Get the appCouncil's Essential Services Team is flushing the town water mains. Some consumers may see temporary discolouration in their water while the work is carried out. The work is expected to be finished today. Residents who see discoloured water are asked to run their taps briefly until the water runs clear. Council has apologised for any inconvenience and thanked residents for their patience.
Telstra maintenance in Tamworth's central business district will temporarily reduce mobile coverage, starting on Monday, 26 October, and lasting two days. The mobile site serving the area will be switched off for short periods, which could disrupt calls, mobile data, mobile EFTPOS terminals and medical or personal safety devices. Businesses can check with their bank or payment provider about processing payments through the NBN or Wi-Fi. Telstra customers with Wi-Fi can enable Wi-Fi Calling. Emergency calls to Triple Zero (000) may still connect through another mobile network. NBN, satellite, landline and other providers' mobile services will not be affected.
The ACT Auditor-General has criticised Infrastructure Canberra's oversight of community facilities, citing inadequate maintenance, poor tenancy management and a lack of asset planning. A 2021 review found 25% of 63 facilities in Woden, Belconnen and Weston Creek were in poor condition, yet recommendations were not implemented. The agency lacks funding to assess the remaining 57 sites and has no contemporary asset management policies. Weak record-keeping and unclear tenancy agreements undermine transparency and maintenance standards. The Auditor-General's report includes 10 recommendations to improve governance and facility management.
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Get the appLinkt, the toll provider for major roads in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, has shut its online services for four days. The services will not return until 7am on Monday. Drivers can still travel on the roads, and their tags and number plates will still be recorded, with trips charged later. Customers cannot log in, manage vehicles, buy passes or pay online during the outage. Accounts set to auto top-up may face larger-than-usual fees once services resume.
A Victorian Auditor-General's Office report has found the state's fire truck replacement program is underfunded, leaving fire authorities with about a quarter of the estimated $1.5 billion they need through 2033-34. Premier Ben Carroll acknowledged more work was required, while pointing to a recent $167 million commitment to deliver 150 new trucks by 2030. The audit identified ageing fleets, incomplete scheduled maintenance and weak fleet planning, which led to faulty vehicles being pulled from service. Six recommendations were issued, and all three authorities accepted them in full or in principle.
Transport for NSW will carry out night maintenance work on Masters Road and the M1 Princes Motorway at Figtree. Masters Road work runs from 8pm to 4am on Sunday 18 and Monday 19 October, weather permitting. Westbound lanes close on Sunday and eastbound lanes close on Monday, with detours via the motorway, Five Islands Road and Springhill Road. Motorway work between North Wollongong and Figtree runs for four nights from 18 to 21 October, with single lane closures and a 40 km/h speed limit. Motorists should allow up to 10 extra minutes of travel time.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads will inspect and maintain the Myall Creek and Coen River bridges on the Peninsula Developmental Road. The Myall Creek bridge will close from Tuesday 27 October 2026 to Thursday 29 October 2026, with traffic detoured via the Myall Creek Heavy Vehicle Bypass. The Coen River bridge will face intermittent full closures from 7am to 5pm between Friday 30 October and Sunday 1 November 2026. Traffic will be let through in each direction at the start of every hour. Emergency vehicles will be given access if needed.
The ACT Auditor-General's report highlights shortcomings in the government's road resurfacing strategy, noting continued reliance on cheaper bitumen despite a preference for more durable asphalt. The assessment process for road repairs lacks transparency, making it difficult for the public to gauge improvements. Recent wet seasons have exacerbated road deterioration, with motorists expressing dissatisfaction. While the new strategy increased maintenance spending and resurfacing targets, the use of bituminous reseal instead of asphalt may have long-term consequences.
A team of 40 volunteers spent a Sunday completing maintenance jobs at the Tamborine Mountain Sports Association complex. Tasks included painting the front fence, weeding and clearing gardens, power washing the grandstand and long jump pit, and cleaning change rooms and sheds. Volunteers also aerated and sanded Bret Arthur Field. Local businesses supplied equipment, paint, skips, food and fence repairs. Association president Alick Kilsby said the community effort showed what could be achieved when people worked together.
Hilltops Council says its service provider, Goldenfields Water, will carry out essential maintenance on a water trunk main on Wednesday 14 October 2026. The main runs between Rosehill Pump Station and Harden Balance Tank. Work will begin at 7 am and is expected to finish by 4 pm, and it may affect water supply for customers on that service line. Customers in the main Harden township are not expected to be affected. Residents experiencing any water interruptions are asked to contact the council on 1300 445 586.
Transgrid has completed bushfire prevention work across its 12,200km transmission network in NSW. The company carried out 4,000 vegetation management and maintenance tasks between April and September. Fire authorities have identified parts of northern and south-eastern NSW as facing an elevated bushfire threat this season. Transgrid's 2026 bushfire prevention management program included 3D-Laser aerial surveys, vegetation management, helicopter and drone inspections, and thermographic surveying.
MidCoast Council will deploy camera-equipped cars to inspect over 1,700km of sealed roads starting October 8. These vehicles, driven by experienced operators, will capture detailed footage to evaluate road conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe distance to avoid obstructing the cameras. The collected data will inform future maintenance plans, aiming to enhance road safety and connectivity. This survey, the first since 2023, will provide updated insights into the region's road network condition.
Maranoa Regional Council has shut off the Surat potable water standpipe due to a mechanical issue. The standpipe is expected to reopen in a couple of weeks once maintenance is complete. The town's normal drinking water supply will not be affected, and residents can continue using water through the reticulated town water network. Council is asking anyone who normally accesses water from the standpipe to make alternative arrangements until the works are completed.
Two playing fields at the Fraser Coast Sports and Recreation Precinct will undergo a major turf refresh to improve the playing surface and help the grass recover. The fields will be closed for about eight weeks while the turf recovers and becomes established. The precinct is an important sporting hub for the region, hosting local competitions, school sports days, and state-level events.
Field Two at the Fraser Coast Sports and Recreation Precinct will receive a major turf refresh to improve the playing surface. The work will help the grass recover and grow stronger, with the field closed for about eight weeks. The precinct includes 10 multi-use sporting fields, eight outdoor netball courts, and two indoor basketball courts, hosting local and state-level events.
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Get the appNight works will begin on the Princes Highway at North Wollongong from Sunday 11 October, running from 8pm to 5am, Sunday to Thursday, for up to four weeks. The maintenance work between Lysaght Street and Bourke Street will involve single lane closures, contraflow traffic control, and a reduced speed limit of 40 km/h. Several bus stops in the area will also be temporarily closed for up to three nights each while work is carried out.
Composite decking offers superior durability compared to traditional wood, particularly in Australia's diverse climate. Industry expert Rod Schiefelbein highlights three key strategies to prevent deck rot: maintaining dry conditions, careful screw insertion, and proper protection. Trex composite decking, resistant to moisture, mould, and extreme weather, emerges as an ideal choice. Proper joist placement and material selection further enhance deck longevity. Regular pot plant repositioning also helps avoid moisture-related damage, ensuring long-term structural integrity.
Dyson vacuum owners can address common issues like clogged filters or tangled hair with affordable spare parts. While genuine Dyson components are pricier, third-party alternatives offer significant savings. However, using non-genuine parts may void the warranty if they cause damage. Options include anti-tangle brush heads, HEPA filters, and extension wands compatible with various Dyson models. These alternatives can help maintain vacuum performance without breaking the bank.