Politics & Opinion
Richmond Valley
Solar farm final report includes changes to fence, substation location and size of site
Ark Energy has completed its report on the Richmond Valley Solar Farm after issues came from the community during public exhibition. The issues relating to the development application and environmental impact statement include visual and noise impacts, biodiversity, bushfire risk and changing land use.
Yanchep
Proposed Yanchep development transport impact assessment
The April 2025 Yanchep Central – commercial development transport impact assessment prepared for FRP Capital says the proposed development on the western side of Kakadu Rd and north of Morwell St will include a fastfood outlet, showrooms and a gym along with two medical centres and an automotive unit.
Murray-Darling
A $6.3 billion solution hiding in plain sight
Picture this: you're watching the NSW Treasurer deliver a budget that cuts transport spending by 34 per cent, slashes education infrastructure by 41 per cent, and offers zero additional cost of living relief to struggling families. Meanwhile, sitting in government reservoirs across the state is something that could change everything – 450 gigalitres of surplus water worth a potential $6.3 billion.
Charitable status
Australian Conservation Foundation disingenuous at best
Lloyd Hick. Queensland's peak representative body for rural producers has condemned the Australian Conservation Foundation for its latest misleading campaign against Australian cattle producers. AgForce Cattle President Lloyd Hick says AgForce has thrown its support behind Property Rights Australia's calls for ACF's tax free status as a registered charity to be withdrawn in response to its deceptive "Bulldozing the Bush" campaign.
Open for comment - Net zero
The first in, now the first out: why farmers are leading the retreat from net zero
Come 2025, after a couple of wars, a new US president, a cost of living crisis, power blackouts and the hard economics finally catching up to lofty promises, the world seems to have quietly lost interest in the net zero game ... Just this week, the Red Meat Advisory Council formally dumped its 2030 carbon neutral target, swiftly followed by Meat & Livestock Australia.
Invasive species
Government must act to stop South West spread of shot hole borer: Eatts
The Shadow Minister for Forestry and Member for Warren Blackwood, Bevan Eatts MLA, has called on the Cook Labor Government to urgently invest in public awareness and collaborative monitoring efforts to prevent the spread of the Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (PSHB) beyond the Perth metropolitan area and into the South West.
Vic - Emergency services
Vic - Drought relief
Vic - Property rights
Vic - Deer stalking
Coppicing bill
Coppicing reform: A win for native species and farming families
Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke has introduced the Biodiversity Conservation and Local Land Services Legislation Amendment (Broombush and Blue Mallee Coppicing) Bill 2025 to the NSW Parliament. The bill seeks to amend the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and the Local Land Services Act 2013 to enable the lawful coppicing of broombush and blue mallee in the Bland Shire...
Native forestry
Report shows benefits of sustainable wood harvesting in native forests: ABARES
A new ABARES report, Australia’s native forests and wood production, highlights the important role Australia’s diverse native forests play in helping to combat climate change, providing a home to many flora and fauna species, and providing high quality wood products.
Transmission lines - Vic
NSW Budget
Biosecurity
New fire ant failure detected: NSW Farmers Association
Farmers are calling for a government crackdown to stamp out fire ants in NSW after the pests were discovered in Tweed Heads this week. On Wednesday the NSW Government confirmed an immature Red Imported Fire Ant nest was detected on a property in NSW, where it was later destroyed by authorities.
Regional bank closures
Bendigo Bank ends local banking in five regional communities as it announces the closure of 10 local branches: Finance Sector Union
In a move which calls into question its positioning as the “better big bank”, Bendigo Bank has announced the closure of 10 branches - five in regional communities where they are the last remaining bank branch ... Only a full reversal of this move will protect the 32 full time equivalent roles and the essential service they undertake in their local communities ... including Queenstown in Tasmania, home to the West Coast Wilderness Railway.
Calling bull#%*t on the better big bank branch network
With the announcement that Bendigo Bank is closing two* of its regional branches at Yarram and Korumburra this week, it’s time to again call bull#%*t on the claims this corporation makes about the size of its branch network ... in deciding to close two of its 75 corporate branches across regional Australia, Bendigo Bank has not selected sites in locations that are well serviced by banks, it is pulling out of towns that rely on it as the only bank left.
Commercial fishers
Williamson takes Clarence fishers’ fight to Parliament
Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson has again taken the fight for local fishing families to Macquarie Street, delivering a Private Member’s Statement in the NSW Parliament on Tuesday night, calling on the Minns Labor Government to provide immediate financial support for Clarence River and Evans Head commercial fishers impacted by the extended white spot biosecurity orders.
