Government plans to strip water from farmers will force many to pull the plug on food and fibre production, according to NSW Farmers. The lobby group is rallying as the state government prepares to finalise its water sharing plans in eight major rivers across the state, including those catchments in the west.NSW Farmers Water Taskforce Chair and Nyngan farmer, Richard Bootle said he has serious concerns about future water security.   “This is just another example of governments using excessive legislative power rather than working with farmers to achieve better outcomes for both the environment and for food security,” Mr Bootle said.  “Farmers are already generating huge biodiversity outcomes on-farm and changing the rules to restrict their access to water while locking up non-existent wetland areas on farm will only be counterproductive for everyone, as well as for the environment.   “In the Lachlan, land that has been farmed for over a century is being marked as wetlands while in Orange, water that has been used to grow fruit has been transferred to the council despite earlier court rulings against this.  “It’s nonsensical in some instances and downright wrong in others, and it must be stopped before farmers are ruined.”  Water users in the Barwon-Darling, Belubula, Lachlan, Gwydir, Murrumbidgee, Macquarie/Wambuul Bogan, Namoi and Peel rivers will all be affected by the water sharing plans currently under review.   Mr Bootle said it was vital farmers’ concerns were addressed by the NSW Government before the plans were made final.  “NSW Farmers has shared our concerns around these plans, but we know feedback on these plans have been ignored before – even when everyone agreed to the same changes – and that simply cannot happen again,” Mr Bootle said.   “There are very real concerns around what’s being proposed, why it’s been proposed, and crucially, what accountability measures have been put in place to ensure these plans are actually delivering what they set out to achieve.   “Farmers have built their businesses around water access over long periods of time and they need this water to produce food and fibre. Government plans must not jeopardise that.” No stripping of water - governmentA spokesperson for the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) dismissed concerns.“Water sharing plans do not strip farmers of water. They simply set out the rules for how water is shared amongst all water users including when water is scarce in drought situations,” they said.“Farmers in NSW who have water access licences can continue to access water in line with their entitlements as they always have.  “It is important to be very clear here - water sharing plans are not related to the Australian Government's water buyback scheme, which is a matter for the Commonwealth.  “NSW remains strong in standing up against water buybacks. “Water sharing plans have been in place across NSW for over a decade.”IMAGE: DCCEEW twitter The spokesperson said there were 58 water sharing plans across the state and they were critical tools in protecting resources for agriculture, town water and the environment.  “They are independently audited after the first 5 years to ensure they're working effectively and appropriately.”   And they defended the public consultation process. “At the end of last year, seven of these draft plans went on public exhibition to enable everyone to have their say.  “This included eight weeks of community consultation and a further seven weeks for comments on wetland areas. “During that time we have held 11 face-to-face workshops, eight webinars and dozens of individual appointments,” the spokesperson said.“We recognise there are some anomalies with the list of wetlands which we are now getting on with the job of rectifying, after the consultation period which finished on 2 February. “It has been great to see so many people engaged in this process, and all the feedback we have had from farmers in particular has been extremely helpful. “No one understands the local environment better than farmers and we are committed to getting the mapping right. Once we have updated the wetland maps these will be published on our website. This work will take until the end of February.”   The spokesperson said community input on the draft water sharing plans play a critical role and all feedback would be considered before plans go into effect on 1 July 2025.  

Thirsty western communities will be getting their paperwork in order as the gates open for the next round of funding under the Australian Government's National Water Grid Fund.   The National Water Grid Fund was launched in 2019 under the then Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Michael McCormack.   It was made to drought-proof rural regional Australia, by looking at how large-scale water diversion projects such as dams could be used to deliver reliable and cost effective water to farmers and communities.  Several key projects have been funded by the National Water Grid Fund, like the Nygnan to Cobar pump station and pipeline project, and the Macquarie-Wambuul water security scheme.   A number of local councils and other water users looking to shore up their water security will now be looking to the fund to fast-track their infrastructure priorities. Projects can include water treatment plants, recycling plants, groundwater storages, dams, weirs, pipelines, desalination plants, off-farm irrigation or other critical water projects. Regional councils, local water utilities, irrigation water cooperatives, First Nations organisations, private corporations and science and research agencies can apply for co-funding for water projects under one of three areas: Capital Program First Nations Infrastructure Program Science Program  "The Australian Government’s National Water Grid Fund has supported the delivery of some of the state’s most significant water infrastructure projects to improve the access to safe and reliable water for regional communities to bolster drought resilience and lock in long-term water security," said a spokesperson from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water in a statement.   Proving your pointInvolving both state and federal government departments, the approvals process is hardly streamlined and the turnaround for the first step is tight, with Expressions of Interest (EOIs) due by 27 February.People making submissions must show how their project proposals will provide long term benefits for local communities or industry by improving water security and helping economic development in the area.   Any proposals with new construction works also have to include a final business case and a benefit cost ratio analysis, with no guarantee of eventual funding.  Shortlisted applicants will then work with the NSW government to develop funding proposals which will be submitted to the federal government for consideration.    "We're looking for the next water projects to support our remote and rural communities, improve water quality and security and drive thriving economies and healthy environments," said Executive director of development for NSW DCCEEW, Lisa Hingerty. Local councils and irrigator groups contacted said they were not yet in a position to advise whether they would be proceeding with an EOI. To find out more check out the National Water Grid Fund - NSW Guidelines for Applicants or visit NSW National Water Grid Fund applications. 

