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.
Tamworth’s mountain biking paradise: Anderson
One of the region’s most popular recreation facilities is moving forward thanks to the installation of new solar powered automatic opening gate. Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said Tamworth’s mountain bike track was a must visit destination for mountain bike fanatics and recreational users getting out and staying active.
Shire of Broome engages Dampier Peninsula communities on regional priorities
Last week, Shire of Broome councillors and executive staff wrapped up a two-day visit to the Dampier Peninsula, meeting with community leaders, tourism operators and residents in Ardyaloon, Middle Lagoon and Lombadina to hear their priorities and feedback firsthand.
Translocation won’t solve the problem of too many koalas
It's never been a bright idea to translocate koalas and it's not the first time that they've been secretly translocated from the irrupting Sydney catchments sub-population. The NSW Government’s secrecy is intended to hide the fact that there are just too many koalas.
Live sheep package a disgrace – no consultation, no state contribution, no credibility: Hunter
The Opposition has slammed the Albanese and Cook Labor Governments over their deeply flawed $139 million live sheep phase-out package - calling it a political stunt dressed up as support, with no meaningful industry consultation and not a single dollar in new funding.
Fisheries vessel to inspect harmful algal bloom: Close, Scriven
South Australia’s flagship fisheries patrol vessel Southern Ranger will be operating in the Gulf of St Vincent tomorrow to conduct underwater observations of the harmful algal … State Government agencies are also taking weekly water samples at 17 sites across West Lakes, the Port River, the Patawalonga River and the end of four jetties at Largs Bay, Grange, Glenelg and Port Noarlunga.
Could cost rate payers millions claims owners group
Council could be up for millions in legal fees to defend NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal NCAT proceedings against more than 100 semi-permanent caravan owners, claims the group. Owners of 136 holiday vans at 4 Council managed caravan parks situated on Crown Land at Brooms Head, Iluka, Minnie Water, and Wooli were sent letters in early March advising of the termination of long-term (casual occupation) agreements on June 30, 2025.
Varroa mite ravages Clarence Valley hive
A Clarence Valley amateur beekeeper says she is devastated after having to destroy her hive of more than 6000 bees on the weekend that was ravaged by a Varroa Mite infestation ad has warned others to be on the lookout.
‘Radical’ noon bail cutoff challenged
Former prominent NSW Magistrate and Dean of Law at Southern Cross University, Professor David Heilpern has written to the NSW Chief Magistrate challenging new bail laws including a 12-noon cutoff he described as ‘radical’. A new bail division designed to streamline bail hearings across the state and deliver consistency in bail outcomes was introduced on July 7, where 6 virtual courtrooms will cover bail hearings from different regions.
Our voices remain silenced
A petition that gained almost 20,000 signatures before being presented to state parliament over 12 months ago remains hamstrung by the state government and the parliamentary committee process, says chair of the Limestone Coast Radiation Treatment Working Party, Lachlan Haynes. The petition, which was addressed to the members of the House of Assembly triggered a Legislative Review Committee inquiry to which the working group made a written submission and presented in person. The bipartisan, joint parliamentary committee then referred the matter to the Health Committee where it sat stagnant ever since.
Riverland Enduro earning its place on the national circuit
Christine Webster. The ARB Waikerie Hotel Riverland Enduro attracted 61 entrants from across Australia on Saturday and Sunday. Waikerie Riverland Off-road Association president James Lochert said the event at New Well Station, south of Waikerie, was becoming popular on the national racing circuit.
New Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) provider for West Wimmera
West Wimmera Health Service (WWHS) is delighted to announce that it has officially started delivering home support services to recipients of the Commonwealth Home Support Program (CHSP) living in West Wimmera Shire. This transition, effective from 1 July 2025, allows WWHS to extend vital health and aged care services to communities in Kaniva, Goroke, Edenhope, Apsley, Harrow…
Hope, leadership and possibility: Wimmera Grampians’ changemakers return inspired from National leadership gathering
Four Grampians' Wimmera women have returned from a powerful and inspiring three-day National Changemaker Gathering in Cairns, hosted by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation under the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund initiative.
Ronald Marks convicted
Horsham man Ronald Marks, who worked in kindergartens and child playgroups less than an hour from Naracoorte, has been convicted in the Horsham Magistrate’s Court of accessing child abuse material ... A Wergaia elder whose face was painted on a silo as part of the iconic Sheep Hills silo art, Mr Marks, 74, pleaded guilty to seven charges against him on July 2.
NRLE eID work nearing completion
The Naracoorte Regional Livestock Exchange is close to finalising the installation of electronic identification (eID) equipment and infrastructure for sheep. The Naracoorte Lucindale Council confirmed the progress, noting that it allocated nearly $1 million in this financial year for improvements to the sheep yards.
Mayor talk with Louie Zaffina: Everything’s ticking along well
Balranald Shire moving forward with key projects and community initiatives. Mayor Louie Zaffina has been keeping busy since taking office, with significant progress on several fronts across the Balranald Shire. From major infrastructure projects to community health initiatives, Council is delivering on multiple priorities while actively seeking solutions to regional challenges.
No escape? Movement of bee colonies into SA means varroa outbreak now ‘highly likely’ …
Hugh Schuitemaker. A senior Riverland politician is "deeply concerned" at the potential risks caused by a decision to allow bee colonies from varroa mite outbreak areas into South Australia. PIRSA has announced the movement of bee colonies from varroa-positive interstate jurisdictions into South Australia will now be permitted entry under specific movement conditions, in an attempt to support business continuity for the beekeeping industry and pollination-dependent partners.
Tony’s backing for Emerson recommendations
Hugh Schuitemaker. The Riverland's Federal MP says recommendations from an industry report examining dealings between wineries and grape growers should be implemented "as quickly as possible" ... "I welcome the recommendations of the Emerson Review and note that they echo the calls I and others have been making for many months," Barker MP Tony Pasin said.
Confirmed fire ant detection in Moranbah
Council has been aware of a confirmed detection of fire ants at the BHP Mitsubishi Alliance Broadmeadow Coal Mine site in Moranbah on Wednesday 9 July 2025. The detection was identified and managed...
Historic church falling down
Joanna Tucker. Copper Coast Council is set to buy an historic church near the tentatively listed UNESCO World Heritage Moonta Mines site which is continuing to deteriorate. The East Moonta Methodist Church, at the corner of Verran Terrace and Deeble Street, had another wall collapse last week.
“Turner & Australia” exhibition captivates crowds
The Turner & Australia exhibition at Gippsland Art Gallery has entered its second month and continues to deliver on expectations, drawing steady and growing numbers of visitors from across the region and beyond. Public response has been overwhelmingly positive, with many describing the exhibition as “transcendental,” “superbly presented,” and “a major exhibition as good as you would see at the NGV.”
When justice goes digital: Regional NSW grapples with bail reform
So, you're a police officer in a small Western NSW town, and you've just arrested someone at 10am. Under the new bail system, there's a good chance that person won't see a magistrate until Monday, and you'll be stuck supervising them while emergency calls pile up on your radio ... officers are being pulled off the streets to babysit accused people while magistrates work what appears to be school hours.
