australian-owned," the Norco spokesperson said.
Council to preserve Serviceton Railway Station history
West Wimmera Shire Council is embarking on a project to professionally record the rich history of the historic Serviceton Railway Station. The project involves creating a high-quality audio recording of local historian Les Millikin as he narrates the detailed history of the Serviceton Railway Station, capturing his extensive knowledge and personal insights about this significant heritage site.
Meet the candidates – Balranald local government elections 2024
Kimberly Grabham. The Riverine Grazier contacted each of the 13 members of the Balranald and Euston communities who have nominated to run for a position on Balranald Shire Council. Local government elections will be held on Saturday September 14, 2024.
Exercise Wallaby kicks off in 2024 with arrival of Antonov AN-124
Exercise Wallaby is set to begin with the arrival of one of the world’s largest cargo aircraft, the Antonov AN-124 at Rockhampton Airport. The 402-tonne Antonov AN-124 plays a pivotal role in the transport of smaller aircraft, including Apache helicopters, between Australia and Singapore as well as other military hardware and assets required for the exercise.
Biosecurity Week focusses on avian influenza: DAFF
As Australia recovers from its most significant avian disease incident in 50 years, attention has turned towards preparing for the next possible avian influenza outbreak – a more virulent strain that has caused deaths in poultry and wild birds and mammals across the globe ... Australia is the only continent currently free of the new strain, H5 HPAI. Vigilance will be key to monitoring and understanding the spread of H5 HPAI if it were to arrive on our shores.
Supermarkets to record super profits during cost-of-living crisis: NFF
The NFF Horticulture Council has today reaffirmed its call for tighter government controls on supermarket trading practices as annual profits are reported by the major listed companies. Council chair, Jolyon Burnett said the results would speak for themselves, and that not even a cost-of-living crisis had dampened the supermarket drive for profits above all else.
Yes to free camping
Free camping at Sandy Point again reared its head, briefly, at a recent extraordinary meeting of Hay Shire Council. In a Notice of Motion by retiring councillor, Peter Handford, Council was asked to impose a fee on campers using the facilities at popular Sandy Point Reserve ... General Manager, David Webb said currently the reputation of Sandy Point as a free camp site acts as a significant attraction to Hay, drawing visitors from other free camps because of additional visitor experiences, access to supermarkets, pubs, clubs and fuel stations.
