Have your say on the future of Queensland’s stock routes
Farmers, councils, industry groups and outback locals are invited to have their say on proposed changes to the use and management of Queensland’s vital stock routes, to ensure they are well maintained into the future.
Launch of two-year alcohol restrictions welcomed by Shire of Broome
Alcohol restrictions will be in place in Broome and Derby for the next two years after the State Government announced a hard launch of the initiative today – which is fully supported by the Shire of Broome. While not being the core function of a local government, the Shire has advocated in recent years for the implementation of measures to tackle alcohol-related harm in our region.
Nominations open for Council elections
Nominations are now open for the 2021 Local Government Elections. Barkly Mayor Jeffrey McLaughlin will be standing to retain the role while word about town Councillor Hal Ruger may also throw his hat in the ring. Cr Ruger has a long history with Council, with his father Paul elected as Tennant Creek Mayor in 1999.
Looking to history to secure our future
History is a fascinating subject. But it takes work and extended recall. It contains lessons. Particularly about humans and States. George Santayana wrote: “those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it” (1905) and from Winston Churchill in the House of Commons: “those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it” (1948). These two were not the only people to muse on history, supposedly repeating itself.
Introducing the Riverlinks Art Wall – inside the sound
Riverlinks Venues is excited to showcase the first installation of the Riverlinks Art Wall. Continuing the tradition of the SAM Drawing Wall, Riverlinks has transformed the long Eastbank foyer wall into a local mural for everyone in the community to admire and be inspired by.
New planning controls for flood-prone land changes take effect across the state from 14 July 2021
New planning controls for flood-prone land will begin to come into effect from 14 July 2021 to better protect life and property in the event of extreme flooding in the Tweed.
President Biden acknowledges competition failure, why can’t we?
NSW Farmers is urging the Australian Government to take note of their counterparts across the Pacific Ocean after President of the United States Joe Biden issued orders to protect US chicken growers from powerful poultry processors.
Second space launch facility licence granted for South Australia
The Morrison Government continues to support the growth of Australia’s civil space sector, with Commonwealth approval granted for a second rocket launch facility licence in South Australia. The licence, awarded to Southern Launch, will enable the company to establish a sub-orbital rocket testing facility at Whalers Way, 680km West of Adelaide. If tests are successful, the site could be used for much larger orbital rocket launches in the future.
Water deficiency declarations revoked in the Shire of Esperance
Improved water availability has allowed Western Australia's two remaining water deficiency declarations to be revoked in the Shire of Esperance.
Health and economy – time to invest in management strategies not in elimination strategies
Sadly, it has become painfully clear that our political leaders have lost the capacity, and even, it would seem, the willingness, to compare the impacts of varying public policy positions. The evidence of this is in the crude lockdowns which provide an opportunity for politicians and bureaucrats to look like they are 'doing something' and that they are 'in control' when in fact neither proposition is correct.
“We’re not sheep”
We are blessed with the quality and talent of our local business operators, and the current treatment is, frankly, cruel. We have seen multinational chain stores, who seldom pay tax, operate almost without impunity throughout the COVID-19 fiasco and yet, the beating heart of our country, small and medium business are wearing the impacts.
“Just let us come home”
Kirstin Nicholson. “I’d like to say I was elated, but the reality is, with everything that’s been going on, even after we had booked them, I still wasn’t necessarily sure that we would end up on a flight. You try not to get your hopes up because in this whole thing there is no guarantee,” says Kate Slater.
Councils take housing issue to Canberra
Eliza Berlage. Leaders from some Limestone Coast councils say they have come away “feeling positive” after a recent meeting with the Federal Government Housing Minister ... Said Tatiara District Council CEO Anne Champness, “The minister was well informed about our housing challenges and we discussed the contributing factors and possible responses. From our perspective, responses could include changes to the National Housing Infrastructure Facility (NHIF) which would make it more accessible to small/regional councils or help close the ï¬nance gap for private developers committing to the development of affordable rental accommodation ... "
Major Moogy recognised for outstanding service
Sheryl Lowe. Proud Ngarrindjeri and Kauma man, Major (‘Moogy’) Sumner, from South Australia’s Coorong region, received the Premier’s NAIDOC Award 2021 last week for outstanding achievements and signiï¬cant service to the indigenous community of South Australia ... “He is a world-renowned performer and cultural ambassador of Ngarrindjeri arts, crafts, martial arts, traditional dance, song and traditional culture. He has travelled the world learning from other nations and sharing his knowledge and experiences.”
Native timber industry is sustainable, says Timber Towns Victoria ahead of government review of Timber Code of Practice
Timber Towns Victoria calls on the Victorian Government to provide clarity and certainty for the timber industry, workers and communities following a recently announced Government review of the Timber Code of Practice (Vic).
Land handed back to traditional owners
Lismore City Councillors last night voted to return 37 hectares of Council-owned land on the North Lismore Plateau to its traditional owners, the Widjabul Wiabal people.
Tree represents hope and coming together
A native apple tree was the symbol for reconciliation on the banks of the Richmond River in Casino last Thursday. Richmond Valley mayor Robert Mustow and Aunty Leila Walker planted the tree together ... Aunty Leila said Casino was the traditional meeting place of the Bundjalung Nation. “North of the town is the largest bora ring on the East Coast,” she said.
Spike in ticket scalping
Geoff Helisma. NSW Fair Trading is investigating ticket reseller Viagogo, as consumer complaints against the company spike in line with the reintroduction of ticketed events. The [Clarence Valley] Independent revealed that tickets for a Paul Kelly concert at Yamba Bowling Club were sold out within minutes of going on sale – some of these tickets were advertised on Viagogo’s website for up to $740 on the same day.
Capping nitrogen for export hay quality
More nitrogen isn’t always better – especially in a drier year – when producing quality hay is the key to farm returns. That’s according to research funded by AgriFutures Export Fodder Program as part of the National Hay Agronomy (NHA) Project ... The NHA project is a four-year investment by the AgriFutures Export Fodder Program and aims to address current knowledge gaps in the Australian export fodder industry.
Council and State paving the future in Rockhampton
Almost $1 million of footpaths have been constructed throughout the region thanks to a joint project between the State Government and Rockhampton Regional Council. As part of the State Government’s Works for Queensland Round 3 program nearly 2.5kms of footpaths have been added over the last 18 months.
Creating new trade opportunities in Europe
The Morrison Government is investing in new trading opportunities for Australian businesses in Europe with the opening of a new Austrade office in the Netherlands. Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment Dan Tehan said the Netherlands office would strengthen the trading relationship with Europe, creating new opportunities and jobs for Australians.
Could the state buy Bramwell Station?
Wendy Kozicka believes the state government could buy Cape York’s most northern cattle station for conservation. The owner of Bramwell Station said it wouldn’t surprise her if the Queensland government made an offer to buy the property before it goes up for auction on August 11.

