Tuesday, July 8, 2025

Politics & Opinion

Richmond Valley

Solar farm final report includes changes to fence, substation location and size of site

Susanna Freymark, indyNR.com
Business
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

Anita McInnes, Yanchep News Online
Council
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

Kimberly Grabham, Back Country Bulletin
Federal politics
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.

Trade

Japanese delegates take in the best of Australian horticulture: Hort Innovation

Contributor, ARR.News
Agriculture

Timber

Forestry Australia welcomes Timber Fibre Strategy as a science-led vision for forests and the future: Forestry Australia

Contributor, ARR.News
Federal politics

Charitable status

Australian Conservation Foundation disingenuous at best

Mim Rogers, Allora Advertiser
Agriculture
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has thrown its support behind Property Rights Australia's calls for ACF's tax free status as a registered charity to be withdrawn in response to its deceptive "Bulldozing the Bush" campaign.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

Trevor Whittington, CEO WAFarmers
Agriculture
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

Contributor, ARR.News
Forestry
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

Merger will not restore deleted emergency capability

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 ...

Vic - Drought relief

Vic - Property rights

Vic - Deer stalking

Coppicing bill

Coppicing reform: A win for native species and farming families

Narrandera Argus
Agriculture
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

Contributor, ARR.News
Climate
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

VNI West completion dates pushed back

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.

NSW Budget

Mayor disappointed as NSW Budget ignores critical needs in Narrandera

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.
Biosecurity
Red Imported Fire Ants

Biosecurity

New fire ant failure detected: NSW Farmers Association

Contributor, ARR.News
Agriculture
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.

Election - Tas

Outdated career myths holding Ag back, says TasFarmers

TasFarmers is calling on all political parties in the upcoming state election to support a $500,000 investment into funding an independent Agricultural Career Coach, designed to connect young Tasmanians with fulfilling careers in agriculture regardless of their background.

Gold - WA

Geoscientific breakthrough could spark new gold rush in WA: Michael

Experts from the Geological Survey of Western Australia, part of the newly formed WA Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration, have identified a distinctive chemical fingerprint that signals where gold is most likely to be found ... a major step forward for mineral exploration on a global scale.

Sports infrastructure

New sports precinct plan endorsed

Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) recently endorsed an updated Toowoomba Region Sports Precinct (TRSP) Master Plan for the Charlton site, on the north-eastern side of the Toowoomba Bypass and Warrego Highway intersection.

Regional bank closures

Bendigo Bank ends local banking in five regional communities as it announces the closure of 10 local branches: Finance Sector Union

Contributor, ARR.News
Banking
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.
Queenstown West Coast Wilderness Railway
Bendigo Bank sign

Calling bull#%*t on the better big bank branch network

Dale Webster, The Regional
Banking
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

Contributor, Clarence Valley Independent
Aquaculture & fishing
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.

Williamson welcomes support package for commercial fishers but says long-term solution needed

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.

Council rates - Vic

Rates rort hurting farmers: VFF reveals five biggest farm rate rise offenders

Contributor, ARR.News
Agriculture
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

Nothing in the budget for Hay

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.

Council expenses - Naracoorte Lucindale

Dinner bill enquiry

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.

Council rates

Rate rise endorsed – but NLC will help those in drought or having tough times

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.

Hindmarsh

“Town interests at heart” – Hindmarsh community satisfaction improves

Emily Gladdis, Nhill Free Press & Kaniva Times

Hay

Pool redevelopment remains on time and on budget

Tertia Butcher, The Riverine Grazier
Council
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

Murray Pioneer
Agriculture
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

Murray Pioneer
Federal politics
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

Contributor, ARR.News
Community
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

Landmark excessive self-defence reforms passed

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.

Riverland ecology

Long-term potential

Murray Pioneer
Community
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

Yorke Peninsula Country Times
Community
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

Yorke Peninsula Country Times
Community
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

Contributor, ARR.News
Agriculture
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

Stephen Sia, The Lord Howe Island Signal
Land & environment
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

Contributor, ARR.News
Building & Construction
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

Approval for mineral sands project

The Victorian Government has approved the Donald Rare Earth and Mineral Sands Project work plan. The work plan approval is the final major regulatory milestone permitting Donald Project Pty Ltd, trading as Donald Mineral Sands (DMS), a joint venture between Astron Corporation Ltd and US critical minerals company Energy Fuels Inc, to develop the resource.

Regional museum

Museum expansion to drive visitors to Gippsland: Dimopoulos

Contributor, ARR.News
Business
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

Erwin Chlanda, Alice Springs News
News
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

Susanna Freymark, indyNR.com
Council
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

Krista Schade, Back Country Bulletin
Agriculture
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 ...
Cowra

Country NSW appreciates disaster funds, yearns for growth stimulus: CMA

Contributor, ARR.News
Biodiversity
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

Mark Collins, Corryong Courier
Agriculture
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."

