Council & Infrastructure / News & Community Feedback / Council News
Mon, 03-Aug-2020
Council thanks the Rotary Clubs of Merimbula, Pambula and Bega for their generosity with funds and hard labour, on the completion of the Kiah pavilion project.
Mon, 03-Aug-2020
Bega Valley Shire Council is partnering with The Global Foundation to provide a unique, regional roundtable discussion on Monday, 10 August, blending local, national and global participation.
Mon, 03-Aug-2020
Bega Valley Shire Council and registered clubs throughout the district are encouraging local groups to apply for funding now via the ClubGRANTS program, which has reopened for applications for a short time.
Wed, 05-Aug-2020
Bega Valley Shire Council is seeing Local Government Week (3-9 August) as an opportunity to reflect on a busy and turbulent year, with Council staff and the Shire’' community facing down unprecedented challenges.
Wed, 05-Aug-2020
Council crews have responded swiftly to address a sewerage spill at the northern end of Spencer Park on Merimbula Lake today.
Thu, 06-Aug-2020
Bega Valley ratepayers have an extra month to pay their first quarterly rates instalment for the 2020-21 year. Bega Valley Shire Council’s first instalment is not due until 30 September 2020 however earlier payment is welcome. The second instalment will be due 30 November 2020.
Thu, 06-Aug-2020
Work has commenced this week on transforming the Pambula Beach Surf Club precinct through functionality, accessibility and infrastructure improvements.
Thu, 06-Aug-2020
Bega Valley Shire Council and NSW Health are introducing a Boil Water Notice as a precautionary measure for the Brogo-Bermagui water supply system from 11pm tonight (Thursday 6 August). After this time water will be supplied from the Brogo River to replenish reservoirs and will not meet the required standards.
Tue, 11-Aug-2020
National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology and this year, Council is holding a series of workshops to demystify energy and solar energy.
Wed, 01-Jul-2020
Bega Valley Shire Council and South East Local Land Services (LLS) have worked in partnership to complete portions of seal upgrades to a number of roads within the Wapengo Lake and Yowaka River catchments, achieving water quality, social and infrastructure outcomes for the community.
Thu, 02-Jul-2020
Bega Valley Shire Council has adopted three new land use planning documents that identify trends impacting our Shire and new opportunities for developers, industry and small business.
Fri, 03-Jul-2020
Bega Valley Shire Council acknowledges that during a 'normal' year, we would be celebrating the start of NAIDOC Week on Sunday 5 July.
Fri, 03-Jul-2020
Conscious of the upcoming school holiday break and the need to present fun activities for the kids, some of our more popular attractions have some great offers, either on site or online, depending on their COVID-19 restriction requirements.
Fri, 03-Jul-2020
A new multipurpose sports hall adjacent to the Sapphire Aquatic Centre at Pambula will commence construction this month.
Mon, 06-Jul-2020
Bega Valley Shire Mayor Cr Sharon Tapscott has urged visiting Victorians and returning residents to travel home safely and with caution, following the announcement this morning that the Victorian-NSW border will close from 11.59pm on Tuesday 7 July.
Wed, 08-Jul-2020
We find ourselves at the six month mark in our long, emotional and complex bushfire recovery journey. Milestones like this are reason to reflect on where we have come from and where we are headed.
Thu, 09-Jul-2020
Community Lead for Bega Valley's FREE virtual Business Support Drop-In Centre, Steve Millott helped owner of The Country K9 Parlour, Sharleen Salter do something she would never have been able to do on her own - secure a bushfire recovery grant.
Thu, 09-Jul-2020
Construction work will begin on the track from the Dolphin Cove car park to the beach access stairway and the track from Bournda Circuit pumping station to The Point beach stairway on Wednesday 15 July.
Fri, 10-Jul-2020
Council’s roadside vegetation clean-up program is making real progress across the shire, with many kilometres of burnt vegetation being cleared from the sides of council-managed and Crown roads as part of the overall, ongoing bushfire recovery clean-up.
Fri, 10-Jul-2020
Following Council’s submission to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) product purchasing program earlier this year, 14-year old Jamie Parker-Barnes from Bega recently provided DFAT with 100 hand-turned wooden spatulas.
Mon, 13-Jul-2020
Councillors today resolved to ask the NSW Government to fund a review of Council’s financial position through the NSW Auditor General and Office of Local Government, with advocacy for this from Member for Bega, Andrew Constance.
Tue, 14-Jul-2020
Work will commence shortly on the construction of the Lake Street Shared Path in Merimbula, which will include temporary closure of the southbound lane of Lake Street for the duration of the work.
Tue, 14-Jul-2020
During the COVID-19 isolation period, nine children across three countries (Australia, USA and Singapore) embarked on a unique and creative journey that culminated in a virtual musical called Search for the Sparkle.
Wed, 15-Jul-2020
A pilot scheme completed early this month in Cobargo has resulted in 56 successful applications for bushfire relief funding through the Bega Valley Community Disaster Relief Fund (BVCDRF)
Fri, 17-Jul-2020
Council is aware of the concerns of our community regarding the opening of certain estuaries, due to flooding after this week's heavy rainfalls.