Gilgandra locals are less than a month away from reading in their shiny new library as work is underway to move over 20,000 items from the old one. The Gilgandra Shire Library will remain closed from 31 January until early March, with a collection including books, games, DVDs and LEGO migrating to the Gil Library Hub on Miller Street. Gilgandra mayor Doug Batten said the larger space, which used to be a Target store, will be open to community groups. "It's a modern library that is more than just a book repository," Cr Batten said. "It's got the room in there now for groups to meet in or have activities, whether it's children's groups or adults'. "We've got a group called the Point Blank Writers' Group and they used to meet at the old library amongst the rows of books. "They were sitting amongst the shelves."The long-serving Gilgandra War Memorial Literary Institute, also known as Gilgandra Shire Library. IMAGE: NSW government Locals can use printing services at Gilgandra Shire Council's administration offices on Warren Road, or Gilgandra Youth Services, during the closure. Library loans have also been extended during the period.Cr Batten said he hopes services and community groups will take advantage of the new space. "If you want to come in there one day a week to, say, provide financial counselling, that opportunity's there. It's whatever the imagination can provide," he said. "The library will add activation to the main street, which was one of the main purposes of moving there, and for our community it's a modern space which they can be very proud of and be very happy to utilise."The old, brick building was officially opened as the Gilgandra War Memorial Literary Institute in October 1923, according to the NSW War Memorials Register. A tablet with the names of Gilgandra district locals killed in World War One was placed with the building. The tablet was moved to the Gilgandra War Memorial in 1997.

Western pubs are facing the decision of whether to pass on a two to three per cent tax hike on alcoholic beverges. The federal government's twice-a-year excise change came into effect on 3 February. Publicans who spoke to the Western Plains App said the excise puts an extra 'cost of living' burden on venues and clients. "It just never ends, it's all these costs," said Armatree Hotel owner Renee Ryan. "People obviously love their beer, especially their tap beer - that's why they call in to a pub - to have a yarn - but it's got make them think twice about it." She said the hotel will have to pass the increase onto patrons. At the Imperial Hotel in Trangie, locally-raised bar manage Shane Dolton, said it would be hard for them not to do the same. "You're going to jump by nearly 50 cents a schooner for light beer," Mr Dolton said.He says the impost is felt most by venues in areas with smaller populations.The Imperial Hotel Trangie. IMAGE: Facebook "We're getting judged on hotels like Coogee Bay Hotel. We haven't got big entertainment. We haven't got 30,000, 40,000 people living around us," he said. "The school, the swimming club, the soccer club, or whatever, kids, they come to the pubs to do their raffles and ask for donations. People aren’t buying any tickets anymore. They can't afford it." Publicans who spoke to the App said they don't understand why the excise is in place or dismissed it as a 'cash grab.' The excise is paid for drinks with an alcohol content above 1.15 per cent and can vary based on the alcohol percentage, type of drink, the container size and whether it's for commercial use. New rates are figured out using the Consumer Price Index, which measures inflation. Wine is taxed separately under the Wine Equalisation Tax, paid by producers at 29 per cent. Does taxing alcohol reduce harm? One of the rationales behind the excise is to reduce alcohol-related harm by making drinks less affordable. Dr. Ou Yang is a senior research fellow at the Melbourne Institute: Applied Economic and Social Research and studies alcohol policy, including the excise. He said there is a research consensus that reducing affordability is the "most effective and cost-effective" way to reduce alcohol-related harms.Dr. Yang took part in a study in, published in 2022, which found some drinks tend to cause more harm than others. IMAGE: supplied "Tax is not a bad thing because it generates revenues for the government to pay for things like our healthcare services and build new hospitals, right?" Dr Yang said. "But I think you have to make sure it has been designed wisely. "The current system is really just a piecemeal patchwork. It depends on which lobby group is shouting out the loudest for tax cuts, tax rebates or tax concessions.." Even if the alcohol percentage is the same, Dr Yang said not all drink types are created equal. For example, results from a 2022 study he was a part of found regular-strength beer and bottled wine were the drinks most likely to be linked to drink-driving. Dr Yang said the excise should be linked to harm. "Ideally, alcohol tax should be targeted at those excessive consumers whose consumption creates negative costs and harm, and not at moderate consumers who do not generate such negative costs to others," he said. "However, 'excessive consumption' is hard to measure, and taxing directly by consumer type is difficult to implement due to potential ethical and privacy issues. "A more feasible and efficient approach is that those drinks associated with negative costs or consumed by individuals causing the most harms would be taxed higher while other drinks that don't really cause you that many troubles should probably not be taxed that much."

