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Smart ag
From paddock problem to global opportunity – Sam Rogers’ journey with GrazeMate: AgriFutures Australia
When Sam Rogers joined the AgriFutures evoke Groundbreakers Program and Startup Alley at evoke 2026, he was already working on a challenge he knew firsthand. Growing up on a cattle property in North Queensland, Sam had experienced the labour pressures facing livestock producers and was building GrazeMate, a startup using autonomous drone technology to help farmers save time, reduce labour requirements and make more informed decisions.
Opinion
Down the rabbit hole of strategic planning
As the Cheshire Cat reminded Alice, the road you take depends on where you want to get to. The problem is not that strategic plans are useless. The problem is that too many modern plans confuse aspiration with strategy.
Bird flu
H5 bird flu testing update: DAFF
Testing at CSIRO’s Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness (ACDP) has determined the giant petrel found in the Perth North Metropolitan Area (Whitfords - Mullaloo beach) of Western Australia is presumed positive for H5 high pathogenicity avian influenza (bird flu).
Water buybacks compensation
Balranald Mayor calls out built-in disadvantage stacking grant system against small councils
Balranald Shire Council Mayor Cr Louie Zaffina has called on both the Australian and NSW Governments to urgently reform the way grant funding reaches communities affected by water buybacks, saying the current competitive model gives small rural councils no fair chance.
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Farmer mental health
Narrandera event serves as timely reminder for farmers
When things get tough, the temptation for some is to pull back and deal with it alone. Which is why the upcoming community screening of Just A Farmer in Narrandera is a timely opportunity for the community ... One of the highlights will be the chance to hear directly from Leila McDougall - the filmmaker behind Just A Farmer, and a farmer herself.
Gold
Good prospects
In this historically gold-rich region, with its fascinating and varied natural surroundings, recreational prospecting seems like a fantastic activity for the whole family, doesn’t it?
Bird flu - NSW
NSW Government response in place after suspected H5 detection: Moriarty
New South Wales is responding to a suspect positive case of H5 bird flu. Samples from a Giant Petrel near Hawks Nest have tested positive for H5 influenza in preliminary testing at DPIRD’s laboratory at Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute.
Flood mitigation - Northern Rivers
CSIRO flood report must be the start of action, not the end of a conversation
The release of the landmark CSIRO Northern Rivers Resilience Initiative report must mark a turning point in how governments approach flood resilience across the Northern Rivers, with State Nationals MP for Clarence Richie Williamson calling for urgent action to ensure its findings are translated into real outcomes for communities.
Flood mitigation - Northern Rivers
Flood report a welcome step, but leaves some Tweed impacts unrecognised
Tweed Shire Council welcomes the release of CSIRO’s Northern Rivers Resilience Initiative flood mitigation report, focused on detailed flood modelling and mitigation scenarios for the Richmond River catchment around Lismore.
Water rates - Central Coast
Water rates to rise by 5.5 per cent
Merilyn Vale. IPART has announced the maximum prices that Central Coast Council can charge for water and wastewater services from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. A typical household's yearly bill for water and wastewater services will increase by 5.5 per cent.
Flood mitigation - Donald
Flood defence finally finished
After years of waiting, Donald's long-anticipated flood levee project has reached completion, with construction of the town's second demountable flood barrier recently finished by Eco Infrastructure. The second wall, located on the town side of the Richardson River, has been under construction since April 13. It completes Donald's pair of demountable flood barriers designed to protect the township from future flooding.
Murray-Darling - floodplain restoration?
Public hearing begins into Murray floodplain projects
Patrick Tucker. An independent public hearing into two proposed floodplain restoration projects near Gunbower and Koondrook is underway. At the same time, roadside signs displaying the letters "VMFRP" are prompting questions across the district ... The report also states construction would require the removal of up to 604 large and very large trees in Gunbower National Park and up to 727 large and very large trees in the Guttrum and Benwell forests.
Public parks - Denmark
Residents revolt: ‘Hands off our parks!’
Patricia Gill. A plan to ‘rationalise' historically-named parks in Denmark has drawn outrage from residents. A stream of letters to the editor in the Bulletin supports leaving the parks intact citing community wellbeing and environmental reasons.