Tue, 21-Jul-2020
Bega Valley Shire Council Mayor, Cr Sharon Tapscott, has congratulated the new Member for Eden Monaro, Kristy McBain, after the Australian Electoral Commission officially declared the result of the recent by-election.
Wed, 22-Jul-2020
Many of those at the centre of our region's bushfire recovery effort have responded to the opportunity to make their individual needs known.
Fri, 24-Jul-2020
Construction works have begun on a fourth landfill cell at the Central Waste Facility, with the delivery program brought forward by 12 months because of the need to dispose of some fire affected material in the existing Cell 3 landfill.
Mon, 27-Jul-2020
Cameron Richards has beaten out an outstanding collection of 38 finalists to win the 2020 Shirley Hannan National Portrait Award.
Tue, 28-Jul-2020
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has granted Council permission to discharge excess treated effluent from the Merimbula Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) from the outfall on to the beach as a result of an unusually large amount of rainwater entering the sewer system.
Wed, 29-Jul-2020
A chance to connect with community and register for support; that’s how people in bushfire impacted communities across the shire have described the first round of informal, COVIDSafe bushfire recovery drop-in sessions held throughout July. The second round of sessions will kick off on Thursday 30 July, beginning with a session in Kiah.
Wed, 29-Jul-2020
The community will have an opportunity to hear about and ask questions on three key local projects, at an information session to be held at the Eden Fishermen’s Club on Thursday 6 August from 3:30pm to 5:00pm.
Thu, 30-Jul-2020
Bega Valley Mayor, Sharon Tapscott has thanked the community of Lae City in Morobe Province, Papua New Guinea for its generous $61,000 donation to the region and the Rotary Club of Merimbula for transferring $50,000 of the donation to the Bega Valley Community Disaster Relief Fund.
Fri, 31-Jul-2020
This winter, arts and culture continue to shine on the Sapphire Coast despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Wed, 03-Jun-2020
Bega Valley Shire Council is committed to pursuing best practice when it comes to consideration of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage in our Development Control Plan (DCP) and we are seeking the community's support and assistance to ensure this can occur.
Tue, 09-Jun-2020
Bega Valley Shire Council has seized on the opportunity presented by the Eden Monaro by-election to energise our advocacy on a number of key local projects and issues.
Tue, 09-Jun-2020
Since its launch in March, there have been over 525 users accessing the Funding Finder site, with up to 65 users a day at its peak.
Wed, 10-Jun-2020
Council wants to know what young people living in in the Bega Valley, aged 12 to 25, need to support their ambitions, hopes and dreams, so it can help create the resources, services and facilities to meet those needs.
Wed, 10-Jun-2020
Balancing the financial pressures being felt across our community at this time have driven changes to a number of key Council plans.
Wed, 10-Jun-2020
Like many businesses in the Bega Valley, North of Eden gin has had to navigate the mountainous highs and cavernous lows of the 2020 Bega Valley bushfires and COVID-19.
Thu, 11-Jun-2020
Bega Valley Shire Council’s FOGO Ambassador and Gardening Australia TV host Costa Georgiadis is tuning in live to the region today to celebrate the release of new compost to the community. FOGO compost will be available from Monday (June 15) at the Merimbula, Wallagoot, Eden and Bermagui tips.
Thu, 11-Jun-2020
Bega Valley Shire Council's ability and capacity to more effectively assist bushfire impacted property owners through the recovery and rebuilding process has received a huge boost through the recent appointment of Garry Cooper as an Environmental Health and Building Surveyor.
Thu, 11-Jun-2020
Following recent meetings with the Cobargo community, the Bega Valley Community Disaster Relief Fund (BVCDRF) committee is moving forward with a responsive pilot scheme to test the processes around the Fund.
Thu, 11-Jun-2020
Bega Valley Shire Council has partnered with South East Local Land Services (LLS) and landholders in a successful rabbit control project that focused on some key locations across the Shire.
Fri, 12-Jun-2020
Bega Valley Shire Library is seeking expressions of interest from Shire residents for a trial service called Library Link, which will deliver library materials to people in their homes or via village-based pick-up points.
Fri, 12-Jun-2020
The Bega Valley Shire Library Service at Bermagui, Bega, Tura Beach and Eden will reopen from Monday (June 15) as the health advice around COVID-19 moves forward. Bega Valley swimmers are also celebrating with Sapphire Aquatic Centre (SAC) at Pambula able to reopen from 15 June as well.
Mon, 15-Jun-2020
The upgrade works at the Merimbula Airport have been given another exciting boost, with the Federal Government announcing a $4.5 million funding injection over the weekend.
Wed, 17-Jun-2020
From more than 250 entries into the Shirley Hannan National Portrait Award, 38 exceptional artists have been short-listed for final judging in July by National Portrait Gallery Director, Karen Quinlan.
Thu, 18-Jun-2020
Planned pavement maintenance works are scheduled to commence Friday 19 June on select streets within Bega, North Bega, Tarraganda, Coopers Gully, Buckajo and the Brogo area.
