Basin Plan Review consultation closes, next phase begins: MDBA
The Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) has marked the close of the formal public consultation period for the Basin Plan Review, a significant milestone in shaping the future of water management across the Basin. More than 2,400 submissions have been received from First Nations people, community members, organisations, local, state and national government agencies.
AusNet plays dirty to pinch paddocks from farmers: Hepburn SC
AusNet has formally applied to the Victorian Government to compulsorily acquire easements from Victorian farmers to build the Western Renewables Link (WRL) transmission line before the Environmental Effects Statement (EES) is completed.
Gannawarra leads call for Basin Plan reform
Gannawarra Shire Council is calling on the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) to recalibrate the Murray-Darling Basin Plan to reflect that the municipality has been the hardest impacted area in northern Victoria. Council has produced a five-page submission to the 2026 Basin Plan Review, which will look at whether change is needed to make the Basin Plan work as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Green light for Barossa InterContinental: Champion, Bourke
A significant new hotel and tourism development in the Barossa Valley has been granted planning approval, paving the way for a world-class hospitality offering in one of South Australia's most celebrated wine regions.
Albanese Government to secure Australian gas for Australian users: Bowen, King, Ayres
The Albanese Labor Government will introduce a domestic gas reservation scheme that will require gas exporters supply a proportion of their total production to the Australian market – equivalent to 20 per cent of exports, from 1 July 2027 – ensuring Australians have the affordable gas they need.
Farrer by-election campaign tests candidates
With bookmakers offering shorter odds for the One Nation and Independent candidates in the Farrer by-election, questions remain for voters following campaign scrutiny and mixed messaging ahead of Saturday’s polling ... As one of Australia’s richest agricultural regions, water has been a key issue for irrigators and towns, and more recently fuel and fertiliser costs; other key issues included health services, housing affordability, and local government funding.
Inquiry hears some of us out
Following considerable community pressure and lobbying by Towong Shire Council, the Victorian Parliament’s summer fires inquiry decided to hold a dedicated ‘open mic’ session for Towong residents. "While this session will be held online and not physically in the shire, it will at least provide an opportunity for the inquiry to hear the voices of our communities directly," said Towong mayor, Cr Peter Tolsher.
Farmers betrayed as AusNet moves to compulsory acquire farms: VFF
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has labelled AusNet’s application for compulsory land acquisition powers for the Western Renewables Link (WRL) as a disgrace, warning it represents a huge escalation in pressure tactics against regional landholders.
Rough sleepers continue to cause concern
Denice Barnes. Central Coast Councillor Doug Eaton has called on the State Government to help with the growing problem of people camping illegally at public parks and reserves. His call comes as Toukley and Norah Head residents continue to raise concerns over people camped illegally at Wallarah Point Peace Park at Gorokan...
Farrer election fight intensifies
There have been just four coalition MPs in the 77 years of Farrer but all that could be about to change on Saturday. Sussan Ley held the seat for 25 years, and the previous election margins were often 11-20 per cent over the Labor candidate, although in the last election, Michelle Milthorpe got within 6 per cent with preferences, 20 per cent on the primary alone. If you think this Farrer election appears more heated than most, you may be right, 12 candidates are in the running and external forces are pumping money into not only to get a candidate elected but also to undermine others.
RFDS 90 years of service
Chris Elliott. To help the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) celebrate their 90th Anniversary, local member Roy Butler rode a small motor bike, towing a message board trailer from Sydney, via Bourke to Broken Hill. Roy was in Wilcannia on Friday 1st for lunch in the park to catch up with locals and get them to write a message on the trailer.
NSW Farmers calls for answers on Inland Rail
NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin says the Albanese Government needs to provide answers after it scrapped a multi billion dollar freight project that was poised to connect productive farming businesses and communities across the country. “NSW Farmers policy supported Inland Rail because moving freight more efficiently matters to farm businesses, regional communities, and the prosperity of the nation,” Mr Martin said.
Wrong corridor killed Queensland’s Inland Rail — A decade of failure demands a fresh start: Littleproud
The decision by the Albanese Labor Government to abandon the Queensland leg of the Inland Rail project is a devastating but not surprising blow to regional Queensland. Mr Littleproud said it was a failure that has its roots in a fundamentally flawed corridor decision made over a decade ago that has given the Albanese government the excuse to cut and run. When then-Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce selected the Queensland corridor, it was routed through flood-prone land that was always going to require hundreds of millions of dollars in additional engineering...
‘Less symbolism’and better results
The Riverland’s Indigenous community is needing "practical outcomes" from bureaucratic processes that benefit all involved, according to a senior local politician. Riverland-based MLC, and SA Liberal leader in the Legislative Council, Nicola Centofanti last week met with numerous senior local Indigenous community representatives at the Berri riverfront.
TasFarmers raises red flags as Rushy Lagoon decision delayed again
Farmers are demanding answers after the sale of Tasmania’s largest farm, Rushy Lagoon, was granted a third extension for review by the Foreign Investment Review Board. TasFarmers said the repeated delays, now extending beyond the standard statutory reporting timeframe, raise serious questions about the financing and transparency of the proposed foreign investment deal.
Vital diesel reserve helps keep farmers moving: VFF
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) welcomes the Victorian Government’s announcement to secure a vital 10 million litre diesel reserve for Victorian agriculture industry. VFF Acting President Peter Star said it was a sensible step to strengthen confidence across the sector and a step in the right direction after sustained advocacy from farmers and the industry.
A new rail reality for New England
The reported decision by the Australian Government to scale back Inland Rail to Parkes has quietly reshaped the transport future of inland eastern Australia. For communities across the New England region, it raises an important question: what now fills the missing rail link to Queensland?
Record investment in the freight rail network and consolidating Inland Rail: King
The Albanese Government is today announcing a further $1.75 billion investment to improve the productivity, resilience and reliability of Australia’s freight rail network, alongside a $55 million incentive scheme to get more freight moving by rail and sea ... The Government has taken the decision to consolidate the Inland Rail project...
Locusts land in SA
Caitlin Menadue. Recent reports from farmers during the early stages of seeding have indicated an increase in locust activity across several cropping regions in South Australia, Grain Producers South Australia has warned. GPSA chief executive Brad Perry said producers from Yorke Peninsula, the Riverland, Eyre Peninsula and Flinders Ranges had reported locusts on farms.
Labor’s algae spin exposed: Centofanti
An investigation by the State Opposition has uncovered multiple examples of Government spin doctors banning the words ‘outbreak’ and ‘harmful’ from communications about the algal bloom. The Freedom of Information documents reveal instructions coming from staff within the Premier’s own department, as well as the Environment Department’s PR team.
A stunning explosion of percussion, dance, and visual beauty at the Pilbeam Theatre
On Wednesday 3 June the Pilbeam Theatre is thrilled to present Water Mirror, an extraordinary fusion of Taiko percussion, dance, acrobatics, and cutting-edge projection and lighting design as part of its See it Live 2026 season. Created by Paulina Quinteros, this exhilarating production invites audiences of all ages to embark on a captivating journey that transcends traditional performance.
A museum in a caravan: Tweed brings world-class learning to remote NSW classrooms
A vintage caravan packed with interactive exhibits, real historical objects and immersive storytelling is setting off from Murwillumbah ... bound for some of the most remote classrooms in NSW. Connected: Signal to the Stars, created by Tweed Regional Museum...