Research - alpine ash
Can we keep Australia’s endangered alpine ash on the map? New modelling show where to focus our efforts
An alpine ash forest is a sight to behold ... Mainland alpine ash forests are now formally listed as endangered. This is because bushfires are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change, which threatens to wipe out some of these forests. In our new study, we examined how alpine ash forests would change under different climate scenarios, and found that difficult choices likely lie ahead.
US cf AU
When the government is your best friend
I subscribe to Greg Ibendahl's Agricultural Economics Substack. Greg is with the Department of Agricultural Economics at Kansas State University and regularly produces practical, data-driven analyses of broadacre farming from an American perspective. His latest article ... shows we are not alone facing rising input which can turn what appeared to be a profitable wheat crop into a financial disaster. It also serves as a timely reminder that while American farmers face many of the same seasonal and economic pressures as Australian growers...
Drinking water
Kaniva celebrates treated water milestone
Residents and visitors of Kaniva will now enjoy a fully treated drinking water supply straight from the tap, marking a significant milestone for the West Wimmera community. Previously the largest town in Victoria without a drinking water supply, Kaniva’s new connection means residents no longer need to rely on rainwater tanks or packaged water for drinking and food preparation, providing greater convenience and peace of mind.
Murray-Darling - water buybacks
Regional broadcasting
Tony and Tim ask for broadcasting reform – Time to change the channel?
Madison Eastmond. Two senior Riverland politicians say they will continue to support "meaningful reforms that secure the future of regional broadcasting" following an announcement that Channel 10 will remain on local screens only for the next three months.
Council rates
5 per cent rate rise
Naracoorte Lucindale ratepayers will face a second consecutive 5 per cent rates increase as the council commits to its biggest-ever investment in roads, while a heated debate over a controversial $415,000 rural road upgrade exposed divisions over spending priorities ... Despite the budget's overwhelming focus on roads, the proposed upgrade of the Mundalena Road became the centrepiece of debate before councillors voted to retain the project.
Parliamentary process
Move to disallow
Flood mitigation - Northern Rivers
CSIRO Northern Rivers flood mitigation report – Higginson and Hogan respond
The final report of the CSIRO team behind the Northern Rivers Resilience Initiative has been delivered, Scenario testing and recommendations for future flood mitigation activities in the Richmond River catchment in the Northern Rivers region, NSW, Australia. NSW Greens MP and spokesperson for the North Coast, Sue Higginson and Kevin Hogan, Federal Minister for Page, respond notably differently to the Report's findings and recommendations.
Carbon credits
Labor’s net zero land grab destroying regional jobs: Canavan, Tehan, Chester, Colbeck
The Coalition will lodge a Notice of Motion in the Senate and House of Representatives to stop Labor’s new carbon credit approval, which will lock up land and destroy regional jobs. The Coalition has moved to disallow the Carbon Credits Methodology Determination 2026, to stop Labor from paying state governments to permanently cease commercial timber harvesting across entire Regional Forest Agreement areas, in exchange for ‘carbon credits’.
Compliance and enforcement - environment laws
New environment laws leave farmers stumped: VFF
The VFF says new federal environment laws have made it much harder for farmers to manage their own land, with many now facing confusing rules, costly assessments and the risk of severe penalties for everyday farming activities ... The new rules are unworkable for agriculture and place an unfair burden on farmers.
Tax penalties
Research
New study reveals yellowtail kingfish travel further offshore than expected
A new study has found yellowtail kingfish travel much further offshore than previously thought, with some fish migrating long distances and diving hundreds of metres below the surface. The project began as a collaboration between staff from Lord Howe Island Marine Park and researchers from the Sydney Institute of Marine Science.
Plant science
Water - Vic
Desalinated water flowing ahead of schedule: Shing
Minister Shing announced that desalinated water is now flowing into Cardinia Reservoir, as Melbourne’s storage falls below 64 per cent - the lowest metropolitan storage levels in more than six years ... Without a connection to Melbourne’s water supplies, which are bolstered by the Desalination Plant, Geelong water storages would be under 10 per cent full right now - with severe water restrictions.
Smart ag
Komet bets on Irrigation Intelligence to close agriculture’s data gap: Komet Irrigation
New Application Engineering & Digital Systems division and Experience Hub will generate globally relevant insights to advance pivot irrigation science, engineering, and decision-making. Following the successful launch of the Komet Experience Hub in Brazil, Komet is expanding its investment in Irrigation Intelligence to help close one of agriculture's biggest data gaps.