Thu, 18-Jun-2020
Bega Valley Shire Council is working closely with our project management and design consultants, GHD Pty Ltd, and Transport for NSW to refine and finalise the detailed design for the highly anticipated upgrade of the Towamba and Burragate Roads.
Fri, 19-Jun-2020
Bega Valley Shire Council is transitioning to a new electronic recruitment system - SCOUT:Recruit - that will streamline the application process, making it more efficient and effective.
Tue, 23-Jun-2020
Despite COVID-19 distancing restrictions, the Tulgeen Group recently produced 150 conference bags in record time for the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade, to be used at an international conference.
Wed, 24-Jun-2020
The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia has donated $325,000 to the Bega Valley Community Disaster Relief Fund, to be used "for the relief of human suffering".
Thu, 25-Jun-2020
With the Victorian school holidays coinciding with a spike in COVID-19 cases in and around Melbourne, many in the Bega Valley have expressed concern about the health risks holiday makers present locally.
Thu, 25-Jun-2020
Bega Valley Shire Council's advocacy on behalf of our community continues in the aftermath of the Black Summer Bushfires, with General Manager, Leanne Barnes, appearing before the Royal Commission into National Natural Disaster Arrangements (commonly referred to as the Bushfire Royal Commission) yesterday.
Thu, 25-Jun-2020
Suggestions that General Manager Leanne Barnes has lost the confidence of Council are grossly inaccurate.
Mon, 29-Jun-2020
Bega Valley Shire Council has joined with its recovery service partners to host a series of informal, COVIDSafe drop-in sessions starting in July, in bushfire impacted communities.
Mon, 29-Jun-2020
A new tourism recovery initiative commenced today - the Tourism Events Recovery Coordination Program.
Fri, 01-May-2020
Bega Valley Mayor Kristy McBain has today announced her intention to nominate as the Labor Candidate in the up-coming by-election for the federal seat of Eden-Monaro.
Fri, 01-May-2020
The Modification Application for the construction of a new emergency landfill cell and resource recovery sorting pad at the Central Waste Facility, has been approved, clearing the way for construction to start and for bushfire clean-up to begin in earnest.
Tue, 05-May-2020
The Bega Valley Local Emergency Management Committee has today removed restrictions on accessing Bar Beach at Merimbula.
Wed, 06-May-2020
Bega Valley Shire Council is to receive more than $1 million from the NSW government, to ease the impact of the summer bushfires on coastal waterways.
Wed, 06-May-2020
Bega Valley Shire Council is pleased that our NSW State Government partners (through Services NSW) have completed payment of the third and fourth quarter rates for all properties destroyed in the summer's bushfire crisis.
Wed, 06-May-2020
Bega Valley Regional Gallery's (BVRG) upcoming exhibition will present the work of Australian artist Eugenia Lim whose latest work, The Ambassador trilogy, drills down into racial politics, the social costs of manufacturing and the role of architecture in shaping society.
Wed, 06-May-2020
Today's extraordinary meeting of Bega Valley Shire Council has elected Cr Sharon Tapscott as Mayor with Cr Russell Fitzpatrick appointed Deputy Mayor.
Wed, 06-May-2020
Council is working to stabilise dunes and infrastructure at the northern end of Merimbula's Main Beach as large ocean swells continue to play havoc, heavily eroding the beach between Mitchies Jetty and Ford Park.
Mon, 11-May-2020
With the COVID-19 'curve' continuing to flatten and restrictions beginning to ease as a result, the youngest in our community will soon be able to explore four exciting new playground spaces.
Mon, 11-May-2020
As one of the regions hardest hit by our black summer of bushfire, Bega Valley Shire Council has welcomed news of the $650 million Regional Bushfire Recovery and Development Program from the Federal Government.
Wed, 13-May-2020
Many small businesses in the Bega Valley are using the COVID-19 crisis as an opportunity to create new products, find different ways of delivering services or adopt new technologies to keep themselves in business.
Thu, 14-May-2020
The Eden community and Bega Valley Shire Council have been delighted to see progress on the long-anticipated restoration of the Hotel Australasia.
Thu, 14-May-2020
Friday marks a milestone in our COVID-19 and bushfire recovery experience, with a number of the health restrictions we've been living with starting to ease.
Thu, 14-May-2020
Bega Valley Shire Council staff and Councillors have been left shocked and profoundly saddened by the news that the Mayor of Villers-Bretonneux, Mr Patrick Simon, has passed away.
Fri, 15-May-2020
A group of hard-working volunteers from the Rotary Club of Merimbula replaced the fence at the entrance to Wonboyn cemetery in time for Mother's Day this year.
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Fri, 15-May-2020
Bega Valley Shire Council is particularly keen to hear from the Wyndham community surrounding a plan to construct a shared path network within the village.
Sun, 17-May-2020
National Volunteer Week kicks off on Monday 18 May; a chance to celebrate the enormous difference our Bega Valley volunteers make to our lives and our communities.
Mon, 18-May-2020
During our severe summer bushfires, registered clubs in the Bega Valley stepped up in support, acting as official and unofficial evacuation centres.