Council rates - Vic
Rates rort hurting farmers: VFF reveals five biggest farm rate rise offenders
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) says evidence of some Victorian local government councils slugging huge rate rises on farmers shows the Victorian Government’s local government rate capping policy isn’t working. VFF President Brett Hosking said farmers continue to get the raw end of the stick with rate capping failing to deter unfair rate hikes in some regions.
NSW Budget
Council expenses - Naracoorte Lucindale
Council rates
Hay
Pool redevelopment remains on time and on budget
The John Houston Memorial Pool remains on track to re-open on budget by mid-December. Work is progressing well with the redevelopment of the pool, with all piers completed for the 50m pool and earthworks and piering currently underway for the Learn to Swim and toddler's pool.
Wine
The wine warning
Hugh Schuitemaker. Riverland wine grape growers have been advised by their peak representative body, and senior local politicians, that realistic expectations and business decisions are required before the next vintage. Riverland Wine today released a statement asking members to "carefully consider their business models and make balanced, financially viable decisions heading into vintage 2026".
Murray-Darling
Troy gets a Riverland tour
Hugh Schuitemaker. Finding beneficial compromises between Riverland water resource users and those in other states will be necessary for the future success of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan, according to a top water management figure. Inspector-General Of Water Compliance Troy Grant last week visited the Riverland as part of a tour through South Australia.
Emergency preparedness
Council launches emergency dashboard to empower community preparedness
Campaspe Shire Council is leading the way in emergency preparedness with the launch of a new Emergency Dashboard. The Emergency Dashboard is a centralised online hub designed to provide real-time, reliable information to residents before, during and after emergency events.
Law & order - SA
Riverland ecology
Long-term potential
Madison Eastmond. A Riverland ecology site has received more than $400,000 worth of state funding to complete the first stage of a five-point masterplan to secure a sustainable future ... Providing a learning environment facilitated by ecologists and a dedicated ranger team just outside of Renmark, Calperum Station is comprised of prominently open Mallee bushland and Murray River flood plains, and hosts opportunities for educational and training programs, and nature-based recreational activities.
Regional health - Yorke Peninsula
“Ridiculous” wait times for blood tests on SYP
Joanna Tucker. Residents in Yorketown and Minlaton have raised concerns about long wait times for blood tests. Stephanie Parsons, of Minlaton, said that, although she did not often need a blood test, she thought the delays others regularly faced were bizarre.
Twelve hours for one appointment
Sarah Herrmann. Amid a state government review of regional public transport, a Stansbury resident has shared her travel challenges following two surgeries ... Cheryl Waldron, 68 ... made the trip using Care In Motion's health bus, a not-for-profit transport service ... "I caught it from Stansbury at 6.10 in the morning and got home at 6.30 at night."
Biosecurity
Biosecurity breach proves need for better protection: Cattle Australia
The illegal importation of 62 tonnes of pork and other animal protein from Thailand into Australia proves the urgent need for increased funding and resources for frontline biosecurity services ... a District Court judge sentencing her to a 24-month intensive corrections order and 150 hours of community service ... “The two cases demonstrate that food smugglers can get away with breaching our biosecurity laws too easily and for too long before being found out, and face too small a punishment”: CA Chief Executive, Dr Chris Parker.
Marine
Understanding long-term reef health
Reef Life Survey (RLS) have released a new report outlining results from long-term monitoring of shallow reefs in the Lord Howe Island Park (LHIMP). RLS is a volunteer-based citizen science program which has been surveying reefs to 30m depth in the LHIMP for nearly two decades.
Inland rail
Stockinbingal workers accommodation site starts to take shape: Inland Rail
Work has started in Stockinbingal on building an accommodation camp for workers on the Illabo to Stockinbingal (I2S) section of Inland Rail. The accommodation camp will provide a home away from home for 350 workers who will be helping build the 39km of new track over the next two years.
Mining
Regional museum
Museum expansion to drive visitors to Gippsland: Dimopoulos
A new showroom displaying Holden heritage vehicles is revving up Gippsland, giving car enthusiasts another reason to visit the region. Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos was at the Trafalgar Holden Museum to announce that the new showroom, the Neil Joiner Holden Heritage Centre is now open.
