The Reconstruction Authority has reported progress on flood recovery across the Northern Rivers, with hundreds of safer housing lots in progress as part of buyback, relocation and flood-free land schemes, according to Ballina News Daily. The update comes despite a damning $980 million audit of the recovery effort.
Australia's new Regional Rail Fleet will replace the ageing XPT trains with a significant milestone: for the first time in Australian regional rail, the new fleet will feature both electric and diesel capability, IndyNR reports.
A community search has ended successfully after a whale painting belonging to a late wife named Rachel was located at Centre Street Dental following a public appeal by Dan McIntyre, IndyNR reports.
Across rural Australia, research has found that growing plants on floating rafts in open wastewater treatment lagoons can reduce greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide released during sewage breakdown, according to Australian Rural & Regional News. The technique offers a promising new approach to decreasing wastewater emissions.
The Limestone Coast region has urged state lawmakers to reject the Energy Resources (Regulated Activities) Amendment Bill and permanently ban fracking to protect the area as a food production region, Australian Rural & Regional News reports. In response, South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas defended his government's decision to lift the moratorium on fracking in the southeast, stating that pressure on domestic gas supplies requires examination of all available energy options.
Two giant artworks titled 'Skywhale' and 'Skywhalepapa' created by Patricia Piccinini were launched from Loxton in the Riverland on August 16 as part of a community celebration of arts and culture, Australian Rural & Regional News reports.
Sheep producers across southern Australia are increasingly retaining and rebuilding flocks following improved seasonal conditions, strong sheepmeat prices, and strengthening wool markets, Australian Rural & Regional News reports, signalling growing confidence in the industry.
Native birds at South Australia's Cleland Wildlife Park, including critically endangered species such as orange-belleted parrots and regent honeyeaters, have been approved for vaccination as part of the state government's response to H5 bird flu, Australian Rural & Regional News reports. The vaccination program was approved following news that NSW's H5 bird flu response has generated over 4,500 calls to the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline and mobilised more than 300 personnel since June, according to Australian Rural & Regional News.
Tracey Bell, a long-serving volunteer at Nhill and District Sporting Club, has been named the 2026 AFL National Diversity Ambassador of the Year for her work promoting inclusion in community sport, Australian Rural & Regional News reports.
The Queensland Farmers' Federation is urging the state government to amend the State Development and Public Works Organisation (Critical Minerals) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 to protect prime agricultural land from critical minerals development, Australian Rural & Regional News reports.
The Coalition announced plans to introduce legislation to end Labor's net zero policies and prevent taxpayer funds from being used to finance investment fund purchases of Australian farmland for carbon-offset projects, Australian Rural & Regional News reports.
GrainGrowers released a High Impact Risks to the Grain Sector Report calling for the grain and agriculture industries to coordinate with government on risk management strategy to prepare for disruptions to grain production, food security, and the economy, according to Australian Rural & Regional News.
Hay Shire Council currently has no job vacancies, reflecting the success of its workforce development approach that focuses on growing and developing existing staff, Australian Rural & Regional News reports.