Contributor, ARR.News

Hamish McIntyre. The National Farmers’ Federation is disappointed the Federal Government has introduced its tax reform legislation without explicitly committing to review the outdated small business Capital Gains Tax (CGT) concession thresholds. In introducing the legislation, the Government signalled that this is the first tranche of legislation, with more consultation to come on small business and further legislation required for implementation.

The Albanese Government has given environmental approval to another renewable energy project in Queensland, boosting the state’s energy security. Finalised in just 19 days, Blackbutt’s Tumuruu solar farm and battery energy storage system (BESS) has also been approved by the South Burnett Regional Council.

Burdekin Show, 24 June 2026.

The Crisafulli Government is delivering $300,000 to support two local agronomy projects, helping shore up the future of agriculture in Far North Queensland after the local collapse of sugar cane when the Mossman Mill closed in 2024.   

The creativity of local and regional artists will once again be celebrated as the 2026 Cuttlefest Art Prize Exhibition opens at the Middleback Arts Centre on Tuesday, 2 June at 6pm, featuring the exhibition launch, awards presentation and panel session.

The peak body for Tasmanian farmers has released its Rushy Lagoon Land Use North-East Community Impact Survey. TasFarmers said it had received concerns from numerous members regarding the proposed sale of Rushy Lagoon, and federal government support allowing a foreign-owned entity to purchase the property and convert it to a pine plantation.

The Albanese Labor Government continues to secure essential fuel and fertiliser to keep Australian agriculture moving, with around 80,250 tonnes of additional urea now locked in through the Government’s $7.5 billion Fuel and Fertiliser Security Facility. Through Export Finance Australia, the Government has partnered with Incitec Pivot to support the purchase of two shipments of urea from Indonesia.

Council has now lodged its submission with the Department of Planning on the State Significant Development application for a proposed residential flat building development at Sanderling Avenue, Hawks Nest. The proposal involves the construction of three residential flat buildings up to four storeys, strata subdivision, and upgrades to the golf club parking area ... Council’s submission does not support the proposal in its current form.

Boxthorn Blitz workshops are returning this year with a new addition aimed at strengthening the fight against the invasive African boxthorn. Following a recent partnership between the City of Greater Geraldton and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), the first Boxthorn Blitz workshop will include a demonstration of the new African boxthorn biocontrol program.

The NSW Liberals and Nationals will oppose Labor’s rushed attempt to remove independent oversight, increase Ministerial powers and bypass effective community consultation on renewable energy projects in regional NSW, with the views of farmers and other stakeholders already being ignored by the Minns Labor Government ... The Energy Legislation Amendment (Prioritising Renewable Energy) Bill 2026 is a reckless concentration of unchecked Ministerial power...