Homeowner rebuilding house appalled at way flood authority made decisions based on a drive-by
“I do not feel the RA (Reconstruction Authority) has actively aided or helped me in any aspect through the entire event. Rather, they have prolonged and complicated every detail” - Luke O'Driscoll.
Government chops grant for ‘economic vandals’ but minister gardens with them
“We will not spend another dollar on activists and economic vandals and their disruptive agendas.” This is how Joshua Burgoyne, NT Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment, announced that his government has axed its $100,000 annual grant for the Arid Lands Environment Centre (ALEC), Central Australia’s peak environmental organisation for over 40 years and with 400 members.
Pearce MHR’s health announcement
Pearce MHR Tracey Roberts has released a statement about her health saying she was recently diagnosed with multiple systems atrophy ... Mrs Roberts, who was elected to the House of Representatives in 2022, said with medical advice and the support of family, friends and the community of Pearce she was committed to standing for re-election.
Murray MP calls for split from Murrumbidgee Health
Addressing NSW Parliament on Thursday the independent member said MLHD has "failed communities." ... "For too long, MLHD has failed our communities- and has not followed through on a number of issues such as the two orthopaedic surgeons that were promised in 2021.
An alternative perspective to David Lindenmayer: South East Timber Association
Members of the South East Timber Association respectfully disagree with many of the assertions made by David Lindenmayer and have a few observations and questions relating to Professor Lindenmayer’s opinion. Kosciuszko State Park was established in 1944. Areas of the original dedication, now in Kosciuszko National Park (KNP), were either never harvested or last harvested more than 80 years ago ...
Robe wins critical grant funding
The District Council of Robe is excited to announce the successful receipt of funding through the 2024-25 Coast Protection Grant Program for two critical coastal protection initiatives: the annual Sand Replenishment Program at Hoopers Beach and Fox Beach, as well as the Fox Beach Coastal Protection Project, which includes investigations and design work to address ongoing coastal erosion.
What’s our strategy?
Future developments in the district must be thoughtfully planned with harmony, taste, and understanding, rather than solely focusing on “chasing rate dollars”. This was the key message from mayor Patrick Ross to the Naracoorte Lucindale Council as elected members began discussions on a crucial issue—the draft housing strategy—last week.
Kinder welcomes young learners
Birchip Kindergarten has officially commenced for the year, welcoming twenty-six children into their three- and four-year-old programs, which provide fifteen hours of free kindergarten under the Victorian Government’s Best Start, Best Life reforms.
Student engagement at record lows
Victorian students continue to disengage with their education, as new data reveals student attendance has fallen to record lows. Released recently, data from the Productivity Commission’s Report on Government Services 2025 has confirmed: Victoria is the only state or territory where student school attendance was lower in 2024, than compared to two years prior...
Lights, Castlemaine, action!
Mount Alexander Shire Council (MASC) announced last Friday 7 February that a large crew, shooting for a Hollywood movie, will arrive to film in Castlemaine over the next week. Permits are still being finalised so not all details are available, but the council advised that a Liam Neeson movie called The Mongoose will be shot in the centre of town in streets including Lyttleton...
On location, behind the scenes
As excitement builds for another Hollywood production filming in our region, the Tarrangower Times wanted to find out all about the behind-the-scenes processes involved. Emily Owens is Executive Producer and CEO of Toffee Studios, which has recently been host to the filming of the new Netflix show, Apple Cider Vinegar and the 2025 AACTA (Australian Academy of Cinema, Television and the Arts) award-winning film, Better Man.
Cressbrook Dam the no. 1 priority
Toowoomba Regional Council has requested support of up to $200 million for the Cressbrook Dam Safety Improvement Project (CDSIP) as its single highest priority in budget submissions to the State and Federal Governments. Toowoomba Region Mayor Geoff McDonald said water security is critical for the Region and a key focus of Council.
Councils shut out of hospital discussion
A decision by councils across the border region to march on the Victorian Parliament next week in a united campaign for the construction of a new Albury-Wodonga hospital has been put on hold, pending talks with the Minister for Health, Mary-Anne Thomas. The councils have previously rejected the proposal from the Victorian and NSW governments to redevelop the Albury hospital.
Walsh labels Allan Labor government flood response as ‘appallingly callous’
The Member for Murray Plains, Peter Walsh, has dismissed the Allan Labor government’s response to the flood inquiry as a callous example of a citycentric government which “couldn’t care less about regional Victoria and regional Victorians”.
Barham childcare shortage
Barham is in the midst of a childcare shortage crisis, with a wait list of 90 at the Barham Early Learning Service alone, with 75 per cent aged in the 0-3 years old bracket. It is estimated that 45 per cent of the children in Barham, Koondrook, Moulamein and Wakool have been unable to be placed in a childcare facility.
Albanese Government supporting and securing regional aviation: Albanese, King, Gallagher
The Albanese Government will work with the Administrators of Regional Express Holdings (Rex), as part of an upcoming competitive sale process, to ensure crucial regional aviation services continue beyond 30 June 2025. We will work with shortlisted bidders on what support the Albanese Government may be able to provide to maximise the prospect of a successful sale.
NSW regional airports set to fly high: King, McBain, Phillips
Airports are vital for regional communities, providing critical access to emergency healthcare, as well as commerce, industry, tourism and education. This funding, which is provided under Round 4 of the Regional Airports Program, will deliver essential upgrades – such as runway resurfacing, fencing, lighting and drainage...
Widespread damage across electorate: MP calls for disaster declaration
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the damage across Harden and Murrumburrah from severe storms on Monday varies from businesses who were dealing with up to two inches of water in their stores, to nearby farmers and wildlife. “We’re seeing trees that are down, fences that have gone into creeks, the bird life has been impacted and most importantly, pastures have been shredded.”
Democracy failing regional Australia says agricultural leader
The NSW Government has been urged to show its commitment to regional NSW by backing a feasibility study into a community-supported water-saving project. Narrandera resident David Farley, who has spent time abroad developing water management strategies that support both the environment and agriculture, is calling on NSW Water Minister Rose Jackson to back a $1 million feasibility study for the Lake Coolah project.
Industry puts regulators on notice for pushing up price of food: NFF
The NFF Horticulture Council has today drawn a line in the sand, tasking national food safety regulators with taking a long hard look at themselves. Chair of the Council Jolyon Burnett has written to Commonwealth, State and Territory members of the Food Ministers’ Meeting, calling on them to instigate an independent review into the development and implementation of new food standards due to apply to fresh berries, leafy vegetables and melons from today.
Filtration is coming – at a huge cost
The Clarence Valley water supply, which is currently chlorinated and has lime added to reduce its acidity, will be filtered within the next 10 years at a current estimated cost of $83 million as part of the second stage of a planned upgrade. But filtration won’t significantly improve the water that comes out of the tap in the Lower Clarence said Council’s Greg Mashiah at a public meeting at Yamba’s Wooli Street Hall...
Inmates helping build futures
A partnership between Serco, Corrective Services NSW (CSNSW) and the Aboriginal Housing Office (AHO) is providing Clarence Correctional Centre (CLA) inmates with valuable employment qualifications and skills through the construction of 2, 3, 4, and 5-bedroom modular houses for locations around the state.
