Draft transport plan already needs a rewrite after Inland Rail axed
The NSW Government’s new draft transport blueprint for the New England North West is already in need of an overhaul after Inland Rail was scrapped north of Parkes, and an array of criticism for its lack of plan and the burden on local government.
Funding fix needed for rural councils
NSW Farmers has urged funding reform, warning rural councils cannot maintain critical roads with unreliable, project-based support.
Glen Innes welcomes NSW Drought Coordinator’s visit
Glen Innes Severn Mayor Margot Davis has called for stronger drought support during a visit from NSW Drought Coordinator Ray Willis.
Borah Crossing declared Aboriginal Place
Borah Crossing near Gunnedah and Manilla has been officially declared an Aboriginal Place, recognising generations of cultural connection to the site.
Local News
Armidale’s BackTrack winners in Australia Post community grants
Armidale’s BackTrack Youth Works is among NSW organisations sharing in Australia Post grants supporting mental health and disaster recovery.
Rural mental health forum to discuss challenges and realities
Mental health professionals from across the Hunter New England will gather in Tamworth this month for a major rural mental health forum.
Guyra community invited to build support skills after Just a Farmer screening
Guyra residents are being encouraged to build mental health support skills following the town’s screening of Just a Farmer.
Expanded coach services to boost regional connections
Regional residents will benefit from expanded coach services, improving affordable travel connections to Dubbo, Muswellbrook and surrounding communities.
Events
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- Circle of Security Parenting ProgramEnds: May 22, 2026
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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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
Landfill operator fined over Marys Mount fire
The operator of the Marys Mount landfill near Gunnedah has been fined after a major fire sent smoke across the region before Christmas.
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.
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
AI key to recovering ultra-valuable solar material
As Australia’s love for solar threatens to pile into a serious waste stream, researchers are turning to AI to extract more value from retired panels, and UNE is leading the way.
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.
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Good News
Warialda community comes together for Shop of Opportunity opening
The Warialda Shop of Opportunity officially opened on Saturday, May 2, drawing strong local support and marking the end of a three-year community-led project.
Five Decades of Action: Zonta Armidale’s Lasting Impact on Women’s Lives
Half a century of advocacy, service and community connection is being celebrated this year as the Zonta Club of Armidale marks its 50th anniversary – a milestone that speaks not only to longevity, but to a sustained commitment to improving the lives of women and girls.