Mon, 18-May-2020
The Bega Valley’s first ever Youth Week 1 Minute Film Festival has unearthed the technical skills, humour and storytelling abilities of our young people
Mon, 18-May-2020
The Bega Valley Community Disaster Relief Fund is designed to assist and support the community in its recovery from natural disaster now and into the future.
Tue, 19-May-2020
Welcome to National Volunteer Week. The dedication of the Bermagui Rural Fire Service's crew of volunteers is one of many great examples of community strength our Valley's volunteers show time after time.
Tue, 19-May-2020
True to the theme of this year's National Volunteer Week, Judi Chenhall is certainly changing young lives through her volunteer commitment to the Eden Library Homework Club.
Wed, 20-May-2020
Increasingly it seems we are living as part of a throw-away society strongly influenced and driven by consumerism. This National Volunteers Week we celebrate a band of local volunteers who are bucking the trend; painstakingly fixing what would otherwise be discarded.
Thu, 21-May-2020
Just as we have responded to the challenges of drought, bushfire, flood and pandemic in recent years, Bega Valley Shire Council is confident the organisation's current and future financial challenges will be tackled.
Fri, 22-May-2020
In acknowledgment of National Volunteer Week, we're shining a light on another moving story that started in the aftermath of the Tathra and District fire event in 2018.
Mon, 25-May-2020
With the advent of the summer bushfires, then floods and finally COVID-19, Jenny and Arthur Robb have had to mobilise every ounce of strength and determination to work through the disaster that has been 2020.
Mon, 25-May-2020
In these days of bushfire recovery its easy to be overwhelmed by the level government and non-government funding and assistance for our community at this time. One natural reaction is to simply shutdown to the news and information flow.
Tue, 26-May-2020
During our severe summer bushfires, registered clubs in the Bega Valley stepped up in support, acting as official and unofficial evacuation centres.
Tue, 26-May-2020
Council is pleased to announce that applications for both its 2020-2021 Heritage Assistance and Access Improvement grants are set to open 1 June; creating opportunities for projects supporting both access equity and heritage conservation.
Thu, 28-May-2020
Bega Valley Shire Mayor Sharon Tapscott has voiced her disappointment about the Target Country closures announced late last week, a move which directly impacts the Merimbula and Bega stores.
Thu, 28-May-2020
The Bega Valley is emerging from its COVID-19/Coronavirus cocoon conscious of the balance the NSW Government is looking to strike between the health and economic well-being of our community.
Thu, 28-May-2020
As the Bega Valley moves towards our sixth month of bushfire response and recovery an opportunity is being created to check-in on need and with each other.
Fri, 29-May-2020
The Sapphire Coast - Start Feeling It! campaign has been launched, to reinvigorate our vital tourism economy. It draws on the memories and feel of a great Australian road trip and unearths new destination stories.
Fri, 29-May-2020
Bega Valley Shire Council is again seeking feedback from the community on several key strategic planning documents.
Mon, 06-Apr-2020
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic and decisions made by the National Cabinet, the Bega Valley Shire Library made the sad decision to temporarily close the doors on its physical spaces around the Shire earlier this week.
Tue, 07-Apr-2020
All essential services and facilities that have remained open throughout the COVID-19 crisis will stay open on Tuesday, 14 April as some Bega Valley Shire Council staff observe a Local Government State Award approved Union Picnic Day.
Tue, 07-Apr-2020
The clean-up of bushfire impacted properties has started in northern villages of the Bega Valley. The roll out in western and southern parts of the shire will gather momentum after Easter.
Tue, 07-Apr-2020
For many in our community it is the pristine natural environment that provides a real sense of place in the Valley and it is our local volunteers and community groups that in so many cases drive projects focused on enhancing what we are so lucky to have.
Wed, 08-Apr-2020
COVID-19 might be testing everyone's patience and boundaries, but for Bega Valley Shire Council Road Coordinator, Cliff Shipton and his road teams, it's giving them the time to get their schedule back on track.
Wed, 08-Apr-2020
Young people in the Bega Valley can put their isolation into good use and win some great prizes for National Youth Week, with the launch of a 1-minute film competition and festival.
Wed, 08-Apr-2020
Council is to take advantage of the current absence of holidaymakers and the temporary closure of the nearby caravan park and cabins to conduct a rabbit shooting trial at Merimbula's Short Point reserve.
Thu, 09-Apr-2020
Bushfire-affected material has started arriving at Bega Valley Shire Council's Central Waste Facility (CWF) in an important step towards helping residents rebuild their lives after summer's devastation.
Thu, 09-Apr-2020
Council's Children's Services team has been busy across a number of fronts, contacting parents to explain what federal and state government child care announcements mean for them and continuing to deliver programs and resources at the centres.
Wed, 15-Apr-2020
Following concerns raised by the local community and officers from South Coast Police District, the car park at Bar Beach, Merimbula is now closed to the public.
Wed, 15-Apr-2020
The children of fire affected communities have endured a lot, so when the mobile Imaginasium loose parts playground visited Cobargo recently, local children went wild for it!
