CFA open for all
Andrew Mole. There is a certain can-do attitude when it comes to Koondrook and getting things done – and the town’s CFA volunteers are a prime example. On Sunday, the local brigade held a very casual, very enthusiastic and very well received open day to unofficially officially unveil its new annex.
Elected councillors declared – No changes following recount for Hay and Edward River
There have been no changes following a recount in Hay and Edward River Councils last Friday. An unsuccessful candidate in both Hay and Deniliquin requested the recount due to very tight margins … The official councillors for the next four years for Hay are Martyn Quinn, Will Miller, Carol Oataway, Lionel Garner, Darren Tapper, Geoff Chapman, Paul Porter and John Perry.
Tender time
Senior Riverland politicians have urged local irrigators to avoid signing up for the Federal Government’s latest expression of interest for water buybacks. The Federal Government last week opened the Restoring Our Rivers 2024: Expression of Interest 2 (Large Portfolios of Water Southern Connected Basin), allowing for water buybacks from Riverland communities.
New program to ease pressure on GPs
Joanna Tucker. The South Australian Government has announced a significant expansion of pharmacists’ scope of practice, aiming to alleviate pressure on GPs and hospital emergency departments by allowing pharmacists to manage a wider range of health conditions. Under the new program, South Australians will be able to visit local pharmacies for common ailments ... in addition to already available services like medication for urinary tract infections and oral contraceptive pill resupply.
NSW Fisheries Officers action over safety concerns
NSW Fisheries Officers have taken industrial action and are refusing to inspect commercial trawlers at night over safety concerns after several alleged violent incidents where they have been shot at, threatened with knives … The Public Service Association PSA which represents NSW Fisheries Officers said they are avoiding certain areas and individuals at the very time fears have emerged that crooks, poachers and organised criminals … have taken over the state’s rivers, oceans and estuaries and are now plundering valuable species like abalone and rock lobster.
Billion-dollar loss from Victoria’s business events: McArthur
Victoria's once-thriving business events sector is in crisis, with recent data from Tourism Research Australia showing a dramatic drop in market share from 36 per cent in 2014 to just 21 per cent in 2024. Victoria was once the leader in business events, far ahead of New South Wales (27 per cent) and Queensland (15 per cent) in 2014.
New ultra heavy tankers for North West CFA fleets: Symes
The vehicles are part of a fleet of 29 ultra heavy tankers rolling out across regional Victoria ... The new tankers will provide a valuable boost to the capability of the brigades ahead of the upcoming fire season. Valued at $440,000 each, the ultra heavy tankers have a 10,000-litre water tank, improving the ability to fight fires in rural areas with open grasslands…
Felled trees just the start of changes on Yanchep Beach Rd
DevelopmentWA, the agency responsible for felling trees on Yanchep Beach Rd two weeks ago, says most of the trees remain and new ones will be planted once an access upgrade in the area is completed. In the days following the cutting down of the trees, including some tuart trees, Yanchep News Online was contacted by a number of residents who were shocked at the loss of the mature trees.
A prospect of independent power
GWMWater has recently provided an update on a study entitled “Donald Community Power Plant Study” investigating the feasibility of a community power plant and potential microgrid infrastructure to supply the residents of Donald with locally harvested and stored green energy. This is not the first time the concept has been investigated for the town.
Cohuna Carp Catch is back
The North Central Catchment Management Authority’s (CMA) Native Fish Recovery Program is hosting the popular event on Gunbower Creek at the Gateway Information Centre end of Garden Park on Sunday, October 27. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., there will be heaps of prizes based on the size and number of carp caught, as well as water bug activities, colouring tents, turtle and native fish displays, and a free lunch.
“Perfect Trifecta” for river fish
While punters look to find the best bets on racecourses across the state, the perfect trifecta could be within the banks of three northern Victorian waterways. Water for the environment will flow down the Loddon River, Serpentine Creek, and Pyramid Creek during October, to provide local native fish with a party of their own. Environmental water releases from Laanecoorie Reservoir will begin in early October, targeting flows of 400 megalitres a day.
