NSW Government delivers world-first foot and mouth vaccine to protect livestock industries & food supply: Moriarty
In a world-first, the Minns Labor Government and international biotechnology leader, Tiba BioTech, have developed a breakthrough foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine that is fast to produce and will see Australia become one of the few nations with the capacity to produce its own vaccine. FMD is a highly infectious viral disease that affects cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs.
AgriTourism Summit 2025 programme announced, 12-13 August 2025
The second annual AgriTourism Summit is set to take place on August 12–13th 2025, at Banksia Orange. This year's theme, “AgriTourism Unlocked: Harvesting New Opportunities,” aims to explore the untapped potential of agritourism in Australia, focusing on sustainable strategies and community growth.
Three stations added to the National Park network in north west NSW: Sharpe
The government has invested $11.7 million to acquire the retired stations, totalling 34,773 hectares ... These three acquisitions nearly double new additions for the 2024-25 financial year to a total of more than 73,000ha. The NSW national parks network now totals almost 7,774,000 ha.
Transmission meetings disappoint Council
Buloke Shire Council ... Council accepted the invitation in good faith, based on TCV’s indication that an important update on the project would be shared. However, during the meeting, Council was advised that no announcement would, in fact, be made. Instead, the meeting was re-framed by TCV as an opportunity to strengthen its relationship with Council and improve consultation processes. Council expressed its disappointment ... Council was not informed of this amendment during Minister D’Ambrosio’s visit, despite its relevance and impact on affected landowners, some of which were present and engaged in the discussion held.
‘Timber in July’ draws bipartisan backing for Victoria’s wood fibre industry: VFPA
More than 70 guests—including Ministers, Shadow Ministers, MPs, CEOs and industry stakeholders—gathered at Parliament House yesterday for ‘Timber in July’, a showcase of the growing importance of Victoria’s plantation and wood fibre industry to the state’s economy, housing supply and climate goals.
More trees on farms to benefit landowners: Spence
The Allan Labor Government is encouraging Victorian farmers and landowners to take advantage of a new program to plant more trees on their farms – helping to boost timber supply, increase biodiversity and prevent soil erosion. Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence today announced the Victorian Trees on Farms Program at Parliament House, alongside industry members at the Victorian Forest Products Association’s Timber Plantations showcase.
World Oceans Day 2025
NSW DPI. United Nations World Oceans Day is celebrated globally on 8 June each year to honour the ocean and how it supports us ... To celebrate, students from Lord Howe Island Central School (LHICS) took part in hands-on activities that encouraged them to get curious about the wonders of the LHIMP.
CAPA Conference takes flight: Powell
For the first time, the flagship event – CAPA Airline Leader Summit Australia Pacific 2025 – is being held outside a capital city, highlighting Cairns’ growing importance as a hub for regional aviation and tourism.
Dalby hosting Grains Research update
Key grains research outcomes will be shared next Tuesday, 5 August at the Grains Research and Development Corporation's (GRDC) free Grains Research Updates event. Events are being held at multiple locations across Queensland and New South Wales this week and next week, with Dalby by far the closest to Clifton.
Call to take stronger stand against water buybacks
Witnesses at an inquiry have urged the NSW Government to take a stronger stand against water buybacks as part of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, which are not only having an immediate social and economic impact, but limiting drought and flood preparedness.
New ponds unveiled at Narrandera Fisheries Centre
The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has launched eight new purpose-built aquaculture ponds for endangered Macquarie Perch breeding at Narrandera Fisheries Centre, funded by Snowy Hydro under the Snowy 2.0 Threatened Fish Management Plan.
Affordable homes open doors to new residents
The official opening of 24 new affordable dwellings in South Grafton earlier this month has given a number of Clarence Valley residents a much longed for place to call home ... a joint initiative by Anglicare North Coast and Northern Rivers Housing, the development is the biggest affordable housing delivery in the region so far in 2025.
Farmers take water battle to Supreme Court
After years of simmering frustration, irrigators across the NSW Central Murray and Goulburn-Murray regions are finally getting their day in court. A landmark class action against the Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) and the Commonwealth Government is set to begin in the Supreme Court of NSW on August 11. The legal battle represents 28,000 group members, and seeks at least $750 million in damages.
Roadside tree hazard
After surviving a head-on collision on the Riddoch Hwy, Maaoupe farmer Neil Engler wants to know why the Transport Department plants its trees so close to our main roads and highways. “It’s dangerous for everyone, not just me,” he said after arriving home from hospital 24 hours after the accident.
Muchea Livestock Centre wins national industry award: Jarvis
Muchea Livestock Centre (MLC) has been recognised at the 2025 National Saleyard Conference, winning the 2025 Industry Advocate Award by Saleyards Australia. The Western Australian Government owned and operated saleyard received the prestigious award for its outstanding leadership and quiet advocacy for the saleyards sector.
Energy Minister must reconsider Central North REZ says Lovell
Liberal Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell has called on the Minister for Energy and Resources to reconsider the size and location of the Central North Renewable Energy Zone. Following the recent release of the draft Victorian Transmission Plan for public consultation, numerous objections have been raised by community members and local government...
New national park to protect Sydney’s largest koala population: Sharpe, Scully
Warranmadhaa (Georges River Koala National Park), located between Long Point and Appin, covers 962 hectares. Work is already underway to grow the park with more land transfers planned into the National Park system which will protect up to 1,830 hectares of habitat.
Kealy calls for investigation into land tax assessments
Several flawed land tax assessments across the Wimmera and south-west have prompted The Nationals’ Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy, to call for an investigation. Ms Kealy said dozens of residents had contacted her office in the past few months regarding errors in their land tax assessments, including incorrect land classifications and relevant exemptions not being applied for primary production land and not-for-profit uses.
Surfing WA to expand its surfers rescue 365 program
The Spot and Capricorn beach north of Yanchep Lagoon have BEN signs but not shark monitoring network receivers so funding to support Surfing WA shark hazard mitigation initiatives will no doubt be welcomed ... Surfing WA chief executive officer Mark Lane said the funding was a major step forward for ocean safety in WA.
400 new flood-free housing lots part of Resilient Homes target for 4300 homes
Many are waiting to see the housing options that come out of the $100million Northern Rivers Resilient Lands Program. The NSW Reconstruction Authority made an announcement ... about the purchase of 72ha of flood-free land from Southern Cross University. It means 400 new housing lots in Lismore.
Premier makes a splash
Sarah Herrmann. Grants of up to $100,000 will be available to fisheries and aquaculture businesses significantly affected by the harmful algae bloom, Premier Peter Malinauskas announced during his visit to Yorke Peninsula yesterday, July 28.
Mayor Paterson’s secret second job
Retiring Mayor Matt Paterson is coy about his second job, in addition to his $116,000 a year gig heading up the council. It’s conveniently just across the road from the civic centre, at the office of Amentum, a Pine Gap defence contractor. We texted him on December 16: “Do you work for Amentum? Just checking a rumour.” No answer. Last week we asked him again...