Thu, 16-Apr-2020
News of a beach wildlife rescue over the weekend at Lions Park Beach near Pambula River Mouth has served as a reminder of the importance of responsible pet ownership and control.
Fri, 17-Apr-2020
Bega Valley Mayor Kristy McBain is urging her community to share their stories and knowledge of this summer's bushfires with the Royal Commission set up to investigate the disaster.
Fri, 17-Apr-2020
There's positive recovery progress at the Wandella Hall site with the completion of temporary restoration works to the hall's external toilet facilities.
Tue, 21-Apr-2020
This week, Bega Valley Shire residents will receive their fourth Rates Instalment notice.
Tue, 21-Apr-2020
With the scourge of the severe drought being compounded exponentially by the summer's bushfire disaster and even more recently by flooding, our local rural landholders have and are being faced with immense challenges.
Wed, 22-Apr-2020
More pieces are falling into place as part of final state government development approvals for the new emergency landfill cell and resource recovery sorting pad at the Central Waste Facility at Wanatta Lane, North Wolumla.
Wed, 22-Apr-2020
The proposed Lake Street shared trail in Merimbula has taken a huge step forward with the announcement the State Government is committing a further $1.74 million to the project.
Thu, 23-Apr-2020
Mindful of the health advice connected to COVID-19, the Bega Valley Local Emergency Management Committee continues to review and manage popular locations in the Bega Valley.
Fri, 24-Apr-2020
Council's Development Hub staff have experienced a sharp increase in the number of enquiries over the past few weeks and are committed to providing prompt responses to both bushfire affected property owners and general development requests.
Fri, 24-Apr-2020
Work on the Tathra-Kalaru reinforced concrete bike track is now in progress at the base of Evans Hill, heading towards Tathra.
Fri, 24-Apr-2020
Anzac Day brings an opportunity for reflection. A moment to remember history and how it can inform our future.
Fri, 24-Apr-2020
Bega Valley Shire Council General Manager, Leanne Barnes says she's pleased to confirm both the upcoming Council meeting on 29 April and the Public Forum that precedes it will be livestreamed, after technical solutions were found to the challenges of meeting remotely.
Tue, 28-Apr-2020
Bega Valley Shire Council is pleased with the strong response to its Draft Local Strategic Planning Statement, and is encouraged by the thinking behind the feedback and considered suggestions across a range of land use actions.
Thu, 30-Apr-2020
Bega Valley Shire Council is grateful for the service Dr Mike Kelly has provided to the region during his term as the Member for Eden Monaro.
Thu, 30-Apr-2020
Bushfire clean-up contractor Laing O'Rourke has started clearance work in almost 20 localities across the Bega Valley, including Brogo, Bemboka, Cobargo, Coolagolite, Eden, Kiah, Mt Darragh, Wandella and Yowrie.
Thu, 30-Apr-2020
For some businesses, the COVID-19 pandemic has been the straw that broke the camel's back, but for Festival Director, it has been a time to evaluate and review; leading to some silver linings.
Thu, 30-Apr-2020
No matter how big or small your business, the weight of keeping it viable and profitable through drought, bushfires, floods and then COVID-19 hits hard financially, as well as emotionally and mentally.
Thu, 30-Apr-2020
The draft Burning off in Open Areas policy goes on public exhibition today until 31 May 2020 at www.begavalley.nsw.gov.au/HaveYourSay.
Mon, 02-Mar-2020
Bega Valley Shire Council today welcomed the announcement that a new BlazeAid camp will be set up at Towamba to support bushfire affected residents in the south of the shire, and the wheels are in motion to establish an additional camp at Bemboka in the near future.
Mon, 02-Mar-2020
The bushfire recovery needs of our region are broad and deep. Recognising the impact those flames have had on lives, the environment and the economy, Bega Valley Shire Council is keen to highlight the stories of those living with the aftermath. Stories have power and we hope these case studies will help deliver assistance and change.
Tue, 03-Mar-2020
The Bega Valley Shire Council has announced that timed parking restrictions have been reintroduced across the Shire.
Wed, 04-Mar-2020
Eden Sea Farms was established over two decades ago, farming the nutrient rich waters of Twofold Bay, a marine environment that fosters the fast growth of mussels of exceptional quality.
Wed, 04-Mar-2020
Bega Valley Shire Council is the 50th Council in Australia to sign-up to a new one-stop-shop for grant funding to help local business, community groups and Council access a pool of $37.8 billion in funding opportunities nationwide.
Wed, 04-Mar-2020
Retail Revamp visual merchandising expert, Carol Bagaric will be back in the Shire next week to help rejuvenate and revitalise Bega Valley retail businesses, with two free workshops on offer.
Thu, 05-Mar-2020
Welcome news this week; the bushfires that have tested and damaged our community this summer have been extinguished.
Fri, 06-Mar-2020
Tom and Joscelin McMillan aren't misled by the green grass that's sprung up on the property they lease east of Bemboka, where they live with their young family and run their business, Bega Valley Eggs. They know that green grass alone won’t restore their business to where it was before the bushfires began.