Tourism - NT
$10m for Rock walk, spin-off unclear
The NT Government is providing a $10m loan to an interstate company for a walk in the Uluru National Park while other publicly funded tourism related projects in The Centre are on hold or merely planned. The conditions of the loan are not readily available. We have asked for them and will report them when and if details are provided by the government.
Flood resistance - Northern Rivers
Let’s do it once and do it right: Farmer pleads for better pipes and culverts on easily flooded road
There were four sets of traffic lights on Clarence Way between Bonalbo and Bruxner Highway at Sandilands this week. A lot of work is being done including major flood prevention work at Culmaran Creek and Tunglebung. Clarence Way floods easily and regularly at these two spots.
NSW Budget
NSW Budget – what’s in it for the Back Country
The Minns Government has handed down the NSW State Budget. Here is what is on the cards for communities living in the Back Country... $12.0 million Broken Hill Hospital Emergency Department Upgrade ... Continuing $24.8 million for the Wilcannia Weir Refurbishment Project ...
Country NSW appreciates disaster funds, yearns for growth stimulus: CMA
After careful consideration of what the NSW Government Budget 2025/26 means for rural, regional and remote Councils, the Country Mayors Association of NSW (CMA) sees a reactionary budget that is fiscally responsible in a time when investment in the regions is needed ... “Overall, not a lot for the CMA in the 2025-26 NSW Budget to be excited about. However, we continue to advocate for equity for rural, regional and remote communities in the State.”
Victorian High Country
Graziers want high country opened up
Jeff Bourman of the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party of Victoria and Member for the Eastern Region, has called for a pilot project for the reintroduction of grazing cattle to the High Country ... "The Mountain Cattlemen's Association has been looking after the high country for more than 150 years and they know the area like the back of their hand."
Ag show funding - Qld
Queensland’s country shows secure lifeline with $600K government boost
Agricultural shows across Queensland have received a welcome funding boost, with the Queensland Government announcing an additional $600,000 to support these iconic events that play a vital role in regional life ... Queensland Ag Shows President David Wilson said the support comes at a critical time for many rural and regional shows.
Tourism awards
Congratulations Stanthorpe
The prestigious 2025 Queensland Top Tourism Town Awards were recently held in Brisbane with Stanthorpe winning silver. The announcement, made by the Queensland Tourism Industry Council (QTIC), celebrates communities that offer outstanding visitor experiences and strong tourism leadership.
Wildlife trafficking
Unique WA reptiles rescued from smugglers: Swinbourn
Some of Western Australia's most unique reptiles have been rescued from smugglers who were attempting to send them interstate through Perth Airport. In one case, a package containing eight live bobtail lizards destined for Sydney was intercepted, resulting in a $2,500 fine.
Wetlands hub
Annabelle Cleeland statement: Winton Wetlands closure
The sudden closure of the Mokoan Hub and Café at Winton Wetlands is incredibly disappointing and has left our local community reeling. My thoughts are with the hardworking staff who lost their jobs with no warning or transparency. They deserved far better.
Fuel - Victoria
Transmission lines
Commissioner hears transmission pain in Moulamein
The Australian Energy Infrastructure Commissioner, Tony Mahar, met with locals in Moulamein on Tuesday to listen to their experience of the country's energy transition to date ... many of the complaints heard were not new to Commissioner Mahar. “Community engagement is nowhere near where it needs to be.”
Infrastructure - Denmark
Nat dives into the deep end
Patricia Gill. Newly-elected Warren Blackwood MLA Bevan Eatts foreshadowed two controversial developments after preliminary talks with the Shire of Denmark earlier this month. They included the new supermarket on South Coast Highway and a pool ... Mr Eatts, who has based his only electoral office in Denmark, closing the Manjimup office from where he ran his campaign, visited with the National Party team including the party's leader Shane Love.
Mobile coverage
Telstra phone outage proves need for Universal Service Obligation reform: Littleproud
Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud is calling for Universal Service Obligation (USO) reform, as a mobile phone outage in the Western Downs continues to cause havoc. Mr Littleproud said a full shutdown and outage of mobile phones over the past week and a half is frustrating and worrying locals, due to a Telstra rebuild of the main tower serving Dalby, a town of over 15,000 people.
Health - Victoria
Health - Griffith
State-of-the-art new hospital to open at Griffith
The new $250 million Griffith Base Hospital is set to open its doors to visitors, patients and staff from today Thursday 26 June 2025. Final preparations are under way for the opening of the new hospital, which will provide state-of-the-art healthcare services to people in Griffith and surrounding communities.
