The Speaker of the House of Representatives has officially set 9 May 2026 as the date for the Farrer by-election, prompting Independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe to formalise her campaign for the seat.In ShortThe Date is Set: The Farrer by-election will take place on Saturday, 9 May 2026, following the resignation of Liberal Deputy Leader Sussan Ley.Key Policy Demands: Independent candidate Michelle Milthorpe is centering her campaign on a Federal Royal Commission into Water Management and addressing the "triple-digit" spike in water prices.Service Gaps: The campaign highlights a "national crisis" in regional infrastructure, specifically calling for a new hospital in Albury and improved telecommunications in Hay and Wentworth.The by-election was triggered by the recent resignation of former Liberal Deputy Leader Sussan Ley. Ms Milthorpe, a Jindera-based educator and advocate, confirmed she will contest the seat for a second time after finishing in second place at the 2025 federal election.The 9 May poll will be the first major electoral test for the region since the 2025 general election.Regional Priorities and Water ReformDuring a campaign stop in Griffith, Ms Milthorpe addressed several issues she identified as critical to the western and central reaches of the electorate, including the local government areas of Hay, Balranald, Carrathool, and Central Darling.Central to her platform is a call for a federal Royal Commission into water management. Ms Milthorpe attributed recent financial pressures on primary producers to fluctuating water costs."The by-election could not come any sooner, because the people of Farrer have been forgotten," Ms Milthorpe said. "We are tough, and we get on with things, but everyone has their breaking point, and too many people across Farrer are reaching theirs.""We are the food bowl of Australia, we have given so much to this country, but party politicians in Canberra are too busy fighting each other to give us anything in return."Ms Milthorpe stated that the current economic climate for agriculture necessitated federal intervention."We need a federal Royal Commission Into Water," she said. "Generational farmers are selling up because the price of water has tripled in just the past year. This is a national crisis, and a national crisis demands a national response."Infrastructure and Essential ServicesMs Milthorpe’s campaign also highlights disparities in telecommunications and social services across the region. She pointed to specific connectivity issues in the Hay district and surrounding western shires as a primary concern for the community."Water is just one of many ways our electorate has been forgotten," Ms Milthorpe said."We need a new public hospital in Albury to give the growing regional city and its surrounding areas the modern medical care it deserves. We need proper phone reception out in Hay and Wentworth. We need more childcare staff, the waitlist in some towns is now more than 300 kids. And we have a dire need for more aged care support, so people can grow old with dignity in their own communities."The candidate argued that the historical status of Farrer as a safe seat has contributed to a lack of investment in regional infrastructure."These are problems that would be fixed if we lived in the cities," Ms Milthorpe said. "For too long, politicians have overlooked our community because we are a safe seat. Last election showed there was a real appetite for change, and this election we’re ready to finish the job."Candidate BackgroundMs Milthorpe, who was raised in Cootamundra, gained public prominence through her advocacy for child sexual assault survivors. Her campaigning previously resulted in a $64 million commitment from the NSW Government to expand court support services for children in regional areas.

In Short Fuel prices are likely to rise as global oil markets respond to the conflict — rural families are urged to fill tanks and jerry cans now as a sensible precaution.Australia's food supply is not under direct threat, but imported goods and freight-dependent groceries may become more expensive in coming weeks.A low-level risk of cyberattacks on Australian infrastructure exists — keeping cash on hand, torches stocked and a basic contingency plan is wise preparation.Life in our parts moves at its own pace, and for many communities, a military conflict on the other side of the world can feel abstract and distant. In one sense, it is. No bombs will fall here. No troops will mobilise in our paddocks. But in the practical, everyday ways that matter most to country families, what is happening right now in the Middle East is worth understanding clearly and calmly.The most immediate concern for rural Australians is fuel. Australia imports a significant portion of its refined petroleum products, and global oil markets reacted sharply on Saturday night to news of the strikes. Petrol prices were already elevated before this weekend; they are likely to rise further. For those of us who drive long distances to work, run farming equipment, or rely on diesel generators, this is not an abstract concern. It is a kitchen table issue.The practical response is straightforward. Fill your tank when you can. If you have jerry cans, fill those too. Store them safely in a shed or garage, away from heat sources, and add a fuel stabiliser if you intend to keep them for more than a month or two. A couple of twenty-litre jerry cans gives a family meaningful insurance against both price spikes and short-term supply disruptions at the bowser.Grocery prices are the second concern. Australia is one of the most food-secure nations on earth. We grow our own beef, wheat, dairy, fruit and vegetables in abundance, and a conflict in the Persian Gulf does not directly threaten our food supply. However, many imported goods rely on fuel to reach us, and freight costs tend to be passed on quickly at the retail level. Prices for some imported products and packaged goods may rise over coming weeks.Building a modest home pantry is sensible preparedness at any time, not just during a crisis. A two to four week supply of staples such as rice, pasta, canned protein, long-life milk, cooking oil and dried goods provides real peace of mind and costs less than most people expect. Buy a little extra each week rather than making one large purchase, which keeps costs manageable and avoids contributing to any shortages at the local IGA or supermarket.There is also a cyber dimension to this conflict worth understanding. Iran has well-documented offensive cyber capabilities, and Australian infrastructure including power grids, water systems and banking networks has been identified in the past as a potential target during times of heightened tension. The Australian Cyber Security Centre is actively monitoring this risk. A simple household precaution is to keep some cash on hand, ensure torches and batteries are stocked, and have a basic plan if power or internet access were disrupted for a day or two.Beyond the practical, it is worth acknowledging what is perhaps most important about living in rural New South Wales right now. Small towns look after their own. The same community networks that mobilise during a bushfire or a flood are the same ones that will carry people through economic stress or uncertainty. Know your neighbours. Talk to your local businesses. Stay connected to your community. That social fabric is, in the end, the most reliable form of resilience any of us has.The Australian Government has not indicated any direct military threat to Australia. Our Defence Force remains on standard alert. The advice from authorities is to stay informed through reliable sources, to take sensible precautions, and to go about daily life. Schools remain open. Businesses remain open. Work continues. This is not the time to panic. It is, however, a good time to be quietly, practically prepared.

