Media Release

The Albanese and Rockliff Governments have officially committed to work together towards a bilateral agreement to support sustainable forestry in Tasmania into the future. From July 1 2027, the Albanese Government’s historic environmental law reforms will bring forestry operations covered by Regional Forest Agreements (RFA) under Federal environmental regulation.

Queensland producers will gain access to discounts on ground and aviation fuels, and lubricant services through a new partnership between AgForce and Lowes Petroleum aimed at helping reduce operating costs and improve on-farm efficiency.

The Sunshine Coast hinterland is now officially home to Queensland’s first internationally recognised Dark Sky Reserve, uniting the community, levels of government, agencies and businesses to preserve our star-filled sky. The Sunshine Coast International Dark Sky Reserve’s official designation by DarkSky International comes after a community push to preserve our starry nights...

“The recent rain has given cattle producers the confidence to hold onto stock, abruptly tightening availability and driving a major price lift...”

South Australian volunteers delivered $45 billion in value to the local economy last year with younger South Australians leading the way and volunteer numbers surpassing one million for the first time. According to the 2025 State of Volunteering report, released today by Volunteering SA&NT, volunteers created $45 billion in gross social and economic value across 294.8 million hours.

Shadow Minister for Fisheries Kirrilee Warr MLA has urged the Cook Labor Government to release shark safety advice, following the tragic news of another fatal shark attack off Albany which she said was "deeply distressing". "Two fatal shark attacks in just a matter of weeks is deeply concerning and has rightly shaken confidence across ocean loving Western Australians," Ms Warr said.

The rich terroir of Cowra, its produce, wine, culture and peacetime history, will be celebrated in a hugely expanded Winter Wanderlust festival running 10-18 July 2026. With over 20 events across nine days, the program is the most diverse and tasty the festival has seen, drawing together chefs, winemakers, farmers, artists and hoteliers for a heartwarming winter celebration.

Liberal Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell has demanded that the Minister for Water rule out introducing legislation to more easily enable the compulsory acquisition of flood easements, and confirm the previous commitment not to use existing powers to flood private land without consent.

On the far South Coast of New South Wales, Gadhu Bagan, the Southern-Yuin Firesticks team, is celebrating the persistent presence of Guraban (koala) across multiple locations in Wadbilliga National Park, following on-Country survey and monitoring work undertaken in partnership with the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).

TasFarmers has welcomed the State Government's announcement of a new fertiliser supply agreement, saying it provides much-needed certainty for farmers preparing for the coming season. The agreement, facilitated through Indonesia and fertiliser manufacturer Incitec Pivot, comes after months of concern about global fertiliser availability driven by conflict in the Middle East and disruption to international supply chains.

There are almost three unhosted Airbnbs for every long-term rental available to rent in Western Australia, with the ratio in regional areas blowing out to 15 to 1, new research has found. Shelter WA’s ‘Death By 10,000 Cuts’ report analysed 88 localities across the state between March and September 2025...

Key government and private sector organisations have come together to test how they respond to crisis scenarios, such as natural disasters, health and biosecurity incidents, supply chain shortages and disruptions to critical infrastructure.

Leader of The Nationals Matt Canavan said Labor must fight the Trump Administration’s proposed new 12.5 per cent tariffs. Senator Canavan said the Trump Administration’s proposed tariffs on Australian goods are unjustified and a clear breach of the Free Trade Agreement Australia has with the US.

NSW Farmers says today's Fair Work Commission Annual Wage Review decision will place significant additional pressure on farm employers, with some horticulture operations facing the full 6 per cent increase to their wages bill.

A peer-reviewed study concludes that predation by an introduced species is the primary driver of swift parrot decline, and that conservation strategy needs to catch up with that reality. TTV ... says a new peer-reviewed study vindicates what the forestry sector has long argued: that native forest harvesting is not the primary cause of swift parrot decline…

Forest and Wood Communities Australia has welcomed the publication of a major peer-reviewed scientific review that concludes Australia's native forests can be sustainably managed for timber production while protecting biodiversity, carbon values, water resources and other environmental outcomes.

The local festival, which has gained immense popularity over recent years, continues to celebrate creativity, community, and connection through the love of words. Shifting the event to June invites bibliophiles to indulge in the cosy winter pastime: stay indoors, keep warm with a cuppa, and be inspired by some of their favourite authors.

Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers (QFVG) is warning against complacency on Australia's food security following the release of the ABARES June 2026 Agricultural Commodities Report, which shows export growth is increasingly obscuring challenges facing domestic fruit and vegetable production. 

The nation-building Arafura Rare Earths Nolans Project has been declared the first Significant Project under the Territory Coordinator Act, supporting the coordinated delivery of the $1.6 billion development. Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the project highlighted the critical role the Northern Territory is playing in supporting Australia's economy and national security.

The Art Gallery of Ballarat brings World Press Photo to regional Victoria for the first time this August. Each year, the contest highlights the outstanding work of photojournalists and documentary photographers from across the globe.

A new and exciting tourism initiative, Retirees on the River – Seniors' Celebrations Echuca Moama, will bring a vibrant 12-day program of offers and activities to the Echuca Moama region from Monday 7 to Friday 18 September 2026.