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Help support public libraries in need by recycling unwanted books rather than throwing them away.
Central Highlands Regional Council’s co-ordinator Libraries Kira Nuss said the libraries had partnered with the James Bennett Sustainability Project to offer book recycling collection across the region.
The project is a green initiative created to assist libraries in disposing of all unwanted library material, by donating to communities in need, recycling into items or reselling them to generate funds for libraries to purchase new books or services.
“Our libraries continuously fill their shelves with the latest bestsellers and publications for their visitors,” Ms Nuss said.
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Water restrictions have been lowered to level one as water levels increase at Fairbairn Dam.
Central Highlands Regional Council advised the restrictions would ease from January 15 for Emerald, Blackwater and Bluff.
Fairbairn Dam recorded a 13.9 per cent capacity at 12pm on Friday, or 180,467mL, according to SunWater.
Mayor Kerry Hayes said despite the dam hovering just above the level zero trigger of 13 per cent, a conservative approach was appropriate.
“I have been advised that some inflow is still occurring and there is an expectation that the dam may reach 14 per cent based on that inflow,” he said.
“And this is where we see the need for some flexibility in determining the restriction levels and it is prudent that we wait to see what the season brings rather than reducing restrictions for these towns to level zero.
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A truck has crashed into a power pole in Emerald, causing it fall across the road and block traffic.
Emergency services were called to reports of the incident on Egerton St about 6am Tuesday.
Police, two fire crews and Ergon attended the scene.
The busy street had to be blocked to traffic for some time.
Central Highlands Regional Council were called to remove the power pole from the roadway.
It is understood the power pole has been removed.
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Blackwater Golf Club has installed more than six kilometres of irrigation line and 300 sprinklers to help maintain the fairways and greens.
Central Highlands Regional Council installed the irrigation system, which distributes treated wastewater from the town’s sewage treatment plant, during the course closure in 2020.
Acting general manager infrastructure and utilities Jason Hoolihan said it was an investment that paid off for council and the community.
“Disposing of treated wastewater through irrigation is common practice and council was required to expand its irrigation system to comply with environmental conditions,” Mr Hoolihan said.
“Blackwater now has almost 70 hectares of recreational space irrigated with treated wastewater at the Hunter Street sports complex and the golf course.
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REPAIRS to a storm-damaged playground are expected to be carried out next year, about a year after it was initially damaged.
Central Highlands Regional Council revealed that Emerald’s Steve Bell Park playground, damaged during a storm in February 2020, would be replaced in early 2021.
“Council was hopeful to offer a selection of potential equipment to the local community,” a spokesman said.
“However, it has since been informed that it will be replaced like-for-like only.”
Council expects the new equipment will be installed in early 2021. central highlands regional council