Where our lopsided economy is really at
Don Fuller. Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro has been trumpeting the economic information provided by the latest CommSec State of the States Economic Report, claiming that this was clear evidence of the government’s success in rebuilding the NT economy.
A monument to division: McArthur
Victoria has made history, but at what cost to democracy, equality, and social cohesion? Member for Western Victoria Bev McArthur has condemned the Allan Labor Government’s Statewide Treaty Bill 2025, describing it as “a monument to division” that undermines equality before the law and the unity of all Victorians.
Cheaper electricity, secure jobs and lower emissions: Littleproud
...The Nationals are announcing an all-energy approach, to deliver the lowest possible electricity prices for Australian households and businesses, while maintaining reliability and lowering emissions. ??Australia can’t afford Labor’s Net Zero plan, which Labor cannot achieve anyway.
Beehive Chimney: inside info
A small number of local stakeholders were invited by Parks Victoria to climb the scaffolding around Maldon’s Beehive Chimney and inspect the remedial works project on Monday 27 October. It was terrifying and informative, but some members of the community took the opportunity to express discontentment about how the process has been communicated.
Hub report focuses on freight shortfalls
The Murray Region Forestry Hub recently hosted its managers, representatives from relevant government agencies and industry groups at a conference. A number of items were listed for discussion as well as a packed field trip including the Visy Pulp and Paper Mill, Hyne Timber, Fire impacted plantation regrowth sites and a trip to Ardrossan to see first hand some of the fire infrastructure investment.
Grong Grong Horse Sports ready to stage first event
Sean Cunningham. It's been all hands on deck recently for the Grong Grong Horse Sports (GGHS) group as members throw their energy into reviving the town's old rodeo grounds and plan a busy calendar of events. The grounds are being rejuvenated thanks to the dedication and determination of a small, but passionate group of GGHS volunteers.
Denmark voters turn out for Alex
Patricia Gill. Forty-six per cent of voters turned out on October 18 in the Shire of Denmark elections in which local GP Alex Sleeman stormed home to victory with 1024 primary votes. In second place on primaries, was incumbent deputy shire president Jan Lewis on 368 and third, sitting councillor Clare Campbell, 279.
Farmers slam compulsory access coercion: VFF
Farmers in the path of the controversial VNI West Transmission Project are set to be steamrolled following the issuing of Section 93 notices to landholders along the proposed VNI West transmission project route, effectively granting compulsory access to private land.
Council raises concerns over Warracknabeal Energy Park
Horsham Rural City Council (HRCC) is concerned about the potential impacts of this major renewable energy project on housing, the local workforce, and roads. Councillors last night endorsed the HRCC submission to the Environment Effect Statement (EES) Inquiry into the proposed Warracknabeal Energy Park.
Public misled for decades over koala numbers: Kemp
The latest national koala population estimates from CSIRO’s National Koala Monitoring Program (NKMP) have revealed a staggering leap in koala numbers that upends years of alarmism. The 2025 CSIRO report estimates the listed population between 398,000 and 569,000, a dramatic rise from the 2024 estimate of just 95,000 to 238,000.
“Damning” – Council controversy raised in NSW parliament: “When will Clarence Valley Council be held to account…”
The controversy enveloping Clarence Valley Council was raised in the NSW Legislative Council last week, when Dr Amanda Cohn unleashed her opinion under parliamentary privilege, putting local Government Minister Ron Hoenig on notice. The statement follows the polarising “Wrecking Ball” leaked internal Clarence Valley Council email concerning a ‘suggested’ Council staff skit in the award-winning Jacaranda Festival.
Serviceton’s Les Millikin recognised as Senior Citizen of the Year
West Wimmera Shire Council has named Serviceton's Les Millikin as the 2025 Senior Citizen of the Year ... Since moving to Serviceton in 2002, Mr Millikin has made an enormous contribution to the local community through his volunteer work at the historic Serviceton Railway Station.
The Riverina State Group applies to register as political party
The Riverina State Group has submitted an application with the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) to register as a political party named The Riverina State. The objective of The Riverina State Group is to form the Riverina of NSW and the northern areas of Victoria into a State separate from both NSW and Victoria. The application included a list of 1646 members and was submitted on October 17.
A ‘great day’ for Bookmark Creek
Hugh Schuitemaker. Significant infrastructure upgrades at Renmark's Bookmark Creek – allowing for improved natural water flows, better conditions for native fish and other species, and greater recreational opportunities – have been completed.
Bureau of Meteorology’s new website needs review: Littleproud
Leader of The Nationals and Federal Member for Maranoa David Littleproud is calling for a review of the Bureau of Meteorology’s (BOM) new website, following a flood of complaints from locals. Mr Littleproud said it was clear Maranoa locals were not given the information they needed after the recent rain event...
Productivity Commission inquiry into regional airfares: Chalmers, King
...the Albanese Government released the terms of reference for the Productivity Commission Inquiry into key factors that determine regional airfares.
Turn your old linen into lasting change
This spring, don’t just declutter, transform your tired textiles into something meaningful for the environment. To champion National Recycling Week, Sunshine Coast Council has teamed up with BlockTexx® to hold a community textile recycling event, ‘Give a Sheet® for the Planet’.
Decisions and grants for house raising and retrofits to be explained at Resilient Homes Expo
Navigating through the forms and criteria for help with flood impacted homes can be complex and difficult. The NSW Reconstruction Authority, through the Resilient Home Program, is offering assistance for residents to protect their homes from future damage — whether that’s by raising, retrofitting, rebuilding or relocating their properties to safer ground.
Port Pirie Youth Festival backed by Drought Relief Funding
Port Pirie Regional Council is delighted to announce that the State Government, through the South Australian Tourism Commission’s (SATC) Drought Relief Regional Event Fund, has committed support for Our Youth / Our Festival, a brand-new community celebration designed and delivered by young people in Port Pirie.
Fatal flaws: what regional Australians need to know about cash plan
There are fatal flaws in the Federal Government’s draft cash mandate regulations and they can be traced back to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's refusal to respond to Senate recommendations to fix the banking crisis in regional Australia.
Suspected H5 bird flu in elephant seals at Australian sub-Antarctic Island: DAFF, DCCEEW
Australian scientists have observed signs consistent with H5 avian influenza (bird flu) in wildlife during a management voyage to sub-Antarctic Heard Island ... Scientists observed unusual levels of mortality in elephant seals on Heard Island in recent days.
Artificial insemination program introduces new genetics to herd: NT DAF
The Northern Territory Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (NT DAF) Livestock Industries team together with farm staff at the Old Man Plains (OMP) Research Station, are running an Artificial Insemination (AI) program to introduce new genetics to the OMP research cattle herd.
