Back Country Bulletin

News from Hay, Balranald, Central Darling and
Carrathool shires.

Launched September 2024.

Online news

BCB news app:
App Store I Google Play

Fuel crisis forces Little Wings to cut flights for sick country kids

Kimberly Grabham, Back Country Bulletin
Business
Soaring aviation fuel costs are forcing the children's charity flight service Little Wings to cut back, with consequences for some of the most vulnerable families in the far west. The organisation has had to reduce its number of flights, limiting access to vital developmental assessments and therapy for children in Broken Hill and other remote communities.

A century of racing under threat: the fight to save Broken Hill’s greyhound track

Kimberly Grabham, Back Country Bulletin
Council
Greyhound racing has been part of Broken Hill for more than a century. On 30 June 2026, Greyhound Racing NSW intends to end it. The decision to close the Broken Hill Greyhounds Club was made earlier this year as part of a broader restructure recommended by an independent Deloitte report, which advised GRNSW to reduce the state's racing footprint to a sustainable number of tracks.

New water treatment plants taking shape in Wilcannia and Ivanhoe as Central Darling Shire navigates $2 million budget deficit

New water treatment plants are taking shape in both Wilcannia and Ivanhoe as Central Darling Shire Council progresses two of the most significant infrastructure investments in the shire's recent history, while the council navigates a projected $2.068 million operating deficit and works to secure emergency backup water supply for the town.

Murray-Darling water allocations: where things stand heading into winter 2026

For irrigators across the Riverina and communities across the Far West, the water picture heading into winter 2026 is one that demands close attention. The key dam levels as of 25 May paint a mixed picture. Burrinjuck Dam, which drives allocations for the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area and surrounding districts centred on Griffith, Leeton and Narrandera, is at 38 per cent.

White Cliffs mining saved: Federal native title deal ends mining freeze

Krista Schade, Back Country Bulletin
Business
The Commonwealth Government has formally issued a Native Title Determination for the White Cliffs opal fields, bringing to an end a period of administrative gridlock that had threatened the economic viability of the historic mining outpost. The declaration of the White Cliffs Main Field as an "Approved Opal or Gem Mining Area" under Section 26C of the Native Title Act 1993 now provides a legal framework for the granting and renewal of mineral claims.

Menindee resident raises alarm over upper lakes releases as environmental concerns mount

A Menindee resident has raised concerns about water releases from the upper lakes of the Menindee Lakes system, warning they could contribute to ongoing environmental deterioration in the Lower Darling-Baaka River system.

Articles

About Back Country Bulletin

The Back Country Bulletin (BCB News app) covers the local government areas of Hay, Balranald, Central Darling and Carrathool shires.

We are committed to covering the news, sport, events and people who make up these incredible back country towns and regions.

As social media continues to serve up unverified information we strive to deliver factual information relevant to you and your community.

To stay informed we suggest you leave notifications on – we’ll keep you informed on key stories, emergency alerts and the information you need.

The Back Country Bulletin (BCB News app) is owned and managed by The Riverine Grazier Pty Ltd, 95 Lachlan St Hay NSW 2711.

Editor/ App Manager: Krista Schade
Advertising and design: Cheyenne Hurst
Reporters: Tertia Butcher, Kimberly Grabham, Krista Schade and Cheyenne Hurst.

BCB – Back Country Bulletin – News from the Back Country

https://backcountrybulletin.app
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