Preference irony as Labor helps Tim over the line
Hugh Schuitemaker. Tim Whetstone's election eve claim that One Nation was "preferencing Labor" in Chaffey came just hours before Labor preferences delivered him a fifth term as MP. On Friday, Mr Whetstone said One Nation candidate Jenny Troeth was preferencing Labor in Chaffey, following the discovery of an undisclosed number of pre-poll voters with One Nation how-to-vote cards preferencing Labor ahead of Liberal.
Tim still on top
Hugh Schuitemaker. The Riverland's returned State MP says the weekend's election result, which saw a 19 per cent swing away from his party, was a "humbling experience" for him. Tim Whetstone was able to secure his fifth term as Chaffey MP with victory in last Saturday's State Election, where as of late yesterday he had received 6543, or 35.5 per cent, of first preference votes.
Coalition reunion shelved in Chaffey
Hugh Schuitemaker. The Coalition’s recent reunion has failed to reach Chaffey. In this weekend’s SA Election, The Nationals are again running a candidate against Liberal MP Tim Whetstone. The sitting member has returned the favour by preferencing Nationals contender Imelda Adamson Agars fifth in the nine-candidate field.
Heat and rain hampering vintage
Christine Webster. Heatwave conditions at the start of the 2026 Riverland vintage, followed by recent heavy rainfall in some parts of the region, are causing headaches for many wine grape growers. The Oxford Landing Winery’s regional viticulturist Glynn Muster said the long spell of hot weather in late January and February had initially caused heat stress to some vineyards.
Panic at the bowser
Hugh Schuitemaker. Pressure on fuel supplies has seen a Mallee area service station frequently used by Riverlanders run dry, and is adding to anxiety being felt by farmers and growers according to the region’s State MP. Karoonda’s independent service station was as of yesterday out of fuel, with shortages sparked by panic buying due to the war in the Middle East.
Rain equals a trim for Tim
Hugh Schuitemaker. A well-known Riverland West farmer's face is looking different – and much more optimistic – following the weekend's heavy rainfall across the region. Lowbank-based farmer Tim Paschke was earlier this week able to cut his beard, which he committed to growing until his property received at least a 25mm rainfall event.
