2024 Lismore City Council Workshops: Leading with Principles of Landscape Hydration

The esteemed Lismore City Council Rural Landholder Initiative feld days are back for 2024, commencing with an invigorating workshop titled “Principles of Landscape Hydration.” Taking place on Saturday, April 13th, from 10 am to 4 pm, this workshop will be led by Stuart Andrews from Tarwyn Park Training, renowned for empowering landholders with practical techniques for soil and waterway restoration, productivity enhancement, and strategic habitat management. Mr. Andrews will delve into the fve principles of landscape hydration, offering insights into managing water fow and implementing a holistic system that encompasses vegetation, livestock, and infltration to enhance landscape biodiversity and rural productivity. Kate Steel, Lismore City Council Environmental Strategies Coordinator, emphasized the workshop’s signifcance in equipping rural communities with cutting-edge strategies for soil, land, and waterway management. She highlighted the workshop’s role in rejuvenating landscape functionality, promoting farm proftability, and contributing to climate change mitigation. The event promises engaging presentations and onsite visits to successful landscape hydration implementations, providing landholders with valuable knowledge exchange and networking opportunities. Spaces for this informative workshop are limited, ensuring an intimate and impactful learning experience. Interested

Tenterfeld, Murwillumbah TAFE share over $300,000 in upgrades

Lismore Mp

Janelle Saffn has welcomed a NSW Government investment of over $300,000 in improving technology and infrastructure at Tenterfeld and Murwillumbah TAFE NSW campuses.

Ms Saffn said the investment is part of a $300-million state-wide program delivering upgraded facilities and equipment to more than 120 TAFE NSW campuses across the state this fnancial year.

participants are encouraged to register promptly to secure their participation. This workshop marks the frst of many planned for 2024, with upcoming events including explorative walks, informative stalls, and exciting hands-on activities in partnership with Boatharbour Landcare on May 4th. Additionally, in May, the Council will collaborate with Friends of the Koala to support their Koala Conversations festival, focusing on efforts to enhance koala habitat in the region.

For further details on the Principles of Landscape Hydration workshop, registration information, and future events, please visit www.lismore.nsw. gov.au/Community/ Environmentalstrategies/ Rural-LandholdersInitiative#section-4

The funding includes:

• TAFE NSW Tenterfeld: $150,000 for improved network connectivity and Wi-Fi upgrades; $60,000 for replacement of 26 digital devices; and $14,000 for signage and general maintenance.

• TAFE NSW Murwillumbah: $40,000 for 15 new digital devices; $70,000 for asset renewal, including lift replacement and building upgrades.

The funding is part of the NSW Government’s record $2.131-billion investment in TAFE NSW through the 202324 state budget.

Ms Saffn said: “TAFE creates great vocational and life opportunities for students across all ages.

“I often say to students TAFE can and does change lives,” Ms Saffn said.

“I love TAFE and it is important that it remains the primary provider for the delivery of VET in our local area and indeed state-wide.”

Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary

Education, Steve Whan said:

“Students and teachers need to have functional classrooms and access to industry-standard equipment.

“Stories of neglected classrooms, poor Wi-Fi connectivity, and out-ofdate teaching equipment shine a spotlight on the decade of neglect by the previous LiberalNational Government. The NSW Labor Government is doing something about it.

“This continued investment in TAFE NSW facilities will expand learning opportunities in local communities, improve educational outcomes, and support the state’s critical skills needs.”

Tweed Shire Council Introduces Fairer Water Access Charge Calculation for Non-Residential Properties

Tweed Shire Council is instituting signifcant changes to its Water Access Charge methodology for nonresidential properties, aiming to foster equity among water customers. Effective July 1, 2024, the calculation process will shift gears, transitioning over a fouryear period to a system based on the actual water consumption of each non-residential property.

Elizabeth Seidl, Water and Wastewater Business and Assets Engineer, emphasized the necessity of this shift, citing an existing imbalance where smaller water users subsidize larger ones due to the current meter-size-based calculation. Under the new system, which aligns with NSW legislation requiring revenue from such charges to be reinvested into the water network, nearly 75% of nonresidential properties will witness no increase in their Water Access Charge.

Ms. Seidl elaborated on the anticipated impact, noting that the revised charge structure is projected to raise approximately $896,000 in additional revenue by the fourth year of implementation, refecting the actual water consumption by non-residential properties. However, to assist businesses potentially affected by these changes, Council offers resources such as the online Access Charge Estimator and water-saving advice via their website.

In recognition of the potential fnancial implications for businesses, Council plans a phased approach to the increase over four years, allowing affected property owners ample time to adjust and implement water-saving measures. Ms. Seidl encouraged impacted businesses to engage with Council for support in navigating these changes and exploring strategies to minimize water usage and associated costs.

1: Equitable Calculation:

Tweed Shire Council is revising its method of calculating the Water Access Charge for non-residential properties to ensure fairness among all water customers.

2: Shift in Calculation

Basis: Starting from July 1, 2024, the charge will transition from being based on meter size to the actual amount of water used by each non-residential property over the next four years.

3: Phased Implementation and Support: Council will phase-in the increase over four years to minimize the impact on affected businesses, while also providing support and resources for implementing water-saving measures to reduce overall water bills