The resurgence of mining in the Cobar Basin continues to move from strength to strength, with Aurelia Metals reporting a strong performance for the final quarter of 2024.The company has multiple projects moving ahead, and has based its ongoing strategy on having infrastructure at Federation Mine, near Nymagee, be funded by the expansion of its Peak Mine, south of Cobar.The company primarily mines gold and base metals including copper.Highlights from the quarter included continued strong cash flow from the Peak operations, the first concentrate produced from ore at the Federation Mine, and a lifting of operating performance at Peak.Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Bryan Quinn said the production of the first ore from Federation Mine was particularly encouraging. “The excellent throughput and recovery results from the December processing campaign is an exciting milestone for Aurelia.“Peak continued to generate strong cash flow that enabled us to fund our growth, exploration and closure activities. And with efforts to improve operational productivity ongoing, we remain on track to deliver our production and cost guidance for the year.“Peak is funding Federation and our exploration activities,” Mr Quinn said. “We’re in quite a unique position. Most companies of our size don’t have the ability to have one project providing the cash flow to fund other growth.“Gold commodity prices are helping fund our future in base metals and copper.”Aurelia Metals has been active in the Cobar Basin for several years, with Peak Mine built in 1990’s by Rio Tinto.Mr Quinn said the challenges the company now faced were sustainability and health and safety. “That’s the highest value we have. We feel a sense of achievement when our workers are safe and there are no injuries.”The company aims to build to a workforce of 500-600 workers, including contractors, through a mix of drive-in-drive out and FIFO workers.“Certain roles are more difficult to fill than others. We’re competing with those mining companies across the Eastern Seaboard, so attracting professional people, the specialist engineering types is sometimes challenging.”And despite those recruitment challenges on the horizon as the company builds up multiple projects, Mr Quinn praised the current teams on the ground. “The team has been able to perform at a significant level, with our safety performance improving in recent quarters.”

Western students taking up rural studies have the chance to be awarded $2000 under a scholarship set up to honour late Gulargambone community titan William 'Willy' Redington. Announced at Gulargambone's Australia Day celebrations, the William Redington Agricultural Scholarship will provide the money annually to one second-year university or TAFE student. The scholarship will be open to anyone originally from the areas covered under the '68' telephone code area, which includes most of the Western Plains, Dubbo and Moree. Organisers hope to award their first recipient by the end of 2025. "It's just something else we can remember Dad by," said Willy's daughter Samantha Redington. "I hope it helps them along their educational journey and their life journey."Willy Redington (centre) with his family. IMAGE: suppliedThe scholarship will be funded with about $24,000 left over from the community auction hosted in Gulargambone toward the end of Willy's life, topped up by donations from the Gulargambone Lions Club. Willy cut his teeth as a shed hand and was heavily involved in the wool trade for most of his life, so his loved ones decided a rural studies scholarship was a natural choice to honour his life. Gulargambone farmer Ian (Bull) Lambell was a friend to Willy for over 60 years and announced the scholarship. "The area is the Dubbo phone book, the 68 phone book, which covers a lot of where Willy spent a lot of his time kicking asses," Ian said. Ian also said some money from the local fundraising pool would go towards installing a shade cloth over an approximate six-metre square lawn area on the western end of Gulargambone Hospital. Born in April 1957, Willy came to Gulargambone as a five-year-old when his family bought a small block. He joined the Gulargambone Show Society in 1977 and ten years later was one of the Charter Members of the Gulargambone Lions Club. He took part in wool judging competitions throughout the region and was renowned for his commitment to educating the industry's up and coming generation. Willy passed away in February 2024. The Gulargambone Australia Day crowd, which included members of the Redington family, observed a minute silence for Willy and other loved ones lost that year.

Water restrictions has been raised from 'moderate' to 'high' for Tottenham, Albert and people along the B-Section Pipeline. The new restrictions bar the use of watering systems, non fixed sprinklers and handheld hoses for watering lawns and residential gardens. Lachlan Shire Council announced the new restrictions on due to "limited supply" from the pipeline and Leg O'Mutton Dam. "Due to the hot weather, there's increased demand on water from this pipeline all the way from Forbes through Parkes Shire to Albert, which has decreased the flow," Lachlan Shire spokesperson said. "So, conservation methods are required all the way along the pipeline, including in Tottenham and Albert. "This is in line with Parkes Shire, which is also implementing level 3 restrictions for B-section pipeline users."The Albert reservoir. IMAGE: NSW GovernmentThe new level does not dramatically change what residents and businesses could do under level 2. Residential lawns and gardens can still be watered every second day, as per the odds and evens system, between 6am to 9am and 6pm to 9pm, although only microsprays, drip systems and soaker hoses are allowed. Under the system, if your street address number is odd, you can water on water on odd days. Likewise, even properties can water on even days. Most non-residential water uses are also allowed, although only with a Water Saving Action Plan. The council has full breakdown of restrictions on its website. The B-section pipeline originates in Forbes and passes through Trundle and Tullamore to Albert and serves consumers along its length. The region’s drinking water supply comes from the Forbes Water Treatment Plant via a pipeline into the Albert reservoir where water is also gravity fed to the storage facility in Tottenham to service hundreds of residents in each town. The council had declared level 2 restrictions on 4 January after Albert Reservoir dropped below 50 per cent capacity.

