Two New England councils are down a councillor. Walcha has locked in a January by-election, while Tenterfield waits on advice about how to fill its empty A Ward seat.
Bronwyn Petrie
Posted inGlen Innes Severn Shire, Gunnedah Shire, Long Read, Moree Plains Shire, Politics, Social issues and services, Social Media, Tenterfield Shire
The cost of civility: how do we learn to disagree again?
WEEKEND LONG READ: Regular abuse online. Targeted campaigns of lies. Threats of violence, rape and even death. As Australia asks how it treats its politicians after the alleged attack on Helen Haines, local female politicians say they have been living the challenge, and agree we need to hold social media accountable – and find a way to disagree with civility.
Posted inLocal News, Local politics and councils
One down, 10 to go: Webb re-elected Mayor in Tamworth
Eleven New England councils choose their mayor within a month. Tamworth’s result is in — the 5-4 split that’s ruled council for two years just held again. A challenge is confirmed for Gunnedah. Who’s next?
Posted inConsultations and feedback, Tenterfield
Tenterfield theatre to be named after Peter Allen
Should the School of Arts theatre carry his name? Tenterfield wants your say on honouring hometown star Peter Allen, ahead of October’s festival celebrating his legacy.
Posted inRoads and Infrastructure, Tenterfield
New Molesworth Street bridge to improve safety and flood resilience
Work is set to begin on a new flood-resilient bridge in Tenterfield, promising safer and more reliable access for residents during severe weather.
Posted inPhones and internet, Torrington
ACCC mobile coverage inquiry welcomed
Dodgy mobile coverage isn’t just an inconvenience, it’s been life-threatening. Now the ACCC is finally investigating regional blackspots.
Posted inBarwon Electorate, Emergency management, Grants and funding, Politics, Tenterfield
$2.7 million disaster threshold plan an “insult” to small councils
Damage to your whole town, still miss out on funding: that’s the risk if Canberra’s disaster threshold triples to $2.7 million. Barwon MP Roy Butler says it’s “an insult” to small councils.
Posted inPhones and internet, Torrington
Torrington maps the gaps as telcos promise upgrades that won’t fix black spots
Telstra has confirmed upgrades to the Bolivia tower won’t fix Torrington’s black spots. Now the community is mapping exactly where coverage fails, and taking the evidence to the minister.
Posted inEnvironment, Tenterfield
Tenterfield Shire Council to protect future of iconic Pin Oaks
Tenterfield Shire Council to remove 10 hazardous Pin Oaks after an independent arborist identified significant safety risks among 203 trees.
Posted inCrime, Phones and internet, Torrington
Can’t call Triple-0: lack of services drives fear in Torrington
The terrifying alleged home invasion at Torrington has exposed a deeper crisis simmering across many New England communities: many residents simply cannot call for help.