“Devastating”: Region reacts to news of Inland Trail abandonment
The federal government’s decision to halt Inland Rail at Parkes has sparked alarm across Moree, Narrabri and the wider region, with councils, farmers and Nationals MPs warning major freight, logistics and jobs projects are now in limbo.
Construction starts on long-awaited Glen Innes Hospital upgrade
Construction has started on the $50 million Glen Innes Hospital redevelopment, delivering upgraded health facilities for the local community.
Surprise final count puts newcomer on Uralla council
A surprise late swing in preferences has delivered a newcomer a narrow 12-vote win in the Uralla Shire Council by-election, overturning election night expectations.
PLC girls praised after stretchering injured hiker to safety
PLC Armidale students carried an injured hiker with a broken leg for hours through the Warrumbungles, using a makeshift stretcher in a dramatic bush rescue.
Local News
New England region explores opportunity to “close the loop” on solar recycling
New England could become a solar recycling hub as rising end-of-life panels create economic and waste management opportunities.
Inland Rail axed, local projects in limbo
The federal government’s cost cutting ahead of the budget will include axing of the Inland Rail project already under construction, with the shocks to be felt keenly in the New England.
Glen Innes endorses draft framework for activation
Glen Innes Severn Council has moved to exhibit a draft precinct framework aimed at guiding long-term planning, investment and community development.
Kurrumbede Open Day returns for Mother’s Day weekend
A rare chance to visit historic Kurrumbede returns this weekend, with markets, music and Mother’s Day treats on offer.
Events
Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: May 8, 2026- Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: May 15, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: May 17, 2026
TRRRA Monthly Meeting – MayEnds: May 20, 2026
TRRRA Monthly Meeting – MayEnds: May 20, 2026
COMING SOON! To be part of our upcoming promotion celebrating local trades and services – including your opportunity to get a story about your business absolutely free – sign up to our advertisers email list here.
Politics
Family trusts in Treasurer’s sights as farmers warn of regional fallout
Proposed changes to how family trusts are taxed are shaping as a key battleground in next week’s federal budget, with a 30% tax to be proposed despite failing many times before.
Draft transport blueprint for New England draws early debate
A draft of the 20-year transport plan is out, but debate is already raging over rail, roads and regional priorities.
Moree Plains GM Natalia Cowley off to an even bigger challenge
Moree Plains GM Natalia Cowley is heading to Cessnock to tackle one of NSW’s toughest council financial turnarounds.
Coalition pledges to double fuel reserves with $800m storage plan
The Coalition wants to double Australia’s fuel reserves and build new storage, arguing the current crisis has exposed major gaps.
Council considers sale of Sporties carpark land in Inverell
Inverell Shire Council is considering selling land used as the Sporties carpark in Inverell, but the proposal is still in early stages.
NDIS overhaul to kick 160,000 people off, hit regions hardest
Up to 160,000 people could lose NDIS support under sweeping reforms — with regional communities expected to feel the impact most.
The fuel crunch is affecting daily life across our region, so we’re doing the one thing we can do, and helping people get the information they need so we can all make it through this together. Read more
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Call to cut red tape amid fuel cost pressures
Tamworth MP Kevin Anderson is calling for cuts to red tape to help small businesses and farmers facing rising fuel costs.
READ MORE FUEL CRUNCH STORIES >
Moree on a Plate returns to showcase region’s rich food culture
The rich black soil plains of Moree will once again take centre stage next month, with the return of the much-loved Moree on a Plate Food and Wine Festival on Saturday, May 9.
30 cents more on weekly shop to deliver $1m more for local farmers
Households will pay about 30 cents more a week for milk after Norco moved to increase what it pays local dairy farmers, delivering an estimated $1 million a month back into local communities.
Energy and Environment
Gas tax no, new gas fields yes, Narrabri Gas Project don’t know
In the context of a global crisis on liquid fuel supply including gas, the lack of a final green light for the project leaves a Narrabri sized hole in the national gas debate.
New England drought tightens as Narrabri eases watering hours and Tenterfield imposes restrictions
Water restrictions are tightening across the New England, with Narrabri easing watering hours under Level 3 rules while Tenterfield introduces new limits as dam levels fall.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
Taking control of power bills with smarter solar and battery solutions
Whether you’re considering an EV or just want to get the power bills down, the best solar solution for you is a tailored system built around how you use energy, installed by…
Fuel driven changes mean your website is more important than ever
The fuel crisis is changing how people spend, how they travel, and how they choose where to shop. Across the New England, that shift is already being felt by local businesses.
BUSINESS
North West Beef Producers Forum 2026 to offer timely advice for dry conditions
North-west NSW beef producers will get practical advice on managing dry conditions at a Tamworth forum on 13 May.
INDIGENOUS
Calling all ‘deadly’ creatives: Share your art this NAIDOC
Fifty years of ‘Deadly’ will be showcased in Gunnedah Shire’s annual NAIDOC Week Art Exhibition. Read more here.
SPORT
Tamworth rivals set for AFL boost in 2026 Carlton Draft
Tamworth’s Kangaroos and Swans will face off with AFL talent after being selected for the 2026 Carlton Draft.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Opinion: Access is not enough
Ingrid writes that Armidale is not as accessible as you might think, and encourages others to have their say on Armidale's Disability Inclusion Action Plan. The post Opinion: Access is not enough appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
Gamilaraay journalist honoured at inaugural Luminas awards
A leading First Nations journalist with deep ties to northwest New South Wales has been recognised on the national stage, with Lorena Allam named a 2026 Luminas honouree.
Fire-Fly Fete returns to Tenterfield Aerodrome
The Friends of Tenterfield Aerodrome Fire-Fly Fete will return on Saturday, 9 May, transforming the Tenterfield Aerodrome into a hub of aircraft displays, local markets and community celebration from 9 am to 3 pm.