Infrastructure - Darling Downs
Ratepayers losing patience
Ratepayers using the Greenmount Waste Management Facility will be disappointed to learn that the Toowoomba Regional Council 2025/26 budget, handed down last week, includes no major funding for the facility. Toowoomba Regional Council Waste Portfolio spokesperson, Cr Melissa Taylor confirmed with On Our Selection News that no whole scale upgrades are planned for the waste facility in Council’s 2025/26 capital program.
Council rates - Toowoomba
Budget sees rate rise of over 9 per cent
A projected surplus of $1.5 million has been supported by substantial rate rises of over 9 per cent in the 2025/26 Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) Annual Budget. As ‘Other Urban Residential Areas’, properties in the townships of Wyreema, Cambooya, Nobby, Greenmount and East Greenmount, as well as rural residential properties, will receive an average general rate rise of 9.4 per cent to $1,013.
Memorial maintenance
Trucking big mess: causes community concerns
Close to 50 names are inscribed on the Truck Driver’s Memorial Wall in South Grafton, a local monument situated alongside the Big River Way ... many expressing their horror via social media at the shocking volumes of rubbish including discarded shopping trolleys, dirty clothing, and general household waste, littering the site.
Council decision
Not in my backyard – Councillors vote against unmanned fuel station
Hay Shire Councillors listened to their community when they voted against a recommendation from Council staff for the approval of a Development Application for an unmanned truck refuelling station on Moama Street. Hay Shire Council recommended the DA, with entrance via University Road, be approved with stringent conditions.
Council budget
Transmission lines
“No show” from transmission company: Farmers rally at Wycheproof
Carey Brennan. Around 200 farmers rallied at Wycheproof on Friday, June 20, outside the Buloke Shire Offices ready to greet TCV staff when they arrived to meet with Councillors … Shortly before the meeting, TCV notified Cr Getley that they had concerns for their safety after receiving advice from Vic. Police and would no longer be attending…
Seawall
Community driving action in Foul Bay
Rachel Hagan. Sandbags intended to give Foul Bay's Mud Alley another decade of protection were destroyed in recent storms, and now residents are taking matters into their own hands with plans for a permanent rock wall ... However, since the destructive May 26 storm, the wall of sandbags has been battered, and now there is little left of the seawall to shield residents.
Open for comment - regional migration
Regional migration – Time for action: Peter van Vliet, Migration Institute of Australia
Australia runs a reasonably large migration program by international standards but getting migrants out of the big cities - particularly Melbourne and Sydney - and into the regions has always been a challenge ... Australia’s regions need strengthened incentives and concessions to encourage migrants to settle in regional areas, fill regional labour shortages, and in turn strengthen our regions and ease population pressures on our big cities. It’s time for action.
Council - Buloke
Councils under pressure
Hard Talk: Councils are struggling
Stakeholders call for local government reforms. Many local councils in the MacKillop electorate are facing serious financial strain, struggling to meet community demands while navigating complex partnerships with state and federal governments under the Local Government Act 1999.
Regional broadcasting
Regional broadcasting
From July 1 we’re losing free to air
From July 1, the Seven Network signal will stop broadcasting into homes across the Griffith area, taking with it the AFL, international cricket, and shows like Home and Away that have been part of lounge room routines for decades ... The pattern is clear: regional viewers are increasingly being pushed towards paid streaming services as traditional broadcasting deals fall by the wayside.
Indigenous industry - NT
Tiwi Islands celebrate milestone in Territory-grown oyster industry: Maley
The Finocchiaro CLP Government is backing the growth of the Northern Territory’s Blacklip Rock Oyster industry, with progress on the ground showcased at a community field day on Bathurst Island. Held at Wurrumiyanga on 19 June 2025, the Oyster Farm Field Day brought together local community members, industry participants and research partners...
Festival - Cooktown
Cooktown Discovery Festival unites community in celebration of history and culture
Hundreds of locals and visitors gathered in Cooktown over the weekend for the 46th annual Cooktown Discovery Festival, celebrating the region’s rich culture, community spirit, and place in Australian history as the site of the first recorded act of reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Law & order - NT
Crime and cash
There is much discussion, usually futile, about the social aspects of law and order. Here is a look at the flood of public funds unleashed by an individual's action.
