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Murray-Darling
Basin Plan Review, and the impenetrable legislation
Australia's largest water reform, the Murray Darling Basin Plan, was sold to communities as a balanced, adaptable plan, with a triple bottom line of communities, agriculture, and the environment, and supposedly based on the best available science. Unfortunately, nothing appeared further from the truth.
Water - WA
Nanarup proposed location for low-impact desalination: Punch, Whitby
Nanarup has been chosen as the site for the proposed small scale seawater desalination plant, a vital project that will secure the Lower Great Southern region's water future and support its continued growth. Planning for a new, climate-resilient water source began in 2009, with seven potential locations identified between Walpole in the west and areas 50 kilometres east of Albany.
Law & order - WA
Gingin man due back in court next month
Stephen Balcombe was charged by Gingin Police in January with using a carriage service to menace, harass or cause offence ... 62-year-old Mr Balcombe, who is the husband of Shire of Gingin President Linda Balcombe, was remanded on bail to reappear in the Midland Magistrates Court ...
Ag research - SA
Is Struan House being left to rot?
Is the slow decay of the iconic Struan House south of Naracoorte a case of “demolition by neglect” — and has South Australia squandered a once-in-a-generation chance to anchor cutting-edge agricultural research in the Limestone Coast?
Volunteers - festival
A last chance to save iconic Riverland festival – Bloom or doom
Madison Eastmond. Numerous new volunteer faces are needed at tonight's Riverland Rose and Garden Festival emergency meeting, in order to save the event from complete collapse. While the Riverland Rose and Garden Festival has been cancelled for 2026, organisers are encouraging locals to attend an emergency meeting ... "The facts still remain, if we don't get more members on the committee, particularly someone stepping into the role of chair, we won't be able to go ahead," former festival chair Michelle Dominic said.
Volunteers - firefighting
Into the inferno: Jarrod Mohr on battling Victoria’s unprecedented blazes
"I have never experienced fire behaviour like it on the ground," Jarrod said, and the weight of those decades of experience makes the statement hit harder. "The first day we experienced temperatures of about 62 degrees on the top of the hill, 108 kilometre an hour winds."
Feral pigs - NSW
Wild dogs - Vic
Lord Howe whisky
Seven years in the making: Rise Whisky arrives on Lord Howe Island
After seven years of patience, persistence and a fair bit of experimentation, Lord Howe Island Distilling Co. has released its very first whisky - Rise ... For founders Anthony Riddle and Christian Young, the launch marks the end of a long journey that began not with whisky, but with a shared idea: that Lord Howe Island could produce spirits that reflected its unique environment, history and character.
Moving house
Australians trading the city for the regions
Caitlin Menadue. A growing number of Australians are leaving capital cities for regional towns, with Yorke Peninsula among the areas seeing the shift ... Coastal towns such as Wallaroo continue to attract retirees and young families ... "It's spacious, you can have chickens and it's great exposure for kids," said Simone Walters.
Coming up
Metal in March 2026 set to energise the Central Highlands with creativity and community spirit
What began as an initiative to promote the region’s thriving arts and culture sector through sustainable art practices has grown into a diverse program of metal focused workshops, creative activities and community events across the region ... This year’s events feature a vibrant metal art exhibition at the Emerald Art Gallery, an inspiring public metal art trail spanning the region, and an engaging lineup of flower making and blacksmithing workshops.
Renewables - Riverina
Big energy, big decisions: Public hearing set for Dinawan Solar Farm as wind stage approaches milestone
The future of the Riverina’s energy landscape is moving into a critical phase this month as the Independent Planning Commission (IPC) prepares to descend on Coleambally for a public meeting regarding the Dinawan Solar Farm.
Leadership & You
A sense of pride requires achievement
Pride is earned through effort, resilience and achievement. As Australia Day invites reflection, it reminds us that our national identity has been built through generations of quiet, hard-won progress.
