Fire love
After the morning fog cleared away, the skies were clear on Saturday 21 June for the Maldon in Winter Bonfire which was even bigger and brighter than last year in every way. A packed train brought hundreds of visitors — many of them families with children — to excitedly walk across from the railway station and through to the back of the Machinery Museum.
Unique WA reptiles rescued from smugglers: Swinbourn
Some of Western Australia's most unique reptiles have been rescued from smugglers who were attempting to send them interstate through Perth Airport. In one case, a package containing eight live bobtail lizards destined for Sydney was intercepted, resulting in a $2,500 fine.
Farmers want policy, not pork: TasFarmers
Tasmania’s peak farming body, TasFarmers, is today releasing its bold long-term vision for the state, calling on all political parties to commit to strategic policy that supports the growth and sustainability of agriculture ... "The policy platform outlines key reforms across multiple areas, including local government rates, invasive species management, freight, and workforce development.
Costs of transitioning the livestock sector to net zero under future climates
Professor Matthew Harrison. While practices for reducing or removing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions abound, little information exists on the combination of practices required to reach net-zero emissions, the cost of transitioning to net-zero, or how carbon removals may change under hotter and more variable conditions expected with climate change. ARR.News asked a few further questions of Professor Harrison.
Budget sees rate rise of over 9 per cent
A projected surplus of $1.5 million has been supported by substantial rate rises of over 9 per cent in the 2025/26 Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) Annual Budget. As ‘Other Urban Residential Areas’, properties in the townships of Wyreema, Cambooya, Nobby, Greenmount and East Greenmount, as well as rural residential properties, will receive an average general rate rise of 9.4 per cent to $1,013.
Culture, creativity weaved into weed control project
Sally Jarvis. A NAIDOC Week Wild Weedy Weaver project launch will celebrate indigenous culture with weaving demonstrations using an introduced pest plant on July 12 ... Attendees can reflect and celebrate the creative and cultural possibilities of learning more about and working with introduced species.
Finance access dries up for regional producers
Sebastian Calderon. A local finance expert says drought-induced debt, combined with tightening lender risk appetites, are making it increasingly difficult for growers to access the finance needed to keep their businesses running … recent Grain Producers SA (GPSA) survey revealed that one-in-two South Australian grain producers are currently facing difficulties accessing finance or credit during the drought.
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.
Tourism blues as bloom remains, spreads
Businesses on southern Yorke Peninsula have been hit by a tourism downturn amid the ongoing algal bloom. Stansbury has been affected by brevetoxin, closing the town's oyster farms for over six weeks, which Dalrymple Hotel owner Rob Rankine said had influenced visitation to the town.
Stargazing flight: how Bogong moths use the night sky to navigate hundreds of kilometres: UniSA
In a world-first discovery, researchers have shown that Australia’s iconic Bogong moth uses constellations of stars and the Milky Way to navigate hundreds of kilometres across the country during its annual migration – making it the first known invertebrate to rely on a stellar compass for long-distance travel.
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.
Tiwi Islands celebrate milestone in Territory-grown oyster industry: Maley
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is backing the growth of the Northern Territory’s Blacklip Rock Oyster industry, with progress on the ground showcased at a community field day on Bathurst Island. Held at Wurrumiyanga on 19 June 2025, the Oyster Farm Field Day brought together local community members, industry participants and research partners...
“Let’s talk about BIG weather”
St Arnaud and district residents are invited to participate in a community-wide conversation about ways to better respond to extreme weather events and shape solutions that make sense for the region. Make a Change Australia, in partnership with Northern Grampians Shire Council and supporting organisations, will host a "Let's Talk About BIG Weather" community event on Tuesday, June 24.
Shellharbour’s incredible whale tales
Whale watching is in full swing in Shellharbour with numerous sightings occurring this month, including some incredible drone footage from Bushrangers Bay caught by local ORRCA volunteer Ty Peters.
Webinar: Integrated Planning in Australia’s Marine Estate, 26 June 2025
The lack of an integrated planning framework for the management of Australia’s marine estate is emerging as a major challenge for development of the Blue Economy. In this webinar, possible approaches to overcome these challenges will be discussed.
Councils say farmers still need more help
Rural Councils Victoria (RCV) has acknowledged some breakthrough wins delivered by the Victorian government's Drought Response Taskforce, while warning significant challenges remain unresolved. The government has agreed to speed up access to interstate fodder, expand fodder delivery routes and fast-track kangaroo control permits for rural landholders.
Water workers edge closer to 4 day work week
Continued bargaining dispute proceedings have brought Riverina Water workers one step closer to trialling a four-day work week if they accept their employer's proposal. A "rigorous" long-running dispute process involving Riverina Water and its employees aligned with the United Services Union (USU) and Electrical Trades Union (ETU) is slowly beginning to de-escalate after "dramatic" moments of industrial action.
Yamba’s iconic Norfolk Pines
John McNamara. Reported in DISTRICT NEWS in 28 December 1907 C&RE: Visitors to Yamba during the Christmas holidays have commented upon the constant diminution in the number of available shade trees, and at the same time Mr. J. H. Malden suggests, in the ''Agricultural Gazette," that the Norfolk Island pine should be more freely planted along the coastal areas than it is.
Supporting Victoria’s Basin communities: Tierney
Victorian Minister for Water Gayle Tierney and Federal Minister for Environment and Water Murray Watt have announced new funding for projects that will recover more environmental water for the Murray-Darling Basin. The projects were identified through the Planning Our Basin Future Together Prospectus...
A day in the life of the Coastal Emu
A remarkable new short film about one of the Clarence Valley’s most iconic and endangered, second largest living bird in the world, the Coastal Emu gives an amazing insight into the lives of these fascinating creatures. Titled ‘A day in the life of a Coastal Emu’ the film by Skyloka Australia's Field Researcher and Drone Pilot Micah Ruedin ...
Fresh faces and new energy at Nhill Fire Brigade
"There's a real buzz around the station right now," said one senior member. "We've got experienced volunteers, new recruits, updated equipment, and great community support. With our new management team stepping in, the future looks bright."
New water projects welcomed by Victorian farmers: VFF
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has welcomed the announcement by the Victorian and Federal Governments of new funding for water infrastructure and environmental projects in northern Victoria ... The VFF also welcomed the new feasibility studies, which will enable further assessment of water projects identified in last year’s Victorian water prospectus.
