State politics

The sudden structural emergency that necessitated the closure of Maldon Museum has left the tenant organisation concerned about the building’s contents. The Maldon Museum and Archives Association says it was not given any notice that the building would be closed ... calling for a meeting with Council to discuss protecting the museum collection.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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...

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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 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...

New South Wales is facing an increasingly parched winter outlook as latest data reveals a looming expansion of drought conditions across the northeast, southeast, and western regions of the state. The latest Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) map ... paints a sobering picture of the state's agricultural landscape.

The Crisafulli Government is restoring Queensland’s fuel security under a plan to drill, refine and store fuel locally, with plans to unlock additional fuel storage and refining at Queensland ports. The Government ... launched expressions of interest for the industry to bring forward fuel refining and/or storage proposals on Government owned sites and ports...

The Malinauskas Labor Government will introduce into Parliament this week new legislation to strengthen emergency powers should they be required in the event the fuel crisis worsens. Petrol, diesel and jet fuel continues to arrive in South Australia, with prices significantly lower than earlier in the crisis.

The State Liberals will introduce legislation to repeal the First Nations Voice when Parliament resumes this week. The First Nations Voice Repeal Bill will make way for its replacement - practical, targeted support for Indigenous South Australians and a revived Aboriginal Lands Committee.

Hayley Primmer & Seth Carter. Foreshore erosion in Lancelin is becoming an increasing concern for the Shire of Gingin, with the Opposition warning ongoing changes to the coastline threaten the future of several businesses in the town, as well as the long-term safety of some residents’ homes. Lancelin Sands Hotel owner Glen Trebilcock said he had lost 40m of land in 12 months due to Lancelin’s increasing coastal erosion.

Renewable generation growth and rising battery participation continued to reshape Australia’s east coast electricity system in the first quarter of 2026, alongside a year-on-year decline in wholesale prices, according to AEMO’s Quarterly Energy Dynamics (QED) report published today.

Patrick Tucker. Towering murals, bold colour and a striking riverside sculpture are drawing fresh attention to the Murray, with the River Country Art Trail ... Spanning Barham, Mathoura, Moulamein, Moama and Tooleybuc, the trail transforms everyday infrastructure into a region-wide gallery.

The Albanese Government is supercharging the transition to faster, more streamlined project assessments and approvals under our historic environmental law reforms. The Government will provide more than $45 million over 4 years to progress bilateral agreements with states and territories that will reduce duplication.