IN SHORTNarrandera agribusiness veteran David Farley has won One Nation preselection for the federal seat of Farrer, defeating Leigh Wolki and Guy Cooper at a vote in Albury this morning before being announced at a rally this afternoon.Farley, 69, is a former cotton and cattle industry CEO with decades of experience across the Riverina and Murray-Darling Basin, and has been a prominent critic of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan as chair of Speak Up 4 Water.The Farrer by-election is scheduled for 9 May 2026, triggered by former Liberal leader Sussan Ley's resignation after 25 years representing the seat.A Narrandera agribusiness veteran has become One Nation's candidate for the federal seat of Farrer, winning a preselection contest in Albury this morning before being formally introduced to supporters at a rally this afternoon.David Farley, 69, defeated fellow contenders Leigh Wolki of Albury and Guy Cooper of Boeill Creek to claim the candidacy, emerging from a field that originally attracted more than 80 applicants. Only three made it through One Nation's vetting process, and this morning local party members cast their votes at the Albury Convention Centre before the winner was unveiled to the public.The by-election for Farrer is scheduled for 9 May 2026. It was triggered when former Liberal leader Sussan Ley resigned from parliament in late February following her defeat in a Liberal leadership spill by Angus Taylor. Ley had held Farrer for 25 years, but the seat is now considered genuinely contested for the first time in its history.Farley is no stranger to the region or to big decisions. He was born and raised in Narrandera, the grandson of a First World War Light Horseman and the son of a Second World War naval veteran who went on to work in agribusiness. Those roots run deep, and so does his professional track record.He started out as a jackaroo with FS Falkiner and Sons in Deniliquin back in 1975, working his way up through roles as overseer, station manager and irrigation development specialist. By 1982 he had been appointed to lead the development of a major irrigation enterprise in northern New South Wales. Over the following two decades he built Colly Cotton from 160 hectares to more than 27,000 irrigated hectares, eventually serving as Managing Director for 16 years as the company grew into one of the top ten cotton trading operations in the world. He later served as Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Agricultural Company, one of the country's largest cattle enterprises, and has worked across the United States, Africa and the former Soviet Union in agribusiness roles. He owns Matrix Commodities, an agricultural commodity trading and investment company based in Narrandera.More recently, Farley has been a prominent voice on water policy, having been elected chair of Speak Up 4 Water, an advocacy group pushing back against aspects of the Murray-Darling Basin Plan. He has long argued that the plan has hurt regional communities, stripped away agricultural jobs and handed too much power to city-based bureaucrats and foreign-owned corporations over water that regional families depend on.Farley joined One Nation roughly six months ago, well before Ley announced her resignation, and he has been direct about why. He said it was Ley's own governance of Farrer, particularly her failure to push back on water policy, that pushed him toward a party he felt had the courage to take on the fight."There are many issues affecting Farrer that are also national issues," he said. "We need to be represented by a party with courage and tenacity, which I don't believe has been demonstrated by the Coalition."The Farrer by-election field is shaping up to be one of the most competitive the electorate has ever seen. The Liberal Party and the Nationals are both contesting the seat, as are the Greens, the People's Future Party and the Freedom and Fairness Party, whose candidate is Rebecca Scriven. Independent Michelle Milthorpe, who actually outpolled Ley in Albury at the 2025 federal election and is backed by Climate 200, is considered one of the stronger challengers. Milthorpe has already been actively campaigning across the electorate.One Nation has been polling strongly nationally in recent months, and the party clearly views Farrer as a genuine opportunity. For Farley, the 9 May poll represents the chance to convert decades of fighting for the Riverina and Murray-Darling communities from the outside into representation from within the walls of parliament.

IN SHORTMaari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation has quit the Broken Hill Environmental Lead Response Group, citing the NSW Government's persistent failure to act on its recommendations.A NSW Chief Scientist report confirms Aboriginal children in Broken Hill carry a disproportionately higher burden of elevated blood lead levels than non-Aboriginal children, with progress in reducing exposure slowing in recent years.Maari Ma has long recommended greater program focus on Aboriginal children and improved housing quality — two key factors linked to the ongoing disparity.The withdrawal comes in the wake of a report by the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer which, consistent with numerous studies over many years, found that Aboriginal children in Broken Hill continue to carry a disproportionate burden of elevated blood lead levels compared to non-Aboriginal children. The report noted that progress in reducing lead exposure across the community has slowed in recent years.Mr Weston has long called for a new and targeted approach specifically focused on Aboriginal children and families."We have recommended for a long time that the community program here in Broken Hill has a greater focus on Aboriginal children, as it is Aboriginal children who are carrying the greater burden of high lead levels in Broken Hill," he has previously said."We have also been recommending that the government focuses on housing, as there is a strong link between blood lead levels and the quality of housing in Broken Hill for Aboriginal families."Maari Ma has provided lead testing, health education, and intensive case management for Aboriginal children under five years of age for many years. Despite that work, Mr Weston said the gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal children's lead levels remains unacceptably high.The Broken Hill Lead Program offers voluntary and free annual blood lead screening for all local children under five through the Broken Hill Child and Family Health Service and Maari Ma's Primary Health Care Service.