Defence industry - WA
UK defence mission to power WA’s economy into the future: Cook, Papalia
Premier Roger Cook and Defence Industries Minister Paul Papalia are travelling to the UK for strategic talks about WA's internationally sought-after defence sector ... WA companies already manufacture vital parts of Australia's submarines and are working to enter the US Virginia-class supply chain. By strengthening ties with the UK, it's hoped they will also break into the Astute-class supply chain.
Home buybacks - Northern Rivers
Buyback sells for $347 at auction
Five buyback homes from Norton Street, Kyogle were up for auction on Tuesday, June 17. PRD Real Estate Northern Rivers principal Rob Horder said the highest bid was $347 for 8 Norton Street.
Communications
The great regional disconnect: Why the only towers getting funded are the ones that don’t make calls
The brutal truth? We’ve hit the wall on new mobile towers in the bush ... If the government wants to be taken seriously on regional development—and on spreading the half-million migrants arriving each year beyond our major cities—then it must stop treating mobile connectivity as a private-sector problem. It’s time to treat it like the essential service it is.
Heritage infrastructure
Snip, snip saves Beehive’s tip
Structural repairs are on the horizon that will see a significant change to Maldon’s Beehive Chimney and the time to have your say about the proposed upgrades is now. Plans have been advertised by Heritage Victoria for community feedback and the deadline for comment has been extended to Friday 4 July. The long and the short of it is: urgent repairs are on the table but the result will be a permanently 3.5m shorter chimney.
Independent news
Naracoorte
Resilience
Industrial relations
Water workers edge closer to 4 day work week
Continued bargaining dispute proceedings have brought Riverina Water workers one step closer to trialling a four-day work week if they accept their employer's proposal. A "rigorous" long-running dispute process involving Riverina Water and its employees aligned with the United Services Union (USU) and Electrical Trades Union (ETU) is slowly beginning to de-escalate after "dramatic" moments of industrial action.
Indigenous - Vic
Drought - Vic
Renewables - Hay
Media - Riverland
Channel 7-AFL Riverland free-to-air bombshell… Please reconsider
Madison Eastmond and Hugh Schuitemaker. WIN and Channel 7 will be urged to reconsider a decision that – from July 1 – will rob Riverland free-to-air TV viewers from seeing AFL, cricket and a raft of other popular programs. In a bombshell announcement this week, WIN said it would cease broadcasting Channel 7 signals into the regional SA markets of Loxton and Mount Gambier, plus Griffith (NSW).
Berri Barmera
State plans leave the Riverland behind?
Madison Eastmond. A local council has responded to a long-term state plan for the region through to 2051, outlining key issues within the proposal that are set to limit the Riverland's "ability to grow and thrive". Found within the council's May agenda, a formal response made by the Berri Barmera administration has been submitted to the Draft Murray Mallee Regional Plan, highlighting key issues ...
Show volunteer
Jill Chapman recognised in Parliament
A Community Recognition Statement was read out in parliament for Jill Chapman when Member for Murray, Helen Dalton took the floor during a recent sitting. Mrs Dalton recognised Mrs Chapman's devotion and dedication to the agricultural show movement...
Murray-Darling - Vic
New water projects welcomed by Victorian farmers: VFF
The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has welcomed the announcement by the Victorian and Federal Governments of new funding for water infrastructure and environmental projects in northern Victoria ... The VFF also welcomed the new feasibility studies, which will enable further assessment of water projects identified in last year’s Victorian water prospectus.
Marine - SA
‘Our worst fears’: oyster farms remain closed
Sarah Herrmann. if it goes on for another month, I don't know that we'll still be in business." That's the sentiment of Stansbury oyster farmer Steve Bowley. Mr Bowley's farm, Pacific Estate Oysters, is one of several in the area closed due to the level of brevetoxin present.
Rally - Vic
“No Go Cubico” rally
Woomelang was a sight to behold last Thursday June 12, as vehicles, farm machinery, fire trucks and an extensive range of protest signs and banners lined the streets to mark Cubico Sustainable Investments’ first public visit to the district. The “No Go Cubico” rally, organised by dozens of unwilling neighbours to the proposed Curyo Wind Farm…
Aeromedical
Death in custody
Warlpiri people and friends march and wail
A large number of people from Lajamanu and from Yuendumu, the home town of Kumanjayi White who died in custody on May 27, came to Alice Springs to attend a vigil, to march and mourn ... Coles staff welcomed into the store several small groups of men and women to aisle four – “chocolate, juice, lollies” – where the confrontation had taken place a short time before Kumanjayi’s death.
