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Housing
The housing crisis: could tiny homes be the solution?
Ivona Rose. Interest in tiny homes is increasing on the Central Coast and across Australia, driven by soaring house prices, lack of housing availability, shifts toward sustainable living, downsizing, dwindling available land, and the growth of short-stay rentals like Airbnb ... Can tiny homes play a meaningful role in affordable housing, and where can people locate them?
Housing - SA
Cootamundra summit
Childcare funding - SA
Where’s the childcare centre?
Big promises, no build as Naracoorte waits on old TAFE site project. A grand on-site announcement, artist impressions, and firm timelines promised a solution to Naracoorte’s long-running childcare shortage — but almost two years on, the proposed early learning and childcare centre at the former TAFE site has yet to take physical shape.
Education funding - SA
Berri Primary’s prayers answered
Madison Eastmond. A $15M funding boost to Berri Primary School was the highlight of a recent regional tour undertaken last week by Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven. Minister Scriven’s announcement of the State Government capital works investment program funding last Thursday has answered long-term advocacy calls for the major redevelopment of Berri Primary School...
Retail
Tough times take a toll on small business
A mainstay of the Corryong CBD will close its doors at the end of the month. Hobie's Sports Store has been an iconic business in the town's main street for 75 years but changes in people's purchasing habits over recent years and the current economic climate has forced the hand of owners Mick and Kerrie Butler ... Ron Hoban purchased the hairdresser and tobacconist shop in the early 1950s, at the height of the construction of the Snowy Mountains Scheme.
Critical minerals - Vic
Jarrah forest - WA
Challenging established “truths” about the effects of climate change on the jarrah forest: Frank Batini
A wildfire burning over five days would do more damage to vegetation and biodiversity in the northern jarrah forest than five decades of climate change has done ..."This forest has survived for some four to five million years. I am confident it can survive for a few decades longer. We humans must recognise that the ecosystem is never static, and be able to live with and accept some level of change": Frank Batini, professional forester and environmental consultant.
Demersal ban - WA
Murray-Darling - public consultation
Environment - WA
Friends of Two Rocks Yanchep Coastal Bushland – Letter to the Yanchep News Online Editor
Friends of Two Rocks Yanchep Coastal Bushland is a group of locals who love living here and are concerned about the potential destruction of the Two Rocks Rd coastal bushland between Capricorn Coastal Village structure plan area and Two Rocks marina.
Opinion - AI
AI. Friend or foe? An insider’s perspective
The rapid expansion of Artificial Intelligence (AI) across society in the past few years has both its benefits, and downfalls, which could change the way our communities are today. The Clarence Valley Independent spoke to a Northern River’s based tech expert, who is a husband, father, and computer programmer, about the explosion in society of AI.
History - infrastructure
The bridge that turned to let the river through: Hay’s swing bridge
There’s a piece of industrial archaeology sitting in the river bend just north of where Hay’s bridge crosses the Murrumbidgee. It looks like debris, like something that should have been cleared away decades ago. But that rusting turntable is actually a remnant of an era when the river was a highway, when paddle steamers were the primary means of moving wool and supplies, and when a bridge had to accommodate both road traffic and river commerce.
Entertainment
Whipcracking entertainment at Kaniva
The sharp crack of a stockwhip echoed across Kaniva Recreation Reserve on Wednesday night as crowds gathered for world-record whipcracker Nathan "Whippy" Griggs. The free event, hosted by West Wimmera Shire Council, included a fast-paced show featuring precision tricks, comedy and demonstrations of different types of whips.
Minlaton farmers
Local farming family named finalist in national awards
Caitlin Menadue. Minlaton's Michael and Rebecca Thompson have been named finalists in a national cropping award recognising excellence in Australian agriculture. The recognition places the Yorke Peninsula pair among some of the country’s leading producers, with winners to be announced at a gala ceremony in Melbourne on February 13.
Freight rail - WA
What does the rail lease actually require?
This is yet another instalment in my running theme: the State rail debacle. A saga of privatisation, monopoly infrastructure, and governments that appear to have misplaced both the keys and the contract. Twenty-five years after Western Australia leased out its freight rail network, one basic question still has no straight answer: what does the Brookfield/Arc lease actually require?
Murray-Darling
Farmers welcome focus on water management: NSW Farmers Association
NSW Farmers says a vote supporting a Royal Commission into water management is a positive step towards a stronger farming future ... “We’ve been sounding the alarm on water management for a number of years, it’s beyond time that farmers and communities were treated as equal partners with the environment,” Mr Bootle said.
Political history
60 years NT: The ups, the downs
Alex Nelwson. This year, 2026, marks the 60th anniversary of a pivotal episode in the history of the Northern Territory. Seismic changes occurred in national and local politics that profoundly influenced the course of events shaping the Territory as we know it today.
Farming emissions
Casino dairy farmer learns about reducing emissions in carbon advice project
More than 120 farmers across the state are working with government experts to develop plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions on their property ... The plans are designed to help farmers baseline their emissions, understand where their emissions are coming from, and what carbon farming practices they can implement on their farm, including extensive livestock, dairy and mixed farming systems. One of those farmers is Casino dairy farmer Fleur Tonge.
