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.
The Nationals’ fight for food security proceeds to the Senate: Webster
The Nationals are today taking another major step toward preserving Australia’s food security with the tabling of proposed laws to ban federal funding of projects that diminish prime agricultural land, or place it under foreign ownership.
Curiosity: Building breakthroughs in LEGO® bricks now open
Pack your curiosity, leave the textbooks behind, and experience an unforgettable adventure where breakthroughs are built one LEGO® brick at a time! Created by LEGO® Certified Professional Ryan ‘Brickman’ McNaught and his team, CURIOSITY explores scientific knowledge, engineering feats, mathematical puzzles and more, brought to life in spectacular detail with the wonders of LEGO® bricks.
TasFarmers calls for diesel guarantees as fuel surge threatens food security
TasFarmers has warned “without fuel there is no food”, calling on governments to guarantee diesel supplies for agriculture and freight as global tensions push fuel prices sharply higher. Diesel prices in parts of Tasmania have risen from about $1.87 to more than $2.17 per litre in the past week, creating uncertainty for farmers, contractors and freight operators across the state.
Local artist brings colour and storytelling to Augusta Library
With the Margaret River Library temporarily closed for building works, many locals have found themselves missing their regular library fix ... Augusta Library has plenty to offer, including a stunning art exhibition now on display.
Some servos forced to restrict how much fuel drivers can buy with a 25l limit as prices rise
The news tonight ... was filled with words we didn’t want to hear about the price of fuel. Oil prices skyrocket… Prices scoring… Pain at the petrol pump… Markets in a tailspin. Any driver will see this scenario is starting to play out at country petrol bowsers close to home.
In memory of Professor MaryAnn Bin-Sallik
We acknowledge the passing of Professor MaryAnn Bin-Sallik, a Djura elder from the East Kimberly. We acknowledge her work and dedication in the fields of nursing and Aboriginal education and for her advocacy for equity for Aboriginal people.
World first glulam made from Aussie blue gum a win for Victoria’s Timber Towns: Timber Towns Victoria
The world’s first glue laminated timber made from Australian Blue Gum (Eucalyptus globulus), processed in Warrnambool, Victoria, has been unveiled at Mount Gambier’s new Forestry Centre of Excellence, marking a major breakthrough for plantation forestry and the communities that depend on it.
What could possibly go wrong?!
After doing ZERO prep, we randomly called a Merredin business, to do a quick Pulse Check....
Immediate action needed to ensure fuel supply for our farmers: Chaffey
“There is fuel, but it is being kept for the city, a short-sighted approach that will have huge flow-on effects throughout regional areas and right back into the city. Planting is about to start across the electorate of Parkes and elsewhere but without diesel, it won’t happen. And how do farmers get their livestock to market?": Jamie Chaffey.
‘Don’t drive empty’: Loadshift’s message to truckies as diesel crisis bites
"Every empty truck on the road right now is burning diesel the country doesn't have to spare. We’ve 25 days of diesel reserves, 28,000 unfilled driver positions and a third of our trucks running empty. The maths doesn't work. The simplest thing any driver can do right now is stop driving empty": said Matt Barrie, Chief Executive of Loadshift.
When fuel prices jump, the whole freight network feels the shockwave: Dean Newman
"When fuel swings, manual systems fail. We need to change how we view carriers. They aren’t just ‘capacity,’ they are small businesses under immense pressure. The future of the industry depends on accelerated cash flow and intelligent route planning that slashes unnecessary fuel burn": Dean Newman, COO, Ofload.
Fuel, food and your family: What the Middle East war could mean for rural NSW right now
... in the practical, everyday ways that matter most to country families, what is happening right now in the Middle East is worth understanding clearly and calmly.
Long wait for green mine
An estimated 4 per cent of the world's NdPr, a high-performance rare earth crucial for batteries and electric vehicles, is under the ground a mere 135km north of Alice Springs. Yet a final investment decision has still not been made about a mine that was first proposed 23 years ago, but may be this year.
Barossa turns up the volume with Barossa Food & Wine Village
When the final siren sounds at Barossa Park on Saturday, 11 April, the party is just getting started as Tanunda’s main street transforms into the ultimate post-match destination with food, wine and entertainment. A hallmark event on the Festival of Footy calendar, the Barossa Food & Wine Village, returns for Gather Round 2026, reimagined on a bigger scale.
Council advocates for low-cost renewable electricity for residents
Gannawarra Shire Council has held discussions with the Victorian Minister for Climate Action, Energy and Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio MP and VicGrid representatives about its concerns regarding the construction of VNI West ... the project involves the construction of a 500-kilovolt double circuit transmission line that will connect the Victorian and New South Wales electricity networks.
The climate change vineyard: Why David Lowe’s 2021 pivot saved his 2026 vintage
Adaptation to climate change is happening at ground level amongst the vines in Australia. One winemaker in the vanguard is Mudgee winemaker David Lowe, who, in 2021, made a major decision in pivotting his certified organic and biodynamic estate away from "delicate French varieties" and towards hardy Mediterranean styles better able to handle a hotter, more volatile future.
Wyong’s Little Creek Cheese hauls in the medals
Ivona Rose. Wyong’s Little Creek Cheese has collected a gold, two silver and two bronze awards at The Sydney Royal Cheese and Dairy Produce Show 2026, as the business celebrates its 15th anniversary. The awards come from one of Australia’s most esteemed industry competitions...
North East Rail passengers set to be locked out of Sunshine transport hub: Cleeland
The Nationals Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland MP, has raised concerns in State Parliament this week about the redevelopment of Sunshine Station, warning the current design risks locking north-east Victorian passengers out of one of the state’s most important transport interchanges.
Infrastructure cost kills plan for new shop at Wyreema
The cost of creating a new roundabout adjacent to a proposed new commercial development near the Karara Gardens housing estate at Wyreema has caused the developer to withdraw from the project. An application lodged in 2024 proposed the construction of a shop and food and drink outlet ... Mr David Meara told the Toowoomba Regional Council that the project would be commercially unviable because of the cost of installing the new roundabout. The cost of the roadwork was estimated to be $800,000.
Bulk billing benefits locals
In a major boost for the Upper Murray community, Corryong Health has transitioned to a bulk billed medical practice as of of March 2nd under a recently launched Australian government Bulk Billing Practice Incentive Program (BBPIP). The program has expanded eligibility for Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) bulk billing incentives.