Infrastructure
Casino gets its ‘Golden Gate’ with opening of suspension bridge across the Richmond River
Casino has a suspension bridge – and it’s a beauty. The 160 metre long bridge arcs over the Richmond River in a feat of engineering made possible by the Forge team.
Development processes - NT
Development authority favours developers
“These processes are so private, so closed and so favouring the developers.” This frustrated comment came from Fiona Walsh, as she closed her address to the NT Development Consent Authority (DCA). It was considering the application for a permit by the US defence contractor Lockheed Martin, via its Australian branch, for a global navigation satellite station near the Ilparpa claypans.
Circuit court - WA
Electoral redistribution - Qld
Drayton out of Condamine
Drayton will move from the Condamine electorate into the Toowoomba South electorate as a result of the Queensland Redistribution Commission's electoral redistribution, details of which were released on Monday. The move of Drayton into Toowoomba South was supported by the sitting Member for Condamine, Pat Weir.
Rodeo
What a weekend!
Carol Lyall. The Hutchison Quarries Allora Frostbite Rodeo was everything we hoped it would be and so much more. Watching families gather around the arena, hearing the cheers as the bulls exploded from the chutes, seeing the horses test every rider, and the barrel horses flying around the drums... it was one of those days that just made you stop and smile. The atmosphere was incredible, and it was so special to see our community come together to enjoy a great day out.
Yachting
New Sydney-Ball’s Pyramid-Sydney Yacht Race
The Royal Prince Alfred Yacht Club has announced a new race from its home port of Pittwater, north of Sydney, out around Lord Howe Island, Balls Pyramid and return. Scheduled to start on October 2nd, 2026, the course covers a straight-line distance of 890 nautical miles.
Public art +
New mural welcomes visitors to Terrigal
Ivona Rose. A landmark public mural celebrating Terrigal's coastline, culture and community has been unveiled as part of the public launch of The Esplanade Terrigal ... Created by Australian artist Steve Gorrow, the large-scale mural stretches across a building facade on the Terrigal strip and serves as the most visible expression yet of The Esplanade's ambitions for the precinct.
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Shark crisis
No easy solution to shark crisis
A 30-year professional fisherman who grew up surfing and spearfishing says he’s too worried about the shark numbers he sees in the ocean every week to paddle out at his favourite break ... Ben Hay spoke to the Clarence Valley Independent about the explosion in shark numbers he has seen during his career, what has contributed to this population increase, and possible remedies to the current problem.
Increase mitigation or cull?
A spate of shark attacks around Australia in the first half of 2026, including four fatalities and a recent local incident has seen calls for protections on sharks to be lifted or a cull to occur. This year the attacks began on January 18, at Sydney Harbour’s Shark Beach at Vaucluse, when a 12-year-old boy was killed by a suspected Bull shark.
Petroleum exploration
Final rejection of PEP 11 in Federal Court
Terry Collins. In a landmark decision on June 18, the Federal Court dismissed Asset Energy's application to overturn the Federal Government's rejection of the controversial PEP 11 application. Petroleum Exploration Permit (PEP) 11 has long been a point of controversy, as it sought to pursue offshore petroleum exploration over a large expanse of the eastern coastline including the Central Coast.
Bird flu cases
South Australia confirms first H5 bird flu case. New suspect detection in WA: Animal Health Australia
South Australia has recorded its first confirmed case of H5 bird flu in a vagrant migratory seabird found on a beach on the Fleurieu Peninsula. The confirmed case - a southern giant petrel - was found by a wildlife welfare organisation on 14 June at Knights Beach, Port Elliot.
Renewable energy zones
Mayor seeks better deal from renewable boom
Patrick Tucker. Gannawarra Shire Mayor Garner Smith said communities hosting major renewable energy projects should receive more in return for the changes they will bring to the district. The comments come as projects including VNI West, solar farms and battery developments continue to expand across northern Victoria.
Rural doctors
Doctor expectations have changed
"Once upon a time, GPs moved to small rural communities and built their life around their committed vocation as a rural doctor. They were 'everything' to the community, the general surgeon, the obstetrician, the person who supported the raising of families and the passing of loved ones. In our contemporary world, doctors want what everyone else craves - work life balance."
