Mobile phone coverage must be included in Universal Service Obligation reform: Littleproud, Webster
Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud is reiterating calls to reform the Universal Service Obligation (USO), following another major mobile phone outage. Mr Littleproud said the latest Optus outage showed the vulnerability of the 000 service if a mobile phone tower goes down and the service does not divert to another provider’s tower.
QUT leads Queensland’s push to become Asia-Pacific biomanufacturing hub
QUT has launched an $18 million upgrade to its Mackay-based QUT Pioneer BioPilot, transforming it into Australia’s leading pilot-scale fermentation facility and advancing Queensland’s ambition to become an Asia-Pacific biomanufacturing hub.
The Future Flock – Sheep producers to help shape industry’s future: Sheep Producers Australia
Australia’s sheep industry is at a turning point - and producers are being asked to help write the next chapter. Sheep Producers Australia (SPA) has launched the development of The Future Flock, a national strategy designed to guide the sheepmeat and wool sector through change and set a profitable, resilient direction for decades to come. ARR.News asked some questions of SPA CEO Bonnie Skinner about The Future Flock and national strategy.
Paralysed by neglect: the road council won’t fix until 2029
When does the cost of human life and injury tip the scales and become the first priority? John Hanckel used to start his mornings with a jog, breathing in the fresh country air around Hay ... All of that changed on one terrible day in October 2008...
Chest beating
"The Finocchiaro CLP Government" – this is how almost all of its chest-beating media handouts start – claims it is "delivering real results for tourism" ... So far as Alice Springs and MacDonnell are concerned, Tourism Research Australia tells a different story.
Hughenden celebrates official opening of Country Universities Centre and launch of 4821 Learning Lab
Flinders Shire marked a milestone in local education yesterday (24 September) with the official opening of the Country Universities Centre (CUC) Hughenden, which already has 17 students enrolled and studying locally.
Crocs snapping up big bucks for the Territory: Maley
...Crocodiles aren’t just an iconic part of the Northern Territory - they’re powering our economy too. A new report estimates the industry will contribute $151 million in 2025, supporting more than 300 jobs. The Economic Value of the Northern Territory’s Crocodile Industry ... outlines three growth scenarios that could see the industry’s contribution rise to between $176 million and $243 million by 2035.
A small community with a big voice calls for rethink on Bendigo Bank agency closure: Wycheproof asks, “Why?”
The people of Wycheproof are deeply concerned by the recent announcement that Bendigo Bank will fully close its agency in the town. This decision, made without broad community consultation, has significant implications for residents, local businesses, and the liveability of the rural community.
ABARES releases interim findings of review into chicken meat industry
Today ABARES released its interim findings into the review of Australia’s chicken meat industry. The purpose of this report is to seek feedback before ABARES finalises its recommendations to the Australian Government.
An unbearably good time at Narrandera’s Koala Festival
The Cootamundra electorate's cutest residents have been the centre of celebrations in Narrandera, with the town's annual Koala Festival last weekend proving to be an ongoing success ... "This event is great for the local tourism economy, and it's an opportunity for us to celebrate one of the region's greatest environmental achievements," said Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke.
Industrial renewables laid bare
The Pyramid Hill was a hive of activity on Sunday as community members from Loddon and Gannawarra Shires gathered to discuss industrial renewable developments openly. The meeting hosted by Loddon Valley Renewables Awareness Group provided an open community forum, something that is avoided at all costs for transmission line and renewable developments, as one speaker framed it, "divide and conquer" is the standard modus operandi.
Haydays’ plight goes to Federal Health Minister
"I will be writing personally to the Federal Health Minister." That was the promise made by Member for Farrer and leader of the Liberal Party, Sussan Ley when she visited Haydays last week. Ms Ley toured the aged care facility with chair Lisa Bowen and staff members Martyn Quinn and Julie Weymouth, to see for herself the upgrades needed for Haydays to retain its accreditation.
Varroa mite shakes Riverland beekeepers
Sebastian Calderon. A well-known Riverland beekeeper is examining how to adapt following the first detection of varroa mite in South Australia, with concerns rising over how the pest could impact both commercial hives and pollination services vital to local horticulture. Loxton-based commercial beekeeper Ian Cass said he has been preparing for varroa since PIRSA's varroa development officers (VDO's) began holding training sessions.
Emerald Airport plan set to strengthen regional connections
The future of travel for Central Highlands residents is in focus, with the Draft Emerald Airport Master Plan 2025 now open for public consultation. As the region’s key gateway, Emerald Airport doesn’t just connect people to destinations; it connects families, businesses, and opportunities across Queensland and beyond.
New Artists on View exhibition explores ancient roots
Ancient Roots in the New World is a new exhibition celebrating the beauty, history and symbolism of the olive tree (Olea europaea). Curated by Ceilidh Meo, the exhibition brings together a diverse group of emerging and established Bendigo region artists and craftspeople...
Dialysis in draft: State plan flags mid-term service priority for Naracoorte
The long-awaited prospect of renal dialysis services at Naracoorte Hospital has been formally recognised in the state government’s Draft Clinical Services Plan for the Limestone Coast ... Mr McBride emphasised that renal dialysis for Naracoorte had been a long-standing request from constituents who faced the burden of travelling to Mount Gambier or Adelaide for treatment.
Pooling options to utilise future of community services
A deputation presented by Bruce Carle to Clarence Valley Councillors and Council staff last week prior to the commencement of the Ordinary Monthly Meeting of Clarence Valley Council (CVC) on September 18 received plenty of admiration after it highlighted the potential to utilise a vacant premises and secure the long-term future of two wellknown community groups.
Timber Towns Victoria welcomes funding
"This funding initiative is an exciting new opportunity for the forestry sector," according to Cr Karen Stephens, president of Timber Towns Victoria and Mayor of Glenelg Shire Council, "ultimately using the whole of the tree and turning what would have been wasted wood fibre into a valuable low-carbon resource for use in other industries."
Floods don’t wait – Katter calls for faster flood warning system upgrades: Katter
Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Leader and Member for Traeger, Robbie Katter, has criticised the slow rollout of the National Flood Warning Infrastructure Network (FWIN) program, warning that Charters Towers and other North West communities are being left exposed.
National preparedness activities underway ahead of Higher Risk Weather Season: McBain
A range of preparedness activities are underway as the Bureau of Meteorology releases its Higher Risk Weather Season Outlook ... Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the Albanese Government was working with states and territories to improve disaster management arrangements ...
Regenerative agriculture needs a remake
I’ve never had much patience for farming fashions dressed up as science, and none has made more noise than “regenerative agriculture.” ... At last week's Regenerative Food Systems Conference ... I found myself alternating between rolling my eyes and listening intently. That, in a nutshell, is how most practical farmers view regen: some solid agronomy smothered in ideology.
Local MP slams health report’s ‘weasel words”
Michelle Daw. After months of anticipation, the long-awaited Yorke Peninsula health services inquiry report has been released. Its 16 recommendations include upgrading services at Wallaroo Hospital and developing emergency departments at Yorketown and Maitland Hospitals ... Narungga MP Fraser Ellis said he was disappointed by the "underwhelming" language used in the report.