Mangoes - NT
Housing - Townsville
A better lifestyle through a stronger economy – Nation-leading initiative unlocks surplus Townsville land for housing: Bleijie
The Crisafulli Government’s nation-leading Land Activation Program has come to Townsville, unlocking local under-utilised government-owned land to deliver a place to call home for more Queenslanders. The 4.5-hectare site next to Townsville Pimlico TAFE is the first within the region to join the landmark initiative and will deliver up to 150 homes.
Infrastructure - Townsville
Law & order - NT
Vanadium - WA
Polocrosse
Moulamein sisters earn Barastoc call-ups
Gus van Hart. Two Moulamein sisters are set to pull on New South Wales colours at Barastoc 2026 after both landed surprise representative call-ups in different squads. Barastoc is an annual three-day interstate polocrosse carnival featuring representative state teams from across the country.
Calendar
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Tourism
Allora Heritage Weekend draws bumper crowd
2026 saw another successful Allora Heritage Weekend. President Graeme McMillan said the committee was happy with the event. Crowd numbers were up even though the weather was very hot. More trucks and cars were on show this year...
Energy rating
Polish home now in Denmark
Patricia Gill. A thermally-efficient house put together from insulated panels and triple-glazed windows shipped in five sea containers from Poland is expected to be occupied in May. Though not a certified 'passive house', Christine and David Lovell's home ... will rate 9.3-9.4 stars in the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme.
Tunnelling
Snowy visit connects heritage and hi-tech
Australia's largest renewable energy project has received the seal of approval from an international tunnelling giant and Germany's top diplomat in Australia. Tunnelling pioneer Martin Herrenknecht and German ambassador Beate Grzeski recently enjoyed a quintessentially classic Australian flat white at the Snowy Hydro Discovery Centre in Cooma and toured the Snowy 2.0 Marica worksite, outside Kiandra.
GST review
CMA discusses GST Review with NSW Premier and Treasurer
“While GST distribution has traditionally been seen as an issue between the State and the Commonwealth, Local Government is an important stakeholder. Councils across remote, rural and regional NSW depend on the State Government for a diverse range of funding, everything from roads to libraries, from community services to economic development initiatives,” Temora Mayor Rick Firman said..
Heatwave - SA
Back to school scorcher
Madison Eastmond. Additional hot-weather measures are being adopted by Riverland schools, as students brave an intense heatwave – including yesterday's 49C scorcher – for the first week of the 2026 school year ... "This is definitely the hottest beginning of a school year we have had in a while," said Barmera Primary School principal Jayne Foulds.
Child safety - Qld
Renewables - Gippsland
Algal bloom forum
Minister calls snap foam forum
Michelle Daw. Environment Minister Lucy Hood has called a hastily arranged community forum at Corny Point this week, following growing criticism of the state government's handling of the harmful algal bloom affecting southern Yorke Peninsula ... Public frustration escalated over the weekend following reported comments by Premier Peter Malinauskas, who stated the algal bloom was "non-existent in most of the state" — remarks that have drawn strong backlash from affected coastal communities.
Australia Day - Maldon and Castlemaine
Australia Day and Survival Day
In Maldon, it was a friendly gathering in the Shire Gardens with flags flying and snags frying, all thanks to volunteers and the Maldon RSL ... In Castlemaine, Dja Dja Wurrung Elder Uncle Rick Nelson welcomed a packed Town Hall with a traditional ceremony on ... 26 January before Council CEO Darren Fuzzard spoke about the day’s theme of ‘Reflect, Respect, Celebrate’.
Australia Day - Donald
To beat Australia Day heat – Donald chose cool pool
Daniel Puentes. Donald's venue for Australia Day was the pool; a welcome change, as the summer heat was no joke on the day. As the venue opened, people came and set up their chairs and prepared for a fantastic day at the pool. At 10 a.m., the emcee, Chloe Frank gathered everyone's attention for the singing of the national anthem and the reading of the pledge.
Australia Day awards - Hay
Jappy is Hay’s top citizen
Allan Japp's story is one of extraordinary dedication, quiet leadership and lifelong service to the people of Hay. For nearly 70 years, Allan has been a cornerstone of our town through his work in pharmacy, emergency services, sport and a wide range of community organisations.
