NSW Budget – what’s in it for the Back Country
The Minns Government has handed down the NSW State Budget. Here is what is on the cards for communities living in the Back Country... $12.0 million Broken Hill Hospital Emergency Department Upgrade ... Continuing $24.8 million for the Wilcannia Weir Refurbishment Project ...
Community driving action in Foul Bay
Rachel Hagan. Sandbags intended to give Foul Bay's Mud Alley another decade of protection were destroyed in recent storms, and now residents are taking matters into their own hands with plans for a permanent rock wall ... However, since the destructive May 26 storm, the wall of sandbags has been battered, and now there is little left of the seawall to shield residents.
Buyback sells for $347 at auction
Five buyback homes from Norton Street, Kyogle were up for auction on Tuesday, June 17. PRD Real Estate Northern Rivers principal Rob Horder said the highest bid was $347 for 8 Norton Street.
Richmond Landcare – Science in the Pub
Richmond Landcare Inc. held a Science in the Pub event at The Channon Tavern on Thursday 27th March, with over one hundred people filling the venue, despite the dreary weather. This event was the first opportunity for the broader community to hear about Richmond Landcare's Nature Based Solutions Project: Building Flood Resilience in the Lismore Catchment.
Managing levees for flood protection
Shaun Morgan, of North Central Catchment Management Authority addressed a large crowd who gathered in Kerang June, 6 to listen and voice their concerns. NCCMA is spearheading a critical initiative to address levee systems in response to recent flooding events.
“You’re not alone”: Rural Aid brings hope to flood-hit Western Queensland
In the wake of devastating floods, Rural Aid is rallying around Western Queensland’s farming communities with a powerful message: you are not alone. From 10–17 June, Rural Aid will be on the ground in Thargomindah, offering hands-on mental health support, meaningful connection, and a good dose of joy—reminding families that brighter days are ahead.
Don’t fight floods alone: NSW Farmers Association
The state’s peak farm body is encouraging flood affected farmers to access the support services available to assist as recovery efforts begin across the Hunter and Mid North Coast. NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said emergency fodder, veterinary support and a range of other services could be accessed from state government authorities by farmers dealing with the effects of the major flood event.
Fodder drops provide lifeline to flooded farmers: Moriarty
The Minns Government is using helicopters to provide isolated farmers with emergency fodder for their stranded livestock, as part of a range of support available to flood-affected farmers across the Mid-North Coast, North Coast and Hunter.
‘Hard truths’ in final flood report
Hugh Schuitemaker. The Riverland's State MP says a report into the 2022/23 Murray River flood response shows preparations for the emergency "fell short" of what was necessary. The final report of the Select Committee into the River Murray Flooding Event was released last week.
Westbrook-Wyreema Road works complete
Floodway replacement and improvement works have been finished on Westbrook-Wyreema Road over Westbrook Creek. The $1.3 million project was the third to be delivered by Toowoomba Regional Council under the Betterment Program as part of the wider 2022 Flood Recovery Program.
Why so many SES resources in town?
...Lots of SES boats, big trucks and volunteers in town ... Water is heading our way but many local people are commenting that the response is over the top ... The river is expected to peak at 9.6 metres in the next week or so.
Councillor accuses Reconstruction Authority of ‘gaslighting’ on flood recovery information
At the April Richmond Valley Council meeting, councillor Lyndall Murray had the questions she posed to the NSW Reconstruction Authority and council answered ... Councillors had a confidential meeting on Tuesday, April 8 with the Reconstruction Authority and the responses below are based on the information provided at that meeting.
Kestrel Aviation celebrates 40 Years of service, innovation and regional leadership: Cleeland
The Nationals Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, has paid tribute to Kestrel Aviation as the iconic Mangalore-based company celebrated its 40th anniversary at this week. Ms Cleeland was a guest speaker at the anniversary celebration, where she praised the local, family-owned business for its leadership in aerial firefighting, emergency response, and aviation training .
Plumber presents plan for levee to reduce backwater flooding in Coraki
Ian Brown is a plumber who has lived in Coraki for 55 years. He presented his flood levee proposal at the Richmond Valley Council meeting on Tuesday, April 15. He reckons his proposal will reduce the backwater from floods at Coraki.
Centacare FNQ opens Tully hub to support Cassowary Coast’s flood recovery
Following the devastating floods in January and February, Centacare FNQ officially opened its Tully Disaster Recovery and Resilience Hub this month, with a community morning tea that gathered local leaders, residents, and service providers.
Central Darling Shire on alert as floodwaters approach
Residents in Wilcannia, Tilpa, and Menindee are being urged to prepare for potential flooding as floodwaters from upstream Queensland make their way downstream.
The brutal cost of ignoring the bush: Australia’s rural collapse
Government changes have reallocated 3,200 gigalitres of irrigation water to environmental flows, much of it unmetered and flowing out to sea, creating dire consequences for regional food production. The Gannawarra Region alone is losing $1.3 billion annually – and these impacts are expected to worsen.
Opinion: Farmer wants wetlands reinstated after toxic floodwaters destroy crops and trees
Steve Posselt lives on a property at Swan Bay. He describes the impact of the latest flooding on farmland ... Thearles Drain had gone from black to green and now back to black ... This dead cane is the area to the left of the drain ...
Rural Aid delivers urgent lifeline to farmers amidst devasting floods
Major flood warnings have been issued for multiple rivers, including the Thomson, Barcoo, Bulloo, Paroo, and Warrego ... Stock losses are expected to reach into the hundreds of thousands, compounding the already difficult conditions caused by ongoing droughts.
Floods devastate rural NSW & Queensland, cities to feel ripple effect: NRHA
The soul-destroying floods in rural New South Wales and Queensland are affecting rural people who matter to Australia’s very existence and who are the backbone of Australia’s economy ... this flood is an eye-opener for all political parties to make a commitment to the health of the economic powerhouse that rural Australia is for the rest of the country.
Riverland councils left high and dry as federal funding falls short – What about us?
“We’re paying more for everything we do, whether it’s fixing roads, managing waste, or maintaining community facilities. But unlike households, local government has to contend with the cost shifting of services from other levels of government, with no extra funding to support them": Renmark Paringa Mayor Peter Hunter ... Mid Murray Council also strongly advocating for more federal support ... The South Australian Local Government Association has also called on the Federal Government to provide appropriate funding for local governments.
Clean up contractors collect dead fish from Richmond River
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and the Department of Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) are working with local councils to respond to the fish kills in Richmond and Clarence waterways after ex-cyclone Alfred.
