Frustrations aired at algal bloom meeting
Yorke Peninsula businesses are calling for financial support from the state and federal governments, while also encouraging tourists to still visit the region, amid the ongoing harmful algal bloom. This was the sentiment shared by a crowd of almost 100 business owners and members of the public who gathered at a meeting organised by Port Vincent Progress Association on July 15.
Murray–Darling Basin Authority communique, July 2025
The Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) met on 17 July in Sydney ... covered an extensive agenda heading into a busy period of publishing, end of year reporting and the release of the Basin Plan Evaluation and Sustainable Rivers Audit.
Centre for Population key data releases
The Centre for Population’s analysis of the National, state and territory population, December 2024; National, state and territory population, September 2024; Regional Population, 2023–24 is now available on the Centre for Population website.
New guide to help developers and landowners blend renewables with agriculture: EnergyCo
A new handbook empowering landowners and solar developers to harness the benefits of combining agriculture with solar energy is now available. A new handbook empowering landowners and solar developers to harness the benefits of combining agriculture with solar energy is now available.
Council seeks improved transparency
At its July Council Meeting, Buloke Shire Council moved a motion for Council to write to relevant Ministers and Departments to seek genuine engagement between Council, the Government and the Buloke Shire community following the recent visit of the Hon. Lily D'Ambrosio, MP, Minister for the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action on June 11, 2025. The Notice of Motion expressed disappointment in the Minister for failing to inform Councillors of major legislative changes tabled just eight days later ...
World-first kiosks for the Grampians and Wimmera-Mallee
Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism, with the support of the Victorian Government and local councils including Southern Grampians Shire Council, Northern Grampians Shire Council, and Buloke Shire Council, is thrilled to announce the installation of three world-first off-grid Digital Inspiration Kiosks powered entirely by renewable energy sources – solar and wind – using sodium ion batteries to address the harsh Australian environment.
State Government reveals next stage of algal bloom support package: Malinauskas, Close, Scriven
The State Government’s Emergency Management Committee of Cabinet has met this morning and signed off on a $28 million harmful algal bloom support package. The comprehensive package covers industry support, science and research, communications, community support and clean up.
Feds fly in with $14m
Sarah Herrmann. The Federal Government has pledged $14 million towards South Australia's harmful algae bloom, but has not declared it a national disaster. Federal environment minister Murray Watt made the announcement yesterday (Monday, July 21) during a visit to Adelaide's beaches, saying $14 million was the formal request made by the State Government the day before.
Super Tax tops the list of farmers’ priorities for new parliament: NFF
As the new Federal Parliament sits for the first time this week, the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) is urging Senators to reject the proposed Super Tax. The NFF and its members have strongly opposed to the Super Tax since the Bill* was introduced in the last Parliament, given the threat it poses to the 17,000 family farms held in self-managed superannuation funds.Â
Emu elegy: How to make friends with big birds
Mike Gillam. Like the parade of Coober Pedy blower trucks, emus create wonderful silhouettes in a landscape of prevailing flatness ... One moves slightly, and there it is, up periscope, the largest male still accompanied by the adolescents of the previous year, confirms their emu identity.
Assessment of the impacts of large, severe and intense bushfires across South East Australia: John O’Donnell
John O'Donnell continues his research into bushfire impacts and preparation ... We are not passive victims of climate. We are active contributors to disaster. And we can change it. It is time for governments at all levels to acknowledge this reality and commit to genuine, large-scale fire mitigation, in policy, in funding and on the ground.
Is it climate change or just a natural ecological cycle?: Frank Batini
Frank Batini. In summer 2011, following a very dry winter there was limited but noticeable tree crown scorch and some deaths of jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) on sites with shallow soil. This event was repeated in summer 2024. On both of these occasions the forest growing on deeper soils was healthy. Academic and media comment immediately linked these deaths to human induced climate change ... ARR.News asked some further questions of Frank.
Ervin’s Village
Ervin Janek presents over 100 small wooden portraits of friends, family, and community members. The series began in response to the tremendous goodwill that he experienced after devastating loss from the Cudlee Creek fires.
Nannup Flower and Garden Festival 8–17 August 2025
It’s here again! After another year of dedicated planning and hard work, the Flower and Garden Committee has once again delivered an engaging and educational event. With generous support from sponsors, key speakers, and community partners, the committee continues to grow the event’s impact and appeal each year.
Get ready for an unforgettable week featuring vibrant entertainment, Art Awards, dinner under the stars and headline act, Hoodoo Gurus!
The Inspire Festival, a collaboration between the Shire of Ashburton and Rio Tinto, will bring a week of activations and events for all ages. Starting off with the 2025 Ashburton Art Awards Exhibition, followed by a culinary experience under the Pilbara stars with a degustation by Fervor, Ladies Night and then the final hoorah...Inspire Festival at the Village Green!
“Nothing in town other than us” – Rural pharmacists’ role in oral health
Pharmacists are stepping in as frontline providers of oral healthcare advice in rural Victorian towns without dental practitioners, offering oral hygiene advice, managing dental pain inquiries and promoting preventative care, according to a new study by La Trobe University. Eleven rural pharmacists shouldering health responsibilities far beyond traditional dispensing roles participated in the study...
Full program released for Rockhampton River Festival 2025
Rockhampton River Festival is set to light up the Riverside Precinct once again, with the full program for River Fest 2025 now officially released. From Friday 25 to Sunday 27 July, the city will come alive with music, art and culture and the best part? It’s free!
Long-awaited outback relief welcomed: Pederick
The Opposition has welcomed the State and Federal Government’s announcement to establish a barge crossing at Cooper Creek on the Birdsville Track, delivering long-awaited relief for outback communities and freight operators. Shadow Minister for Regional Roads, Adrian Pederick said this is something that should have been addressed months before the Birdsville Track was flooded…
Funding to support industry transition – phase out of live sheep exports by sea: Collins
The Albanese Labor Government ... announcing further details of the $139.7 million sheep industry transition assistance package to support the phase out of live sheep exports by sea. The release of this detailed assistance package follows a series of industry co-design workshops held in Western Australia earlier this year.
Cheque handover marks a major step forward for Jerilderie Medical Centre
Jerilderie's proposed new medical centre is a step closer, with Murrumbidgee Council formally accepting a $5 million contribution from Origin Energy through a Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) linked to the Yanco Delta wind development. The contribution was marked by the official handover of a cheque from Origin representatives to council.
Councils have moved far beyond three ‘R’s
Local government is no longer all about "roads, rates, and rubbish", according to Local Government and Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain. McBain addressed representatives of 537 local government areas (LGAs) at last week's Australian Local Government Association's (ALGA) national general assembly.
Listen up! Council drives hospital protest
Towong Shire Council is encouraging the community to rally in Corryong next month to oppose the planned redevelopment of the current Albury hospital instead of building on a new greenfield site. "Council remains gravely concerned at the current plans to redevelop the existing hospital site as it will lead to insufficient capacity to meet the future demands of the region for the future," said Towong mayor, Cr Andrew Whitehead.
