25 years of fish stocking scheme
Queensland’s inland fishing program, the Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme (SIPS), was introduced in 2000 and has since grown from 25 dams to 63 impoundments. To celebrate, the “SIPS 25” fishing competition will be held in the September school holidays at SIPS destinations across the State.
New renewables law
Legislation came into effect last week which aims to empower communities on renewable energy projects. The Planning (Social Impact and Community Benefit) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2025, introduces significant reforms that strengthen social licence requirements for renewable energy projects and consistent development assessment rules across the state.
New guide to help developers and landowners blend renewables with agriculture: EnergyCo
A new handbook empowering landowners and solar developers to harness the benefits of combining agriculture with solar energy is now available. A new handbook empowering landowners and solar developers to harness the benefits of combining agriculture with solar energy is now available.
Long-awaited outback relief welcomed: Pederick
The Opposition has welcomed the State and Federal Government’s announcement to establish a barge crossing at Cooper Creek on the Birdsville Track, delivering long-awaited relief for outback communities and freight operators. Shadow Minister for Regional Roads, Adrian Pederick said this is something that should have been addressed months before the Birdsville Track was flooded…
Cheque handover marks a major step forward for Jerilderie Medical Centre
Jerilderie's proposed new medical centre is a step closer, with Murrumbidgee Council formally accepting a $5 million contribution from Origin Energy through a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) linked to the Yanco Delta wind development. The contribution was marked by the official handover of a cheque from Origin representatives to council.
Listen up! Council drives hospital protest
Towong Shire Council is encouraging the community to rally in Corryong next month to oppose the planned redevelopment of the current Albury hospital instead of building on a new greenfield site. "Council remains gravely concerned at the current plans to redevelop the existing hospital site as it will lead to insufficient capacity to meet the future demands of the region for the future," said Towong mayor, Cr Andrew Whitehead.
Shire of Broome engages Dampier Peninsula communities on regional priorities
Last week, Shire of Broome councillors and executive staff wrapped up a two-day visit to the Dampier Peninsula, meeting with community leaders, tourism operators and residents in Ardyaloon, Middle Lagoon and Lombadina to hear their priorities and feedback firsthand.
Mayor talk with Louie Zaffina: Everything’s ticking along well
Balranald Shire moving forward with key projects and community initiatives. Mayor Louie Zaffina has been keeping busy since taking office, with significant progress on several fronts across the Balranald Shire. From major infrastructure projects to community health initiatives, Council is delivering on multiple priorities while actively seeking solutions to regional challenges.
Staying connected when there’s no tower in sight
Picture this: you're out checking the back paddock, kilometres from the nearest mobile tower, when your phone buzzes with a text message. Not from a satellite phone or special device, but from your regular iPhone or Samsung, somehow managing to reach up to space and back down to deliver that simple "all good here" message ...
Mobile tower funding
Naracoorte Lucindale mayor Patrick Ross has set the record straight by explaining why the council chose not to allocate ratepayer funds to Telstra’s Limestone Coast Connectivity Project which had only two mobile base stations earmarked for the district ... it was not prepared to use limited public funds to subsidise infrastructure that Telstra—a major telecommunications provider—had a responsibility to deliver.
Glossop’s got mail (again)
Madison Eastmond. A Riverland town has regained its post office after almost 12 months without the service. Since opening KB'z Coffee recently, Kylee Bradford has brought back Glossop's mail service, with the drive-through-café now already home to 300 (and counting) postal boxes.
Solar farm final report includes changes to fence, substation location and size of site
Ark Energy has completed its report on the Richmond Valley Solar Farm after issues came from the community during public exhibition. The issues relating to the development application and environmental impact statement include visual and noise impacts, biodiversity, bushfire risk and changing land use.
A $6.3 billion solution hiding in plain sight
Picture this: you're watching the NSW Treasurer deliver a budget that cuts transport spending by 34 per cent, slashes education infrastructure by 41 per cent, and offers zero additional cost of living relief to struggling families. Meanwhile, sitting in government reservoirs across the state is something that could change everything – 450 gigalitres of surplus water worth a potential $6.3 billion.
Proposed Yanchep development transport impact assessment
The April 2025 Yanchep Central – commercial development transport impact assessment prepared for FRP Capital says the proposed development on the western side of Kakadu Rd and north of Morwell St will include a fastfood outlet, showrooms and a gym along with two medical centres and an automotive unit.
VNI West completion dates pushed back
Transmission Company Victoria ... advised landholders that the expected completion date for the VNI West transmission project was extending from 2028 to late 2030. TCV Spokesperson, Claire Cass, said the updated timeline reflects revised planning, design and construction assumptions for one of Victoria’s most significant energy infrastructure projects ... The controversial project's timeline extension showed the landholders deserved more respect, according to Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster.
New sports precinct plan endorsed
Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) recently endorsed an updated Toowoomba Region Sports Precinct (TRSP) Master Plan for the Charlton site, on the north-eastern side of the Toowoomba Bypass and Warrego Highway intersection.
Mayor disappointed as NSW Budget ignores critical needs in Narrandera
Narrandera Shire Council Mayor Cr Neville Kschenka has expressed disappointment following the release of the 2025-26 NSW Budget, which failed to deliver any new funding for vital infrastructure and services in Narrandera. "While we welcome ongoing investment in regional health infrastructure in parts of the electorate, Narrandera Shire has once again been overlooked in this budget," Mayor Kschenka said.
Pool redevelopment remains on time and on budget
The John Houston Memorial Pool remains on track to re-open on budget by mid-December. Work is progressing well with the redevelopment of the pool, with all piers completed for the 50m pool and earthworks and piering currently underway for the Learn to Swim and toddler's pool.
Nothing in the budget for Hay
The NSW Government handed down its state budget last week, but there was little targeted funding for the townships of Hay or Balranald. Instead, the region may benefit from a two-year spend of $6 million to support asset and infrastructure works in Central Darling Shire – including Ivanhoe – as the shire moves out of administration.
Long-term potential
Madison Eastmond. A Riverland ecology site has received more than $400,000 worth of state funding to complete the first stage of a five-point masterplan to secure a sustainable future ... Providing a learning environment facilitated by ecologists and a dedicated ranger team just outside of Renmark, Calperum Station is comprised of prominently open Mallee bushland and Murray River flood plains, and hosts opportunities for educational and training programs, and nature-based recreational activities.
Stockinbingal workers accommodation site starts to take shape: Inland Rail
Work has started in Stockinbingal on building an accommodation camp for workers on the Illabo to Stockinbingal (I2S) section of Inland Rail. The accommodation camp will provide a home away from home for 350 workers who will be helping build the 39km of new track over the next two years.
Tasmanian landholders reject last-minute Government offer on transmission corridor: TasFarmers
Landowners along the Tasmanian North West Transmission Development have overwhelmingly rejected a last-minute strategic benefit payment offer made by the Tasmanian Government. TasFarmers CEO Nathan Calman said the offer delivered at the eleventh hour through TasNetworks broke pre-election commitments made to negotiate in good faith.