Mon, 09-Mar-2020
After crunching trading figures comparing December 2019 to February 2020 with the year before, Greg and Kerry McKay of the Big4 Tathra Beach Holiday Park are quite sure they will not recover lost revenue caused by the summer bushfires.
Wed, 11-Mar-2020
When Maddy Barry talks about the Summer Bushfires, her focus is mostly on family, the RFS and her community in Bermagui – not how much money her business lost during what should have been the busiest two weeks of the year.
Wed, 11-Mar-2020
Bega Valley Mayor, Kristy McBain today welcomed changes to the joint Commonwealth-NSW Government package, Bushfire Affected Small Business Rebuild, for small businesses impacted by this summers’ bushfires.
Wed, 11-Mar-2020
The Bega Valley Shire Council has embarked on another innovative waste project in its quest to support the community in reducing the amount of food that goes to landfill.
Thu, 12-Mar-2020
Fri, 13-Mar-2020
Bega Valley Shire Council is moving into a new phase of bushfire recovery meetings with our community.
Fri, 13-Mar-2020
Australia is a vibrant and multicultural country - from the oldest continuous culture of our first Australians to the cultures of our newest arrivals from around the world.
Fri, 13-Mar-2020
Over 6000 customers will benefit from a $50 rebate (equivalent to approximately 16,500L) when they receive their quarterly water notices over the coming week.
Mon, 16-Mar-2020
Like most dogs, they are beloved family members, so when Indie the Huskie went missing from her Nowra home, her owners and three siblings were understandably upset when she didn't come home that first day.
Mon, 16-Mar-2020
This Wednesday marks two years since fire moved through the communities of Reedy Swamp, Vimy Ridge, and Tathra.
Tue, 17-Mar-2020
Stay up-to-date on the Coronavirus in the Bega Valley.
Tue, 17-Mar-2020
Communities north, west and south in the Bega Valley are waiting for the clean-up of bushfire affected properties to start. However, Council is concerned some people will miss out.
Wed, 18-Mar-2020
Bega Valley Shire Library is closely monitoring the impact of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) on its operations, programs and public spaces, and is encouraging everyone to become familiar with its online collections.
Thu, 19-Mar-2020
Pambula's Longstocking Brewery owner, Peter Caldwell is not one to look a gift horse in the mouth; and when he gets that gift, he's willing to share the 'how' with fellow small businesses across the Bega Valley.
Thu, 19-Mar-2020
Councillors adopted the 2018-19 audited financial statements at yesterday's meeting, with the documents to be now posted to Council's website and placed in the libraries across the Shire.
Tue, 24-Mar-2020
Bega Valley Shire Council is seeking feedback from the community on the Draft Bega Valley Shire Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS).
Tue, 24-Mar-2020
Council has moved to make changes to community services in line with state and federal government guidance about essential services; with Sapphire Aquatic Centre, including the gym, Bega Valley Regional Art Gallery and all indoor sporting facilities now closed, and the remaining five Shire swimming pools to be closed from Wednesday 25 March.
Tue, 24-Mar-2020
The Kiah community and Council have agreed that a temporary pavilion and barbecue area be erected near the tennis courts, while the Kiah Hall is being rebuilt.
Wed, 25-Mar-2020
Chris Horsburgh has joined Council as the Project Lead for the Recovery, Resilience and Rebuilding program in the wake of the devastating Bega Valley bushfires.
Wed, 25-Mar-2020
Bega Valley Shire Libraries are modifying services in response to COVID-19 and introducing a new 'click and collect' service which can be booked online or over the phone.
Wed, 25-Mar-2020
The rapidly developing COVID-19 crisis is beginning to impact on the bushfire recovery efforts, with two of our outstanding partner organisations being forced into significant operational changes.
Wed, 25-Mar-2020
An update from Mayor Kristy McBain on changes to Bega Valley Shire Council's services.
Thu, 26-Mar-2020
Communities throughout the Bega Valley have endured so much over the past few months. Each person's journey through recovery and rebuilding is unique. Sadly, the well known and loved Bikram Yoga Studio in Cobargo needs rebuilding after it was destroyed during the New Year's Eve bushfire.
Thu, 26-Mar-2020
They may now have returned to their own homes and councils, but the support given by local government family members who came together to back the Bega Valley community this summer will never be forgotten.
Fri, 27-Mar-2020
Join the global conservation movement and take part in Earth Hour by switching off your lights at home at 8.30pm for 60 minutes as a symbolic gesture of solidarity. And SWITCH ON your computer/laptop/mobile phone so you can enjoy #EarthHourLive from 8.30pm AEDT from the comfort of your own couch!
Fri, 27-Mar-2020
Day by day businesses in the Bega Valley are having to adjust to the changing health advice from State and Federal agencies around COVID-19/Coronavirus.
Mon, 30-Mar-2020
With toilet paper in short supply in some of our towns and villages, it appears that our community are turning to alternate products such as wet wipes, paper towel, or newspaper to get the job done.
Mon, 30-Mar-2020
The Bega Valley Shire Council's small business e-newsletter is new and available to anyone with a business or with an interest in business. Free to subscribers every fortnight, Business News contains the latest local, state and national business news and information. The next issue will be distributed on Thursday.