Brewarrina Shire Council has advanced the redevelopment of a waterfront area south east of the town.A team of geotechnical engineers were on site at Four Mile on the Barwon River this week, completing final investigations in preparation for the completion of the extensive revitalisation construction plans. This marks a significant milestone as the site prepares for a comprehensive $1.5 million transformation, aimed at renewing the area for both locals and visitors. Testing included soil assessments, which will be crucial in ensuring that the upcoming developments are designed to suit local conditions.The $1.5 million makeover for the popular riverside spot will see a host of new facilities and features added inspired by the local culture and environment.The improvements include new amenities with bathrooms and showers, shaded BBQ area with seating, improved access to the river via stabilised bank and removable floating jetty and pontoon, grassed expanses, and road and footpath upgrades – all of which will be fully wheelchair accessible and built to withstand flooding events.  Brewarrina Shire Council General Manager David Kirby said he was pleased the final stage of the construction planning was almost finalised and looked forward to construction getting underway. "The completion of the geotech investigations is a crucial step forward in our vision to transform Four Mile Reserve into a vibrant community hub."We are committed to creating a space that reflects our community’s values and needs while preserving the unique natural environment for generations to come." The project is slated to begin construction in the coming months, with the construction tender for the project expected to be released shortly.  Community gathering place“Careful thought, considerate planning and community input has gone into every aspect of the conceptual planning for Four Mile by experienced architects and landscapers. "They’ve taken into consideration current and future uses, cultural significance, flood mitigation, utilising local resources and the local workforce, and how we can improve the facilities of this favourite riverside spot,” said Mr Kirby, pictured below, on-site.“Four Mile is not only extremely popular for camping and recreation for the community and visitors, but it is also a special place for First Nations peoples. "Dreaming stories tell us the Rainbow Serpent, travelled across the landscape creating the river, and then came to rest at the bend in the river where the water reaches its deepest depth – what we know today as Four Mile.“Our project team met with community members including staff from the Brewarrina Local Aboriginal Land Council and heard this story, and it has inspired much of the design elements for the makeover.”As well as inspiration from the heritage and history of Four Mile, the design team also looked to the local landscape and natural resources to form key elements of the transformation plan.“We are lucky to have some truly beautiful natural resources in the region, including the deep coloured natural rocks and granite at our quarry. "So, the designs also look to utilise these local resources and materials to form some of the buildings and structures at the site, as well as leveraging the local workforce to complete the project. “This will be a place built for and by the community,” said Mr Kirby.

The olive perchlet, also known as Agassiz’s glassfish, once thrived throughout the Murray-Darling Basin, but thanks to extensive habitat loss, the small native fish is now considered a threatened species.In a collaborative effort, OzFish partnered with NSW DPIRD Fisheries, Landcare NSW, and the local Indigenous youth program Boys to the Bush, to revitalise wetland sites in the Dubbo region, including one at Narromine.This effort focussed on reversing the decline and give the species a new lease on life.“The olive perchlet and other small-bodied native fish once made up the basis for the food chain for the larger fish and birds in the Murray-Darling Basin,” OzFish Dubbo team leader Sean Graham said.“Without these smaller native fish in our waterways, many other species are at risk, particularly the iconic Murray cod and endangered waterbird species.“The olive perchlet prefers to breed in billabongs with intact waterway vegetation and abundant aquatic plants."The problem is that native vegetation has been removed, and their homes are filled with rubbish and teeming with invasive carp that degrade the water quality and aquatic vegetation.”The group co-ordinated four habitat restoration days with the help of local Landcare members.Volunteers removed an impressive 80 kilograms of rubbish and over 300 invasive carp from the breeding sites.Small, but important! The olive perchlet is being given a helping hand to increase its numbers in local rivers.In total, more than 90 volunteers contributed over 180 hours to improve the local fish habitats.The Wiradjuri Cultural and Environmental Rangers helped construct 20 habitat-enhancing rafts that were then installed at the Dubbo Golf Course and Narromine Wetlands.These rafts, made from hessian, twine, and harvested bamboo, provide refuge from larger predators and create suitable breeding conditions for the olive perchlet.Murray–Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) Chief Executive Andrew McConville was full of praise for the group effort.“The Murray–Darling Basin Native Fish Recovery Strategy is a long-term plan developed to protect and restore native fish populations across the Basin, addressing the drastic declines seen over the past several decades,” he said.“These grants are a lifeline for the communities ready to make a real difference for our native fish and their habitats.”The ultimate goal of the olive perchlet project is to establish at least five self-sustaining surrogate populations in the region in and around Dubbo.These populations will provide annual brood stock to reinforce wild populations and ensure the survival of the species in the Murray-Darling Basin.Landcare NSW Chair Gareth Johnston emphasised the importance of community participation in conservation efforts.“We extend a heartfelt thank you to the local communities for their hard work in revitalising degraded wetlands, removing invasive species, and building innovative habitat rafts.This project showcases the incredible power of community within conservation and its vital role in enhancing our environment and biodiversity.”

