Victorian Fisheries Media Centre. On May 20, 2025, the fisheries authority (VFA) finalised an organisational restructure, under which it has since shed 30 (44 per cent) of the state's 69 Fisheries Officers; leaving just 39 officers to patrol Victoria's 2,512 km coastline, 10,000 square km of ocean waters and 170,000 km of inland water frontage along 85,000 km of rivers and creeks. Then in a separate decision, on Friday, June 13, 2025, the VFA stripped the remaining officers of their duties to "respond to any emergency" by deleting these duties from their Position Descriptions ...

Transmission Company Victoria ... advised landholders that the expected completion date for the VNI West transmission project was extending from 2028 to late 2030. TCV Spokesperson, Claire Cass, said the updated timeline reflects revised planning, design and construction assumptions for one of Victoria’s most significant energy infrastructure projects ... The controversial project's timeline extension showed the landholders deserved more respect, according to Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster.

Narrandera Shire Council Mayor Cr Neville Kschenka has expressed disappointment following the release of the 2025-26 NSW Budget, which failed to deliver any new funding for vital infrastructure and services in Narrandera. "While we welcome ongoing investment in regional health infrastructure in parts of the electorate, Narrandera Shire has once again been overlooked in this budget," Mayor Kschenka said.

Clarence Nationals MP Richie Williamson has welcomed the NSW Government’s $1.34 million support package for commercial fishers affected by the ongoing White Spot biosecurity restrictions but says the Minns Labor Government must now focus on getting fishers back to work.

The NSW Government handed down its state budget last week, but there was little targeted funding for the townships of Hay or Balranald. Instead, the region may benefit from a two-year spend of $6 million to support asset and infrastructure works in Central Darling Shire – including Ivanhoe – as the shire moves out of administration.

A recent enquiry from a Naracoorte Lucindale councillor has shed light on the cost of council-funded meals, raising questions about the ongoing expenses tied to post-meeting dinners. Via questions on notice, Cr Craig McGuire asked the council administration to provide cost details for ratepayer-funded meals post-monthly council meetings and estimated costs for paid consultants and public consultations.

An average 5 per cent rate rise for the 2025-26 financial year was cemented at Naracoorte Lucindale Council’s June 24 meeting following a unanimous vote. As a result of community consultation, the council endorsed three major changes to its draft budget. It decided not to spend $361,550 on the Leicester St playground.

Landmark reforms to South Australia’s excessive self-defence laws that were developed in the wake of the tragic killing of Mount Gambier woman Synamin Bell have passed the state parliament. Ms Bell was killed in 2022 by her partner after he consumed hallucinogenic drugs that brought on a paranoid psychosis. Although he was initially charged with murder, under previous laws he was able to plead guilty to manslaughter through reliance on the partial defence of excessive self-defence.

The Towong and Indigo Shire Councils have joined Member for Benambra, Bill Tilley, in raising serious concerns about having the worst ambulance response times in the state. "Regional ambulances are propping up our failing health system, leaving their own communities dangerously exposed and driving response times to be the worst in state," Mr Tilley said.

Hugh Schuitemaker. Rates for Renmark Paringa residents are set to rise by 11.25 per cent next financial year and wastewater charges will increase by 43 per cent – as council collects an extra $2.29m from its ratepayers. Renmark Paringa Council this week released its 2025/26 Draft Annual Business Plan and Budget ...

At its ordinary meeting on Wednesday, June 18, Buloke Shire Council confirmed that it will withdraw its membership from the Wimmera Southern Mallee Development (WSMD) ... councillors voted unanimously to withdraw after determining the Shire had yet to receive any funding or demonstrated benefit – particularly in relation to WSMD's focus on addressing housing shortages across the region.

Officer of member for Barker, Tony Pasin. Member for Barker Tony Pasin is fighting to keep the broadcast of major sporting events free to air via WIN TV across the Limestone Coast and Riverland regions. Mr Pasin said regional Australia was already grappling with lack of access to many services enjoyed in metropolitan centres, with free to air sporting events now under threat.

All levels of government in Australia must support the few remaining independent press outlets as part of a healthy democracy and cohesive society. The Tarrangower Times has gone in to bat for itself and the local community this week, successfully requesting an extension to the consultation period about changes to Maldon's Beehive Mine Chimney.

Naracoorte Lucindale mayor Patrick Ross has expressed support for the recent acquisition of Teys Australia by US-based food and protein powerhouse Cargill. Given that a significant portion of the local workforce is employed at the Teys facility in Naracoorte, mayor Ross emphasised that the longstanding partnership between Teys—and now Cargill—and the community would continue to thrive.

St Arnaud and district residents are invited to participate in a community-wide conversation about ways to better respond to extreme weather events and shape solutions that make sense for the region. Make a Change Australia, in partnership with Northern Grampians Shire Council and supporting organisations, will host a "Let's Talk About BIG Weather" community event on Tuesday, June 24.

Rural Councils Victoria (RCV) has acknowledged some breakthrough wins delivered by the Victorian government's Drought Response Taskforce, while warning significant challenges remain unresolved. The government has agreed to speed up access to interstate fodder, expand fodder delivery routes and fast-track kangaroo control permits for rural landholders.

Hay Shire Council has formally expressed its support for Pottinger Wind Farm at the conclusion of a four-hour long hearing with the NSW Government Independent Planning Commission last Thursday, amid some vehement opposition from concerned locals, lobby groups and chair of Nuclear for Australia, Adi Paterson.

The State Government announced on Friday 30 May, amongst a list of drought-relief measures, that it would pause the implementation of a contentious new levy to fund emergency services ... The Tarrangower Times has been following the story and chatting to various stakeholders as the story unfolded towards this unexpected pause to one aspect of the ESVF ... "their rage is white-hot"...