Independent Member for Murray, Helen Dalton, has officially ruled out contesting the upcoming federal by-election for the seat of Farrer, opting instead to remain in the New South Wales Parliament.In Short: The Decision: Independent Member for Murray, Helen Dalton, has officially declined to contest the federal by-election for Farrer, choosing to remain in the NSW State Parliament.The Focus: Dalton cited a need to hold the State Government accountable for "passing the buck" to Canberra on regional water rights and Murray-Darling Basin policy.The Ultimatum: She will only endorse a federal candidate for Farrer who commits to a Royal Commission into the Murray-Darling Basin and her seven-point reform plan.The announcement, released Thursday, clarifies Mrs Dalton’s intention to continue her advocacy within the state legislature, where she claims pressure must be intensified on governments regarding Murray-Darling Basin policies.For residents in the Murray electorate, the decision means their state representative Ms Dalton will maintain her current seat rather than seeking a move to the cross-border federal electorate.Mrs Dalton stated that her decision followed discussions with constituents who expressed a desire for a more aggressive approach to water rights."People across the Murray are beyond frustrated. They are watching their communities suffer while governments keep shifting blame and dodging responsibility," Mrs Dalton said."I have no intention of stepping away from this fight. If anything, the pressure is about to increase".State Government Held to AccountBy remaining in the NSW Parliament, Mrs Dalton argued she can more directly challenge the state government’s handling of regional water interests. She alleged that the current administration has frequently deferred responsibility to federal authorities."The NSW Government cannot keep passing the buck to Canberra while communities in the basin pay the price," she said."For too long, basin communities have been treated as expendable in political negotiations over water. That has to stop".The Member for Murray indicated her ongoing legislative priorities include a push for a Royal Commission into the Murray-Darling Basin and the implementation of her seven-point plan for reform."Let me be very clear. I am not going anywhere and I will not be backing off," she added."Until basin communities get the transparency and protection they deserve, this fight will only get louder".Potential Endorsements in FarrerRegarding the federal vacancy in Farrer, Mrs Dalton noted she would only consider endorsing a candidate who demonstrates a "genuine commitment" to her proposed water reforms."I won't be endorsing anyone who is weak on water," she said."If candidates want the trust of basin communities, they need to prove they are prepared to fight for a Royal Commission and real reform, not more political excuses".Residents seeking further information on the Member’s stance or the proposed reforms can contact her electorate offices in Griffith, Deniliquin, or Buronga.

In ShortDawn raid on Argyle Street: Police executed a search warrant at a residential address on Argyle Street, Leeton, at around 7:40 am on Wednesday 25 February.Significant seizure: Officers allegedly found prohibited weapons, fireworks, illegal drugs, ammunition and items consistent with the supply of drugs at the property.Bail granted, court date set: A 45-year-old man was arrested, initially refused bail, then granted conditional bail to appear at Leeton Local Court on 10 March 2026.A 45-year-old man is set to face Leeton Local Court later this month after police executed a search warrant at an Argyle Street property in the early hours of Wednesday morning, uncovering a significant collection of weapons, drugs, ammunition and suspected drug supply materials.Officers from the Murrumbidgee Police District arrived at the property at around 7:40 am on Wednesday 25 February and, following a search, allegedly located prohibited weapons, fireworks, a quantity of illegal drugs, ammunition, and items police believe are consistent with the supply of drugs.The 45-year-old man was arrested at the property and taken to Leeton Police Station, where he was charged with multiple offences spanning weapons, drug and ammunition categories.He was initially refused bail and appeared before Bail Court Division 5, where he was subsequently granted conditional bail. He is due to appear at Leeton Local Court on 10 March 2026.Police have not publicly named the man at this stage of proceedings. The investigation is being handled by the Murrumbidgee Police District, which covers the Leeton, Griffith, Narrandera and surrounding areas of the Riverina.The execution of a search warrant at a residential address typically follows an investigative period in which police gather sufficient evidence to satisfy a magistrate or authorised justice that there are reasonable grounds for the search. The discovery of items consistent with drug supply — such as scales, bags or deal quantities — alongside drugs and weapons is frequently a factor in bail decisions.

57-year-old Hay man Grahame John Franks remains in custody following an appearance at the Griffith Local Court on March 5.Magistrate Pauline Wright ruled that bail should continue, with the next appearance scheduled for April 9Franks is facing a slew of charges, following his arrest in Hay last December. Charges include multiple counts of production, possession, and dissemination, one count of procuring a child under 14 for unlawful sexual activity, possession and dissemination of bestiality material and firearms charges.

In Short- A Broken Hill man in his 50s was threatened with knuckle dusters and a firearm during a late-night home invasion on Chapple Street on 1 March.- A 32-year-old woman and 40-year-old man were arrested the following day — police seized knuckle dusters and clothing during searches of two separate properties.- Both have been refused bail and are due to face Broken Hill Local Court on 28 April 2026.A Broken Hill man in his 50s has been left shaken after allegedly being threatened twice in a single night, first with knuckle dusters, then with a firearm, in what police are treating as an armed robbery at his Chapple Street home.The incident, which unfolded just before midnight on Sunday 1 March, has resulted in two people being charged and refused bail, with the matter now heading to Broken Hill Local Court.According to NSW Police, officers from the Barrier Police District were called to the Chapple Street address at around 11:45pm following reports of an armed intruder. When they arrived, they were told a man had forced his way in, demanded cash, ripped the home's security cameras from the walls, and threatened the resident with knuckle dusters before producing a firearm. A woman is also alleged to have separately threatened the victim on the same day.Police arrested a 32-year-old woman and a 40-year-old man at another Broken Hill address the following afternoon. A search of that property turned up a set of knuckle dusters. A subsequent search warrant executed at a Morgan Street address the next day yielded further items, including clothing, which police have seized as evidence.The woman has been hit with a string of charges; armed robbery, assault with intent to rob while armed with a dangerous weapon, contravening a restriction in an AVO, and breach of bail. The man faces a charge of armed robbery while armed with a dangerous weapon.Both appeared before the Bail Division on Tuesday March 3 and were formally refused bail. They are next due before Broken Hill Local Court on April 28, 2026.