A woman has faced court charged over alleged firearm and stealing offences in Walgett. Police allege that a storage container in Fox Street was broken into between 12pm on Monday 3 February 2025 and 6:45am on Tuesday 4 February 2025. The owner of the container reported that a number of power tools had allegedly been stolen. "Following inquiries, officers attached to Central North Police District searched a room at a motel on Fox St, Walgett, where they seized items including power tools, a gel blaster, a NSW Rural Fire Service defibrillator, and housebreaking implements," a police spokesperson said. A 25-year-old woman was arrested at the motel and taken to Walgett Police Station where she was charged with:Face blackened/disguised with intent to commit an indictable offencePossession of housebreaking implementsPossession of unregistered firearm-prohibited firearmReceiving property-theft-serious indictable offence <$5000 (two counts)Goods in personal custody suspected of being stolen, andBreach of bail. She appeared before Walgett Local Court on Wednesday 5 February 2025, where she was refused bail to appear before the same court on Monday 10 March 2025 Police are urging those with information on the incident to contact Crime Stoppers online or on 1800 333 000. 

Condobolin's RSL sub-branch is at risk of closing as the local charity struggles to boost its aging membership. The local RSL club will host a meeting from around midday on Saturday, where it's hoped former service people and their supporters will put their hand up to form a new committee. Condobolin RSL Club manager James Bennett said the current committee has been in a holding pattern over "the last few years.""Everyone's getting a little bit older," Mr Bennett said. "Because they've been inactive, the head office is looking to close them. "The head office is having a meeting on 25 February, and I have to give a due cause as to why the sub-branch should not be closed. "It's just been part of the community for such a long time, so that's why I'm fighting to keep it open." Mr Bennett said the branch currently has three members and that executive roles have to be filled by ex-services personnel. Condobolin RSL Club. IMAGE: Wikimedia CommonsIf a committee does form on Saturday, he said they will discuss potential projects they want to take up with available funds, including restoring headstones in the old Condobolin Sacred Park cemetery. The RSL club is it's own entity and would continue to operate as normal if the sub-branch closes. Mr Bennett said the club already had a heavy role in organising ANZAC Day services last year and would take on full responsibility. He also expects memorabilia like rifles and swords would remain at the club, although sub-branch funds would be absorbed by NSW RSL. Seventy-three-year-old Condobolin resident James 'Bluey' Stewart was a national service call-up and reservist in the 1970s and 1980s, and has been an RSL member for over 40 years. When he first joined, there was no shortage of people to man the sub-branch. Now, Mr Steward says he can probably count the town's former services personnel on one hand. "I encourage all ex-servicemen to get involved, but where are they?" he said. "People today just don't want to get involved in committees. They just want everything given to them. "There might be three young fellas in town under 50, but they're not interested."

The Australian Medical Association (AMA) is urging doctors working in regional, rural and remote Australia to take part in the their latest Rural Health Issues Survey.   The last survey conducted in 2022 highlighted crucial gaps in training pathways for rural doctors and workforce retention issues.   AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen is asking all rural, regional and remote doctors to participate in the 2025 survey to voice concerns on crucial issues affecting access to rural healthcare. She says getting direct input from those working on the ground has never been more important. “Working as a rural doctor can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it comes with its own unique challenges," Dr McMullen said. “Workforce shortages, infrastructure issues, the challenge of distance, and higher incidences of major illnesses among the population are all issues our rural doctors deal with every day. "The AMA has been calling for dedicated strategies and investments to support our rural workforce for years.  “We want rural doctors to share their experiences with us and tell us what the priorities should be ahead of the federal election. We will use the results of the survey to ensure rural health is on the agenda of all politicians.” Spelling it out for policymakers Earlier this year, the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) released a five-point list on what they want from an incumbent federal government ahead of this year's election.  Five key priorities were:  Train more rural doctors Get more specialists Build more work spaces Help medical parents stay in the workforce Plan for the future  President of the Rural Doctors Association of NSW, Rachel Christmas, says the issue is complex and multifaceted.   "AMA is looking at this holistically, the questions that they are asking are looking at whole range of issues from training and selection to attracting GPS to rural areas."   She also highlighted the need for more follow-through from the NSW Government.   "The state government has made a start with an inquiry. But I think what they’re realising is that all of this costs money, and the money isn’t there.   "I don’t think the NSW government is doing enough for understanding the complexities of the award and rural specialists."   However, the future of rural health is not all disastrous, according to rural junior doctor Pip Kensit.   "We always need more funding and more people. But at the moment I think it's certainly not doom-and-gloom. "In terms of when I was a nurse versus junior doctor things have definitely improved.  "I'm quite positive for the future, but aware we need to keep fighting for rural health equity."   The 2025 Rural Health Issues Survey is open to all doctors who are currently or have previously practised in regional, rural or remote Australia. Submissions close on the 19 February.   

