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.
Port of Port Hedland development plan reviewed to maximise exports
The WA State Government has endorsed a revised Port of Port Hedland development plan to support proponents' throughput aspirations and maximise exports from Australia's busiest bulk export port.
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.
Policy puts the brakes on biofouling
International ships arriving in Australian waters will see a change in how they manage biofouling in 2022. DAWE Deputy Secretary Andrew Tongue said a change in biofouling policy would have flow-on effects for international shipping.
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.
New fines introduced at electric charging stations
New penalties will be in place in the coming weeks for non-electric vehicle owners who illegally park in an electric vehicle (EV) charging bay in Queensland. Transport and Main Roads Minister (Qld) Mark Bailey said the issue had been a pain point for the rapidly increasing number of Queensland EV drivers.
Guilderton café unlikely to open until mid-April
In August last year the new managers, Belgravia Leisure, said major upgrades would transform the Guilderton General Store into a clean, fresh and modern beachside café and general store offering essential grocery and travel supplies for Guilderton residents and tourists visiting the region.
Council welcomes new Chief Executive Officer
Barkly Regional Council has appointed its new CEO after a lengthy recruitment process by Councillors and the Mayor. Emma Bradbury joins the Council from the Murray Darling Association as the outgoing CEO.
Community battery on the horizon
If elected, Labor’s Power to the People community battery plan will invest $200 million to install 400 community batteries across the country, which will cut power bills, reduce emissions, create jobs by boosting renewable energy and will cut power bills for families and businesses by $275 a year by 2025.
Let’s Reclaim Our State – new campaign launched
Regional Victorians have been ignored in new moves to update the state’s hunting regulations. A meeting with non-hunting stakeholders last week flagged several overdue reforms but did nothing to address longstanding concerns: too many hunting grounds, too close to homes and businesses, and the three-month duck shooting season is excessive.
Business owners call for seagull cull
Eight local business owners are calling for a cull of seagulls which they say are pests in the Denmark central business district. As carriers of salmonella, they say the gulls are tarnishing the town’s tourist image and their aggressive scavenging is unacceptable.
Community achievers recognised at Australia Day celebrations
Sean Cunningham. “Our future really does start today, we can all help make it a better place in the future.We can all live as equals because we are all equal and our visions can help Australia to become a better nation” : Warren Potent, five-time Olympian and Olympic medallist for prone rifle shooting and 2022 Australia Day Ambassador.
VICSWIM creek lessons
Kirstin Nicholson. “With so many pools closing across the regions, kids will be using creeks, rivers, lakes and dams as their local swimming holes. If we don’t teach them how to be safe in these situations, it is highly likely that we see drowning rates increase in the future”: Mikayla Gibson, Cohuna teacher in charge.
Best tap water in Australia is in”¦? (take a guess)
If you think the water tastes good in Casino, you’d be spot on. Known more for its beef, Casino is officially home to Australia’s best tap water. Richmond Valley Council has won top honours in the Ixom 2021 Best Tasting Tap Water in Australia competition.
JD debate risks farmers confidence in DPIRD’s consultation processes: WAFarmers
Trevor Whittington. Last week the Minister asked in the Farm Weekly, what more could they have done to consult with industry on the outbreak of BJD. For WAFarmers and the Minister to end up exchanging letters in the Farm Weekly it is a clear sign of a breakdown in communications between industry and the Department.
Desire to arm the ATO
Chris Jordan AO is the Commissioner of Taxation. He was previously Chair of KPMG and partner in Charge of the New South Wales Tax and Legal Division of KPMG. Commissioner Jordan has expressed a desire for ATO officers to carry guns.
Opportunities for improved fire management in Australia: John O’Donnell
John O'Donnell analyses recent positive US policy developments and land management commitments aimed at confronting the US wildfire/ bushfire crisis and finds that there is much Australia might learn from the US strategy.