In ShortCross-border arrest: A man wanted by WA Police on serious drug supply and stolen property charges was arrested in Griffith on Wednesday 25 February after being stopped in a vehicle with Western Australia number plates.Serious charges: Police allege the man was wanted for possessing stolen property, possessing a trafficable quantity of methylamphetamine with the intention to supply, and failing to comply with a data access order.Extradited interstate: After being charged at Griffith Police Station, the man was extradited to Western Australia to face the outstanding matters before the courts there.Griffith police have arrested a man wanted in Western Australia on serious drug supply, stolen property and data-access offences, after pulling him over in a vehicle bearing WA number plates on Wednesday afternoon.The arrest was made at around 1 pm on Wednesday 25 February, when officers from the Murrumbidgee Police District stopped the vehicle in Griffith. The man was taken to Griffith Police Station, where he was charged on the outstanding warrants.Police allege the man was wanted by Western Australia Police on charges of possessing stolen property, possessing a trafficable quantity of methylamphetamine with the intention to supply, and failing to comply with a data access order — an offence that relates to providing access to encrypted devices or accounts when required by law enforcement.Following the charging process at Griffith Police Station, the man was extradited to Western Australia, where he will face the outstanding matters before the courts there.The Murrumbidgee Police District encompasses a vast area of regional New South Wales including Griffith, Leeton, Narrandera, West Wyalong and surrounds. Police across the district regularly cooperate with interstate law enforcement agencies to locate wanted persons who travel across state lines.

IN SHORT- Roads, rail and flights all disrupted: The Barrier Highway is closed in most directions, the Sydney-to-Perth rail line is expected to remain shut until at least Sunday, and fog from the weather system grounded both REX and Qantas flights at Broken Hill's Silver City Airport.- Communities isolated across a vast region: Dozens of roads across the Far West remain closed, with White Cliffs, Wilcannia, Tibooburra and surrounding station country among the most deeply cut off. The NSW SES has issued Prepare Now warnings for several of these communities with more rain on the way.-Help is on standby — but don't drive through floodwater: The NSW SES has deployed a high-clearance vehicle to Broken Hill and has air assets available for emergency resupply and rescue. The message from authorities is clear: do not attempt to drive through floodwaters under any circumstances.The Far West of New South Wales is in the grip of one of its most disruptive flood events in recent years, with communities across the Broken Hill, Central Darling and Far West regions dealing with road closures, damaged infrastructure, isolated homesteads and more rain still to come.The event began when a tropical low-pressure system pushed south across the network in South Australia, western Victoria and southern New South Wales in late February. Emergency warnings for life-threatening flash flooding were issued by the Bureau of Meteorology for vast areas of Victoria and New South Wales, with six-hourly rainfall totalling up to 100mm possible across a warning area stretching more than 650 kilometres — from Seymour in central Victoria all the way to Broken Hill in the far west. More than 65mm fell over the Broken Hill area across the weekend alone.Communities across Central Darling Shire, including White Cliffs and Wilcannia, found themselves even more deeply isolated, with Transport for NSW confirming the majority of local roads across the Far West remain closed due to flooding and slippery surfaces. The NSW State Emergency Service has issued a Prepare Now warning for Tibooburra, White Cliffs, Wanaaring, Tilpa and Milparinka, advising residents and property owners that heavy rainfall and flash flooding are forecast, arriving on top of ground that is already well beyond capacity.The road network across the region has taken a significant hit. Closures most directly affecting the Central Darling area include the Old Pooncarie Road, the Wanaaring to Wilcannia Road north section, Henry Roberts Road between White Cliffs and Cobham, which is open to four-wheel-drives only: Tandou Road, Netley Road and Loch Lilly Road. The Mutawintji Road is shut in both directions. Further west, the Cut Line is closed between Tibooburra, Borrona Downs and Wanaaring, and Cameron Corner Road from Tibooburra to Fortville Gate is also closed. On the state highway network, the Silver City Highway from Broken Hill to Packsaddle and from Packsaddle to Tibooburra remains open, but Transport for NSW is advising drivers to travel to conditions. The Wilangee Road between Broken Hill and Wilangee is open to general traffic with caution, though four-wheel-drive is recommended, and the section from Wilangee through to McDougals Well is closed entirely.The Barrier Highway, which is the main link between Broken Hill and the east, is closed in most directions after the weekend's downpour damaged the road surface and stranded travellers. The situation on the ground is described as severely deteriorated, with supply routes connecting stations, homesteads and townships to Broken Hill and Cobar among those affected.The rail network has also taken a major blow. The Broken Hill and Whyalla lines and sections of the east-west corridor are currently closed while detailed assessments are undertaken, including aerial inspections to verify damage. The Sydney to Perth corridor is expected to remain closed until at least Sunday, with reopening timeframes dependent on the outcomes of track inspections. With multiple highways currently disrupted, rail is playing a big role in maintaining the movement of supermarket goods and other critical freight between states. The Australian Rail Track Corporation said it was restoring critical rail links to keep Australia's national supply chain moving. Crews have been working around the clock to make repairs, but the scale of the damage means full restoration is still some days away.Adding to the pressure on an already stretched region, thick fog settled over Broken Hill and grounded flights at Silver City Airport, with services operated by REX and Qantas both delayed. For people in remote communities, air access is often the only option when roads close, so disruption to flights adds a serious layer of difficulty for those needing medical care, essential goods or a way out.The outlook remains concerning. With the ground already saturated and further rainfall in the forecast, authorities are warning that conditions are likely to deteriorate further before they improve. More road closures are considered a real possibility, and some communities may remain cut off for an extended period.The NSW SES has deployed a high-clearance vehicle to Broken Hill and has air assets on standby, and is prepared to assist communities with resupply of essential medical, food and water supplies, or rescue if required. Superintendent Watson from the NSW SES urged anyone likely to be isolated to stock up on essential items while it is still safe to do so.The message from every authority is the same: do not drive through floodwater. No matter how shallow it looks, floodwater on outback roads can be moving faster and be deeper than it appears, and roads beneath the surface may be damaged or completely washed away.HELP AND SUPPORT — KEY CONTACTS & RESOURCESFor emergency flood and storm assistance:NSW State Emergency Service — call 132 500 (24 hours, 7 days)Life-threatening emergency:Call Triple Zero (000)Road conditions:Live Traffic NSW — livetraffic.com or call 132 700Broken Hill City Council road conditions — 08 8080 3300Weather warnings:Bureau of Meteorology — bom.gov.auStay across warnings:Download the Hazards Near Me app and set your watch zone for real-time alertsSES information and updates:ses.nsw.gov.au