Effective 1080 baiting is considered the ‘thin green line’ that protects many of Australia’s threatened and native species from extinction, according to invasive species experts.Local farmers also have their own reasons for using the bait.Jenny Bradley and her family run 2,000 breeding ewes on their property near Tooraweenah.As a member of the Tooraweenah Prime Livestock Group, she firmly believes 1080 plays a crucial role in feral pest control on their farm, with feral cats and foxes being the primary targets.According to the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions, these two predators have already caused the extinction of 32 native animal species and are pushing over 200 more toward the same fate.For farmers like Ms. Bradley, protecting livestock means safeguarding their livelihood, and she finds 1080 an effective method.“We conduct an extensive baiting program in our local area, and 1080 underpins our fox control efforts,” Ms. Bradley said.“We’re part of a collaborative group that uses baits, and it has been really effective.Together, we cover close to 10,000 hectares, working in partnership with Local Land Services.”“The group carries out extensive baiting once a year before lambing, and then individual members do their own fox baiting as needed to either clean up or preempt predation during lambing times.”“Using 1080 as a control method is very important to us.”However, not everyone supports the use of the poison.The Coalition Against 1080 Poison calls it inhumane and labels its use as an “animal welfare crisis.”“It is a colourless, tasteless, and odourless toxin with no known antidote."It is lethal to all living organisms and is banned in most of the world,” the organisation states on its website.Currently, only Australia, Israel, Japan, Korea, Mexico, and New Zealand continue to use 1080.Despite ongoing criticism of its potential effects on native animals, experts argue there is no cause for alarm.Gillian Basnett, the National Feral Cat and Fox Management Coordinator, says the facts around 1080 are clear: native Australian animals have a higher tolerance to this toxin than introduced predators.“Native species in southwest WA, where fluoroacetate-bearing plants naturally occur, have an even higher natural tolerance to 1080,” Ms. Basnett said.As a result, the Centre for Invasive Species Solutions say only small amounts of the toxin are required for effective feral cat and fox baits.If native animals such as eagles, goannas, brush-tailed possums, or quolls ingest a bait, they do not receive a lethal dose, they claim.The Coalition Against 1080 counters this, stating that while animals in Australia vary in their sensitivity to 1080, none have developed immunity or resistance to it.From a local context, Ms Brown said loves to see native animals on her family farm.Jenny Bradley from Tooraweenah said 1080 is an effective control for feral species on local properties.“We have certain native species on the farm that we feel lucky to have," she said."The marsupial hopping mouse, for example, disappears if you have too many foxes or cats."Ms Basnett emphasised the careful regulation of 1080 use.“It’s important to remember only authorised, properly trained operators are permitted to handle and prepare them," she said."Each bait is carefully formulated to contain the minimum amount of 1080 required to target feral cats or foxes.“We have a choice to make: protect our native wildlife or allow invasive predators like feral cats and foxes to continue pushing species toward extinction."The Centre for Invasive Species Solutions' CEO, Shauna Chadlowe, said that 1080 is currently the best available control tool.She said that while advocating best-practice invasive species management, the Centre also prioritises humane methods and is committed to developing new control tools in collaboration with partners.“Techniques such as gene drive show great promise but are still in development," Ms Chadlowe said."Currently, there are no practical or effective alternatives to 1080 for predator control across large landscapes and rugged terrain.“Without an effective way to manage invasive predators, more unique Australian wildlife will be lost.”

Western Plains community leaders are pushing for a coordinated response to tackle youth crime after a fatal hit-and-run near Gunnedah involving three 14-year-olds killed a motorcyclist in his 50s during a police pursuit. They were travelling in a vehicle stolen from Moree.Local mayors and community leaders say it could happen in any almost town in the state and the incident should trigger decisive action. "It's heartbreaking for his family and friends and their community to think that person was out on bail for very similar offenses," Bourke Shire Mayor Lachlan Ford said.  One of the children was out on bail at the time while another teenager had a warrant for an alleged domestic violence-related assault. "I know Moree, Narrabri, and Gunnedah communities are still reeling from this shocking tragedy," MP Mark Coulton said.  "Sadly this incident is just the tip of the iceberg. Communities throughout my electorate have been dealing with youth crime for years but over the past year it seems to have escalated and now it's resulted in the death of an innocent man," Mr Coulton said.  Youth crime is becoming an entrenched problem in many communities throughout Australia.Ten- to seventeen-year-olds were the age group most likely to commit a robbery, breaking and entering, and motor vehicle offense in NSW, according to statistics from BOSCAR (Bureau of Crime Statistics & Research).  Between October 2023 and September 2024, 10- to 17-year-olds committed 613 robberies, 2,092 breaking and entering offenses, and 1,177 motor vehicle thefts.  Lachlan Shire Mayor John Medcalf echoed the sentiment.  "It's the same in all rural communities. We're having these issues because we've got so much distance between ourselves and doesn't matter whether it's crime, policing, or even the health services." "We need to be communicating especially with the parents and community organisations to try and help each other." Lachlan Shire Mayor John Medcalf. The community-led crime prevention group Safer Coonamble Group is working to tackle crime by putting resources where they are needed."We need to nip it in the bud," SCG member Dennis Glover said.He said youth programs stop children from going out at night and getting into trouble and can provide the youth with life skills they can use to find employment "but we need funding to do the programs"."They start to break in the houses from the age of eight because they can access the windows easier."Cr Ford said he sees kids as young as ten committing crimes in Bourke.  "I think the age has decreased.  "Back in the 90s, we always had a lot of cars stolen but we didn't have the knife-related crime that we have nowadays."  The rate of violent crimes in the Far West and Orana is 2.9 times higher than the state average, according to a 2023 BOSCAR report on regional and rural crime in NSW.  Regional Crime Inquiry  In October 2024, a regional crime inquiry hearing was held in Bourke to discuss how to tackle crime in regional and rural areas.  Similar to other rural communities in NSW Bourke has been struggling with youth crime for many years. The final report is scheduled to be released in November of this year. So far, there has been no update on the progress of the inquiry.  "I'd like to see them acknowledge that there are issues within the court system that things need to change," Cr Ford said.  "I think the state government needs to be talking to our local councils and the Country Mayor's Association (CMA) because we represent our communities. They need good background knowledge to make decisions that support what we're trying to do," Cr Medcalf said.  "People have been screaming for change but we are yet to see any practical solutions. What is it going to take for someone to be done?" former chair of the Country Mayors' Association (CMA) Jamie Caffey said.  No one-size-fits-all solution Finding a solution often involves talking to people on the ground and the collaboration of community and government organisations, the community leaders say.  "I don't think there's any one-size-fits-all approach to it. Different kids from different families face different situations," Cr Ford said.  One important factor to keeping children out of jail he said was education because incarceration does not work as a deterrent for all young people.  "Going to jail or prison is like a badge of honour to them."  "Once kids slip through and stop going to school and start looking for other ways to keep themselves entertained, it tends to lead to some of the bigger social issues that we're facing nowadays." Going to jail can offer a break away from a tough home life, Mr Glover said."A couple of kids went away recently and don't want to go back again but for others, it's a way to get fed and have airconditioning." The state government has promised to address regional and rural crime.  "I understand the serious concerns around crime in our regional communities, and I want to assure the community that NSW Police are working tirelessly to address these issues," NSW Minister for Police Yasmin Maree Catley said.  “In addition to a strong law enforcement response, the Government wants to get to the bottom of these complex problems and tackle the root causes of offending. This requires everyone from state to local government, community organisations, support services, and education to work together."

