Regional cities bearing the brunt of the fuel crisis – Minns Government last Budget must act: RCNSW
Regional Cities New South Wales (RCNSW) says the Minns Government’s final Budget before the election is a defining moment to address the growing inequity facing regional communities, inequity now being accelerated by the growing national fuel crisis ... RCNSW’s 2026–27 Pre-Budget Submission highlights a widening gap between rapid regional population growth and the infrastructure needed to support it.
White Cliffs Solar Power Station
The White Cliffs Power Station is the first commercially operated solar thermal power station in NSW and one of the earliest of its kind in the world ... It is a popular tourist attraction and "tourism is an important economic driver for our small communities." The Heritage Council of NSW is thinking about putting the power station on the State Heritage register.
Hunter Valley Steamfest returns this April
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.
Fast-tracked freight reform to reduce fuel costs: Malinauskas, Szakacs
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.
Library is a true asset
After an extensive internal renovation, the Corryong Elyne Mitchell Library was officially re-opened at a community event on Saturday. Towong Shire Council mayor, Cr Peter Tolsher, was joined by Colin Morrison (representing the Victorian Department of Government Services) and Honor Auchinleck, the daughter of Elyne Mitchell.
An Australian approach to AI – Expectations for data centres that deliver for Australians: Ayres, Bowen, Charlton
Global investment in data centres is accelerating – and Australia is well-placed to lead – but this must happen on terms that benefit the community and deliver for the national interest. The Albanese Government’s National AI Plan, released in December 2025, sets out our ambition: to harness the benefits of AI while ensuring all Australian’s shares the benefits.
Peek-a-Loo – The Great Dunny Hunt returns, 23 March-15 June 2026
Continence Health Australia is once again on the hunt for Australia’s missing public toilets. The Great Dunny Hunt is back in 2026 to help uncover the hidden toilets and add them to the National Public Toilet Map.
Fuel shortages: Improve capacity for deliveries by rail in regional NSW
Recent reports of fuel supply concerns and diesel shortages for trucks highlight a serious vulnerability in Australia’s transport system … This situation is a reminder that relying almost entirely on diesel-powered road transport is risky ... Regional railway lines could play an important role in strengthening supply chains.
Baaka Cultural & Arts Centre – Getting close to opening
The Baaka Cultural & Arts Centre is moving into its final stages, and the team is very excited to share they are on track to open in the second half of this year ... The building architect David Kaunitz was also out visiting the Centre on his annual trip with students from the University of Sydney.
New report reveals regional airports running at a loss while delivering critical national services: Regional Capitals Australia
A new national report has revealed many regional airports across Australia are operating at a financial loss, with local councils increasingly forced to subsidise infrastructure that regional communities rely on every day ... The survey of regional airports found more than half are operating at a loss, with a median annual deficit of $192,000.
MLA backed project proves low cost satellite connectivity for whole of herd monitoring: MLA
Meat & Livestock Australia has announced the successful completion of an MLA Donor Company AgTech project that has demonstrated reliable and affordable two-way satellite connectivity for livestock and on-farm Internet of Things sensors across Australia. The project was led by eSAT Global, with Smart Paddock providing on-farm visualisation and Viasat delivering satellite connectivity.
Shock ‘invasion’ laws rammed through after council meets with Energy Minister
Victorian Minister for Climate Action, Energy and Resources, Lily D’Ambrosio MP has rammed through compulsory acquisition powers for transmission line easements just a week after meeting with Gannawarra Shire Council. A shocked Gannawarra Shire Mayor Garner Smith said that despite meeting with the Minister and VicGrid less than a week ago, nothing was mentioned.
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.
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.
Farmers gutted after compulsory acquisition amendment passes: VFF
"The Victorian Farmers Federation is gutted that Parliament has backed laws allowing farmers’ land to be taken for transmission lines before the environmental assessment is even finished": Brett Hosking, VFF President.
Regional growth without rail is a hollow promise: Siri Gamage
Dr Siri Gamage. We keep hearing about regional growth. We hear about decentralisation, productivity, housing pressures in capital cities and the promise of thriving regional communities. But here is the uncomfortable truth: growth without proper public transport is not a strategy. It is rhetoric.
Far West left high and dry as Minns Government dumps Wilcannia Weir Project: Cooke
The Minns Labor Government has abandoned the people of Wilcannia and the broader Far West, shelving the long-awaited Wilcannia Weir replacement project. Shadow Minister for Water Steph Cooke said the decision is a betrayal of a community that has fought for more than three decades to secure a safe, reliable and drought-proof water supply.
Business community welcomes high speed rail announcement
Terry Collins. Business NSW Central Coast has described the recent funding announcement to accelerate the Newcastle–Sydney High Speed Rail corridor as presenting a major opportunity to accelerate jobs, investment and long-term economic growth in the region.
Time for the Commonwealth to finally deliver Barkly radar: Edgington
The Commonwealth must finally deliver a new weather radar for the Barkly region that the region has been waiting a decade for ... “The residents of the Barkly have been waiting for a new weather radar since the Federal Government de-commissioned the old one in 2015 - over a decade ago,” Mr Edgington said.
Hunter-Central Coast REZ kicks off construction jobs: Sharpe
Construction is officially underway on the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), a project that will generate enough energy to power more than all the homes in the Hunter.
District farmers fight back
Quill. Community spirit was alive and well at Marnoo on Sunday, February 22, as farmers and friends affected by mining and the renewable energy push came together in support and to share their stories – it was standing room only at the Marnoo Cricket Ground ... Across Victoria Alliance (AVA) has united 27 allied groups across the whole of Australia in the fight against the mining and renewables projects throughout the regions.