In ShortApplications open 10 March: A suite of NSW drought relief measures becomes available from 10 March 2026, including doubled loan limits, a new small drought relief loan and free feed and water testing statewide.Loans doubled to $500,000: The maximum loan available under the Drought Ready and Resilient Fund has been doubled from $250,000 to $500,000, with a new streamlined $100,000 loan option also introduced for immediate, low-cost assistance.Pest control and financial counselling funded: The package includes $1.2 million to reduce kangaroo populations in drought-affected western NSW, $2 million for feral pig and deer control, and $1.8 million for the NSW Rural Financial Counselling Service.With drought conditions still gripping parts of south-western NSW even as record rains fall across the Far West, the state government has announced a significant support package for drought-affected farmers, and applications open on 10 March 2026.The package, announced by the Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty, includes a doubling of the maximum loan available under the $250 million Drought Ready and Resilient Fund, from $250,000 up to $500,000. A new small Drought Relief Loan of up to $100,000 has also been established, designed to provide immediate, low-cost finance with an upfront payment option, reduced documentation requirements and no requirement for property as security, making it more accessible for farmers who may not have significant assets to put up against a loan.The NSW Rural Financial Counselling Service will receive $1.8 million in funding to continue providing free and independent financial counselling to eligible farmers experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship. The Drought Adoption Officer Program will also be extended by $1.2 million, and the term of the Southern NSW Drought Coordinator, which was initially six months, has been extended to the end of 2026 and expanded to cover western NSW, where dry conditions continue to challenge farmers.Free feed and water testing is also available statewide through Local Land Services, backed by $250,000 in funding, a practical measure for farmers trying to manage the quality of what limited feed and water they have on hand.The package also addresses the well-documented problem of pest animals becoming more competitive and destructive during drought conditions, when limited food and water drive feral animals to congregate around critical livestock water points. $1.2 million has been allocated to reduce kangaroo populations in drought-affected western NSW, while a $2 million program will increase the targeting of feral pigs and deer for landholders in drought-impacted regions.Mr Butler noted that while the measures are welcome, loans ultimately slow recovery because they have to be repaid. A series of local information events will be held across southern and western NSW to help farmers understand what support is available and how to access it.Applications open March 10 2026. For more information visit raa.nsw.gov.au/loans/drought-assistance

Breaking: Farrer By-Election Date announcedSpeaker Milton Dick announced during question time today (Thursday, March 5) that writs had been issued for an May 9 by-election in Farrer.The official announcement has triggered what many say will be contest between the Liberals, Nationals, One Nation and an independent.The by-election was confirmed after former opposition leader Sussan Ley resigned from parliament, bringing an end to a 25-year career representing the vast seat in NSW.Close of rolls would take place on April 8, while nominations would close on April 13.Independent Michelle Milthorpe has already publicly announced her intention to run, and One Nation will select a candidate on Saturday, from three Party hopefuls.

In ShortFour-day tour underway: Roy Butler is hosting Dr Joe McGirr, Member for Wagga Wagga and Chair of the Legislative Assembly Select Committee on Remote, Rural and Regional Health, on a tour from the east of Barwon out to the Far West this week.Focus on rural health delivery: The tour will examine both the challenges facing medical staff and hospital administrators in Barwon and the things that are working well across the region.Committee context: Dr McGirr's committee is reviewing progress on the implementation of recommendations from the Rural Health Inquiry — one of the most significant examinations of healthcare in regional NSW in recent years.The Member for Barwon Roy Butler is this week hosting a four-day health tour across the electorate alongside Dr Joe McGirr, the Member for Wagga Wagga, travelling from the east of Barwon all the way out to the Far West to meet with the people on the front line of healthcare delivery across the region.Dr McGirr serves as Chair of the Legislative Assembly Select Committee on Remote, Rural and Regional Health, which has been reviewing progress on the implementation of recommendations from the Rural Health Inquiry, a wide-ranging examination of healthcare access and delivery in regional, rural and remote NSW. The tour will give Dr McGirr direct exposure to the specific pressures facing medical staff and hospital administrators in Barwon, as well as an opportunity to see what is working well and what lessons might be drawn from the electorate's experience.Mr Butler said the tour should prove informative for both of them. Barwon is one of the most geographically vast electorates in Australia, covering 44 per cent of the state, which means the healthcare challenges it faces, from recruitment and retention of staff to the tyranny of distance for patients, are among the most complex in NSW. The tour represents a direct effort to make sure the voices of those working and living in the region are heard at a parliamentary level as the committee's review progresses.

