Buffel grass declared a weed: Worden
The Lawler Labor Government has declared buffel grass a weed and will now move towards reducing its impact in Central Australia by formalising a weed management plan. The recommendation to make the declaration under the Weeds Management Act 2001 was informed by the work of both the Technical Working Group, and the Buffel Grass Management Strategy 2024-2030, as developed by the Buffel Grass Weed Advisory Committee.
Eat or heat
The vulnerable in the district are choosing between heating and eating this winter. If they turn on heating to keep themselves warm during the chilly nights, many say they will be faced with eye-watering power bills. So, what does the public do? The [Naracoorte Community] News asked our decision makers to explain why we have one of the highest electricity prices in the world and what is being done to give regional South Australians some relief.
No bushfire expert on panel
The Howitt Society has condemned the state government for not including bushfire expertise on the panel that is investigating the future of Gippsland's native forest ... The Howitt Society's bushfire fears come as a cross-section of bush users, miners and prospectors are rebelling against the possibility that several hundred thousand extra hectares of forest could be included in a Great Forest National Park.
Territory Day celebrations light up Karguru
On a chilly Monday night, residents from near and far flocked to Karguru in anticipation of a spectacular celebration marking 46 years of Northern Territory self-government. Hosted by the dynamic duo of Barkly Regional Arts and Winanjjikari Music Centre, the festivities promised a night to remember.
Canteen Creek celebrates 40 years
It has been 40 years since the small Barkly community of Canteen Creek was established and the residents are in celebration mode. Set on Alyawarr land around 180 km southeast of Tennant Creek, Canteen Creek was established by Raymond Butcher Mick who wanted to move his family from town back to the bush to develop a strong connection to the land.
Region’s historic water significance in the spotlight
Coliban Water recently hosted representatives from Heritage Victoria as part of a bid to have the Victorian Goldfields listed on the World Heritage List. Adam Crameri, General Manager Water and Climate Strategy at Coliban Water, highlighted the significance of the region, noting that its inclusion would make it the 21st site in Australia to achieve this status.
Starter gun fires on Mossman cane crush: Canegrowers
The sight of cane harvesters firing up in paddocks across Queensland’s most northernly district has come as a huge relief to Mossman growers, with a one-year commercial deal between growers and MSF Sugar enabling the 2024 cane crush to finally get underway. After months of sensitive negotiations with the State Government, trucks have begun hauling Mossman cane 100km down the Captain Cook Highway to MSF’s Mulgrave Mill at Gordonvale. 
Minister for Water visits and listens
Minister for Water, Housing, Homelessness, Mental Health, Youth and the North Coast, the Hon. Rose Jackson, MLC, visited Wilcannia on Wednesday 26th June to hear residents’ thoughts on the process taken in changing the design of the proposed new weir. Walking freely and looking comfortable, the Minister made herself known to each person she came across gathered around the Memorial in Baker Park.
Community information sessions for Rochester Flood Study review
Campaspe Shire Council is inviting community members from Rochester and surrounding areas to attend a series of information sessions as a comprehensive review of the Rochester Flood Study is launched. Following the significant flooding events in 2011, 2022, and most recently in 2024, this updated study aims to reassess and enhance flood mitigation strategies to better protect the community.
Opposition explores benefits of nuclear energy in Port Augusta: Speirs, Patterson
Leader of the Opposition, David Speirs ... travel to Port Augusta for the first time since the Federal Coalition announced the Spencer Gulf city as one of seven locations it proposes to build zero-emissions nuclear power plants. The State Liberal Opposition is keen to explore the viability of a civil nuclear industry in South Australia – and its potential to lower energy prices...
Bert Matthews elected to LLS board
Local landholder Bert Matthews has been elected to the Riverina Local Land Services board. Mr Matthews was the only candidate from the Hay region to stand in the recent election ... Following a significant rise in participation, 34 people across the state were elected to the 11 local boards ...