Mon, 30-Mar-2020
The NSW Local Government (Council) elections have joined the long list of events originally scheduled for this year to be moved in the wake of the escalating COVID-19 crisis.
Tue, 31-Mar-2020
The Bega Valley Shire Councillors and staff have been left saddened by news of the untimely passing of former General Manager David Jesson.
Wed, 05-Feb-2020
The region will be looking to the skies this weekend to extinguish the flames that still burn in our landscape and to top up our depleted water reserves.
Fri, 07-Feb-2020
There's lots happening across the whole Shire for Seniors Festival 2020. Here are the events proudly supported by the Bega Valley Shire Council's community grants program.
Mon, 10-Feb-2020
Bega Valley Shire Council this week resolved on a suite of measures to further support our community, especially those impacted during the ongoing bushfire disaster.
Tue, 11-Feb-2020
The next exhibition to be unveiled at the Bega Valley Regional Gallery (BVRG) on Friday 14 February showcases craft-based creations with a political intent.
Tue, 11-Feb-2020
This summer, Red Cross volunteers across NSW have been on the ground, helping at evacuation centres, offering people emotional support and participating in recovery efforts. Councillor Sharon Tapscott is one of those Red Cross volunteers. Her story is one that might be familiar.
Wed, 12-Feb-2020
As the saying goes - extreme circumstances require extreme solutions and that is most certainly the case with the work currently being done to secure the safe supply of water to the communities in the north of our Shire.
Thu, 13-Feb-2020
Senior members of our community have attended several events this week to celebrate the start of NSW Seniors Festival, funded by the Bega Valley Shire Council.
Thu, 13-Feb-2020
Bega Valley Shire Council encourages individuals, organisations and businesses wanting to donate quality goods and services to those directly affected by the bushfires to use GIVIT, a not-for-profit organisation that matches donations with those who need them most.
Fri, 14-Feb-2020
While Council continues to manage the aftermath of the bushfire disaster and look to the recovery and rebuilding that stands before us, our Recreation and Natural Assets team is continuing to progress the delivery of some long-awaited capital projects.
Fri, 14-Feb-2020
The lifting of the boil water notice occurs immediately. Water from the tap is now safe to drink and no longer needs to be boiled for any purpose.
Fri, 14-Feb-2020
For many in our communities, the immediate future is difficult to comprehend. For others, like Cathy Griff and Jo Dodds, recent bushfires are signaling that its time to seriously consider and plan for the future. They reflect on their bushfire experiences.
Fri, 14-Feb-2020
With the weekend approaching, Bega Valley Shire Council's Mayor, Cr Kristy McBain urges everyone directly and indirectly affected by the bushfires to take the time to visit Council’s website and read through the Bushfire Recovery Support information.
Mon, 17-Feb-2020
Bega Valley Shire Council has been installing essential sediment and erosion controls in bushfire affected estuaries and waterways over the past few weeks.
Mon, 17-Feb-2020
Bega Valley Shire Library is introducing an innovative literacy program matching up registered pet therapy dogs with children who may be experiencing reading difficulties.
Mon, 17-Feb-2020
Throughout the first few weeks of January, Merimbula and Bega townships experienced waves of people coming and going, and coming again, as bushfire alert levels fluctuated from Advice, to Watch and Act, to Emergency and back again - Councillors Russell Fitzpatrick and Liz Seckold both know how hard it is to pack up and leave your home in an emergency.
Mon, 17-Feb-2020
The support available to the local business community was the topic of two NSW Government small business bushfire assistance meetings held in Bega and Eden last week.
Wed, 19-Feb-2020
The Australian Defence Force has stepped up and stepped in to assist Council in its ongoing efforts to continue to supply reliable and high-quality water to the northern part of our Shire.
Wed, 19-Feb-2020
There was a great turnout yesterday for the first of a number of free digital marketing workshops for local businesses.
Thu, 20-Feb-2020
True to its name, the Bega Valley Innovation Hub (BVIH) has been responsive to changing conditions, putting regular programs on hold so they can focus on helping existing businesses survive, and even grow, during this crucial post-bushfire period.
Thu, 20-Feb-2020
You and your community have a lot to consider and tackle at the moment. Together we are working through those issues.
Fri, 21-Feb-2020
Bega Valley Shire Council has adopted the Rural Residential Strategy, which will now be provided to the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment for consideration.
Fri, 21-Feb-2020
The Bega Valley Shire Council has allocated $250,000 from the Bushfire Community Resilience and Economic Recovery Fund towards business recovery, tourism marketing and events, and will ask the state and federal governments to extend this funding an additional two years.
Mon, 24-Feb-2020
Panel-damaged vehicles, damaged components, burnt out clutches and clogged air filters. Council's Fleet Facilities team has seen it all this summer as it’s worked hard to help keep Rural Fire Service vehicles in fire-fighting service.
Tue, 25-Feb-2020
The Bega Valley Shire Council is holding a Love Our Lakes and Clean Up Australia Day event in Merimbula to celebrate the 30th anniversary of this important national initiative.