A door-to-door bus service called Walgett Wheels is coming to the Aboriginal communities of Gingie and Namoi in April.  The 10-seater bus will transport residents from Gingie and Namoi into Walgett located ten and two kilometres away from town respectively. "I reckon it'll be good for everyone," Arthur Murray from Namoi said.  "People who don't have a motor vehicle can't go anywhere." Residents currently have to rely on friends and family for transport. Operator LiveBetter is also looking for a bus driver and operator to run the service. You can apply for the job here.  State MP for Barwon, Roy Butler welcomed the service.  "In regional areas, we just don't have the transit systems people expect on the coast or major centres," he said. It has been over a decade since there was a taxi service from Gingie and Namoi into town.Gingi Streetscape. Photo: supplied.  The pre-booked bus service will run Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays between 8:30am to 2pm at a one-way charge of $2.30 for adults and $1.15 for children.  Pensioners can use the all-day Regional Excursion Daily (RED) for $2.50 the whole day.   "We're excited to bring this service to life and continue our mission of supporting people to live and thrive in their chosen communities," LiveBetter CEO Natalie Forsyth-Stock said.  The service will run for a 12-month trial period under the NSW Government Transport Access Regional Partnership (TARP) program grant.  "By investigating and investing in new potential transport options like Walgett Wheels we are opening up opportunities for the community and working to close the transport disadvantage gap," Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said.  Bookings for the bus can be made by calling 02 6391 2453.  

After a brief hiatus due to low participation, Narromine Shire Council is bringing back the Narromine Shire's New Resident Night on Thursday, February 27, offering a warm welcome to those who have recently moved to the region. The event will provide a relaxed setting for newcomers to connect with Councillors, Council staff, and fellow residents while learning more about the local community, service organisations, and sporting groups. Mayor Ewen Jones said Council was determined to spread the word and ensure a strong turnout this year. “We haven’t held this event for a couple of years due to lack of interest, so we’re being really proactive about getting the word out there for this event,” he said. “The last time we ran this get together, we had Fire and Rescue come along to talk about fire safety and smoke alarms as well as other community groups getting in contact."We really hope for a strong turnout and everyone can be assured it will be a very casual event—no one is expected to stand up and introduce themselves or make a speech."It’s just a chance to mingle with other newcomers. "Kids are definitely welcome to come along as well," he said.Cr Jones encouraged long-term residents to invite their new neighbours along or even attend as a plus one. “Our New Resident Night is about fostering connections and ensuring everyone feels at home in the region," he said."It’s a great way to meet people, build relationships, and discover the many opportunities to get involved in the community."Narromine Shire Council is gearing up to welcome new residents at an upcoming event.“We look forward to a great evening of connection and celebration, where you can meet some friendly faces and feel truly welcomed into the Narromine Region.” He said anyone who has moved to the area in recent years and hasn’t attended a previous event like this is welcome to come along. “I notice a lot of faces around town that I don’t know, and we hope to get good numbers so we can answer any questions new residents may have—even simple things like where to find a tradesperson,” Cr Jones said.Narromine Shire's New Resident Night - Event DetailsWhen: Thursday, February 27 at 6pm Where: Soul Food, Narromine Details: Drinks and canapés providedCr Jones said he hopes to see plenty of new faces at the event, and stressed the importance of providing an RSVP. "Last year, we ended up cancelling it because of lack of responses and then a new resident turned up on the night!" he said."She has since become friends with my wife, so we will make sure she gets to attend this year!" RSVP by 24 February via email to Council at [email protected] to confirm your attendance.