Heritage - Denmark

Ag show funding - Qld

Queensland’s country shows secure lifeline with $600K government boost

Queensland Ag Shows
Agriculture
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.
Boonah Show

Tourism - Qld

Queensland breaks international visitor spending record: Powell

Contributor, ARR.News

Tourism awards

Congratulations Stanthorpe

Mim Rogers, Allora Advertiser
Business
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

Contributor, ARR.News
Land & environment
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.
Bobtail lizard

Wetlands hub

Annabelle Cleeland statement: Winton Wetlands closure

Contributor, ARR.News
Business
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.

Tasmania

Farmers want policy, not pork: TasFarmers

Contributor, ARR.News
Agriculture

Fuel - Victoria

Support for Victoria’s proposed fair fuel plan

Contributor, The Buloke Times
Energy

Transmission lines

Commissioner hears transmission pain in Moulamein

Lloyd Polkinghorne, The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper
Community
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

Denmark Bulletin
Council
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.
Bevan Eatts and Shane Love

Mobile coverage

Telstra phone outage proves need for Universal Service Obligation reform: Littleproud

Contributor, ARR.News
Communications
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

Ambulance times put us at risk

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.

Health - Griffith

State-of-the-art new hospital to open at Griffith

Narrandera Argus
Health
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

Ted Rogers, On Our Selection News
Community
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

Ted Rogers, On Our Selection News
Community
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

Emma Pritchard, Clarence Valley Independent
Community
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

Tertia Butcher, The Riverine Grazier
Community
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

RPC looks at ‘cost cutting’ budget as rate rise goes… into the 11s

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 ...

Transmission lines

“No show” from transmission company: Farmers rally at Wycheproof

Contributor, The Buloke Times
Agriculture
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

Yorke Peninsula Country Times
Community
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

Warwick

Regional migration – Time for action: Peter van Vliet, Migration Institute of Australia

Contributor, ARR.News
Employment
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

Buloke withdraws from development organisation

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.

Trade

CLP targets trade and investment growth in Malaysia: Cahill

Contributor, ARR.News
Agriculture

Infrastructure

Budget NSW

Budget Qld

Councils under pressure

Hard Talk: Councils are struggling

Nasik Swami, Naracoorte Community News
Community
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

Fight to save free to air footy

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.

Regional broadcasting

From July 1 we’re losing free to air

Kimberly Grabham, Back Country Bulletin
AFL
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

Contributor, ARR.News
Agriculture
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

Contributor, ARR.News
Council
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

Erwin Chlanda, Alice Springs News
Health
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

HMS Audacious

UK defence mission to power WA’s economy into the future: Cook, Papalia

Contributor, ARR.News
Business
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

Susanna Freymark, indyNR.com
Business
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

Trevor Whittington, CEO WAFarmers
Communications
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.
Comms towers

Heritage infrastructure

Snip, snip saves Beehive’s tip

Michelle Dorian, Tarrangower Times
Community
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

Tarrangower Times editorial: Government must support small press

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

Mayor welcomes Cargill takeover

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.

Resilience

“Let’s talk about BIG weather”

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.

Industrial relations

Water workers edge closer to 4 day work week

Narrandera Argus
Business
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.

Coming up

Webinar: Integrated Planning in Australia’s Marine Estate, 26 June 2025

Contributor, ARR.News

Indigenous - Vic

Drought - Vic

Councils say farmers still need more help

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.

Renewables - Hay

Council confirms support for wind farm despite strong opposition at hearing

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.

Media - Riverland

Channel 7-AFL Riverland free-to-air bombshell… Please reconsider

Murray Pioneer
AFL
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?

Murray Pioneer
Business
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 ...
Murray River

Show volunteer

Jill Chapman recognised in Parliament

Contributor, The Riverine Grazier
Agriculture
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

Contributor, ARR.News
Agriculture
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.

Supporting Victoria’s Basin communities: Tierney

Victorian Minister for Water Gayle Tierney and Federal Minister for Environment and Water Murray Watt have announced new funding for projects that will recover more environmental water for the Murray-Darling Basin. The projects were identified through the Planning Our Basin Future Together Prospectus...

