Water Act Review appointment bad news for regional communities: Cadell
The decision to appoint a former CEO of the Climate Change Authority to oversee the Water Act Review is as perplexing as it is dangerous to the future of Australia’s food security and thousands of regional jobs.
Farmers warn of conservation ‘land grab’: NSW Farmers Association
A controversial proposal from an anti-farming environmental group risks handing control of private land to government under the guise of conservation. NSW Farmers’ Conservation and Resource Management Committee Chair Bronwyn Petrie said the Wentworth Group of Scientists’ “Blueprint for a Healthy Country and Thriving Regions” to farmers was deeply disingenuous.
Flood that cost over $3.7 billion
Four years on from one of the biggest floods in living memory across the Northern Rivers region that was also Australia’s biggest natural disaster, people, homes and businesses are still feeling the impact ... On the four-year anniversary of the floods, Deputy Leader of the Federal Nationals, Member for Page Kevin Hogan slammed what had been done to help Lismore recover and rebuild.
North East Rail passengers set to be locked out of Sunshine transport hub: Cleeland
The Nationals Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland MP, has raised concerns in State Parliament this week about the redevelopment of Sunshine Station, warning the current design risks locking north-east Victorian passengers out of one of the state’s most important transport interchanges.
Banjima people take Wittenoom to the United Nations Human Rights Council and launch litigation against WA Government
On March 10, Banjima Traditional Owners and the filmmakers behind Walkley Award-winning documentary YURLU | COUNTRY will take part in an official UN Side Event at the Human Rights Council, in Geneva, Switzerland. It comes off the back of Banjima Native Title Aboriginal Corporation launching a $1.5 billion claim against the WA Government, as part of their Clean Up Wittenoom campaign...
Farmers gutted after compulsory acquisition amendment passes: VFF
"The Victorian Farmers Federation is gutted that Parliament has backed laws allowing farmers’ land to be taken for transmission lines before the environmental assessment is even finished": Brett Hosking, VFF President.
The stink about releasing the carp virus
The Carp Herpes Virus (scientifically known as Cyprinid herpesvirus 3 or KHV) is a biological control agent proposed by the Australian government to combat the invasive common carp. Since its introduction in the 1800s, carp have decimated Australia's freshwater ecosystems, with experts estimating they make up 80 to 90 per cent of the fish biomass in the Murray-Darling Basin.
Radiotherapy wins backing from MacKillop candidates
All five candidates contesting the seat of MacKillop have declared support for establishing radiotherapy services in the Limestone Coast, according to written responses provided to the Limestone Coast Radiation Treatment Working Group ahead of this month's state election ... Ahead of the meeting, candidates were invited to provide written responses to a series of questions regarding the provision of radiotherapy services...
Moonta Mines shutdown sparks local outcry – Dis-trust
Michelle Daw. Locals are rallying behind volunteers locked out of the Moonta Mines heritage site, demanding answers over the National Trust of South Australia's shock decision. More than 300 people gathered outside the Sweet Shop — one of the site's most popular attractions — on Friday, February 27, to protest the NTSA's move earlier in the week to disband its Moonta branch committee.
Regional growth without rail is a hollow promise: Siri Gamage
Dr Siri Gamage. We keep hearing about regional growth. We hear about decentralisation, productivity, housing pressures in capital cities and the promise of thriving regional communities. But here is the uncomfortable truth: growth without proper public transport is not a strategy. It is rhetoric.
More water for farmers in Northwest Tasmania: Watt, Pearce, Urquhart
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.
Far West left high and dry as Minns Government dumps Wilcannia Weir Project: Cooke
The Minns Labor Government has abandoned the people of Wilcannia and the broader Far West, shelving the long-awaited Wilcannia Weir replacement project. Shadow Minister for Water Steph Cooke said the decision is a betrayal of a community that has fought for more than three decades to secure a safe, reliable and drought-proof water supply.
Northern Murray-Darling Basin buybacks: announcement and initial responses
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.
Important Shark and Ray Area recognised around Lord Howe Island
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...
Forty-two million dollars in the bank and a four million dollar operating surplus — How Carrathool Shire is managing its money
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.
Cheery Beetaloo gas prophesy needs second look
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.
Business community welcomes high speed rail announcement
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.
Time for the Commonwealth to finally deliver Barkly radar: Edgington
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.
Hunter-Central Coast REZ kicks off construction jobs: Sharpe
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 Deputy Mayor blocks regional collaboration: Kemp
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.
Closure of Beaufort River abattoir a devastating blow to Great Southern jobs and sheep industry: Hunter, Rundle
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.
Success of Garage Sale Trail
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.