A 34- and 37-year-old face illegal hunting charges after they were caught red-handed by a legal hunter in Nyngan in late 2024.  The incident took place around 8:30pm on 28 November 2024 on a rural property on Pangee Road, southwest of Nyngan.  The legal hunter caught wind of the two men and contacted the owner to confirm that he was the only one with permission to hunt He approached the two men and together with another witness, who arrived later at the scene, took pictures of the men, their dogs, and their vehicle.  The matter was reported to police and the Rural Crime Investigators from Bourke who commenced an investigation.  "Following inquires, police spoke to the two men on 16 January," a police spokesperson said.  The men were given a notice to appear before the Nyngan local court on 25 March. They face charges of entering enclosed agricultural land accompanied by a hunting dog and they could face a maximum fine of $13,200, 12 months imprisonment, or both.  The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) encourages property owners and legal hunters to stay vigilant for any signs of illegal hunting activity such as spent cartridges, signs with bullet holes, dead or injured animals with gunshot or trauma wounds, unusual vehicles, or stray hunting dogs. A private property sign from the DPIRD. Photo: DPRIDIllegal hunting can be reported on the website of the DPIRD or by contacting Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

Remote and regional phone users will have direct access to satellite connection to help alleviate previous dead spots.Greater coverage options are expected to come from a new collaboration between Telstra and Starlink, according to Australian financial comparison platform, Canstar. The partnership was announced last month, with an aim, according to Telstra, to bring Satellite-to-Mobile (direct-to-handset) text messaging to their customers.“Australia’s landmass is vast and there will always be large areas where mobile and fixed networks do not reach, and this is where satellite technology will play a complementary role to our existing networks,” a spokesperson for Telstra said.“As satellite technology continues to evolve to support voice, data and IoT we will explore opportunities for the commercial launch of those new services,” they said.Canstar Blue’s utilities expert, Tara Donnelly, said the collaboration will significantly impact how people living in rural and regional Australia can communicate - bringing service to parts of the country that have never had it before. “The best part is that for most Aussies, they won’t need to change anything to get access to this service - but that might not be the case for everyone,” Ms Donnelly said.She said the technology will mean that coverage will be available to the more than 60% of Australia’s land mass that previously hasn’t been able to access it.  “Initially, customers will be able to send text messages on their phones no matter where they are in the country - over time that will develop to voice calls or even have video streaming capabilities. “The great news is that many won’t have to do anything to get access to the satellite services - it will use technology that already exists in smartphones to work,” she said.Good to have options – Mark CoultonWith many across the Western Plains suffering from multiple coverage gaps, from highway travel and in-property, the new partnership is expected to be broadly welcomed.Federal Member for Parkes, and former Minister for Regional Communications, Mark Coulton (below) praised the reputation Starlink had built as an option for remote communities when it come to internet coverage.“I’ve been hearing good reports about Starlink. Many people who have gone to Starlink are mostly happy with the service.“Starlink covers the whole of Australia, so there should be no-one in a gap,” Mr Coulton said.“I personally have been using the nbn Sky Muster satellite connection for a number of years now and am able to use it for all my internet requirements including video meetings, streaming and checking emails.“The biggest problem I find with regards to communications is the lack of understanding of the various options available. A lot of the complaints I get to my office about nbn are because people don’t understand it,” he said.“More people need to realise that they can use their nbn connection in the home to use Wi-Fi calling, which enables them to make calls over the Wi-Fi network which helps to free up the mobile network for essential calls outside the home. This ultimately helps reduce congestion of the mobile network which is often the primary reason for network problems,” Mr Coulton said.

State Member for Barwon, Roy Butler is lobbying to open up before and after school care (BASC) options in the Bogan Shire.Mr Butler has written to the State Education Minister and said there was a critical need for the service.“The importance of BASC cannot be overstated, miners, mine workers, tradespeople, teachers, police, health workers and other professionals need to be sure that they have adequate care for their family when they are doing long hours or shift work. Without childcare outside school hours, it can be hard to attract and retain these essential workers, which in turn impacts the entire community.“Although it is not their responsibility, Bogan Shire council have been strong advocates for BASC in the shire, and together we have been talking to the government for some time about the need for a service in the region,” Mr Butler said.“I have written to the Education Minister about this issue on more than one occasion, most recently requesting a meeting between the minister and representatives from the Council to discuss possible ways forward.“This is an issue that, with the help of the Council, I will continue to pursue until we have the service that Bogan Shire needs and deserves,” he said.Impact hits workforce attraction - ShireBogan Shire Council General Manager Derek Francis said the lack of BASC options has had a massive impact on working families and has also been cited by the management of Aeris Resources as a barrier for them when trying to attract staff to the Tritton mine.“We are well served by the Nyngan Preschool and the Bogan Shire Early Learning Centre for younger children, and the Shire runs a Youth Centre for high school aged children in the afternoons but there are no care facilities for primary aged children.  “We understand that the provision of Before and After School Care is a State Government responsibility, and Bogan Shire Council has been strongly advocating for this service with the NSW Government since 2021. “Whist we acknowledge that some attempts have been made by the Department of Education in the past to engage a service provider for Before and After School Care in Nyngan, we would really like this urgent issue to be given the priority attention it deserves,” Mr Francis said.