News

A record number of beaches along the metropolitan and southern coast will have seven-day Surf Life Saving patrols this summer, giving South Australians confidence they can safely swim between the flags amid the algal bloom. The ‘Between the Flags’ patrols will be funded through a partnership with Surf Life Saving SA and the State and Federal governments, as part of the Algal Bloom Summer Plan.

News the Federal Government will overhaul its proposed superannuation tax has come as a win for farming families in NSW. On Monday Federal Treasurer Jim Chalmers announced his plans to introduce a new super tax would no longer include a tax on unrealised gains.

Australian farmers have claimed a monumental win ... with the Federal Government set to revise its proposed ‘Super Tax’ following strong and united advocacy from the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) and its members. NFF President David Jochinke said the Government’s decision to revisit the tax was the right one.

Balranald Shire Mayor Louie Zaffina is actively balancing regional advocacy with local infrastructure progress. The Mayor recently toured the regional meeting circuit to tackle challenging policy issues while simultaneously overseeing significant developments across the Shire. ... The Bidgee Haven Retirement Hostel received a new wheelchair-enabled van ....

As a critic of the climate catastrophists—and someone who prefers a long-term, science-based view of climate change—I thought I’d share a basic understanding of the science and terminology behind the BoM forecasts we rely on ... Every time a farmer glances at the Bureau’s forecast, the same terms pop up: Indian Ocean Dipole, El Niño–Southern Oscillation, Southern Annular Mode, cold fronts from the Great Southern, tropical moisture feeds, and the Leeuwin Current ...

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Artificial Intelligence is part of the fourth industrial revolution. The previous three industrial revolutions turned rural life upside down and the fourth revolution will be no exception. The only difference will be in the scale and speed of change ... To make sure this is not a useless test, rural voters will have to actively work with politicians.

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On a cotton farm near Emerald in central Queensland, something unusual is taking root. Among the cotton, mung beans and peanuts that typically fill the rotation, a small but mighty crop is showing its potential to change the face of Australian agriculture: sesame.

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has welcomed the Federal Government's significant amendments to its proposed superannuation tax, describing the changes as a substantial improvement that will protect thousands of farming families from the worst impacts of the original policy.

...We are boosting the low-income superannuation tax offset (LISTO) and making a number of important changes to better target superannuation concessions for large balances ... We are also making a number of practical changes to the design and implementation of our policy to better target superannuation concessions ...

The Crisafulli Government has unveiled its Energy Roadmap to deliver affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for Queenslanders. By improving Queensland’s existing energy assets while building what is needed for the future, the Crisafulli Government is putting downward pressure on energy prices, optimising investment to respect taxpayer money and boosting private sector investment in new generation. 

Australian beekeepers are being urged to share their experiences in the 2025 COLOSS Survey, as the industry faces rising costs and labour demands from Varroa destructor (Varroa) management. The 2024 Australian Colony Loss (COLOSS) Survey revealed that Varroa is costing the honey bee industry more than just dollars, with labour impacts also increasing.

The minister was impressed by the view of Toonumbar Dam at Bells Bay Campground. When Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig visited Kyogle on Thursday, October 9, Kyogle Council staff took Mr Hoenig to Bells Bay Campground. “It’s magnificent,” he said. “It’s like a loch in Scotland” ... “It’s a state asset,” he said. Unfortunately Mr Hoenig’s department does not deal with WaterNSW and its drive to dispose of the assets around Toonumbar Dam.

A member of the Central Desert Regional Council, Clifford Tilmouth has confirmed he is one of three men issued notices to appear in relation to an alleged cattle theft from Alcoota, a property north of Alice Springs, on August 5.

As October arrives, so too does the first flush of mauve from Australia’s beloved jacaranda trees. I trace the jacaranda’s journey from the dry slopes of the Andes to its spectacular springtime display in towns like Grafton, where more than 1,700 trees transform the streets into rivers of purple. With the bloom set to reach its dazzling peak in just a fortnight, it’s the perfect moment to celebrate this fleeting spring spectacle.

The Australia-United Arab Emirates Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) entered into force on 1 October. CEPA is Australia’s first free trade agreement in the Middle East and first trade agreement with a dedicated chapter covering First Nations trade.

The Albanese Labor Government is delivering new opportunities for Australia’s blueberry producers with a new agreement securing market access to export the fruit to Vietnam, with trade expected to be worth approximately $22 million over 5 years. The agreement, which came into effect this week, is another major win for Australian producers and will also create access to Vietnamese pomelos for Australian consumers.

Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said Labor has no plan or explanation why farmers applying for Labor’s assistance grant will be forced to find up to $75,000 of their own money as a co-contribution before Christmas, in order to obtain financial help.

Sharp's country baking excellence and their recent win in Australia's Best Vanilla Slice competition is proving a winning recipe for Birchip's tourism economy, with recent visitors arriving by rail, road and even by air to sample the town's famous treat.

The new library is part of the greater Allora Community Precinct project, which has seen the Allora Library move into the old Allora Senior Citizens Centre and the Allora Regional Sports Museum moved into the building where the library used to be ... Member for Southern Downs James Lister said the Allora Precinct would become a hub for the local community and improve the town’s liveability.