Carbon - native forests
Carbon Credits to states for ceasing native forestry – announcement and industry response
The Australian Government's "Improved Forest Management in Multiple-use Public Native Forests method" incentivises state governments to cease certain native forest harvesting purportedly to reduce Australia's carbon emissions. The Department's announcement and the response from the industry body, Forest & Wood Communities Australia may be the start of much debate over a contentious scheme.
Murray-Darling
Fuel tax
Farrer One Nation MP votes against regional jobs and communities: Canavan, McDonald
The new One Nation MP for Farrer has blindsided families and farmers, by voting with the Teals and Greens in Parliament House against Australian regional jobs and communities. The amendment, moved by a Teal MP, demanded the Labor government cap the fuel tax credit – a scheme which allows for a rebate to businesses that use heavy machinery for the fuel tax they pay.
Murray-Darling review
What we heard report reflects voices from across the Basin: MDBA
The MDBA today released the What we heard report, reflecting the key themes and perspectives raised during the public consultation on the 2026 Basin Plan Review. MDBA Chief Executive, Andrew McConville said people have plenty of different views about how water should be managed, but there was a clear message underneath it all: the Basin Plan matters, and people want it to work better.
NSW Budget
NSW Budget 2026-27 – Regional measures and responses
The statement of the Minister for Regional NSW and responses from Regional Cities NSW and the Member for Oxley highlight the NSW Budget 2026-27 measures aimed at rural and regional NSW, and the strengths and shortcomings of those measures.
Foreign owner grant
SA council elections
Disappointing outcome
Naracoorte Lucindale ratepayers could wait an extra five months to elect their next council under extraordinary state government legislation ... Speaking to The News, Mr Ross said the five-month delay left councils facing uncertainty around budgets, governance, and election planning.
Heritage listing
Decades of community advocacy earns State Heritage listing for MV Beardmore: Williamson
The formal listing of the historic MV Beardmore on the NSW State Heritage Register marks a significant milestone for the Clarence Valley community and recognises decades of tireless advocacy to preserve an important part of the region's maritime and industrial heritage, according to State Nationals Member for Clarence Richie Williamson.
Truffle strike
Western Australian first – rare white truffle unearthed on Manjimup farm: Australian Truffle Traders
In a Western Australian first, 1.5 kilograms of white truffles have been unearthed from the soil of Australian Truffle Traders’ farm in Manjimup. Family business Australian Truffle Traders discovered the bianchetto white truffles, known scientifically as Tuber borchii, on their Southern Forests farm yesterday.
Superbikes loss
Superbikes leaving Phillip Island – Statement from the Mayor
Cr Brett Tessari. The loss of the Superbike World Championship from Phillip Island is another devastating blow for our community, coming only months after the announcement that MotoGP will also leave the Island. My heart goes out to our local businesses, tourism operators, volunteers and community members who have supported these events for decades and who rely on the visitors they bring to our region each year.
Herbicide decision
The APVMA decision on paraquat and diquat and responses to this
The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) has delivered its long-awaited regulatory decision on the herbicides paraquat, and diquat. The APVMA announcement of the decision, together with the responses collected here, from Grain Producers Australia, Parkinson's Australia, Graingrowers and NSW Farmers, show that the decision has been neither universally approved nor condemned.
Data centres - Vic
Data centre boom sparks farmer debate: VFF
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) says Victoria’s $25b dollar agriculture sector must not be forgotten in the face of a rapidly expanding data centre infrastructure boom sweeping the state. The VFF has today released an issues paper outlining the scale of potential development and competition for resources like land, water and energy.
Paraquat
GRDC says APVMA decision may instigate further research into use patterns
The Grains Research and Development Corporation says the decision by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority means grain growers will continue to have access to the herbicides, paraquat and diquat, under new restrictions.
Bee-keeping
Varroa mite is here
The Masters Family, owners of Dalrymple View Honey at Allora have been dealing with the Varroa Mites. According to Sharon Masters, we've now got to learn to live with Varroa. For beekeepers this means testing for the mites, every couple of weeks.
Research - miticides
Australia has already spent over $100 million dealing with Varroa mite. Here’s what we can do next
The honeybee mite, Varroa destructor, finally breached Australia’s biosecurity defences 4 years ago, and is here to stay. Even more concerning, our standard treatments – such as specialised pesticides – are already failing. What does this mean for Australians, and what can we do about it?
