Pine Gap fortress in the middle of town?
Alice Springs is a town of fences and this one is the granddaddy of them all: It surrounds what is apparently a Pine Gap facility, between McDonald and Whittaker streets, behind the Harvey Norman store. The owner of Lot 9145 is the Commonwealth of Australia.
Oval Office boost for mine in Centre
Anthony Albanese and Donald Trump this morning signed a USD$100m equity investment in the Arafura Nolans rare earths project at Aileron, 135 km north of Alice Springs. "Once operational, this project will produce 5 per cent of global rare earths - essential for energy security and defence," says a statement from the Prime Minister.
Cattle theft allegation: Councillor says he co-owns the stock
A member of the Central Desert Regional Council, Clifford Tilmouth has confirmed he is one of three men issued notices to appear in relation to an alleged cattle theft from Alcoota, a property north of Alice Springs, on August 5.
Chest beating
"The Finocchiaro CLP Government" – this is how almost all of its chest-beating media handouts start – claims it is "delivering real results for tourism" ... So far as Alice Springs and MacDonnell are concerned, Tourism Research Australia tells a different story.
First Nations communities may get massive Ayers Rock Resort assets
The Ayers Rock Resort land "to be divested to the First Nations communities" and to traditional owners is understood to include all hotels, restaurants, shops and staff accommodation, assets worth several hundred million dollars ... The populations are 269, about 300 and 124, respectively ...
Desert Mob closes the gap
For four days a year, pride in The Centre's art closes "the gap" as people, black and white, from near and far, stream in to Alice Springs for Desert Mob. They celebrate ancient stories kept alive on paper and canvas, on clay vessels or as sculptures made from metal, wire or grasses.
Police investigate cattle rustling allegations
Police say they are investigating a report of an alleged cattle theft north-east of Alice Springs. Sources contacting the Alice Springs News say the stock belongs to the Alcoota Aboriginal Cattle Company from the Engawala community who for 30 years have been able to graze and run a cattle enterprise on Alcoota Station.
Government gas deal boosts Central Petroleum
The major Central Australian oil and gas producer, Central Petroleum Limited, has ... reported a 28 per cent increase in second half revenues from the first half of the 2025 financial year. CEO Leon Devaney says this reflects the impact of new multi-year gas sale contracts.
Mayor Paterson’s secret second job
Retiring Mayor Matt Paterson is coy about his second job, in addition to his $116,000 a year gig heading up the council. It’s conveniently just across the road from the civic centre, at the office of Amentum, a Pine Gap defence contractor. We texted him on December 16: “Do you work for Amentum? Just checking a rumour.” No answer. Last week we asked him again...
Trump’s tariffs don’t affect prices at Show cattle sale
Local stock agent Steve Gaff says the price at the Alice Springs Show cattle sale was much the same as last year or a little better. The Donald Trump tariffs "had no effect at all," probably because the Australian market is affected in a different way – 10 per cent tariffs – compared to other countries.