First it was supermarkets, now it’s roadside stalls bringing imported fruit into our region. In a shocking new low for the embattled citrus industry, a The Area News investigation has found some roadside fruit sellers are peddling oranges from out-of town orchards. Griffith growers were rendered speechless when they heard produce grown in the Hunter Valley and packed in Victoria had made its way to the Hanwood roadside. 

KILLER STREET DRUG ON THE RISE

Griffith’s streets are awash with a powerful prescription drug dubbed “hillbilly heroin” and authorities have warned an even more dangerous legal drug is moving in. The painkiller Oxycontin has spawned a black market in Griffith in recent years, with dealers and users “doctor shopping” for prescriptions. 

CONTROVERSIAL LAKE PLAN

The approval of a controversial major housing development at Lake Wyangan has put councillors at loggerheads with planning staff, who strongly opposed the subdivision. Councillors unanimously pushed through the adoption of the master plan of stage one of the $230 million Sunset Waters housing subdivision at an extraordinary meeting on Tuesday.

UNVEILING DATE SCHEDULED

A date has been announced for the opening of a monument to honour Don Mackay at the gateway to Griffith’s CBD. Excavation work at the site – located on the Banna Avenue traffic island between the plane on a stick and the ambulance station – began this week, with organisers booking an October 11 date for the grand unveiling. 

WARNING FOLLOWS SPIKING INCIDENTS

Women attending hotels and clubs are being warned by Griffith police to take care of their drinks to prevent them from being spiked.

STUDY TO LOOK AT POTENTIAL FOR PRIVATE HOSPITAL

Calvary Health Care Riverina is looking to conduct a feasibility study later this year into the possibility of developing a private hospital in Griffith.