Labor unveils MacKillop candidate
Gabrielle Duykers. Millicent mediator Mark Braes has the “monumental task” of contesting the seat of MacKillop for SA Labor at the upcoming state election ... Across the electorate, he said his primary concerns centred around “health and health needs”.
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.
Penola funding boost and awards
Sheryl Lowe. Penola PA & H Society celebrated the opening of their new pavilion in October 2021 after receiving a $79,540.00 boost in Federal Government funding to support the build at McCorquindale Park ... The $700,000 funding pool was shared between four show societies in the South East to renew showgrounds and pavilions ... Penola was considered the centre of the South East in the mid 1800’s and so, the first regional shows were held there in1864,1865 and 1866.
World’s toughest trail running series to reach new heights in NSW Snowies
The NSW Government has partnered with Ironman Australia to bring the prestigious Ultra Trail Mont Blanc (UTMB) World Series to Mt Kosciuszko in December this year.
The mystery of the Morrison SMS
Some stories just keep on giving! The ambush of Prime Minister Scott Morrison at the National Press Club on Monday 31 January by Peter van Onselen raises many questions. The first point is that we have only van Onselen’s word that the message was sent by Gladys Berejiklian and that a Minister was the recipient and replied. Van Onselen does not say whether the Minister is a Federal Minister or a State Minister.
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.
Green light for urea processing just what’s needed says NFF
"During COVID, supply chains almost ground to a complete halt and exposed Australia’s reliance on the import of key inputs including urea. Many Australians would be shocked to learn the nation imports 90% of its urea, the most commonly used fertiliser in agriculture. Without urea, crop production would fall 30-40%" : National Farmers Federation Chief Executive, Tony Mahar.
Going for growth in the fertiliser industry: Littleproud
The Australian Government’s Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) has committed $255 million for critical infrastructure supporting the Perdaman Urea Project in Western Australia. The $4.3 billion project located 20 kilometres north-west of Karratha will convert Australian gas into approximately two million tonnes of urea per year.
Government awards major project status to WA urea fertiliser project: Taylor
Strike Energy Limited has been granted Major Project Status for Project Haber, its $3 billion urea manufacturing facility in the Narngulu Industrial Area, near Geraldton, Western Australia. The project will produce up to 1.4 million tonnes per annum of urea from clean hydrogen and natural gas.
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.
