Politics

The National Farmers’ Federation (NFF) has welcomed today’s announcement that the Federal Government has committed to introducing a Universal Outdoor Mobile Obligation (UOMO). If enshrined by legislation, the world-first proposal means telecommunications companies will be legally bound to guarantee basic, outdoor voice and text mobile coverage across every corner of Australia.  

The Labor Government’s Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund levy will increase the financial strain on ratepayers during a cost-of-living crisis, particularly in rural and regional communities. The new tax is set to be collected by local councils on 1 July 2025.

The final art installations for the Men’s Sheds Biodiversity Trail have now been installed in Nandaly, Watchem, and Nullawil, completing this unique community-led project in ten towns across Buloke Shire. Featuring handcrafted avian and insect homes, the trail has been a collaborative effort between the Men’s Sheds in Birchip, Charlton, Donald, Wycheproof and Sea Lake, local artists and community members, Landcare and Buloke Shire Council.

GWMWater has received a critical planning approval which will allow work to commence in zone four of the East Grampians Rural Pipeline Project. Zone four will extend rural water supply to landholders in Willaura and Moyston.

The recent decision in the Tony Maddox case is yet another example of how Western Australia's Aboriginal heritage laws have become a legal minefield for private property owners. What was once a well-defined, albeit imperfect, piece of legislation largely aimed at the mining sector has evolved into a tool for increasingly ambiguous and arbitrary interpretations of cultural heritage.

Kookaburra read with astonishment that the Treasurer, our own Sonny Jim, has headed off to the USA to ask for tariff concessions whilst spruiking the possibility of Australian super funds applying some of their $US2.8 trillion in holdings to investment in US infrastructure.

Agriculture, fisheries and forestry is well placed to take on future challenges and opportunities, according to the latest ABARES Snapshot of Australian agriculture. Sector value and production have continued to grow over the past 20 years with another strong performance expected in 2024-25.

People caught abusing, neglecting or mistreating animals will face tough new penalties after new animal welfare laws were passed in State Parliament this week. Those found guilty of animal cruelty now face maximum fines of up to $250,000, and/or 10 years jail, for the aggravated ill-treatment of an animal, up from $50,000 and/or four years in jail.

Exorbitant prices for groceries in outback stores are often the subject of outrage but are rarely dealt with a great deal of logic ... Why should the public purse kick in $50m over four years from 2025-26 to provide remote stores with low-cost access to about 30 food products?

The phrase ‘learning curve’ suggests a gentle incline, but when Jan Elliott and Lee Mead talk about their journey to becoming Postmistresses, they describe a very steep slope indeed. They have recently been reflecting upon their six years running Maldon Post Office, between 2006 and 2012, in light of the repaint of the Main Street pillar box.

"I focus today on energy policy, because this is a government that 97 times promised before they were elected that they would reduce power bills permanently by $275 per annum. That promise was officially broken on January 1, this year. They hate us talking about it. It was a big promise, it was a bold promise, and it is broken": Member for Mallee, Dr Anne Webster.

Southern Downs Regional Council is leading the charge towards a more sustainable future with the launch of a $350k waste recovery pilot program designed to manage excess agricultural plastic waste currently landfilled, stockpiled or buried on farms across the region.

Bureaucratic hurdles, red tape, market failures, declining investor confidence, and ineffective policies have all been cited as key factors behind the district’s ongoing housing crisis. In this edition of Hard Talk, The [Naracoorte] News explores the severe housing shortage affecting regional towns like Naracoorte, Penola, and Bordertown.

The State Government has authorised gunmen with high powered rifles to roam 34 back roads and shoot deer during a time frame spanning almost six months. Now under the spotlight of State Parliament, a series of questions have been asked.

The safety of people, pets and livestock are key concerns of farmers affected by the State Government’s authorised ground shooting program. Reluctant to speak publicly, farmers have told The [Naracoorte] News the operation takes place at night, and it is far too close to homes, pets, sheds, yards and livestock.

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) says the Essential Services Commission’s decision to grant Transmission Company Victoria (TCV) an electricity transmission licence must not be treated as a license to steamroll landholders in the path of planned renewable energy projects. Amongst a raft of new powers, the licence enables TCV workers to legally enter farms and carry out preparatory works for the VNI West powerline without the need to obtain landholder consent. 

During Parliament ... The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland, raised concerns over the Allan Labor Government’s inadequate response to an inquiry into the 2022 floods.

Sean Cunningham. Anyone want a five-metre lizard (Eastern Bearded Dragon) sculpture in town and a new entrance sign which could cost $300,000? This was the hot topic of conversation during Narrandera Shire Council’s meeting on Tuesday.