Shire of Broome raises concerns over long-term impact of public housing rate exemptions
The Shire of Broome is calling for greater State Government support and clearer policy direction around public housing and community housing rate exemptions, amid growing concern about the long-term financial impact on regional local governments and ratepayers ... Across parts of the Kimberley, public housing accounts for around 30 per cent of housing stock, compared to approximately three per cent in metropolitan Perth.
From paddock to plate to party: Scenic Rim Eat Local Month’s flavour-filled finale weekend to be a harvest celebration for the ages
Ready, Set, Esky: Scenic Rim Eat Local Month’s much-loved Winter Harvest Festival returns to Kalbar on Saturday 27 June, bringing together the region’s farmers, growers, producers, Food Ambassador chefs and artisans for one unforgettable day of food, farming and country hospitality.Â
Rebuilding connection: 150 flood restoration projects now complete
For communities across Lismore, recovery is no longer just something being planned - it’s being felt, as Lismore City Council reaches a milestone 150 projects now complete. Across the Local Government Area, works completed since the 2022 disasters include reopened and repaired roads, restored community buildings and sporting facilities, and enhanced flood pump infrastructure.
Australian-first battery powers up near Balranald
Energy Minister Penny Sharpe has cut the ribbon on Australia's first eight-hour battery near Balranald, with RWE's Limondale storage system promising steadier power, local jobs and money back into the community. A property on the outskirts of Balranald is now home to a national first.
Run the election
Naracoorte Lucindale mayor Patrick Ross has blasted a push to delay South Australia’s local government elections, warning councils, candidates, and communities should not be left in limbo after years of preparation, months of planning, and public resources already committed to delivering a November vote.
Report slams performance of post-flood programs
The NSW Reconstruction Authority has begun rolling out a new series of targeted information and industry sessions to help flood-impacted residents in the Northern Rivers move from the planning phase into active construction and relocation. This comes in the wake of the NSW Auditor-General's scathing report on the performance of the $880m Resilient Homes Program and...
Queensland secures Australia’s second Conserved Area: Watt, Powell
The Albanese and Crisafulli Governments have partnered with the City of Gold Coast to deliver Australia’s first council-managed Conserved Area.
Murray Industrial Hemp – $10 million to build in Barham
Murray Industrial Hemp (MIH) is thrilled with news the NSW Government has granted $10 million for a new hemp manufacturing business in Barham ... MIH will use the government funding, along with investments from local and national shareholders, to build industrial hemp processing and block manufacturing facilities in Barham.
Investing in regional jobs and RFS fleet management: Dib, Hoenig
The Minns Labor Government is backing regional communities with a $470 million investment in the 2026-27 NSW Budget to modernise management of the NSW RFS fleet ... The Minns Labor Government will also introduce legislation to transfer ownership of the State’s ‘red fleet’ of more than 6,000 firefighting vehicles from councils to the RFS.
Puppy farm withdrawn after online campaign
An application was lodged on Tuesday 14 April to Mount Alexander Shire Council (MASC), for the establishment of a ‘Domestic dog breeding centre and rural worker’s accommodation’ in Elphinstone. The MASC’s online Public Planning Register shows that a determination was made relating to the matter on Wednesday 3 June and the decision shows as: ‘Withdrawn’.
Call to action over sad state of war memorial
The heartbreaking story of one family losing three sons in WW1 and WW2 prompted family history and military buff Joe Laws to join the call for the 103-year-old Erina District War Memorial to be restored and better maintained. After researching his family's history, Mr Laws came across the sad story of the Weiss brothers – Frederick, Erle and Harry – who all lost their lives in service for their country.
Country Mayors voice concerns over cessation of Inland Rail: CMA
The Board of the Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) has met with Minister Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government to discuss the cessation of the Inland Rail project.
Development approval for Barham Lakes
The highly anticipated Barham Lakes lifestyle resort has officially received Development Approval from Murray River Council and is now one step closer to becoming a reality. The CluBarham Riverina project, a 236-home over-55s land lease community in collaboration with Villawood Properties, will offer resort living unmatched for its pristine lake systems, proximity to the Murray River and range of facilities on offer.
It’s official! Dark Sky Reserve declared for Sunshine Coast hinterland
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...
A century of racing under threat: the fight to save Broken Hill’s greyhound track
Greyhound racing has been part of Broken Hill for more than a century. On 30 June 2026, Greyhound Racing NSW intends to end it. The decision to close the Broken Hill Greyhounds Club was made earlier this year as part of a broader restructure recommended by an independent Deloitte report, which advised GRNSW to reduce the state's racing footprint to a sustainable number of tracks.
Hospital row impacts on ambo wait times
Towong Council mayor, Cr Peter Tolsher, has cited ramping at the Albury hospital as a major factor in unacceptable ambulance wait times in the municipality. "It was disappointing - but certainly not surprising - to read the latest performance data released by Ambulance Victoria that shows Towong Shire remains at the bottom of the list for ambulance wait times in Victoria," Cr Tolsher said.
Eric’s a winner as Carp to Croc wraps up
The Australian Reptile Park's crocodiles and alligators were the big winners as Central Coast Council's 2026 Carp to Croc fishing event wrapped up recently. The community came together to help tackle one of Australia's most damaging invasive species.
Narrandera water: Pressure pays off with deed of release executed for critical design works
The Deed of Agreement concerning Narrandera's future water treatment plant has been executed following sustained pressure from the Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke. The deed was critical in enabling Narrandera Shire Council to progress detailed design and business case work for the project, which aims to deliver clean water to the town.
Enjoy cosy, bookish vibes this June as Words Out West returns
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.
Negative forecast for the season
"It's quite negative out there," were the opening remarks of NSW Drought Co-ordinator, Ray Willis when he spoke at the landholder support day at Booroorban last week. "I'm hearing people who say they cannot do it again. They don't want to go through what they did in 2019."
New water treatment plants taking shape in Wilcannia and Ivanhoe as Central Darling Shire navigates $2 million budget deficit
New water treatment plants are taking shape in both Wilcannia and Ivanhoe as Central Darling Shire Council progresses two of the most significant infrastructure investments in the shire's recent history, while the council navigates a projected $2.068 million operating deficit and works to secure emergency backup water supply for the town.
Growing mineral sands and protecting our farms: D’Ambrosio
Labor is strengthening mine rehabilitation requirements for agricultural land in the Wimmera Mallee. Minister D’Ambrosio today announced the formation of the Mineral Sands Agricultural Land Restoration Working Group, bringing together farmers, experts and the resources sector to provide advice on land restoration.Â

