Queensland farmers welcome added protection of farms and water assets before development can occur
The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) welcomes the Queensland Government’s reintroduced Regional Planning Interests (Condamine Alluvium) and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2026 (the Bill), which has adopted the recommendations of the Parliamentary Committee in full. QFF, Cotton Australia and Central Downs Irrigators Limited (CDIL) were involvement in the Parliamentary Committee process, and advocated strongly for the retention of […]
CQU climatologist alerts regional Queensland it is at biggest risk of severe El Niño drought conditions
Following the Bureau of Meteorology declaring an El Niño event for much of the continent, the fear is that Central Queensland could be one of the worst regions affected, according to CQUniversity Adjunct Professor of Environmental Geography (Climatology) Professor Steve Turton. He is urging communities and industries not to be complacent as there is a […]
Post Offices will be subject to mass closures according to the Coalition as they pursue a Senate inquiry
Following today’s revelations about Australia Post’s secret plan to rationalise its metropolitan outlets, Senator Sarah Henderson says the Federal Government must also come clean on Australia Post’s plans to rationalise its rural and regional Licensed Post Office (LPO) network. According to Senator Sarah Henderson, the end result is that many LPOs in rural and regional […]
Kylie Porter steps up to the CEO role with the Queensland Farmers Federation
The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) has announced the appointment of Kylie Porter as its Chief Executive Officer (CEO). QFF President Aaron Kiely said that Kylie’s deep experience in regional economic development, industry advocacy and stakeholder engagement would be invaluable to QFF’s future success. “Kylie is a fantastic appointment for QFF, bringing with her a deep […]
Deadly H5 bird flu virus detected here for the first time
The discovery of the H5 bird flu virus in a dead migratory bird on a remote Western Australian beach east of Esperance at Cape Le Grand has sounded alarm bells in biosecurity and agriculture. Until now, Australia had been the only continent where the virus was undetected. That all changed on 20 June 2026 when […]
Over the Farm Gate grants get another $400,000 for drought and bushfire support
An additional $400,000 is now available through the Look Over the Farm Gate program to support farmers in drought and bushfire recovery. Delivered by the National Centre for Farmer Health, the program funds community-led events with grants of up to $5,000 each, bringing people together to support farmers and their families. Director Climate, Resilience and […]
NSW Government takes over management of the Rural Fire Service
The NSW Government has advised that from 1 July 2027, it will take over ownership and responsibility of the NSW Rural Fire Service’s mobile assets – commonly referred to as the “Red Fleet”. Mayor Darcy Byrne, President of Local Government NSW said the move would come as a great relief to local councils across NSW. […]
Queensland farmers outline key priorities for agriculture ahead of State Budget
The Queensland Farmers’ Federation (QFF) and its peak body members, CANEGROWERS, Cotton Australia, Queensland Fruit & Vegetable Growers, eastAUSmilk and Greenlife Industry Queensland, have outlined the top priorities for Queensland agriculture ahead of this year’s state government budget which will be delivered on Tuesday, 23 June. These priorities include continued support for industry led workforce […]
Almarai prize for Food Security Research in Dryland Regions is valued at US$500,000 with entries now open
The Almarai Prize has officially opened, calling on leading research institutions, distinguished scientists, and global experts to nominate pioneering research that advances food security in the world’s driest regions. At its basis, the international Almarai Prize for Scientific Creativity invites leading global research institutions and PhD‑holding scientists to nominate standout research that advances food security […]
Reserve Bank faced with runaway inflation from USA ISRAEL attack on Iran takes the high road to cut off further consumer spending
The Reserve Bank (RBA), in the face of a likely harsh Federal budget just one week away, has shown true independence and resolution to tackle inflation by increasing the base cash rate by 0.25% to 4.35%. There is no doubt that a hold on rates today by the RBA would have been welcome by many […]