Your Phone Will Blare a Siren on July 27: Australia’s New ‘AusAlert’ System ExplainedIn ShortNew Tech: AusAlert replaces traditional SMS with cell-broadcast technology, allowing instant warnings even during network congestion.Key Date: A mandatory national test will occur at 2:00 pm AEST on Monday, 27 July 2026, emitting a loud siren on 90% of Australian phones.Safety Alert: The siren overrides silent modes; Those living with violence with hidden phones must power devices off completely to remain undetected.The Federal Government has officially announced the rollout of AusAlert, a cutting-edge national emergency warning system designed to deliver life-saving information to mobile phones with unprecedented speed and accuracy.Set to become fully operational by October 2026—just in time for the high-risk bushfire and storm season—the system represents a significant upgrade to Australia’s disaster response infrastructure. Unlike traditional SMS alerts, which can be delayed by network congestion, AusAlert uses cell-broadcast technology. This allows authorities to push warnings to every compatible handset within a specific geographic area simultaneously, even when towers are heavily loaded.Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain, confirmed that the system can target areas with up to 160-metre accuracy. “AusAlert is designed to ensure emergency warnings reach people quickly and reliably when they are in harm’s way,” Minister McBain said.Key Trial DatesBefore the nationwide launch, a series of community-based trials will take place in June 2026 across various locations, including Majura, Launceston, Port Douglas, Liverpool, Geelong, Tennant Creek, Goomalling, Port Lincoln, and Queanbeyan.A full national test is scheduled for 2:00 pm AEST on Monday, 27 July 2026. During this time, almost all compatible mobile devices across the country are expected to receive a loud, distinctive alert tone and a message on the home screen.A Critical Warning for Survivors of Family ViolenceWhile the AusAlert system is designed to save lives, it poses a unique and dangerous risk to people living with family violence who keep a "secret" or "hidden" phone for safety and emergency communication.Standard emergency alerts often bypass "silent" or "do not disturb" settings. During the national test on July 27, or during localized trials in June, a hidden phone could suddenly emit a loud, piercing alarm and vibrate, potentially revealing its location to an abuser.How to Stay SafeIf you are currently hiding a phone from a partner or family member, domestic violence advocates recommend taking the following precautions during the trial periods and the national test:Turn the Phone Completely Off: The only guaranteed way to prevent a cell-broadcast alert from sounding is to power the device down entirely. Simply putting it on "Silent" or "Airplane Mode" may not be enough to stop the emergency override.Plan for the National Test: Mark Monday, 27 July 2026, at 2:00 pm AEST in your calendar. Ensure your hidden device is switched off well before this time and remains off for at least an hour to ensure the broadcast window has passed.Check Local Trial Dates: If you live in one of the trial zones (such as Liverpool, Geelong, or Launceston), be aware that testing will occur throughout June 2026. Keep your hidden phone off as much as possible during this month if you are in a high-risk situation.Check Settings (If Safe): On some newer devices, you can find "Emergency Alerts" in the notifications or connection settings. While you can sometimes toggle these off, the "National Alert" level is often mandatory and cannot be silenced by software settings alone. Powering off remains the safest option.If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual assault, domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT.org.au. In an emergency, call 000.

Who Will Challenge for Farrer? One Nation’s Final Three Revealed Ahead of Albury ShowdownIn ShortThe Final Three: Agribusiness experts David Farley and Guy Cooper join Albury small business owner Leigh Wolki as the finalists from a pool of 80 applicants.Decision Day: Local One Nation members will vote to select their candidate at the Albury Convention Centre on March 7 at 9:00 am.High Stakes: The winner will contest the seat of Farrer—a massive NSW electorate covering the Murray-Darling Basin—in a by-election triggered by Sussan Ley's resignation.The field of candidates vying to represent One Nation in the upcoming Farrer by-election has been narrowed to three. Local party members are scheduled to meet at the Albury Convention Centre at 9:00 am on 7 March to vote on who will contest the seat.The pre-selection follows what the party describes as an extensive review process involving more than 80 applicants. The pre-selection vote will determine One Nation’s challenger for a seat that encompasses a vast portion of the NSW western division and the Murray-Darling Basin, as well as the cities of Albury and Griffith.The CandidatesThe three finalists selected to face the membership bring varying backgrounds in agribusiness, water policy, and local commerce:David Farley (69): A Narrandera-based agribusiness professional with international experience in the United States, Africa, and the former Soviet Union. His platform focuses on his professional understanding of water reform within the Murray-Darling Basin.Leigh Wolki (58): An Albury-based small business owner who has resided in the region for nearly four decades. Her background includes experience in agriculture and the operation of local small businesses.Guy Cooper (31): An agribusiness relationship manager based in Boeill Creek. A fifth-generation member of a local farming family, his career has focused on the regional agricultural industry.Party Leadership StatementsOne Nation leader Senator Pauline Hanson stated that interest in the Farrer candidacy had been significant following the opening of nominations.“There’s been a tremendous effort by our party reviewing more than 80 applications in such a short time, and the contest has now come down to a final three,” Senator Hanson said. “I acknowledge and thank everyone who put their hand up.”Senator Hanson further remarked on the connection the finalists have to the electorate’s primary industries.“Leigh, Guy and David are all dedicated locals who understand what makes Farrer tick,” Senator Hanson said. “They know what’s at stake for the residents, businesses and industries of their communities at this by-election. The eyes of the entire nation will be on the outcome in Farrer.”The by-election date is yet to be formally confirmed.