Council - Hay

Marine - SA

‘Our worst fears’: oyster farms remain closed

Yorke Peninsula Country Times
Aquaculture & fishing
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

The Buloke Times
Agriculture
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

Erwin Chlanda, Alice Springs News
Community
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

The Nimbin GoodTimes
Federal politics
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

Contributor, ARR.News
Federal politics
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.
Susi Tegen

Rural youth health - Vic

Government budget cuts ‘By Five’, abandoning rural child health: McArthur

Contributor, ARR.News
Council

Trade

SA premium produce on show at World Expo: Szakacs

Contributor, ARR.News

Environment

Reach for the stars: dark sky plan progresses

Contributor, ARR.News
Community

Wildlife

Video celebrates turtle heroes and their epic quest

Contributor, ARR.News
Community
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 Buloke Times
Community
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.
Birchip meeting

Clarence Valley - mining

Action against mining demanded

Rodney Stevens, Clarence Valley Independent
Business
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

Baaka Cultural Centre completed?

Wilcannia News

Flood management

Managing levees for flood protection

Lloyd Polkinghorne, The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper
Flood
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 Country Times
Health
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

Home Care delays endanger seniors

Independent members of Parliament including Indi representative Helen Haines are concerned about the impact the Albanese government’s decision to postpone the commencement of 80,000 new Home Care packages will have on older Australians ... Ten independent parliamentarians have signed an open letter calling on the government to ....

Murray-Darling

Buybacks to push dairy farmers to the brink: NSW Farmers Association

Milk production could plummet by up to 15 per cent in the southern Murray Darling Basin if water buybacks are not halted immediately, a new study has shown. The Dairy Australia report … Australia’s annual milk production could plummet by up to 270 million litres if the federal government pressed on with water buybacks that would strip dairy farms of vital water supplies.

VFF condemns $63 million Commonwealth water buy as reckless and damaging to farmers: Victorian Farmers Federation

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has slammed the Federal Government for paying a staggering premium of $1,000 per megalitre above the seasonal average in its recent purchase of Goulburn water, calling it a reckless move that distorts the market and punishes farmers.

New report warns dairy industry faces devastating impacts from Basin Plan: VFF

The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) says a Ricardo report commissioned by Dairy Australia raises serious concerns over the future of the dairy industry, with water buybacks potentially leading to a further 270 million litre decline in milk production.

Defence

Territory solidifies Indo-Pacific ties with Japanese naval visit: Finocchiaro

The Finocchiaro CLP Government has welcomed the arrival of Japanese frigate JS Yahagi to Darwin this week, reinforcing the Northern Territory’s strategic role in the Indo-Pacific and strengthening defence and economic ties with Japan. Chief Minister and Minister for Defence NT, Lia Finocchiaro, said the visit highlights Darwin’s growing importance as a regional hub for defence cooperation, joint exercises, and security engagement.

Animal health

The 2024 Animal Health in Australia Report is out now

Contributor, ARR.News
Federal politics

Tourism

‘Find your path’ – NSW Great Walks put on the map: Sharpe, Kamper

Contributor, ARR.News
Media Release

Drought - SA

Donated fodder on its way to Fleurieu Peninsula this long weekend: Scriven

Contributor, ARR.News
Agriculture
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

Contributor, ARR.News
Agriculture
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

Contributor, ARR.News
Agriculture
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

Contributor, ARR.News
Council
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

Sledgehammer taken to housing affordability

The State Government has taken a sledgehammer to the construction industry, introducing the Building Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 which will push the cost of building a home up by as much as $30,000 ... Shadow Assistant Minister for Planning and the Building Industry, Wayne Farnham, said the bill was just the latest example of Labor siding with fringe parties instead of backing Victorian families.

Levy - Vic

Surprise developments for new levy

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"...

Murray-Darling - Qld

Murray Darling Basin update

At its final meeting for 2024, the Condamine Catchment Management Association (CCMA) tackled a big question: how healthy is the water in our rivers? ... Using decades of data, maps, legislation and monitoring reports, Dr Paul Webb explored what we know – and what we don't – about the state of our waterways.

Indigenous

Reconciliation Week

Noel Fisher, The Koondrook and Barham Bridge Newspaper
Community
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.

The Buloke Times, 8 July 2025

Out now!Buy here! I Subscribe here!

Tarrangower Times, 4 July 2025

Out now!Buy here! I Subscribe here!

The Buloke Times, 4 July 2025

Out now!Buy here! I Subscribe here!

Narrandera Argus, 3 July 2025

Out now! Subscribe here!

Murray Pioneer, 2 July 2025

Out now! Subscribe here!

The Buloke Times, 1 July 2025

Out now!Buy here! I Subscribe here!

Tarrangower Times, 27 June 2025

Out now!Buy here! I Subscribe here!

The Buloke Times, 27 June 2025

Out now!Buy here! I Subscribe here!

Latest Politics & Opinion stories

KEEP IN TOUCH

Sign up for updates from Australian Rural & Regional News

Manage your subscription

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.