Australia Day awards - Hindmarsh
Hindmarsh Shire Australia Day awards 2026
Australia Day started early in Hindmarsh Shire on Monday 26 January 2026, commencing with a BBQ breakfast in Rainbow at 7:30am, followed by ceremonies in Jeparit, Dimboola, and Nhill ... Congratulations to the recipients of the Hindmarsh Shire Council Australia Day Awards held at the Nhill Memorial Community Centre on Monday due to the extreme weather conditions.
Australia Day - Kyogle
Starstruck Liesl couldn’t believe Keith Potger from The Seekers sang on stage with her
Liesl Pederson was starstruck when she went on stage to sing I am Australian at the Kyogle Australia Day ceremony at the KMI Hall. Liesl is well known at Kyogle events often singing the national anthem at the Kyogle Show and performing on Anzac Day.
National anthem - NT
Childcare
Three-day childcare guarantee now in effect for all families
Every child is now guaranteed three days of subsidised childcare, but there's a catch for rural families. The three-day childcare guarantee now in effect for all families. A new federal subsidy removes work test, but access to centres remains challenge in Barwon electorate, according to the local MP.
Land tax - NSW
Tax shock for farm trailblazers: NSW Farmers Association
Farmers with cellar doors and fruit stands should beware of huge new bills being slapped on them by the state government, NSW Farmers says. Reports have spiked of family farmers being forced to pay up to $300,000 in land taxes to the NSW Government for diversifying their businesses with small farmgate sales and agritourism experiences.
Demersal ban - WA
Different action on WA demersal ban
While the WA Labor Minister for Fisheries announces the release of pink snapper fingerlings in Cockburn Sound south of Perth as part of their West Coast Demersal Recovery package, the Nationals WA continue to hold forums for fishers impacted by the demersal fishing ban and call for a parliamentary inquiry.
Australia Day - Alice Springs
Mayor Hill to abstain from council’s Australia Day function
The Town Council ... (19.1.2026) announced its "special Australia Day ceremony" and ... (20.1.2026) Mayor Asta Hill announced that she won't be taking part. "It is my personal view that the 26 January is not the right date to celebrate our national day," she said in a statement.
Research - carbon farming
Tailoring carbon farming can realise greater co-benefits: Matthew Harrison
Without agriculture, hundreds of millions of people would go hungry every day. Yet modern agriculture is increasingly judged not just on how much food it produces — but on how well it stores carbon, protects biodiversity, and reduces emissions. Farmers are being asked to deliver food, climate solutions and conservation outcomes, while still running profitable businesses.
Surf life saving
New champions crowned at NSW Country surf titles
Cudgen Headland SLSC has almost returned to the summit of Country surf sports but there's still plenty of racing to go after a day in which competitors of all ages earned a slew of medals at the 2026 NSW Country Championships at South West Rocks.
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Bushfire recovery
Powering up
Ausnet repair crews have been acknowledged by the community for the rapid response in rebuilding the electricity network in the wake of the Walwa-River Road bushfire despite facing tough terrain, high temperatures and even lightning and hailstorms.
Australia Day weekend - Quambatook
QHWMA’s harvest days, January 2026
The Quambatook Heritage Working Machinery Association will once again stage its Harvest Working Days and Vintage Tractor-pull on this Australia Day weekend. Club members have been working to prepare items from their extensive collection of tractors, harvesting machinery and old trucks.
Equine therapy
From the Rockies to home: Mikaela Hurst’s global journey on horseback
In the dusty yards of a local feedlot, on a horse twice her size, Mikaela Hurst effortlessly moves cattle under the unrelenting Australian summer sun. But beneath the wide-brimmed hat and even wider smile lies a specialised skill set that is rare.
Infrastructure - hazardous road
Hole lot of drama on Armidale Road
Several vehicles have had tyres damaged, and rims broken as they’ve travelled along a notoriously dangerous 22km section of Armidale Road between Coutts Crossing and Nymboida in recent months, with one social media user likening it to the Mariana Trench. With countless potholes, some measuring 16cm deep and 40cm wide, creating a hazardous obstacle course on the bitumen, many locals and business representatives ... have shared various warnings online...
