Mayor defends controversial levy
The much maligned Public Transport Levy, which sees Toowoomba Region residents fork out money regardless of where they live in the region, has been defended by Mayor Geoff McDonald. Mayor McDonald said Council was aware that many residents, particularly in rural and regional townships, had provided feedback on the value of the levy…
Leyburn Sprints introducing Top 10 Shootout
Fans will see an exciting climax to this year's Historic Leyburn Sprints on 23-24 August when the weekend's fastest drivers battle head-to-head for the outright win in a new Top 10 Shootout format … Top 10 after the end of the Sprints field's scheduled seven individual runs will each have a final chance in a special eighth run to set fastest time and win the Col Furness Memorial perpetual trophy.
Record entries and top equestrians expected for 2025 horse trials
The Junee Prime Lamb sponsored REA Horse Trials at Narrandera over the weekend of 9-10 August at the Narrandera Pony Club grounds are set to mark 50 years of equestrian excellence with more than 250 entries, a new record for the event.
‘We”ve had enough of being ignored’
The Towong Shire Council is expecting a large turnout for the community rally in Corryong this Sunday calling for a new single-site regional hospital on a greenfield site in Albury Wodonga. Sunday's protest is the latest step in a protracted campaign that has snowballed since the NSW and Victorian governments announced a joint $558 million funding commitment to redevelop the existing Albury Base hospital.
Harker makes Deni Classic finals
The Deniliquin Bowls Pairs Classic is a well-known annual lawn bowls tournament attracting players from all over Australia ... Harker and McArthur won their section and reached the first round of the knockout finals, but they were beaten by the eventual winners, Brad Orr and Mitch Sidebottom.
Webinar: Exploring agritourism for Australian growers
With interest in unique tourism experiences on the rise, agritourism is a growing opportunity for Australian growers to diversify income, maximise farm assets, and build stronger connections with their local communities.
From international races to Queensland’s wild trails: Why this ultra marathon keeps drawing runners back
In a misty regional Queensland valley dotted with hot air balloons, Tamyka Bell had one of those moments that defines why she keeps returning to the Scenic Rim Ultra year after year. "It was a beautiful, cold, misty morning ... The thing that gets people to the finish line is loving what they're doing. If it's a beautiful course that inspires you, you will get to the finish line because you want to see the next bit."
Time to reopen the Northern Rail Line — and councils must lead the way: Siri Gamage
Dr Siri Gamage. It’s been over three decades since trains last ran north of Armidale toward the Queensland border. But the question is no longer why the Northern Railway Line should be reopened—it’s why not, and when ... Reactivating the disused railway line could deliver enormous benefits for both NSW and Queensland. The infrastructure may be old, but the opportunity is very current ... There are five compelling reasons to revive this corridor ...
Council invests in sustainable future
A major upgrade at the Grafton Regional Landfill is helping Clarence Valley Council (CVC) reduce their carbon footprint while delivering sustainable results for the environment and economic benefits for the local community. Aimed at capturing harmful methane (CH4) gas emissions which are byproducts of the decomposing waste buried underground, 12 vertical gas extraction wells which extend 40m below the surface ...
Yaegl people to manage Pilot Hill
The Yaegl Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation have been as appointed Crown Land managers for parts of Yamba’s Pilot Hill reserve including two heritage listed cottages. Celebrated at a special ceremony at Pilot Hill during NAIDOC week, the appointment marks a significant step forward in supporting the local Aboriginal community’s aspirations for the culturally significant area.
30 years celebration
Nhill's Westvic Spares celebrated their 30th year in business on the weekend. They hosted an event ... with over 300 people in attendance. Owners John and Wendy Rethus have grown their business from humble beginnings to become a major supplier of spare parts throughout the area ...
Massive wind farm gets green light despite local opposition
A 1,300-megawatt wind farm between Hay and Deniliquin has been approved by planning authorities, promising to power more than half a million homes ... The Pottinger Wind Farm, stretching across farmland 60 kilometres south of Hay, will be one of Australia's largest wind energy projects when completed. But the decision hasn't come without controversy – more than 50 public objections forced the project to independent assessment rather than departmental approval.
Dispelling the ‘forever chemical’ fables: What’s really in Australia’s renewables?
In an era where climate action is a oft-discussed topic, and given Hay and Balranald's geographical location in the South West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), fears over 'forever chemicals' persist. Among the more prevalent claims circulating is the fear that wind turbines and solar panels extensively use Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) – the so-called "forever chemicals" – posing significant environmental and health risks.
Help us REACH 900: Our philanthropic campaign to support independent community news
The Naracoorte News REACH 900 philanthropic campaign will launch with an aim to support the production, sustainability, and longevity of independent news and advocacy for the wider Naracoorte community ... The first to sign up to REACH 900 are ambassadors The Australian associate editor John Ferguson, 7News reporter Cassie Treloar and The Naracoorte News senior journalist Nasik Swami.
Vets’ big hearts harmful, says ex-local
The selfless nature of many veterinarians is contributing to the sector’s mental health crisis, a former Naracoorte vet has told an SA Parliament committee. Dr Adele Feakes says business sustainability and profit routinely take a back seat to a vet’s altruism, placing additional pressure on individuals to survive and thrive in the industry.
Search is on for SA’s top country tradie champions
A well-known Riverland construction professional is encouraging young locals to be nominated for an industry initiative highlighting the state's best tradespeople. The hunt for the Riverland's top tradie is on, with $5500 up for grabs…
A leader’s competitive advantage – A coaching mindset!
A leader with a coaching mindset listens, asks, and grows people—unlocking their potential and boosting performance.
Noted chef shares culinary wisdom with Birchip students
Many long-term Birchip residents would be familiar with renowned chef Stefano de Pieri. Recently, the first and second-year cookery students at Birchip P-12 School were incredibly fortunate to spend two days learning the foundations of traditional Italian cooking under his expert guidance.
Uncertainty prevails despite algae grants
Sarah Herrmann. Small businesses have expressed concerns about long-term financial assistance after eligibility criteria for the $10,000 algal bloom grants were revealed last week. Pubs are one of the businesses not eligible, but Dalrymple Hotel, Stansbury, publican Rob Rankine said, even if they were, there were other hurdles businesses had to jump to get compensation.
Conservation and art brings tourists
Rachel Hagan. Price Progress Association is looking to put Price on the map with local art to help encourage more tourists to stop by the town on their visit to Yorke Peninsula. Located at the top of the peninsula, Price is in a prime position for those traveling from the east of the state to stop and take a break before driving down to their YP destination.
Gas exports push manufacturers to the brink: Weld Australia demands urgent government action
Weld Australia is calling on the Federal and State Governments to take immediate and decisive action to protect Australian manufacturers, following the release of new research from The Australia Institute showing that east coast gas exports have caused wholesale gas prices to more than triple and electricity prices to double since 2015.
New water testing breakthrough offers fast, affordable detection of dangerous parasite: CSU
A Charles Sturt University researcher has helped develop a groundbreaking new method to test water for a dangerous parasite ... The new testing method is faster, cheaper and more accessible in remote or resource-scarce locations
