The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper

Patrick Tucker. An independent public hearing into two proposed floodplain restoration projects near Gunbower and Koondrook is underway. At the same time, roadside signs displaying the letters "VMFRP" are prompting questions across the district ... The report also states construction would require the removal of up to 604 large and very large trees in Gunbower National Park and up to 727 large and very large trees in the Guttrum and Benwell forests.

Mayor seeks better deal from renewable boom

Contributor, The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper

Council

25 June 2026

Patrick Tucker. Gannawarra Shire Mayor Garner Smith said communities hosting major renewable energy projects should receive more in return for the changes they will bring to the district. The comments come as projects including VNI West, solar farms and battery developments continue to expand across northern Victoria.

Aerodrome cleared for take-off

Contributor, The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper

18 June 2026

Health

Patrick Tucker. After more than a decade of planning, lobbying and volunteer effort, Cohuna’s upgraded aerodrome will officially open on July 7. Driven by community volunteers and later overseen by the Cohuna Lions Club, the project has delivered a longer runway, new lighting, a terminal building and improved facilities for emergency services and visiting aircraft.

Development approval for Barham Lakes

Contributor, The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper

Business

11 June 2026

The highly anticipated Barham Lakes lifestyle resort has officially received Development Approval from Murray River Council and is now one step closer to becoming a reality. The CluBarham Riverina project, a 236-home over-55s land lease community in collaboration with Villawood Properties, will offer resort living unmatched for its pristine lake systems, proximity to the Murray River and range of facilities on offer.

Caught out thanks to Caught in the Current

Lloyd Polkinghorne, The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper

28 May 2026

Federal politics

The launch of Caught in the Current, The Dire Consequences of Politics Driving the Murray-Darling Basin Plan in Barham, celebrated a long-awaited, community-driven historical and factual resource on Australian Water Policy ... The book is explicitly designed as a factual counter-narrative and practical tool for inquiries, libraries, and policy debate.

Deck-head of a bull

Contributor, The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper

Farming

4 June 2026

Patrick Tucker. Murrabit farmer Simon Morton was left scratching his head last weekend when he discovered his bull Speckles stuck in the verandah decking. Mr Morton said 'Speckles' had been having a rough time of it in the paddock.

MDBA shapes Basin language

Lloyd Polkinghorne, The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper

21 May 2026

Federal politics

A rose by any other name would still smell as sweet, but would it mean the same thing? This is the thought I was left with when the MDBA announced the "Opening trade balance set for Barmah Narrows". Notice the subtle change in language? The "Barmah Choke", which is a natural constriction to water flow within the river channel, has formed part of the operating rules that irrigators had to abide by for longer than some of us have been alive.

Farrer’s Farley: One Nation makes history in more ways than one

Lloyd Polkinghorne, The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper - 14 May 2026

Named in honour of noted wheat breeder and experimentalist William James Farrer, the electorate, covering 126,563 square kms, had been safe coalition country ... In this election, the attacks, muck-raking and attempts to frame voters as bigots and racists appear to have been met with a big orange middle finger. Now the real work begins for Farley.

Farrer election fight intensifies

Lloyd Polkinghorne, The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper

Federal politics

7 May 2026

There have been just four coalition MPs in the 77 years of Farrer but all that could be about to change on Saturday. Sussan Ley held the seat for 25 years, and the previous election margins were often 11-20 per cent over the Labor candidate, although in the last election, Michelle Milthorpe got within 6 per cent with preferences, 20 per cent on the primary alone. If you think this Farrer election appears more heated than most, you may be right, 12 candidates are in the running and external forces are pumping money into not only to get a...