Breaking News
Recycling fallout continues
The Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) is warning that China’s ban on certain types of recycling material could see all Victorians facing a rate increase above the State-imposed rate cap. Read more >
Water is a hot topic
The Local Government Association of Queensland (LGAQ) has waded into the Murray Darling Basin water fight accusing the Greens and Federal Labor of playing short term politics with the allocation of economically vital water resources.
LGAQ chief executive Greg Hallam said local communities in southwest Queensland would reap the grim consequences of Labor senators supporting the efforts of the Greens to deny the State’s irrigators a fair allocation of water from the Murray Darling system.
The Greens move to disallow changes aimed at ensuring a less onerous allocation to irrigators is economically irresponsible and should be stopped in the Senate by all other parties, including Labor.
“The impact of cutting back on these allocations will be an enormous blow to towns and centres in the Northern Basin river system.
“The Murray Darling Basin Authority has endorsed a reduction in water recovery targets from 390GLs to 320GLs in the Northern Basin based on sound science and extensive community consultation. That decision should stand and not be trashed for short term political gain.
“If the Greens have their way farms will close, jobs will be lost and families will move away after generations working on the land.
“Is this the outcome Labor wants?”
What’s the deal?
The Federal Government continues to roll out its City Deal policy but who will see the real benefits? Read more >
Migrants take the plunge
The programs will help increase beach safety skills.
Migrants to the Sunshine Coast will be able to safely enjoy the region’s quintessential beach lifestyle thanks to the Migrant Swim and Beach Safety Awareness Program, which starts in February. Read more >
Recycled rubber roads
City of Gold Coast will trial a locally designed asphalt mix containing recycled tyres or crumbed rubber, in a first for the Queensland city.
Acting Mayor Donna Gates said used tyres are turned into small rubber balls which are melted down and added to the bitumen (the glue that holds asphalt together).
“This recycled rubber is being used successfully elsewhere around the world. In California, it is legislated that recycled tyres have to be used in their asphalt mix.”
Councillor Gates said the test section of road, chosen for its good drainage and high traffic, would be monitored over coming years
for performance.
“These kinds of roads are typically designed to last 20 years, so we’ll use this one as a test and see how it performs.”
The Australian Asphalt Pavement Association and the Australian Road Research Board will emissions test the asphalt (for any pollution) while the City will carry out structural testing on a regular basis.
Dr Laszlow Petho from Fulton Hogan, the City’s contractor, designed the asphalt mix for the trial.
Muscle Creek restored
Muswellbrook Shire Council’s Landcare Coordinator Nicholas Alexander at a National Tree Day planting.
Muswellbrook Shire Council with the support of local community groups and volunteers is returning the much-abused Muscle Creek to its former glory. Read more >
The Federal Government continues to roll out its City Deal policy but who will see the real benefits?