Sports infrastructure - Olympic bid
Show Society confidence in games bid
Allora Show Society is moving ahead with an attempt to become involved in the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games after discussing the potential for a multi-function stables complex at the showgrounds. It is anticipated that the complex would cost around $1.5 million and would become a valuable asset at the showgrounds beyond the Olympics.
Murray-Darling
Value of Murray-Darling conference lauded by councillor
The Murray-Darling Association 2025 National Conference saw its new Strategic Plan unveiled, building on the direction of Vision 2025. Narrandera Shire Council was represented by Cr Jenny Clarke, who presented a report to the Council recently.
Interview
“I am desperate to get to court”
Facing aggravated assault charges he has denied, member for MacKillop Nick McBride says he is "chafing at the bit, desperate," and "can't wait to get to the court" to tell his side of the story. In an exclusive, wide-ranging interview with The News, Mr McBride asked voters for a "leap of faith," urging the electorate to uphold the Australian Constitution and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.
New release - review
Review – A Bold Endeavour: A history of our work in the Western Australian rangelands
Roger Underwood. A Bold Endeavour – a history of our work in the Western Australian rangelands is a terrific book. I read it from cover to cover and then went back and read some parts again ... if the political will for action ever arises, best-practice land management systems for the WA rangelands are now known and understood, and could be implemented across the rangelands tomorrow. This situation can be attributed to the work of that small band of tough, dedicated scientists of the Rangeland Management Branch during its short, but dramatic history.
Working musician
Dave Rastrick – All that Jazz
To say that David Rastrick is a hardworking musician is an understatement of monumental proportion ... He performs several times a week and can clock up around 120 gigs a year ... juggling all these commitments requires the skill of an air traffic controller and the stamina of an elite athlete.
Defence industry - Qld
Fire hazard - Tas
Fire - prevention and preparation
Victoria’s bushfires show the need for smart, coordinated approaches to fire: Michelle Freeman, Forestry Australia
Michelle Freeman. Victorians are living through another black summer, with fires burning through more than 400,000 hectares of forest and farmland and leaving communities from Natimuk to Walwa confronting loss. The scale of the damage underscores the need to continue evolving how we manage our landscapes to better prepare for fire.
Fire - co-ordinated management
Fire funding - Vic
CFA Annual Report confirms continued funding gap: VFF
The Victorian Farmers Federation has slammed the State Government's continued underfunding of the Country Fire Authority, with today's release of the CFA's 2024-25 Annual Report confirming a funding crisis that is placing regional communities at unacceptable risk. VFF President, Brett Hosking said the numbers tell a damning story that can no longer be ignored.
Beardy Creek
Tin mining dangers
Kaali King. Few of us know that tin is one of the fastest growing rare-earth mineral commodities in 2025, outstripping lithium, cobalt, silver and graphite. Demand for electronics and EVs, all of which use tin solder (48 per cent of the global tin market) is fuelling the boom.
Open for comment - Koalas - NSW
Cattle - NT
Cattle keep land ‘intact’: Pastoral lobby
The Territory’s 45 million hectares of cattle country is “some of the most intact” land in Australia, something that pastoral families, over more than a century, have achieved not “by locking the country away ... Romy Carey, CEO of the Northern Territory Cattlemen’s Association, is making a powerful point in her group’s current newsletter, as her $1.5 billion a year industry is facing Chinese trade restrictions and criticism over its position on buffel weed.
Aquifer - NT
The Cambrian Limestone Aquifer – stable and plentiful: NT
The Northern Territory Government takes a holistic, evidence-based approach to sustainably managing water in the Territory. The Cambrian Limestone Aquifer (CLA) is vast and plentiful and contributes to water resources across a large area of the Territory.
Fisheries - WA
The WA Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries has a budget credibility problem
Jackie Jarvis was appointed Minister for Agriculture and Food in December 2022. She picked up responsibility for Fisheries in March 2025, giving her three budgets and one election to get her head around the DPIRD budget papers ... Once again, I’ve gone back to the state budget to point out a glaring problem: the rhetoric simply does not match the money.
