State politics

Construction has begun on the new Sassafras Wesley Vale Irrigation Scheme Augmentation, which will deliver more water to farmers in the northwest Tasmanian region. Increased water supply will be a key enabler for farmers in the region, allowing them to invest, diversify, expand and value add to their crops.

The Federal Government's announcement that it will consider purchasing water entitlements in the northern Murray-Darling Basin has, unsurprisingly, provoked differing responses. The announcement from Minister Watt and the responses from Nationals Senator and Shadow Minister for Water, Ross Cadell, from the Shadow Minister for Water (NSW), Steph Cooke, and from the Nature Conservation Council of NSW point to the different issues and views on this contentious topic.

Sharks and rays are among the most endangered groups of animals on the planet ... The marine parks around Lord Howe Island have now been recognised as an Important Shark and Ray Area ... The waters here support feeding and reproduction for Galapagos sharks...

While its neighbour Central Darling Shire was appearing on the NSW Auditor General's watchlist of financially vulnerable councils at the same time, Carrathool Shire Council was reviewing a financial position that reads more comfortably than most local governments in the state could claim. 

The NT Government’s cheery propaganda about enormous gas reserves in Beetaloo poised to elevate the Territory to unimaginable wealth calls for a second look. The future of the basin, about half-way between Alice and Darwin, is facing global issues of oversupply, uncompetitive gas prices, reserves being far from markets and opposition from nuclear and renewable electricity.

Terry Collins. Business NSW Central Coast has described the recent funding announcement to accelerate the Newcastle–Sydney High Speed Rail corridor as presenting a major opportunity to accelerate jobs, investment and long-term economic growth in the region.

The Commonwealth must finally deliver a new weather radar for the Barkly region that the region has been waiting a decade for ... “The residents of the Barkly have been waiting for a new weather radar since the Federal Government de-commissioned the old one in 2015 - over a decade ago,” Mr Edgington said.

Construction is officially underway on the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (REZ), a project that will generate enough energy to power more than all the homes in the Hunter.

Nambucca Valley’s Labor Deputy Mayor has attempted to block Nambucca Valley Council from joining the Mid North Coast Joint Organisation – a move that would have isolated the valley from regional collaboration with neighbouring councils. 

The Opposition has slammed the Cook and Albanese Labor Governments after the temporary closure of the Beaufort River meat processing facility in the Great Southern — coming just one day after governments announced supply-chain grants intended to "support" the sheep industry.

For many households in Southern Downs and across Queensland, Garage Sale Trail conducted last year was a chance to clear out cupboards, make some extra cash and give pre-loved items a second life. Over two-weekends in November 2025, locals sold more than 11,972 items, generating $107,631 for households, community groups and charities, while also diverting items out of landfill.

Angourie National Surfing Reserve, the world's first gazetted National Surfing Reserve, was dedicated on January 12, 2007, following several years of work by a steering committee of locals. Steering committee foundation member Helen Tyas-Tunggal said 21 years ago there were some serious conversations going on in the community regarding whether or not to nominate Angourie to become the first gazetted surfing reserve in the world.

Central Coast Councillor Jared Wright has ramped up calls for State Government action on shark control following the recent release of the International Shark Attack File, which confirmed that Australia recorded the world's highest total of fatal shark attacks on humans in 2025. "Of 12 fatalities, nine were from Australia."

Claims that Corryong Health will struggle to meet its immediate financial commitments have been refuted by board chairman, Ian Cesa. Liberal Member for Berwick, Brad Battin, alleged last Thursday that several hospitals in the North East including Corryong are operating with little cash on hand.

The NSW Government has announced an expansion of their Drought Plan and while welcome, more needs to be done, according to Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) Chairman, Mayor Rick Firman OAM (of Temora Shire). "Our farmers in south-west NSW are struggling and they need support with fodder and water freight costs. Keeping core livestock alive is a priority and simply enabling bigger debts is short on insight," he said.

Since coming to power, the Federal Labor Government has presided over a sharp contraction in Western Australia’s sheep flock. Industry figures show numbers falling from roughly 12 million head in 2022 to around 8 million today — a drop of about one-third in just four years ... Just as the State Agriculture Minister was proudly announcing $20 million in grants to help farmers and processors adjust, Beaufort River Meats quietly announced it was moving into care and maintenance due to ongoing sheep shortages.

Michelle Daw. Moonta's beloved heritage attractions have been shut down for five weeks and its many local volunteers say they are banned from entering the premises. This follows a shock decision by the head office of the National Trust of South Australia to disband its Moonta branch and assume full management responsibility for the Moonta Mines State Heritage Precinct...

NSW Farmers says plans to pollute rural and regional communities with Sydney’s rubbish should be immediately rejected. The proposed Parkes Incinerator would burn 700,000 tonnes of Sydney's red-bin rubbish each year if approved, and NSW Farmers Vice President Rebecca Reardon said it was totally unacceptable to force any regional community to be the dumping ground for Sydney waste if they did not agree.