Father and son appointed to Commonwealth First Nations water ownership program
The Albanese Government has launched a water ownership program for First Nations peoples in the Murray-Darling Basin, delivering on an election commitment. Jamie and Ian Woods from Hay have been appointed to the interim governance body has been set up so that water entitlements can be purchased, before a permanent body is established. Both men are of the Nari Nari nation.
Edenhope Equine Facility transformation
The Edenhope equestrian community is going from strength to strength ... The Edenhope Equine Facility features modern amenities ... The fully off grid system will mean that operating costs for these community groups are greatly reduced ... West Wimmera Shire Council Mayor Tim Meyer said Council was proud to have played a crucial role in bringing the Edenhope Equine Facility to life.
Power pole transition plan sparks concerns
A decision by an electricity network which covers more than 90 per cent of the state to phase out hardwood power poles in favour of composite poles made from resin and fibreglass has sparked community concerns amidst allegations the transition will increase power bills, further exacerbating financial pressures during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, as well as compromise the timber industry.
Rates to rise 4.7 per cent, water charges increase
Clarence Valley ratepayers will be slugged 4.7 per cent more for residential rates and an extra 6 per cent for water access and consumption after a split 6 to 3 vote by Clarence Valley Councillors when they endorsed the 2024-2025 Fees and Charges.
Growers to exit with only their dignity?
Jason Perrin. "What scraps do we grape growers get from you? Just $3.5m. I guess it’s obvious the future security and survival of the Riverland, the Riverina and areas of the Murray Valley are not as important as a new rugby team in Papua New Guinea."
Golden glow to mine plans
Rachel Hagan. The wait is over as Rex hits road Rex Minerals is about to begin construction on the preliminary stages of the Pine Point Road realignment in preparation for full scale copper and gold production at the Hillside Project ... Rex has big plans to prioritise local jobs, and has already begun training interested students through its school immersion program.
MP verdict shock
Jess Liddy. Narungga MP Fraser Ellis was found guilty on four charges of deceit in the Adelaide Magistrates Court yesterday (Monday, July 1). Mr Ellis faced 23 charges of deception in relation to improperly claiming the Country Members Accommodation Allowance from April 2018 to June 2020 ... Outside of court, Mr Ellis said he was surprised by the verdict. "I did not expect the outcome," Mr Ellis said.
ANZ proposal to acquire Suncorp Bank: Chalmers
Today [29 June 2024] I’m announcing that ANZ Group Holdings Ltd’s (ANZ) proposal to acquire full ownership of Suncorp Bank (Suncorp) from Suncorp Group can proceed subject to enforceable conditions ... To ensure the transaction is in the national interest, I have decided to approve this proposal subject to strict conditions. The conditions I have imposed are legally‑binding ... The Commonwealth’s conditions prohibit regional branch closures for three years ...
Auditor General’s scathing report on youth crime – KAP plan the only way to go: Katter
You know that the approach of Brisbane’s government to tackle youth crime is off the rails when their own Auditor General says ‘64 per cent increase in the average daily number of serious repeat offenders, from 2018–19 to 2022–23’, The KAP Leader and member for Traeger has said. “A 64 per cent increase! This from a government who is trying to tell Queenslanders that crime rates are coming down – they best have a read of their own report”, Mr Katter said.
Government drops Henley on Todd
The NT Government has reduced its minor subsidy for the iconic tourist attraction Henley on Todd to an extent where the event cannot take place this year, according to MLA for Braitling, Josh Burgoyne ... “The dry river boat races have been occurring in Alice Springs since the 1960s with locals and tourists racing against one another.”
Trivial convictions, logic defying light sentences
Bob Beadman ... on the one hand there is a view that the courts are too harsh. The social reformers, a few academics, and the unaffected in the suburbs of our major capital cities subscribe to this view, I suspect. And on the other hand, the victims of repeated break-ins, or home invasions, regularly by repeat offenders on bail, believe the courts are too lenient.
