State politics

When asked if there was any community consultation undertaken by Transport for NSW prior to the announcement on May 10, Ms Kearney and Mr Pickering revealed there was none and said if there was any targeted consultation carried out it was not done locally. Describing himself as devastated and disappointed when he learned of the fate of the ferry, Mr Pickering said the Ulmarra and Southgate communities are in turmoil ...

Communities across the Northern Rivers are being urged to be on the lookout for Red Imported Fire Ants after a new nest was found at South Murwillumbah last Thursday only metres from a nest that was destroyed in November 2023. Red Imported Fire Ants, one of the worst invasive species ever to enter Australia, were first detected in southeast Queensland in February 2001...

All 12 of South Australia’s tourism regions welcomed an influx of foodies and festivalgoers thanks to this year’s Tasting Australia presented by RAA Travel. More than 150 events delivered a deliciously diverse program of eating and drinking experiences, helping drive visitation and expenditure across South Australia.

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is backing a private members Bill that would remove regulations stopping farmers from growing industrial hemp.  VFF President Emma Germano said the Hemp Industry Bill 2024 introduced into the Victorian Parliament by the Legalise Cannabis Party provided an exciting opportunity for Victorian farmers and industry to unlock the benefits of hemp.  

The prospectus has been developed following extensive and meaningful engagement by, with, and for Victoria’s Basin communities. It details the next steps Victoria will take following the Commonwealth Government’s decision to buy back up to 450 GL of additional water.  

Wilson McShane. Snowtown residents say recent speculation about changing the town’s name has been blown out of proportion and the name is here to stay for the foreseeable future ... Snowtown Progress Association chair Derryn Stringer ... said last week his initial comments about Snowtown considering changing its name had been blown out of proportion.

The Shire of Gingin is advertising for a new chief executive officer following the resignation of Aaron Cook in March and during a period of uncertainty about whether the shire is being investigated ... Shire of Gingin President Wayne Fewster said the shire had recently established a CEO recruitment panel and a recruitment consultant had also been appointed to take the panel through the CEO recruitment process.

Large traces of white spot virus were detected in wild-caught school prawns south of Ballina ... State MP Richie Williamson said it is a further blow to the commercial fishing industry across the region with Clarence River estuary fishers already impacted by a two-year biosecurity lockdown.

Quill. A meeting was held at Birchip Leisure Centre ... Anne Webster, Gerald Feeny, Glenden Watts, Barry Batters and Di Lehmann attended to discuss the issue of renewables coming into the area, the construct company Cubico moving into Curyo West with idea of developing 100 to 200 wind turbines and the ramifications it might have on landholders and the community, should it go ahead.

Shadow Minister for Local Government, Peter Walsh, highlighted potential issues of cost-shifting, ranging from waste collection to the maintenance of road networks.  “The commencement of this inquiry marks an essential step in ensuring transparency and accountability in local government funding and services,” Mr Walsh said.

The NT Government has announced planning is underway for another land release to ease the housing shortage in town. With Budget 2024 being released next week, the Labor Government said it’s investing more than $200 million to prepare more land for new housing and other developments in Tennant Creek, Alice Springs, Katherine, and Darwin.

I was working for the WA Minister for Agriculture Ken Baston back in 2010, during the last big drought and, like Jackie Jarvis with the current dry, he had to deal with calls from industry for the Government to do something. At the time, as Chief of Staff, I asked the Department what the State's legislated responsibilities were when it came to dry seasons and the advice that came back was pretty simple - ‘soils and animal welfare', that’s it. Farmers were on their own when it came to subsidies for fodder or transport.

Koala Conversations, a dynamic series of events dedicated to koala conservation, is set to captivate communities across the Northern Rivers region. From the 18th to the 31st of May, a multitude of engaging activities and educational opportunities will unfold, culminating in the Koala Conversations Forum at Southern Cross University on the 1st of June.

Libbe Paton. The North East Wild Dog Action Group has been petitioning for wild dog control and 3km Livestock Protection Buffer (LPB) to continue as is. The opposing argument by pro-dingo activists is debatable, with many believing the dingo is native to Australia and questions are being raised. What is a dingo? What is a wild dog? What is a hybrid dog?

In a fitting opening, two local residents cut the ribbon to declare the new $9m Maari Ma Aboriginal Health Care building officially opened. Shirely Evans and Ngearie Cattermole cut the ribbon and then the cake ... With the holistic concept of the centre, Maari Ma is providing culturally appropriate health services.

Another tax has been wacked onto Councils by the State Government. The Cemetery and Cremation Tax which comes into effect on July 1 is set to hit not only Local Government Councils, but also grieving families.

Buffel and gamba grass are highly flammable and increase the intensity and frequency of bushfires and impact the biodiversity of the natural environment ... The TWG provided its findings, which recommend a Weed Advisory Committee be formed to build on the findings and develop a management plan, with the view of declaring buffel grass a weed.