Declan’s Law ready to be introduced to Parliament next week: Finocchiaro
The CLP Government will deliver on its promise to introduce Declan’s Law in the first sittings of Parliament, commencing next Tuesday. Under Declan’s Law, Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said there would be a presumption against bail for youth and adult serious violent offenders, regardless of whether a weapon is involved.
Still no clear answer or solution on Wilcannia Weir
The Department of Planning and Environment (Water) advised some months ago that there would be an independent review of the original design of the Wilcannia weir. Several names were recommended to the department by the community to form membership of the Independent Review Panel.
Will wild dogs take the bait? Aerial baiting trial will use DOGGONE
Aerial baiting is one of the tactics used to reduce wild dog populations. This time though, instead of using fresh meat to bait the dogs, a bait called DOGGONE will be trialled. The Eyes on the Rim project will monitor wild dogs and their impact on endangered species.
Clarence and Richmond Valley businesses suffering in ongoing energy dispute: Williamson
Nationals MP for Clarence, Richie Williamson is urging the Minns Labor Government to step in and resolve the ongoing industrial dispute between the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) and the state’s major energy companies, which is heavily impacting local businesses across the Clarence and Richmond Valleys. Months of strike action by the ETU has delayed thousands of projects, including critical infrastructure such as housing and roadworks, while driving some businesses to the brink of bankruptcy.
Mortlake Energy Hub to power South West Victoria: D’Ambrosio
Renewable energy developer BrightNight now has the green light to begin construction on the $700 million Mortlake Energy Hub in the state’s southwest. The project will combine a 360-megawatt solar energy facility with a 300-megawatt battery energy storage system capable of powering 140,000 homes and cutting emissions by 41.4 million tonnes annually.
Len Fox painting award
A large crowd gathered at the Castlemaine Art Museum last Friday night when Bendigo West MP Maree Edwards announced the winner of the Len Fox painting award. This is an acquisitive prize that is awarded every two years to commemorate the life and work of E. Phillips Fox ... The 2024 Len Fox award winner is Nellie Napa Coulthard for her painting titled Tjuntala Ngurangka - Country with Wattle, which celebrates the beauty of the artist’s country.
Board receives no complaints
The Limestone Coast Landscape Board says it has not received any feedback that low-flying helicopters have impacted spring lambing or calving. The board also says it has not received any complaints its letters to farmers from its lawyer are threatening.
Spotlight on SA’s largest yards
Around 82,500 cattle and 480,000 sheep grossed $149.9 million last financial year at the Naracoorte Regional Livestock Exchange, South Australia’s largest saleyard facility. Currently valued at more than $13.3 million by Naracoorte Lucindale Council it is also considered one of Australia’s premier saleyards, helping to underpin Naracoorte’s economy.
Ergon service fee increase explained
Energy Minister Mick de Brenni has explained why Ergon customers have been handed a 13.4 per cent service fee increase on their latest power bill. Mr de Brenni’s explanation was in response to a Question on Notice in parliament asked by local Member for Condamine Pat Weir, who wanted to know why the service fee increased from $1.09521 on 30 June 2024 to $1.2424 on 28 July 2024 …
Funds should be earmarked for rural councils
Two regional Victorian councils have given evidence to the Parliamentary Inquiry about the challenges faced by local governments including maintaining services from a small ratepayer base and attracting workforce. The Rural City of Wangaratta and Murrindindi Shire Council addressed the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport in Wallan last Thursday.
Regional crime inquiry coming to Kempsey: Kemp
After sustained calls from the community, the regional crime inquiry is finally set to take place in Kempsey this month. Michael Kemp, Member for Oxley, has been pushing for this critical inquiry, driven by the alarming surge in violent crime that has left families, businesses, and the entire community in fear. “This inquiry is long overdue, I’m relieved that Oxley will finally get the attention it deserves."