Aboriginal cultural heritage - WA
Heritage by litigation: How Ben Wyatt is rewriting history to excuse a failed law
“WAFarmers are reaping what they sow,” Ben Wyatt declared recently, reflecting on the looming Maddox case and claims by WAFarmers that the current laws are being selectively targeted by the department ... There is a curious habit among former ministers once they leave office: they rediscover principle. Mr Wyatt’s recent commentary on Aboriginal cultural heritage laws is a textbook example.
Floods - Qld
Murray-Darling
The complexities of managing the waters of Menindee Lakes
The Menindee Lakes system is often described as the beating heart of the Darling-Baaka river system, but in the halls of Canberra and Sydney, it is also a vital "battery" for the Murray-Darling Basin. As we move into 2026, the lakes find themselves at the centre of a major policy shift - the "rescoping" of a controversial water-saving project that has pitted engineering efficiency against cultural survival.
Demersal ban - WA
Commercial fisher supports call for mandatory recreational reporting
A commercial fisherman affected by the Cook Government’s decision to permanently close the West Coast bioregion from Kalbarri to Augusta for demersal fishing says it should be mandatory for recreational boat fishers to provide data on their catch on the day they fish.
Centenary of Canegrowers
The meeting that changed Queensland’s sugar industry: Canegrowers
One hundred years ago this week, sugarcane growers from across Queensland met in Mackay to take a defining step that would change their industry forever. CANEGROWERS was born. At the time, sugar was one of Queensland’s most important industries, so central to the state’s economy that it featured on the Queensland coat of arms.
Regional populations
Research
Potential for satellites and AI to help tackle critical invasive species problem: Charles Darwin University
Satellite imagery and artificial intelligence can detect with high accuracy two invasive weed species in Australia, posing a new opportunity for defense against these pervasive plants. Research conducted by Charles Darwin University (CDU) and Charles Sturt University (CSU) explored the potential for SkySat satellite imagery and AI algorithms to detect and map African lovegrass (Eragrostis curvula) and bitou bush (Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. rotundata).
Leadership & You
Pressure is a privilege, but stress is an illness
Pressure sharpens performance and signals purpose, but when left unmanaged it quietly becomes stress—an illness that erodes people, teams, and leadership from the inside out.
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Hang gliding - Corryong
Cup draws pilots from across Australia and overseas
More than 75 pilots competed in the recent Corryong Cup Hang Gliding competition on Mt Elliot including entrants from all over Australia and some from Norway, America, England and Ireland ... "So much fun was had that it is likely to become a regular event!"
Sailing
Go like the wind – Big week of sailing in Wallaroo
Austinn Lane. It was a big week on the water in Wallaroo, with the 51st Tasar national championships held at the local sailing club from January 12 to 17. The event attracted 37 teams of two sailors each, who travelled with their craft from around Australia.
Cricket records
Alexander brothers smashing records
An unforgettable day for West Wimmera Warriors cricket and brothers Nathan and Bradley Alexander in Saturday's one day match. The day score final scores as Warriors 3/395 to St Mary's 10/151. In incredible scenes it saw Nathan Alexander - score 230 runs from 126 balls, including 17 4s and 14 6s.
Walwa-River Road fire
Firefighters make the most of calmer weather
A major operation is underway in the Upper Murray and Tallangatta Valley to complete a 300km containment line to bring the Walwa-River Road fire under control … the blaze was started by a lightning strike in the Mt Lawson National Park 25kms west of Walwa on January 5th and has now burnt more than 105,000 hectares and the perimeter stretched around 420kms. To date, there have been nine confirmed house losses, 53 structures (sheds) destroyed and an estimated 10,000 hectares of HVP pine plantation and communication infrastructure at Mt Lawson have been burnt.