Tue, 25-Feb-2020
Level 4 water restrictions that have been in place for the Brogo-Bermagui water supply system have been completely lifted today.
Wed, 26-Feb-2020
On the back of the announcement from the National Rugby League (NRL) that this Saturday's 'Battle of the West' trial game between Penrith and Parramatta at the Bega Recreation Ground is an official sell out, we are certainly set for an exciting few days of action.
Fri, 28-Feb-2020
Bega Valley Shire Council has resolved to increase the number of areas where dogs can be exercised in parks and beaches in Tathra, Pambula Beach and Merimbula.
Fri, 28-Feb-2020
Thank you to everyone who was able to attend Council's Community Meeting at the Towamba Hall on Tuesday 25 February. We were really pleased to answer questions from the floor across a range of recovery issues of concern to the community.
Wed, 01-Jan-2020
Information on the ongoing fire emergency in the Bega Valley and Eurobodalla Shire Areas.
Fri, 03-Jan-2020
Download our newsletter with what is happening, what to do and prepare yourself for the weekend.
Sat, 04-Jan-2020
Download tips on dealing with gas bottles during and after the bushfire.
Sun, 05-Jan-2020
Council and Essential Energy have worked together to provide generator power to pumps at Ben Boyd Dam in Eden. This now means that water can be replenished to Eden at a slightly faster rate. As a result, this means that in the short term, the quality of water for drinking purposes to Eden cannot be guaranteed.
Sun, 05-Jan-2020
Bega Valley Shire Council advises that kerbside waste collections will continue across the Shire in areas that are safe and that are open to regular traffic.
Tue, 07-Jan-2020
Bega Valley Shire Council has started planning for recovery to support individuals, families and businesses as they safely move back into their communities, despite the ongoing nature of the current bushfire disaster.
Tue, 07-Jan-2020
The NSW State Government has advised that it will cover site clean-up costs for all destroyed/damaged properties - those insured and not insured. This means that insurance payments can be fully utilised for rebuilding.
Wed, 08-Jan-2020
The generosity of people is astounding during times of disaster and our communities have gone above and beyond to support their friends, families, neighbours, visitors, tourists and businesses as bushfires continue to burn across the Bega Valley landscape.
Wed, 08-Jan-2020
Due to the impacts of the bushfires in our local area, Bega Valley Shire Council's Children's Services have needed to revise start dates for this year, with the safety of all children, families and staff remaining our focus.
Wed, 08-Jan-2020
For those impacted by the recent bushfires, Bega Valley Shire Council is accepting fire affected waste, free of charge at some waste facilities.
Mon, 13-Jan-2020
The Bega Valley's Bushfire Recovery Centre is open and located in the Bega Valley Commemorative Civic Centre.
Mon, 13-Jan-2020
NSW Health has advised that the boil water notice for Eden and Boydtown water supply system can be lifted, based on chlorine and turbidity levels across the water supply system and Council’s management of the system.
Thu, 16-Jan-2020
Council is very happy to have received approval from the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to convert the fire impacted Cobargo Transfer Station into an engineered landfill site.
Mon, 20-Jan-2020
Bega Valley Shire Council is allocating $60,000 to a 12-week marketing campaign to attract visitors to the area and strongly encourage a 'buy local' sentiment.
Tue, 21-Jan-2020
Australia Day 2020 will be the first celebratory event of the year for most of us in the Bega Valley as new year events turned into non-events in the midst of our bushfires.
Tue, 21-Jan-2020
NSW Health has advised that the boil water notice for Quaama, Cobargo, Bermagui, Beauty Point, Fairhaven, Wallaga Lake, Wallaga Lake Heights, Akolele and Wallaga Lake Koori Village can be lifted.
Wed, 22-Jan-2020
'Empty Eskys' ave been turning up on the Sapphire Coast of the Bega Valley, much to the delight of communities coming to terms with a new post bushfire normal.
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Tue, 28-Jan-2020
Councillor Tony Allen is a man of the land, from a 4th generation family of dairy farmers on a property out Yowrie way. In the immediate hours and days after the Badja Forest Road fire that ripped through Yowrie, Wandella and then Cobargo, locals sought out each other and refuge at a place they were familiar with – the Cobargo Showground. Cr Allen found himself gravitating towards the showground too. Here's his story - one of a series on Bega Valley Shire councillors and their experiences of the bushfires that have featured across our landscape over the 2019/2020 summer.
Tue, 28-Jan-2020
In a further effort to support the members of our community who have been impacted by the ongoing bushfire disaster, Council will consider a report outlining all proposed financial relief and waivers for rates, fees and charges at next Wednesday's (5 February) Council meeting.
Tue, 28-Jan-2020
Bega Valley Regional Gallery, in partnership with Regional Arts NSW and Headspace Bega, will be holding art workshops for young people impacted by the bushfires later this week and into February.
Wed, 29-Jan-2020
Bega Valley Shire Council won't be proceeding with an application to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) for a Special Rate Variation (SRV) to fund the Shire's six public swimming pools from 2020-21.
Bega Valley Shire Council
