Friday, January 6
Design stage for tourism upgrade
Public comment was sought before design concepts were prepared for two new buildings in Swan Hill’s heritage and tourism precinct.
Swan Hill Council received approval from funding partners for two new single-storey buildings
It followed the demise of the controversial $10.9 million Our Place project.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/news257/design-stage-for-tourism-upgrade
Mosquito-borne disease detected in Swan Hill
People who live, work or holiday in the Swan Hill region were urged to take precautions against mosquito bites to avoid being infected with potentially deadly mosquito-borne diseases.
Government testing of mosquitoes caught in Swan Hill Council traps had detected the presence of Barham Forest virus.
There were three confirmed or probable infections in the Loddon Mallee region during the season.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/news257/mosquito-borne-disease-detected-in-swan-hill
Tuesday, January 10
Club anger over gaming cards
The introduction of mandatory cashless gaming cards to all NSW clubs was “significant government overreach” that would “devastate” the industry, according to Murray Downs Golf and Country Club chief executive Greg Roberts.
ClubsNSW launched a campaign, Gaming Reform the Right Way, to counter the NSW Government’s proposed cashless gaming card.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/news257/club-anger-over-gaming-cards
New MP calls for hunting ban
Newly elected Northern Victorian MP Georgie Purcell pleaded with the government to ban duck shooting in 2023, to give the birds a chance to flourish after above-average rainfall over the past year.
The Animal Justice Party member wrote to Premier Daniel Andrews calling for the season to be cancelled, saying birds on the game list were in decline.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/farming-and-environment/new-mp-calls-for-hunting-ban
Friday, January 13
$27m vision is justifiably nuts
The company behind a $27.5 million almond processing plant had ambitious plans to have it up and running in time for next year’s crop.
Australian Farming Services chief executive David Armstrong said the new facility, to be built north-east of Murray Downs, was needed because the almond industry had expanded so quickly in the past five to 10 years it had outgrown existing processing capacity.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/farming-and-environment/27m-vision-is-justifiably-nuts
Ducks plucked
The Swan Hill SES unit’s annual duck race looked a little different this year, but the cause remained front and centre.
While the ducks didn’t get the opportunity to actually race down the Murray River on New Year’s Day, the event was still a success.
The high river was the reason for the ducks being plucked from the SES rescue boat.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/community/ducks-plucked
Tuesday, January 17
Blow to worker beds growth
Hundreds of extra beds were made available as part of a program to improve the availability and standard of accommodation provided to seasonal workers, but staff shortages hindered further work by council officers.
Many of the 380 new beds were in on-farm accommodation across the region or in the Robinvale township.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/news257/blow-to-worker-beds-growth
Warning on crash risk
A resident who lives near a dangerous intersection south of Swan Hill said they had their “life flash before their eyes” in a near-tragic incident.
Worried locals pushed for a left-turning lane to Aerodrome Extension Road from the Murray Valley Highway.
The busy intersection comprises a right-hand turning lane into Aerodrome Road, but no left-hand lane at the T-intersection.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/news257/warning-on-crash-risk
Friday, January 20
Meter upgrade sparks-new parking debate
Parking meters were being upgraded to accept credit and debit cards as well as cash, but calls to make parking free were rejected.
There was a mixed reception to the payments announced on Swan Hill Council’s Facebook page, with debate reignited over whether meters should be removed entirely.
Several people applauded the move to allow “tap and go” payments, while others said money for the new meters should be spend elsewhere, such as on rural roads.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/news257/meter-upgrade-sparks-new-parking-debate
Election ‘shock’ for councillor
Swan Hill Council’s newest councillor, Jacquie Kelly, said she was looking to achieve harmony, transparency and inclusivity as she began her role.
Cr Kelly was announced as the elected councillor after a countback of votes following the resignation of Jade Benham, who was elected to State Parliament.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/news257/election-shock-for-councillor
Tuesday, January 24
Swan Hill old nurse’s home tear-down tracking along
Demolition was in full swing at Swan Hill District Health as it cleared the site for the new emergency department.
The old nurses’ home was bulldozed, with summer conditions helping speed up the process.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/news257/swan-hill-old-nurses-home-tear-down-tracking-along
Run keeps growing
The Lake Boga Foreshore parkrun celebrated its second birthday with a large group bracing for hot weather and a morning of fitness and fun.
The Lake Boga parkrun began during COVID, with countless personal record times and new and old faces every week.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/news257/run-keeps-growing
Friday, January 27
Swan Hill man ‘dragged from vehicle, assaulted’
A Swan Hill man was said to be left for dead following an alleged brazen carjacking in Macedon days earlier.
The victim, 25, was travelling from Melbourne to Swan Hill when he parked his car before being dragged and assaulted by an unknown man who stole the vehicle and fled the scene.
The victim was taken to hospital for upper-body injuries.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/police-and-courts/swan-hill-man-dragged-from-vehicle-assaulted
Denham is Citizen of the Year
Long and valued commitment to basketball earned Sharon Denham the Swan Hill Rural City Council Citizen of the Year for 2023 award.
Ms Denham was described as being an outstanding advocate for basketball in the community.
She has coached multiple state teams, bringing home a number of gold medals.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/news257/denham-is-citizen-of-year
Tuesday, January 31
Natural response to wetlands concern
A local resident expressed concern about the Milloo Street wetland.
Jeanette Matthews had growing concerns about the state of the vegetation, posting a photo of the wetlands to social media.
Swan Hill Council said it had a maintenance arrangement for all public areas.
https://www.theguardian.com.au/news257/natural-response-to-wetlands-concern