Victorian fires
Regional banking
A matter of trust: unpacking Bendigo’s Better Big Bank campaign
Love it, hate it or don’t even understand it, Bendigo Bank’s multi-million dollar “Better Big Bank” marketing campaign has raised a lot of questions since its launch seven years ago ... A review of the “last bank out” of regional towns across Australia since 2020 has revealed that Bendigo has left more communities without banking services than all four big banks put together.
NSW Libs
Crouch dumped as Shadow Minister for the Central Coast
Denice Barnes. The dumping of Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch as Shadow Minister for the Central Coast has resulted in a public backlash, forcing newly-appointed NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane to defend the decision. Mr Crouch lost his role as Shadow Minister for the Central Coast in the recent reshuffle of the NSW Shadow Cabinet.
Ag workforce
Demersal ban - WA
Riverland wine
Malinauskas on the move
Madison Eastmond. Visiting the Riverland as part of a broader regional tour of South Australia last Wednesday and Thursday, South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas met privately with local growers and wine industry representatives to discuss current issues within the industry, including falling grape prices, increasing water and production costs, and tolls on mental health.
Regional media
How Yamba’s newspaper came to life
June 1994. Most great ideas begin the same way…within a thought bubble: in the case of your local newspaper - with a cold beer, a colder winter’s day, and someone saying something they probably shouldn’t have ... “Is there anyone here silly enough to move to a warm climate and start a community newspaper in a town called Yamba?”
Property
International
Local bowlers bowled over by Chinese hospitality
Barham's state-of-the-art bowls greens have drawn bowlers from all over the world in recent months, but at Christmas, it was our chance to export some. Four intrepid adventurers from the Barham Bowling Club, President Steve Wilson, Glenn Faul, Damien Paterson and Dave 'Harry' Potter competed on the world stage at the 2025 Tin Ding Sin China Lawn Bowls Open in Qiantang district, Hangzhou, China.
Rescue - Sunshine Coast hinterland
LifeFlight airlifts man after hinterland motorcycle crash
The Sunshine Coast-based LifeFlight aeromedical crew ... airlifted a man to hospital after a motorcycle crash in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. The LifeFlight helicopter was tasked by Retrieval Services Queensland at 12.15pm to a State Forest near Kenilworth and landed on a dirt road close to the scene.
Dark sky
Dark sky could dawn at Port Moorowie
Caitlin Menadue. A new Dark Sky Policy could put Yorke Peninsula's Port Moorowie on the stargazing map as community consultation draws to a close today, Tuesday, January 13. If adopted, Port Moorowie will become an established Dark Sky Community alongside Carrickalinga on the Fleurieu Peninsula, the first Dark Sky Community in South Australia.
Floods - Qld
Queensland Rail the only dam builders in Queensland: Katter
After seeing the devastating flooding firsthand, it’s clear the only new dams in Queensland are to be found against Queensland Rail (QR) tracks! The Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Leader, and Member for Traeger has said. Large swathes of built-up rail line with poor drainage in the flood affected areas around Julia Creek are acting as dam walls, preventing flood waters from receding.
Water - WA
Power cables connected to Alkimos desalination plant
A major milestone in construction of the future Alkimos seawater desalination plant has been achieved, with Western Power installing 5km of 132kV underground cabling between the project site and the existing Yanchep substation.
Trade - SA
Alert
Red Alert warning issued for blue-green algae at Toonumbar Dam
WaterNSW has issued a Red Alert warning for high levels of potentially toxic blue-green algae at Toonumbar Dam, about 30 km west of Kyogle. The Red Alert warning applies only to untreated water at the dam.
Free ranging
Free range reality
Keeping hens dates back many thousands of years since the eggs (and meat) of jungle fowl were first enjoyed by humans. Ever since then, the sound of chooks wandering around the yard or the paddock has been an enjoyable part of life for countless people in many civilisations. Today, keeping hens in the backyard or in small commercial flocks can still be rewarding.
Atherton Tablelands
Crystal Caves’ Rock Car gets coconut-powered makeover by Magnetic Island artist
The beloved Crystal Caves 'Rock Car', a local landmark known for its quirky Flintstones-style appearance, will roll into a new era in 2026 thanks to a creative facelift by Magnetic Island artist John Pavart.
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