‘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.
Opposition Leader, Ley vows to put Farrer first
Newly appointed Leader of the Opposition, Sussan Ley has vowed she would continue to put the people of Farrer first. The Member for Farrer since 2001 was elected Opposition Leader of the Liberal Party last week and is one of the longest-serving female MPs in Canberra.
Nhill Fire Brigade celebrates arrival of two new emergency vehicles
Nhill Fire Brigade raised an incredible amount of funds for two vital appliances: a new light tanker and the replacement forward command vehicle were officially handed over to Nhill Fire Brigade in Nhill by D17 ACFO Chris Eagle on Sunday 18th May 2025.
CFA brigades stand down over controversial emergency services levy
Hundreds of CFA volunteers have made the difficult decision to stand down in protest against the Victorian Government's new Emergency Services Levy, passed during a late-night parliamentary session last Thursday.
Old fire practices rekindled in new Clarence Valley firefighting partnership
The Yaegl Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation is collaborating with Forestry Corporation to integrate cultural burning with government bushfire management. This partnership aims to enhance the community's resilience to major bushfires and improve land management practices on Yaegl Country.
Aerial shark patrols extended to long weekend
Aerial shark patrols along the state’s coastline will be extended until the June long weekend, following unseasonably warm weather and an increase in shark sightings at popular beaches. This patrol season – which was brought forward to early November and will run until Monday 9 June – is the longest recorded in South Australia.
Releases to the Great Darling Anabranch ceasing: What you need to know
WaterNSW is advising landholders and the community along the Great Darling Anabranch (GDA) of a significant change in water management: the cessation of releases from Menindee Lakes to the GDA. This decision comes as the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) is ceasing their call on the shared resource that previously necessitated these releases.
Question: What do cultural burns do?
Jenny Dwyer. Broaden your understanding of Cultural Burns to reduce exotic weed, promote native ground cover and increase drought tolerance.
Annabelle Cleeland Statement: North East Victoria excluded from drought support
Farmers in North East Victoria have once again been left behind, with the Allan Labor Government’s latest drought funding announcement excluding our region entirely. The $15.9 million package announced today offers only token support, capped at $5000 per grant, and with strict conditions that prevent farmers from using it for the most basic and urgent needs like purchasing feed and water.
Backing farmers with more drought support: Spence
The On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grant program has already supported more than 1,500 farmers in south west Victoria and will be extended to farmers in the new and existing Local Government Areas and French Island. The package will continue for the existing 11 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across south west Victoria and expand it to all West Wimmera...
Seedling survival in marginal moisture
The practice of dry sowing has become increasingly common with frequent years of below average rainfall in the sowing season. Dry sowing, where crops are sown into a dry seed bed before season breaking rainfall, has helped farmers decrease production risk and manage workload.
Bird watching on Allora Mountain
Did you know that at least 100 different species of birds have been identified within the Allora Mountain Flora and Fauna Reserve? The Allora Landcare Group … is pleased to invite members of the community to join a bird watching morning on Sunday the 18th of May, commencing at 8am.
From grass to glass – Sustainable grazing between the vine rows
Peter Christen. If you've ever wandered through Panacea Estate and seen a flock of sheep wandering between the vine rows, you might have wondered: What are they doing here? The answer is simple and surprisingly effective. They're helping us make better wine.
VFF slams government over new levy: a blow to farmers doing it tough
Despite strong opposition from the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF), the Country Fire Authority (CFA), and farmers from all corners of Victoria, the Allan Labor Government’s proposed Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund has today passed a vote in Parliament. The VFF is deeply disappointed by this outcome and remains gravely concerned about the impact this levy will have on farmers...
Cockatoo story not as simple as black and white
Not all white-tailed black cockatoos are the same. The region is a breeding stronghold for both white-tailed black cockatoo species, especially Baudin's black cockatoo, which is a forest-dwelling species that nests high in karri and marri trees.
Riverina dam levels diving compared to the rest of NSW
Marguerite McKinnon. Blowering Dam water levels have fallen by nearly 70 per cent to 31 per cent capacity and while rain has drenched much of NSW, in the Riverina conditions are not so good with dams drying up. Blowering Dam, which usually holds the equivalent of three times Sydney Harbour, is now down to 31 per cent of its maximum capacity.
Take a look at the proposed Greenmount Water Treatment Plant
New documents released by Toowoomba Regional Council have revealed more details on how the Greenmount Water Treatment Plant will look and how it will function. Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has submitted a material change of use development application to itself in anticipation of the plant's construction, expected to start this year and be completed by early 2027.
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.
Councils voice concern over closure of Bega factory in Strathmerton
“This is a heartbreaking announcement for 300 workers, their families, and the wider community. It’s also a clear signal that our food manufacturing industry on which our region relies, is under increasing strain — from rising input costs to workforce challenges and from uncertainty driven by the Murray-Darling Basin Plan”: Chair of the Murray River Group of Councils, Cr. Dan Straub.
Cuttlefest 2025 is here!
Get ready to dive into the excitement – the Australian Giant Cuttlefish will arrive soon in the coastal waters near Stony Point, marking the start of Whyalla’s much-loved Cuttlefest 2025 celebrations! Running from June through July, the season features an exciting line-up of family-friendly, adventurous, and creative events taking place across the city.
Mining exploration escalates in catchment
The Clarence Catchment Alliance CCA, local environmental groups and residents are calling for immediate action as mining exploration for antimony and tungsten escalates across the Wild Cattle Creek area near Dorrigo; a sensitive part of the drinking water catchment relied on by more than 80,000 people in the Clarence Valley and Coffs Harbour regions.
Barkandji community in Wilcannia documents critically endangered species living and breeding in the old town weir
Sarah Martin. A project documenting Barkandji knowledge of the Baaka river and floodplains has been ongoing for about 6 months. It has included a large oral history project which collected knowledge from Barkandji and kin about fish traps, fishing, the floodplains, and how they have changed so much over the last few decades.