Whistleblower in custody
Mcbride’s appeals rejected
Joe Lauria. The Australian government whistleblower David McBride is headed back to jail with no end of incarceration in sight. He is serving nearly six years for leaking documents to the media exposing Australian war crimes in Afghanistan. A three-judge panel at the Supreme Court in Australia's capital on 28th May spent less than one minute dismissing all appeals by David McBride ...
Rural health reform - Federal
Time to implement rural health reform, no more pilots, no more excuses: Susi Tegen, National Rural Health Alliance
With a renewed mandate in hand, the Albanese Government and its new Cabinet will have no barriers for further delay to implement the many health, disability and ageing sector reviews, reforms and recommendations it worked on with stakeholders in its first term of government ... The 7.3 million Australians living in rural and remote areas don’t need more consultations. They need a government that will implement the solutions that have already been developed, debated, and recommended.
Rural youth health - Vic
Wildlife
Video celebrates turtle heroes and their epic quest
From humble beginnings to a thriving conservation movement, this year TurtleCare Sunshine Coast will celebrate its 20 year anniversary. See rare, behind-the-scenes footage of little miracles hatching and environmental champions at work in an uplifting video dedicated to an inspiring Sunshine Coast volunteer group.
Birchip - Renewables, mining
Birchip hosts renewables and mining meeting
The community of Birchip, an epicentre of three wind farm proposals and four significant mineral sands mining retention licences, played host to a community meeting addressing turbines, lines, mines and property rights ... Three key speakers addressed an audience exceeding three hundred people from across Western Victoria, who filled the Birchip Leisure Centre to capacity.
Clarence Valley - mining
Action against mining demanded
United voices from scientists and experts, residents, farmers, and regional environment groups demanded action against mining in the Clarence catchment as they stood with Gumbaynggirr Traditional Owners at a packed public meeting in Dorrigo last weekend.
Arts infrastructure
Flood management
Managing levees for flood protection
Shaun Morgan, of North Central Catchment Management Authority addressed a large crowd who gathered in Kerang June, 6 to listen and voice their concerns. NCCMA is spearheading a critical initiative to address levee systems in response to recent flooding events.
SA Budget
Thanks for not a lot
Yorke Peninsula was left behind by the 2025-26 state budget, with no specific funding announcements for the region. The budget invested $1.9 billion in health, but none was specifically earmarked for Yorke Peninsula, despite the recent parliamentary inquiry into health services in the area.
Federal Independents
Defence
Drought - SA
Donated fodder on its way to Fleurieu Peninsula this long weekend: Scriven
More than 200 tonnes of donated hay will be delivered to farmers on the Fleurieu Peninsula this long weekend ... Charitable organisation Need for Feed is working with local Lions Clubs in Goolwa, Victor Harbor and Port Elliot to deliver about 10 truckloads of hay to 16 registered primary producers across the Fleurieu on Monday 9 June.
Open for comment - Tasmania
Can’t grow Ag policy in a political storm: TasFarmers
TasFarmers is calling out the state's political leaders for failing to prioritise stability and good governance through the parliamentary process, following the Rockliff Government’s loss of a no-confidence vote on the floor of the House of Assembly.
Open for comment - Trade
Labor risks trading beef industry away in US trade talks: Littleproud
Leader of The Nationals David Littleproud said he feared the Albanese Government was prepared to trade away Australia’s biosecurity advantage to appease the Trump Administration, after reports the Government had put beef imports on the negotiating table. Mr Littleproud said Australia’s strong biosecurity must remain a priority, instead of being used as a bargaining tool by Labor.
Transmission lines - Vic
Council rejects VNI West project in its current form
Northern Grampians Shire councillors will call on the State Government to find an alternative to its VNI West transmission line project amid fears for the nation’s food security along with community mental health and wellbeing. Victoria to NSW Interconnector West – known as VNI West – is a proposed new 500kV double circuit transmission line connecting high-voltage electricity grids in New South Wales and Victoria.
Housing - Vic
Levy - Vic
Murray-Darling - Qld
Indigenous
Reconciliation Week
There was a large crowd gathered in Victoria Street, at the Kerang Council Building, last Wednesday May 28 to mark National Reconciliation Week 2025. It has been estimated a record 350 people attended the flag raising with Gannawarra Shire Deputy Mayor, Cr Ross Stanton joining Ray Davis in raising the Aboriginal flag.