Business

Regional families and farmers are bearing the brunt of the Allan Labor Government’s Emergency Services Tax, with local councils forced to rip millions more from communities already struggling under the weight of rising living costs ... “In Benalla, ratepayers are now set to fork out 81 per cent more under this new tax. In Strathbogie, it’s even worse – a staggering 91 per cent increase,” Ms Cleeland said.

Warwick Credit Union has officially unveiled its new name - Darling Downs Bank. This marks an exciting new chapter for this long-standing regional financial institution. Established in Warwick in 1970, the customer owned bank has grown steadily across Southern Queensland…

A Living History Day to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the historic Auchmore Home, will be held at the Nullawil Heritage Centre on Sunday, August 17. Nullawil Historical Society members are looking forward to welcoming visitors to the day with an opportunity to "step back in time".

Solstice Energy has confirmed the closure of the compressed natural gas (CNG) network in Maldon, which currently services 79 residences and five businesses, saying this will ultimately reduce energy costs for those customers affected.

Julia Leonard. It looks like our last market for winter is going to be a sunny one. We are very pleased to have olive oil and free-range eggs on offer at our August market. Our new olive oil producer, Barfold Olives, are located near Redesdale.

The shopkeepers and gallerists of Maldon were in full flight as local ambassadors last weekend for an influx of visitors. Embracing the aesthetic of the Goldfields Gothic festival, the local retailers went all out with dark decor, coffin cookies, extravagant attire and glamorous gear.

The Customer Owned Banking Association (COBA) has welcomed the Council of Financial Regulators’ (CFR) report on small and medium-sized banks as positive first step in a broader reform journey. “We welcome the Government’s statement of intent on improving the regulatory framework, and the greater consideration of how future policy changes will impact customer-owned banks,” COBA CEO Michael Lawrence said.

NBN Co and Amazon have announced an agreement to deliver high-speed, wholesale fixed broadband to customers in parts of regional, rural and remote Australia via Project Kuiper’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite technology. ARR.News had some questions for NBN Co and Amazon.

While politicians and activists agonise over the merits of the wars in Gaza and Ukraine, a far more insidious war rages on — not between nations, but between species. It’s the war we barely talk about, yet one we’re losing badly: the war against invasive pests. From farmland to forest, the frontlines are everywhere, and the casualties aren’t measured in headlines but in trees, crops, ecosystems — and billions of taxpayer dollars.

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has welcomed the release of the Victorian Government's Victorian Freight Plan 2025-30, describing it as a positive step toward strengthening the freight network and delivering improved outcomes for Victorian agriculture.

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…

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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 ...

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 ...

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.

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 ...