IN SHORTIsrael and the United States launched a major joint military strike on Iran over the weekend, killing Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in what is one of the most significant military actions in the Middle East in decades.Iran has retaliated by firing missiles and drones at 27 US military bases across the region and at Israeli targets, killing at least three American soldiers and disrupting air travel across the Gulf.The Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world's oil passes, is now at risk of disruption, with global fuel prices already rising in response.In the early hours of Saturday morning, the Middle East changed dramatically. Israel and the United States launched a large-scale coordinated military strike against targets across Iran in an operation Israeli authorities named Roaring Lion and American officials called Operation Epic Fury. Among those killed was Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, in an assassination that shocked governments around the world.The strikes targeted military infrastructure, nuclear-related facilities and senior leadership figures across multiple Iranian cities. It was among the most significant military actions the region has seen in decades, and its consequences began unfolding within hours.Iran responded swiftly and forcefully. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced it had launched missiles and drones at 27 United States military bases across the Middle East, as well as at Israeli military installations. The United States Navy's Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain was struck. Qatar, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia all reported impacts from Iranian drones and missiles on their territory. At least three American soldiers have been confirmed killed.Qatar Airways grounded its entire fleet after Qatar's civil aviation authority suspended all air navigation over the country indefinitely. The Persian Gulf, one of the world's busiest air corridors, is now severely disrupted.The Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway through which roughly a fifth of the world's oil passes, sits at the centre of this crisis. Iran controls its northern coastline and has historically threatened to close the strait in the event of military conflict. Whether it moves to do so in the coming days will be one of the most closely watched developments in global energy markets.World leaders are calling for restraint. Emergency sessions of the United Nations Security Council are under way. The Australian Government has activated its crisis response protocols and is monitoring the situation around the clock. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has updated its travel advisories for the Middle East region, advising all Australians to avoid the area entirely.For now, the fighting is confined to the Middle East. But in a globalised world, what happens in the Persian Gulf does not stay in the Persian Gulf. The effects, economic and otherwise, will be felt far beyond the region in the days and weeks ahead.

IN SHORTThe Rankins Springs Sport and Recreation Ground Management Committee voted at its October 2025 meeting to recommend significant increases to the facility's fees and charges.The football club annual fee proposed to rise from $200 to $500, tennis and pony clubs from $200 to $300 each, the fishing club from $80 to $100 and private hire from $80 to $100 for the first day. A new cricket club annual fee of $300 and a new refundable cleaning deposit of $100 have also been proposed. Carrathool Shire Council has resolved to place the proposed changes on public exhibition for 28 days, with adoption to follow if no submissions are received.Running a community sportsground in a small rural town is an exercise in doing more with less, and the volunteers who manage the Rankins Springs Sport and Recreation Ground have been navigating that reality for years. When the committee met in October 2025 and resolved to recommend the first significant increase to the facility's fees and charges in some time, it was a recognition that the cost of maintaining and operating the ground has been rising faster than the income generated by the existing fee structure.The proposed changes, which were tabled before Carrathool Shire Council at its February ordinary meeting, include increases across virtually every category of user. The football club, which has been paying $200 per year as its annual facility fee, faces a proposed increase to $500. The tennis club and pony club both move from $200 to $300 per year. The fishing club goes from $80 to $100. For private hire, the first day rate rises from $80 to $100 and subsequent days from $40 to $50.Two entirely new fee categories are also proposed. A cricket club annual fee of $300 has been added, acknowledging that the sport is now a regular user of the facility. A refundable cleaning deposit of $100 has also been proposed for all hire arrangements, requiring hirers to leave the facility clean and tidy or forfeit the bond. The cleaning deposit is a straightforward and reasonable measure that puts the responsibility for post-event clean-up squarely on those who use the facility.The committee's deliberations at the October meeting revealed a number of other practical issues being managed. The basketball ring arms were identified as dangerous and in need of replacement, with a follow-up to council requested on the timeline for new rings to be installed. Junior tennis sessions are running weekly with some ongoing court maintenance needed. A Tom Curtain outback show was booked for 15 February 2026 on the pony club site, with the sport and recreation committee planning to provide food for the event.The committee also received a $1,500 grant from Carrathool Shire Council for a new kitchen in the tennis club area, with a quote obtained from Bunnings for a flat pack kitchen installation that was approved by the committee.Council resolved to place all proposed fees and charges on public exhibition for 28 days. If no public submissions are received during that period, the new fees will be adopted into the council's formal fees and charges schedule. Anyone with a view on the proposed changes has the opportunity to make a submission during that exhibition period.

