Body found in 109-day hunt for Lake Cargelligo shooting suspect Julian Ingram
A body believed to be Julian Ingram, the Lake Cargelligo man sought over a triple murder in January, has been found in bushland near Mount Hope, ending a 109-day search that spanned hundreds of thousands of acres of remote Central West New South Wales.
The Pirate Queen and the sinking department
Last week I wrote that Budget Number Ten would tell us everything we needed to know ... it’s worse than expected. For all the Government’s talk about farm resilience, diversification and food security, when it came time to fund the department that actually underpins those things, the treasure chest was empty.
The Coalition launches ‘Rescue our Rail’ petition: Canavan, McKenzie
The Coalition has launched a ‘Rescue our Rail’ petition, to fight for Australia’s critical Inland Rail project. Leader of The Nationals Matt Canavan said Labor’s decision to scrap the Inland Rail project halfway through was devastating for regional communities and must be overturned.
Scant detail for proposed Yanchep Police station relocation
Two days before the State Budget the Cook Government announced it was investing in providing the Yanchep Police station a new home ... Mr Whitby’s joint pre-budget statement with Butler MLA Lorna Clarke said the Yanchep Police station would move from its current location ... Under new initiatives the State Budget papers one item is listed for the Yanchep Police station.
Regional WA short-changed yet again under Labor’s tenth budget: Love
Leader of the Nationals WA Shane Love MLA says Regional Western Australia has once again been left behind, with the State Budget delivering more disappointment for communities that generate the wealth of the nation ... "Regional WA is the powerhouse of our state and our nation, yet only a miniscule amount of the wealth generated in the bush is reinvested where it is created."
Solid fundamentals keep WA’s economy strongest in the nation: Cook, Saffioti
Despite geopolitical and economic uncertainty across the world, Western Australia's economy remains the strongest in the nation ... Over the past five years, the State's domestic economy has grown by 27.2 per cent, well above the national rate of 20.9 per cent.
Cook Labor Government delivering for regional Western Australia: Cook, Dawson
The Cook Labor Government is delivering for regional Western Australia in the 2026-27 State Budget through investments in health, housing and jobs for the regions, while providing significant cost-of-living relief for families.
Liberal-Nationals backing nuclear, dithering on gas: Houssos
The Liberals and Nationals last night voted to repeal the state’s ban on uranium mining and nuclear energy. All Liberal and Nationals members of the Legislative Council voted in favour of John Ruddick’s Uranium Mining and Nuclear Facilities (Prohibitions) Repeal Bill 2025.
Fast-tracking renewable energy approvals risks sidelining farmers: NSW Farmers
NSW Farmers is calling on the NSW Government to pause plans to fast-track renewable energy projects in regional NSW, warning that rushing approvals will deepen community distress, entrench an unfair power imbalance between large developers and landholders, and generate more objections and conflict.
Allora’s Sally Higgins steps into global United Nations youth role
Allora local Sally Higgins has been appointed by Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen as the United Nations Presidency Youth Climate Champion (PYCC) for COP31 - a global role created to ensure young people are meaningfully included in international climate discussions.
Concern for historic artefacts
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.
Silkwood expansion set to take shape with landmark parks investment: Boothby
In an historic move, the Finocchiaro CLP Government last year purchased the 30,000 hectare Silkwood property near Litchfield National Park – the single-biggest expansion to the Territory parks estate in a generation.
AusNet plays dirty to pinch paddocks from farmers: Hepburn SC
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.
Green light for Barossa InterContinental: Champion, Bourke
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.
Inquiry hears some of us out
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.
Farmers betrayed as AusNet moves to compulsory acquire farms: VFF
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.Â
Rough sleepers continue to cause concern
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...
RFDS 90 years of service
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.
‘Less symbolism’and better results
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.
Vital diesel reserve helps keep farmers moving: VFF
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.Â
Locusts land in SA
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.
Labor’s algae spin exposed: Centofanti
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. Â
