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Rural Aid calls for volunteers to roll up their sleeves for 2026 Farm Recovery Events

Rural Aid has released its 2026 Farm Recovery Event (FRE) program, delivering practical, hands-on support to farming communities impacted by floods, fires, cyclones and ongoing drought. These week-long events bring together volunteers from across the country to help restore damaged farm infrastructure, improve productivity and support the wellbeing of farming families doing it tough.

Australian horticulture reaches record highs: Hort Innovation

Australia’s horticulture sector has delivered a year of record?breaking performance, with the 2024/25 Australian Horticulture Statistics Handbook revealing the industry has achieved its highest production value to date of $18.4 billion, up 6 per cent on the previous year.  

Commonwealth recognises Fingerboards with Major Project Status: Gippsland Critical Minerals

Gippsland Critical Minerals’ redesigned Fingerboards Project has been awarded Major Project Status (MPS) by the Australian Government recognising its global supply impacts, economic benefits and its alignment with national interest. Senator The Hon Tim Ayres, Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science has awarded Major Project Status to the Fingerboards Project for a period of 3 years, a decision based on the projects potential contribution the Australian critical minerals sector, specifically as a supplier of rare earth elements and zircon, with onsite separation and rail transport for downstream refinement.

Farmers left in limbo under Labor’s confusing, messy environmental reforms: Littleproud

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said Labor’s environmental reforms have created a confusing and costly mess, with farmers unable to get the information or help they need ... “Unfortunately, farmers are struggling to get information about what they can and can’t do under the new requirements. Machinery operators have also said the requirements will damage their business and cut jobs..."

Regional NSW dominates top 10 electorates with rooftop solar: Sharpe

The latest data reveals that households and businesses in regional NSW are leading the charge in rooftop solar adoption, accounting for nine of the top ten electorates for installations. NSW leads the country in rooftop solar with more than 1 million homes and businesses that now have rooftop solar – a third of all NSW homes.

Mayors briefed on Basin Plan Review: MRGC

The Murray River Group of Councils (MRGC) met in Melbourne last week for a dedicated strategic forum to discuss and shape its initial response to the 2026 Basin Plan Review. Mayors and CEOs from the MRGC … received a comprehensive briefing from Murray–Darling Basin Authority CEO Andrew McConville and senior executives on the MDBA’s recently released Basin Plan Review Discussion Paper.

Confusion reigns on CopperString ownership: Katter

I don’t get it – will Queenslanders own CopperString, or will the industry and job creating project be sold off to a multinational like Glencore who only have the interests of their boardroom at heart? Katter’s Australian Party Leader, and Member for Traeger has said.

Purple Poppy Day – Honouring those who served on four legs: Finocchiaro, Charls

The Finocchiaro CLP Government is proudly recognising Purple Poppy Day today, observed annually on 24 February, honouring the courage, loyalty and sacrifice of animals who have served alongside Australian Defence Force personnel.

Save Fort Queenscliff: McArthur

Having taken the matter to the Victorian Parliament, Member for Western Victoria Region, Bev McArthur, is demanding answers over the federal government's plan to permanently close 68 defence locations across the nation - including the historic Fort Queenscliff … Mrs McArthur joined around 200 residents at a community rally organised by Senator Sarah Henderson, opposing the federal government’s plan to sell this nationally significant heritage site.

Snapshot reveals Aussie agriculture’s 20-year boom: ABARES

Australian agriculture is growing, adaptable, more productive, and well placed to take advantage of the transition to net zero, according to the latest ABARES Snapshot of Australian Agriculture 2026 Insights paper.