Governor’s visit
Last week, Her Excellency Professor, the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria, embarked on a regional visit across Hindmarsh and West Wimmera Shires. As the 30th Governor of Victoria and only the second woman to hold this position, Governor Gardner’s visit highlighted the innovative and forward-thinking businesses in the region.
17 candidates running for council
Registrations for the 2024 Local Government Elections have closed, the ballot draw has been conducted and first-time candidate, Ulmarra’s Cristie Yager secured the top spot on ballot papers out of 17 candidates for the election ... Residents of the Clarence Valley will elect 9 councillors from the 17 candidates to steer Clarence Valley Council for the next four years.
Health falling behind
Joanna Tucker. Yorke Peninsula hospitals are falling behind the community’s expectations. That’s the grim outlook from Member for Narungga, Fraser Ellis. "The government is there to serve the community, and currently, I don’t think any hospital on YP is providing the services the community expects," Mr Ellis said.
Landslip victims abandoned
The Community Disaster Action Group (CDAG) has called attention to the severe human cost of the NSW government’s lack of action on assistance for people whose properties have been affected by landslips. "... There’s not even a policy 2 ½ years on, yet hundreds of landslip-affected residents are still living in damaged homes or caravans or unable to return home," CDAG co-ordinator Chels Hood Withey said.
Farmer confusion reigns amidst green drought: VFF
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) says farmers and regional communities are confused about whether they are eligible for drought assistance or where they can turn to for support as Victoria’s green drought lingers and farmers approach the critical spring growing season. VFF Vice-President Danyel Cucinotta said the confusion was adding to the burden faced by many farmers and is the driving force behind the VFF’s proposed Victorian Drought Resilience Program.
Koala queries – DPIRD, Vic Jurskis, Deborah Tabart and the Australian Koala Foundation
In view of the Australian Koala Foundation's march in Canberra planned for 1 September 2024, and its advocacy for a federal "Koala Protection Act", Australian Rural & Regional News felt it timely to ask some questions on koala matters and maybe even start up a useful, and very probably robust discussion ... ARR.News approached Dr Brad Law, Vic Jurskis and then Deborah Tabart OAM and the AKF for their response to questions ...
Local doctors ‘no longer working’ at Wallaroo hospital
The Rural Doctors Association has joined calls for more funding and medical staff for Wallaroo hospital. RDA South Australia president Dr Bill Geyer said there were two major issues affecting the hospital. "Port Pirie seems to be favoured over Wallaroo Hospital, despite Wallaroo growing and Port Pirie shrinking," Dr Geyer said ...
More water and better quality promised to three villages with $2mil funding
Water supply for the villages of Urbenville, Muli Muli and Woodenbong will be increased in capacity from 600 to 700 people. The Water Supply Project to these three villages will also improve the water quality as well with State Government funding of $2million to deliver the final stages to the Urbenville Water Treatment Plant.
McFarland goes down the path of a dual society
Don Fuller. In my view Blair McFarland’s policies are short on policy suggestions – besides they need more funding for the Basics Card. It is dependence on government to provide failing solutions again! There is no mention of the essential importance of education and the need for employment to reduce the devastating impact of a welfare-based society and how these vital areas can be improved.
Naracoorte Hospital upgrade – “Fit for purpose”
The emergency department at Naracoorte Hospital is being fixed to make it “fit for purpose”. Health Minister Chris Picton says the community deserves to have a hospital they are proud of and can provide a high quality of care. Mr Picton was part of a delegation from the Health Ministry that visited the hospital on August 7 to see the progress of $8million upgrade work supported by the government.
Libs elect Tarzia
Independent Nick McBride reportedly will not return to the Liberal Party under newly elected Liberal leader Vincent Tarzia. Following three major bushfires at Lucindale and Kingston, Mr Tarzia visited the district as emergency services minister under the former Marshall Government, joining Mr McBride and CFS officials, including Lucindale group officer and incident controller Patrick Ross.
Early voting begins for NT election
The Territory Election kicked off on Monday with the opening of the early voting centre at Civic Hall. In addition to this, mobile polling in various communities has commenced, with NT Electoral Commission staff already having visited places like Arlparra, Ti Tree, Alpurrurulam, and more throughout the week.
Truck petition en route to Parliament
The Maldon Heavy Traffic Petition commenced a new leg of its journey to Parliament last week, when members of the Maldon Traffic Group (MTG) presented the document to the Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards. The petition, which requests a comprehensive State Government review into the nature and level of heavy vehicle traffic through Maldon, was prompted by concerns for pedestrian and driver safety ...
Southern Basin communities raise alarm over water recovery impact
The Commonwealth Government water buybacks scheme will disproportionately impact the southern Murray-Darling Basin, as the region still struggles to overcome the impacts of earlier water recovery programs. Water users and local government have outlined the significant risks posed by water recovery policies to the region’s agriculture, economy, and mental health, in a letter to State and federal politicians and departments.
Governments fail to deliver on health deal
Documents revealed under Freedom of Information show the Victorian and NSW Health Ministers have not written to Federal Health Minister, Mark Butler, about the proposed redevelopment of Albury Base Hospital, according to the Member for Indi, Helen Haines. The surprising lack of advocacy was revealed by Dr Haines in a speech in Parliament on Monday.
Crafty ‘paddock to pint’ plan brewing
A collaborative craft beer strategy will aim to grow WA’s craft beer sector, create jobs and promote the industry’s ‘paddock to pint’ tourism experience. The new strategy will bring together all parts of the craft beer supply chain to drive forward a unified and sustainable industry.
Minister needs to show some mercy
Critically ill patients are being denied a hospital bed and waiting lists for public surgery continue to rise as the Victorian government sits on its hands, according to the Member for Benambra, Bill Tilley. On Tuesday afternoon, Mr Tilley called on the Minister for Health to explain the backflip on plans to use 20 beds at Mercy Health as a safety valve to the critical shortage.
$3.9M boost for Riverina fire stations
Firefighting capabilities and support to better protect residents in south-western NSW and the food bowl in the Riverina have received a $3.9 million boost. NSW Rural Fire Service Chief Superintendent Kelwyn White officially opened two new brigade stations and upgraded training facilities, handed over five firefighting trucks and recognised more than 160 volunteers in the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area (MIA) this week.
Councils join hospital debate
Serious concerns about the provision of health care services to meet the needs of rural and regional communities across North East Victoria have been aired at a special meeting of Indigo, Alpine and Towong Shire Councils. Mayors and councillors from the three municipalities held an historic joint meeting ... where they voted unanimously to take a united stance to advocate for better health services for the region including a single site hospital built on a greenfield site.
Homelessness Week 2024 in the Clarence Valley
It doesn’t just affect those without a roof over their head. It also affects entire communities. As this article went to print, there are over 120000 people experiencing homelessness across Australia ... "It’s important that people know support services are available within their local community."
Local faces at water resource conference
Hugh Schuitemaker. Local mayors and a senior irrigation industry figure participated in discussions of how to approach South Australia’s future water use at a major conference ... "A key announcement was that SA Water has committed to cap its reliance on the River Murray at the current level": Riverland Irrigation Trust CEO Rosalie Auricht.
Fire Ant Biosecurity Emergency Order extended
Red Imported Fire Ant detections have increased around the NSW border since the highly invasive pests were found at Tallebudgera, 6km across the border into Queensland, in July 2023, with 7 additional sites resulting in an Emergency Biosecurity Order that has just been extended. Implemented on July 17, 2024, the Biosecurity (Fire Ant) Emergency Order made by Chief Invasive Species Officer, Scott Charlton, was extended on August 6 for another 6 months.
