Business

Burton Automotive Hunter Valley Steamfest 2026 is fast approaching, with a packed program set to bring Maitland to life on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 April. Alongside the headline ARTC Rail Program, there’s plenty happening across the city for all-ages.

Anyone trying to understand why regional Australians are turning their backs on the major parties need only look at what happened when a motion to disallow the Government’s problematic cash mandate regulations came up for vote in the Senate this week. Lodged by One Nation senator Malcolm Roberts, the motion had the numbers to pass...

The Malinauskas Labor Government is fast-tracking new heavy freight reforms to lift productivity and drive down costs, including by delivering a reduction in fuel usage of up to 18 per cent. The reforms will take effect immediately and will see 100 new network maps introduced across state roads in South Australia, unlocking access to more efficient truck and trailer configurations and providing increased operational flexibility.

Mallee residents can report fuel outages in their area using a new website, Dr Anne Webster MP, Federal Member for Mallee, said today, calling on residents to log fuel shortages on www.nofuelhere.com.au as communities across regional Australia feel the sting of the nation's fuel crisis.

More than 1.2 million litres of diesel every week could be back in the hands of our truckies and farmers if we had CopperString to Mount Isa, Robbie Katter, Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Leader, and Member for Traeger has said. A survey of power-isolated mines in the North West Minerals Provence has revealed 13 triple road trains a week are needed to generate on-site electricity...

The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) has formally called on the federal government to overhaul Medicare structures, claiming current policies are restricting equitable access to primary care for millions of residents in rural and remote Australia.

Germany is investing €50m ($58m) in a rare earth mine north of Alice Springs, near Aileron, in a bid to secure access to the crucial materials for German businesses, according to Economy Minister Katherina Reiche.

The City of Wanneroo, Shire of Gingin and WALGA have been asked if local governments have any concerns about not being able to provide services such as waste collection services as the fuel crisis potentially escalates in coming weeks.

Australia has just signed up to a free trade agreement with the European Union, which is being sold—predictably—as a great leap forward for the inner city consumer ... Out in the paddock, however, the mood is less celebratory. Because the small print tells a more familiar story. Australian once again, signed a deal where farmers pay the costs.

Ten million people now call regional Australia home, and Western Australia is leading the way with its regional population growing faster than the cities, according to a deep dive into the latest population statistics released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). 

Daniel Puentes. Melbourne street artist Heesco has once again brought his unmistakable creative energy to Donald, unveiling not one but two striking new murals that are already breathing fresh life into the town's landscape. With his remarkable eye for detail and storytelling through art, Heesco continues to transform everyday spaces into vibrant landmarks worth celebrating.

Police were called to the Allora headquarters of Bartranz Petroleum last week after a man allegedly lashed out at staff. Bartranz owners Justin and Gretta Barton described it as "A Tough Day for Our Team" ... A man allegedly entered the workplace and became aggressive over a fuel pricing dispute.

The installation of Maldon Community Battery has been finalised, complete with its bold surface design by Dja Dja Wurrung artist Daikota Nelson. The TT [Tarrangower Times] has been in touch with Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters, who was a key champion of the project, to find out what she thought about the outcome.

The Scottish town in Australia will come alive this weekend when the Lower Clarence Scottish Association presents the 121st Maclean Highland Gathering. On April 3 and 4, the sights and sounds of pipe bands and solo piping featuring some of Australia’s and the world’s best, will be complimented by the beauty and grace of highland dancing and the spectacular athleticism of the highland games.

Gus van Hart. The Murrabit rodeo is fast becoming one of the district's standout community events, with organisers saying this year's crowd and support pushed the annual show to a new level ... "It was just all about the rodeo on the night, and the vibe was awesome. Everyone had an absolute blast."

The first major project unveiled by the Australasian Space Innovation Institute, the National Digital Twin for Australian Agriculture holds immense potential for the agricultural industry to harness existing national datasets and observation systems to model scenarios, test options and inform discussions and decisions, including at scale. Australian Rural & Regional News found out a good deal through an in depth interview with Andrew Beveridge, Director of the National Digital Twin for Australian Agriculture.

Harmony Day was celebrated in Nhill on Saturday at Jaypex Park, with a number of countries represented through stalls and performances, including the Karen community, Samoan, New Zealand, Karen, Nepalese and Philippino. There were plenty of craft activities, including Samoan Lolly Lai necklace making, Maori Poi making for the Poi dance, pot painting, and free popcorn, all helping celebrate the rich cultural diversity within the shire.

Scenic Rim Regional Council has reaffirmed its support and commitment to agritourism across the region with a focus on community safety, responsible land use and long-term sustainability. A report presented at yesterday's Ordinary Meeting outlined significant progress made over the past year - including stakeholder engagement, compliance activities and collaboration with industry and government partners - concerning camping-related short-term accommodation.

TasFarmers welcomes the Tasmanian Government’s decision to update its gene technology policy, enabling farmers to access advanced plant breeding technology. TasFarmers CEO Nathan Calman said the decision reflects a practical, evidence-based step forward for the state’s agricultural sector.

Madison Eastmond. Radio station 5RM has performed an Easter miracle, with the broadcaster coming to the rescue of Berri’s iconic long weekend carnival.

The NSW Government is boosting freight efficiency to keep goods moving and help reduce pressure on fuel supply in NSW, working closely with the Commonwealth and other states under the new National Fuel Security Plan. In line with Level 2 of the Plan - Keeping Australia Moving - these measures will increase access to the road network for larger trucks that can carry more goods in a single trip, and ease restrictions on operating hours.

The Finocchiaro CLP Government has enacted the Price Exploitation Prevention Act for the first time, since its inception in 1949, in an unprecedented move to manage the on-going fuel crisis.