Forestry and firefighting
Forestry sends firefighters to South Australia after Victorian deployments: Forestry Corporation of NSW
Forestry Corporation of NSW has deployed 10 firefighters to South Australia to support firefighting operations following several weeks of assistance in Victoria ... In recent weeks, Forestry Corporation deployed 20 firefighters to Victoria to assist with the Walwa River Road fire in both Field and Incident Management (IMT) positions.
Emissions accounting
Bushfire emissions? Not counted against Net Zero, don’t you know
For the purposes of Australia's GHG inventory, bushfires are treated as a event about which we can do nothing and the emissions they produce are not counted. However, perversely, emissions from prescribed or cultural burning and other land management done to minimise bushfire risk are counted and so count against Australia's Net Zero goal.
Australia - EU FTA
Government must not trade away Australian farmers: NFF
As negotiations take place in Brussels this week for an Australia-European Union Free Trade Agreement, Australia’s peak farm body welcomes comments by Trade Minister Don Farrell that the deal hinges on securing a better deal for Australian Agriculture ... National Farmers’ Federation President Hamish McIntyre said Australian farmers would hold the Minister to these comments against a growing fear that Australian agriculture is about to be traded away.
Regional air
2026 co-pilots in the fight for fairer regional skies: RCA, AAA
Regional Capitals Australia (RCA) and the Australian Airports Association (AAA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that sets out an agreement to work together to advocate for fairer airfares, stronger connectivity and more sustainable airports across regional Australia.
Mentoring
Mentoring program supports profitable regenerative farming across the Tweed
Tweed Shire Council will soon open applications for the next round of its Profitable Regenerative Farming Mentoring Program, with local farmers invited to learn more at an information session on 26 February. The peer-to-peer program pairs experienced regenerative farmers with emerging landholders to strengthen farm profitability while improving soil health, waterways and biodiversity.
Turtles - Great Barrier Reef
Local government - Tas
Flood and recovery
Maldon
Portrait mode
MANet Gallery is making its mark – in more ways than one – at its new location in 37 Main Street Maldon with a series of summer workshops. On Friday 6 February MANet hosted renowned portrait artist Daniel Butterworth for a demonstration over wine and cheese ... The artist’s preferred medium is house paint on cardboard, a choice which matched his down-to-earth and approachable manner.
Charlton
Courthouse Gallery exhibition
Bold, thought-provoking works by Charlton artist, Sonya Hindson, will be on display at the Charlton Courthouse Gallery this February, with organisers expecting strong interest from both locals and visitors to the town.
FNQ artist
Three questions with featured artist – Tim Ellis
Tim Ellis' current exhibition of paintings and new media, ‘Glimpses’ brings together cinematic compositions and bright, fluid brushstrokes for vivid, hyper-real scenes from his life in rural Far North Queensland ... Tim joins us to answer three questions about 'Glimpses', on display at the Tableland Regional Gallery until 7 March.
Charity rally
100 per cent for the families: how a ‘Redneck’ idea raised $4.38 million for Country Hope
How Tammy and Gavin Gilbert turned a simple idea into $4.38 million for Country Hope, and why, ten years on, it's still going strong. It started with a conversation. Gavin Gilbert had been on a couple of car rallies, loved them, genuinely loved them, but something about the way they were set up nagged at him ...
Allora
Calendar
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Tribute
Celebrating the life of Nathon “Wombat” Houghton
More than 1,500 people gathered at Brooms Head last Saturday, drawn together by love, loss and shared memories, to celebrate the life of local legend Nathon "Wombat" Houghton. In just ten short days, a group of close friends rallied together to organise a farewell that truly reflected the man Wombat was — open-hearted, inclusive and deeply connected to the ocean.
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.
Murray-Darling - public consultation
Water management - Qld
Rivers of opportunity lost – Measure water properly, build dams, develop North Queensland: Robbie Katter
The latest floods have again shown that the ‘data’ used by the bureaucrats in Brisbane for all things water is farcical, or terribly inaccurate at best, The Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Leader, and Member for Traeger has said ... “The Department simply have no idea how much water there is! They’re the same Department who openly say there isn’t enough water to release to farmers.”
Hydro power - NSW
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."
Prescribed burning - WA
Government’s fire management approach is failing communities and putting lives at risk: Horstman
The Cook Labor Government’s approach to fire management has become so reckless that it is only a matter of time before lives are lost, according to Shadow Minister for Emergency Services Hon Rob Horstman MLC ... “Day after day, I am hearing of yet another Government-approved burn being lit while temperatures soar and fires rip through national parks and native bushland."
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
Aquaculture
Australia’s Oyster Coast expands farming footprint with Far South Coast acquisition
Australia’s Oyster Coast (AOC) has commenced 2026 with positive momentum, announcing the acquisition of an oyster farm at Pambula on the NSW Far South Coast. The purchase deepens the company’s geographic footprint, strengthens its Rock Oyster supply capability and reinforces its position as Australia’s largest Sydney Rock Oyster producer.
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.
Race preview
Pony Soprano to call the tune at Port on Sunday
With the prospect of an Evergreen Country Championship inclusion high on the agenda, Pony Soprano looks set for a forward showing in the Fishers Plumbing Plus Handicap at Port Macquarie on Sunday.
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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