Bird flu monitoring - SA
Native forestry and bees
FWCA seeks clarification on how native bee climate study supports call to end forestry
Forest & Wood Communities Australia (FWCA) has written to Macquarie University researcher Dr Carmen da Silva seeking clarification regarding comments made during a recent ABC Sydney Radio interview in which she stated that Australians need to "try to stop native forest logging" in order to help protect native bees.
Bird flu
Bird flu mainly affects birds and some other animals
As H5 bird flu has spread around the world the wild birds most affected have included waterfowl, shorebirds, seabirds and birds of prey or scavengers. H5 bird flu has also been detected in domestic pets including cats and dogs, farm animals including dairy cows and sporadically pigs, sheep and goats, marine mammals including dolphins and seals and wild animals including foxes and polar bears.
Biosecurity - Bird flu
Murray-Darling
RAMJO says $430 million water buyback shows Basin communities are still being ignored
The Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation (RAMJO) has condemned the Federal Government’s latest Murray-Darling Basin water purchase, saying the reported buyback of almost 86 gigalitres for more than $430 million is another blow to food-producing communities across southern New South Wales.
Federal Court decision
NT law about straying stock applies on Aboriginal land
The Federal Court has determined that a Territory law allowing the retrieval of livestock that strayed onto a neighbouring property operates concurrently with the NT Land Rights Act.
Mental health - Casino
Feeling blue? The little blue motorbike that starts a convo
A small blue motorbike on a stand out the front of a cafe in Barker Street, Casino was getting a lot of attention today, Sunday, June 21. The Blue Motorcycle Project president Heck McGregor said it’s a conversation starter.
Treatment resistance
Reduced sensitivity to fungicides detected in barley loose smut: GRDC
Early signs of reduced fungicide performance in barley loose smut have been detected in key grain growing regions across Australia. While there is no cause for alarm, growers are reminded to remain proactive in disease management.
Smoke alarms
From power boards to portable heaters: How cost-of-living pressures are increasing house fire risk this winter: Brooks Australia
With winter officially here, Australians across the country are turning off air conditioners and relying on heaters to stay warm, but while temperatures may be dropping, the risk of house fires increases during the colder months. ARR.News asked Jackson Holt from Brooks Australia about particular risks faced and specific advice for people in rural and regional Australia.
Fire season
2026 Top End bushfire season begins as Fire Danger Period is declared
Northern Territory Fire and Rescue Service (NTFRS) and Bushfires NT (BFNT) have declared a Fire Danger Period across parts of the Top End from 22 June to 4 October 2026, marking the commencement of the 2026 Top End bushfire season.
Home-based business
Sarah Josh and the elixir of invention
Necessity is often the Mother Of Invention so when mother of two, Sarah Josh, was pregnant with her third child, she went looking for natural skin care products that worked for her skin. Unable to find something suitable Sarah started making her own skincare products and sharing them with friends. Everybody loved them and, being keen to start a product-based business she could run from home, her skincare business - Liminal Elixirs - was born.
Classical
Maldon and Castlemaine strike a golden chord
Maldon will become part of a rare regional musical journey on Saturday 11 July, when the Keys of Gold Classical Music Festival brings one of its most atmospheric concerts to Holy Trinity Church. The afternoon concert, Celestial Sounds, will be performed from 4pm to 5pm and features acclaimed cellist Yelian He with internationally celebrated organist Thomas Heywood.
Here's to the volunteers
Behind the scenes: The volunteers who keep Maldon football and netball running
With both Maldon’s football and netball teams enjoying a bye last weekend, it offers a rare chance to look beyond the scoreboard and shine a light on the enormous amount of work that goes into getting teams onto the field each Saturday. Much of it is done quietly, without fuss, by volunteers whose names rarely appear in print.
Racing history
Neville family celebrates silo murals
The King's Birthday long weekend provided the perfect opportunity for a special family reunion in Birchip as members of the Neville family gathered to celebrate the recently completed Ray Neville silo murals. The visit was sparked by Ray's daughter, Lyn Dumesny of Rockhampton, who was travelling to Victoria and was keen to see the impressive artwork honouring her father on the Birchip silos.
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