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Property

Farmers say rates notices preview Fire Services Tax pain: VFF

As local government rates notices hit letterboxes across the state, farmers are highlighting the madness of the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund Tax (ESVF) now hitting the pockets of Victorian homeowners. Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) President Brett Hosking said the mounting outrage is adding more weight to calls to scrap massive increases in the tax. 

Australia and the mother country race each other to the bottom

After more than a century of Federation and countless social experiments, you'd think Australia would have learned from the mother country how not to wreck an economy or an immigration system. Yet here we are in 2025, shackled to laws and institutions that guarantee only one thing: the slow, grinding slide down the global economic ladder.

VicGrid Bill passes, but fails rural communities: VFF

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has expressed deep disappointment at the passing of the VicGrid Bill through the Legislative Council, warning it grants sweeping powers to the government while doing little to protect farmers and regional communities.

“The Grand Old Lady”, “Auchmore”, celebrates 100-year milestone

Wendy Watts. On Sunday August 17th the Nullawil Historical Society celebrated my 100-year anniversary. “Auchmore 1925-2025” ... As the centrepiece of the Nullawil Heritage Centre, some refer to me as the “Grand Old Lady”.

Brick by brick: Big project

A buoyant crowd gathered at Maldon Community Centre on Thursday 21 August to hear the announcement from Community Bank Maldon & District about its BIG Project grant, which offered a million dollars over five years to create long-lasting impact within the local community ... $650,000 will be invested with the Mount Alexander Affordable Housing Trust towards affordable housing in Maldon.

VFF slams VicGrid power play

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has written to state MPs to vote down the contentious VicGrid Amendment Bill that would pave the way for police-backed powers to force entry onto farms and slap landholders with fines of up to $12,100. VFF President Brett Hosking is reiterating previous calls to halt the Bill ahead of it being debated in State Parliament this Thursday.

Group rejects “poultry corridor”

The Castlemaine–Maryborough Rail Trail (CMRT) committee released a statement on Wednesday 13 August confirming it had lodged a formal objection with the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) opposing the planned development of a broiler farm at 705 Baringhup Road, Carisbrook. A case is being heard at VCAT after the property owner applied for a review...

Farmers say “no!”

Hundreds of farmers at Marnoo today are telling the Victorian Labor Government they do not want VNI West, they do not want WRL and they don't want their farmland made into renewable infrastructure," said Dr Anne Webster MP, Member for Mallee and Shadow Minister for Regional Development, Local Government, Territories and Regional Communications.

Jeparit church final service

The Jeparit Uniting Church community celebrated the centenary of the laying of the foundation stone of their current building as well as the closure of their doors on Sunday. On August 16, 1925, Mr. James Menzies, a local civic leader and former trustee of the church, unveiled the foundation stone for the new building in the presence of a large gathering of local and district residents.

Mutawintji Blockade September 1983

In 1983, the local Aboriginal people set up a blockade at Mutawintji. Why: Aboriginal people wanted control over their own heritage. They wanted respect for Aboriginal culture.

Mine camp dispute not likely to stall Iluka timeframe

Iluka Resources is involved in a dispute over unpaid dues, relating to the construction of a mine camp at their $600 million Balranald project, according to The West Australian newspaper. Iluka Resources is currently in a legal dispute with the contractor, MCC Mining Camps Pty Ltd, who is responsible for the facility, which includes a kitchen, dining area, and laundry.

Babinda Quarters for sale 

Babinda’s beloved heritage guesthouse, Babinda Quarters, is officially on the market, offering a rare opportunity for a creative visionary or entrepreneurial spirit to take command of one of Far North Queensland’s most unique and historic properties. With its misty rainforest mountain backdrop and rich architectural charm, Babinda Quarters is more than a guesthouse…

Brooks Grain Store

Tucked away from Maldon's main drag is the old grain store facing Templeton Street, built in 1866 and run by the Maldon Co-operative Store Trading Company until its sale to John Brooks in 1872. It's a striking building, perched high on the corner of Edwards St, retaining a multitude of historic details, including advertising and patina.

How safe is my house?

A major study reveals metro residents are investing heavily in CCTV and alarms while rural communities maintain highest safety confidence as Victorians take action on safety concerns. The new study examining how safe Victorians feel in their homes has revealed an overall positive perception of home safety across the state, with residents rating their safety at an average of 7.66 out of 10 in 2024.

First tree in the ground for Gwen and Roger’s new adventure

A major milestone was reached for Roger McGrath and Gwenda Wall, when the first tree was planted in their intended beer garden recently. Pictured is Roger on the excavator, with Jason Wall and visiting tree expert Mr Lin guiding the tree into its new home.

Lessons learnt from the genesis of multiple occupancy

Rob Doolan. In the beginning of the 1980s, I had escaped the Queensland Bjelke-Petersen regime and moved to the Northern Rivers desiring some rural land to build my home and live differently. In 1983 we were building the first roads on the property at Whian Whian where we planned to have a small Multiple Occupancy (MO).

GPA: USA FIRB free pass totally unacceptable

Grain Producers Australia is calling for a rigorous investigation of the recent acceleration of Australian farmland purchases, by US-owned foreign investors with serious financial clout, emboldened by major tax breaks. 

Mining madness: What to say to companies wanting to explore your land for critical minerals

“Don’t talk to mining companies one-on-one. Don’t sign anything without a lawyer — not even an access agreement to your land.” This advice to landholders came from solicitor Belinda Rayment from the Environmental Defenders Office who was at a community meeting at Drake Hall on July 28 talking about mineral mining exploration licences.

Yaegl people to manage Pilot Hill

The Yaegl Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation have been as appointed Crown Land managers for parts of Yamba’s Pilot Hill reserve including two heritage listed cottages. Celebrated at a special ceremony at Pilot Hill during NAIDOC week, the appointment marks a significant step forward in supporting the local Aboriginal community’s aspirations for the culturally significant area.

Meet the new post office building owners

Listen out for the chime of the town clock in the coming months. A new era, including a fixed timepiece, is to come for local iconic building, Hay Post Office. Catherine and Trent Cox (pictured) have bought the heritage-listed building and significant historical landmark.

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.

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