 "A Knife in the Heart": NSW Government Raises Menindee Trigger, Threatening Northern IrrigatorsIn ShortThe Change: The NSW Government increased the Menindee Lakes storage trigger from 195GL to 250GL, preventing northern irrigators from harvesting floodplain water until the higher limit is met.The Controversy: Federal representatives and industry leaders claim the decision was made "at the stroke of a pen" with zero community consultation or scientific transparency.The Risk: Regional leaders warn the move threatens agricultural productivity, potentially leading to a loss of essential services such as doctors and teachers,The New South Wales Government has increased the storage trigger at Menindee Lakes from 195 gigalitres to 250 gigalitres, a move that politicians say directly impacts water access for northern Murray-Darling Basin irrigators.The decision, which governs when floodplain harvesting can occur, means that northern irrigators will now be restricted from capturing flows until the Menindee Lakes system reaches the higher 250GL threshold. The policy shift has been met with criticism from federal representatives who claim the change was implemented without community consultation or a framework for compensation.Local ImpactFor riverside communities, the management of the Menindee Lakes is a critical factor in both local water security and the broader health of the Darling (Baaka) River.As communities, farmers and businesses that rely heavily on the agricultural productivity and environmental stability linked to the river system, changes to upstream capture rules and downstream storage triggers can have significant flow-on effects for local economies and water availability.Political and Industry ResponseNationals Senator for NSW and Shadow Minister for Water, Ross Cadell, expressed significant concerns regarding the transparency of the decision-making process.“Water policy in this country needs to be clear and transparent,” Cadell said. “Instead, Labor has used the stroke of a pen on Macquarie Street to again muddy the waters, leaving regional communities with no trust in their elected officials. Our regional communities have lost faith in Government to listen, care, and respond.”Senator Cadell further argued that the implications of the rule change extend beyond the immediate vicinity of the lakes.“When you make changes of this scale, it is not just the Menindee Lakes who bear the consequences, it is every community in the Basin,” Cadell said.Concerns Over Agricultural ProductivityThe Member for Parkes and Shadow Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Resources, Jamie Chaffey, questioned the scientific basis for the trigger increase and its potential impact on regional sustainability.“It is a clear case of a department making decisions without the NSW Minister for Water taking any responsibility, and without any proof this will make an ounce of difference to environmental outcomes or fish deaths,” Chaffey said.“On paper, this might not look like much, but on the land, it’s a whole world of difference. This is yet another knife in the heart for regional communities. Our farmers are already tackling enormous challenges to provide the country with food and fibre, and they are at the heart of wealth generation for our regional communities and the nation.”Mr Chaffey suggested that a reduction in farming productivity could lead to a decline in essential services for the region.“If our farmers become less productive, that means our regional communities are at risk of losing more people, more teachers from schools and more doctors from hospitals. There was no consultation before this decision was made, and this move to slash irrigators’ rights has been made without any input from the people and businesses it impacts, and with no regard for the federal Menindee and Basin Plan Reviews currently under way. Submissions for those reviews do not close until 1 May 2026. Something smells here, and it’s not the fish.”Calls for TransparencyThe timing of the announcement has been highlighted as a point of contention, particularly as federal reviews into the Menindee Lakes and the broader Basin Plan remain ongoing.Senator Cadell stated that northern communities have faced years of "regulatory conflict" and called for a reversal of the decision.“What we need now is transparency, and meaningful consultation, not lip service from city centric bureaucrats. I call on the State Labor Government to reverse its decision and commit to proper consultation with Basin communities,” Cadell said.The NSW Government has not yet provided a detailed response to the claims regarding the lack of consultation or the specific environmental modelling used to justify the 55-gigalitre increase in the trigger point.

In ShortRising Risk: As producers in Hay, Balranald, and Carrathool adopt more digital tech, they become higher-priority targets for data theft and ransomware.The Threat: Phishing emails are becoming more sophisticated, often mimicking banks or family members to steal passwords or lock down machinery.Action Required: Experts recommend immediate adoption of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), regular software updates, and offline data backups to safeguard operations.As red meat producers increasingly adopt digital platforms and automated technologies, industry experts are warning of a corresponding rise in exposure to cyber threats.The shift toward digital record-keeping, remote monitoring, and smart machinery has been framed by industry bodies as a means to streamline operations and meet regulatory requirements. However, according to the Integrity Systems Company (ISC), this increased connectivity has made both large enterprises and small family-run operations potential targets for digital interference.A Growing Business RiskThe ISC suggests that cybersecurity should no longer be viewed strictly as a technical concern, but as a fundamental business imperative. Potential consequences of a breach include the disruption of operations, compromise of sensitive data, and threats to regulatory compliance.Julian Moorhouse, ISC’s Chief Technology Officer, stated that attackers employ various methods to infiltrate agricultural systems.“Cyber criminals are becoming increasingly adept at using deceptive emails or messages to trick staff into revealing passwords or clicking on malicious links – often creating a sense of urgency that may cause the receiver to act without their usual caution,” Mr Moorhouse said.“These messages will often look like they’re from your usual bank or service provider, or they might even appear to be from a friend or family member but you should always be wary of any message which demands an immediate payment or asks you to click on unfamiliar links.”Data Vulnerability and RansomwareFor producers in the Carrathool and Central Darling regions, the sensitive nature of livestock records, financial accounts, and compliance documents remains a primary concern. The ISC reports that once access is gained, attackers can steal or leak this information.Furthermore, the threat of ransomware—where data or equipment is locked until a payment is made—poses a risk to physical operations.“Julian said cyber criminals can also use ransomware to lock you out of your data or equipment – potentially halting your operations, causing financial loss, or damaging your reputation until a ransom is paid,” the ISC disclosure noted.Recommended Protective MeasuresThe ISC has outlined several protocols for producers to reduce their online risk profile:Credential Security: Use unique, strong passwords for all accounts and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA). The use of password managers is recommended to maintain complex credentials.Software Maintenance: Regularly update operating systems, applications, and firmware to patch known security vulnerabilities.Staff Training: Educate employees and contractors on how to recognise sophisticated phishing attempts, which the ISC notes are now being enhanced by AI.Data Redundancy: Maintain regular, secure backups of critical records, stored either offline or in trusted cloud services.Incident Planning: Establish a clear response plan detailing contacts and procedures in the event of a cyber incident.Equipment Security: Change default passwords on all connected hardware and disable unnecessary network features.Producers are encouraged by the ISC to engage with reputable IT providers familiar with agricultural operations to tailor security solutions to their specific business needs.