FARMERS could save more than $50,000 a year on interest costs for hybrid, electric and hydrogen-powered utes and methane-reducing feed for their herds under a new tranche of cheap loans. The nation's federal green bank on Friday announced $100 million would go to farmers as part of a $300 million green
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Forever chemicals being found ‘literally everywhere’
AUSTRALIA needs to prevent the introduction of more "forever chemicals" amid warnings it is becoming increasingly difficult to deal with the contaminants already in the environment. A federal senate inquiry is examining the extent of contaminations from the PFAS family of chemicals, which do not naturally break down and have been
Ageing ‘coal clunkers’ posing power outage risk
FRESH warnings Australia's coal generation fleet is ageing and becoming less reliable come as the federal government dials up its clean energy commitment with a $2 billion top-up for the national green bank. More than 60 percent of Australia's coal power stations are over four decades old, an advanced age Climate
Apprentice incentive not enough to meet housing targets
AN injection of funding to attract apprentices into construction is being lauded as a welcome response to the sector's skills shortage. But as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faces an election campaign in which housing affordability is set to be a key issue, his government's record has little to show. Its landmark National
Warning as scammers take advantage of storm chaos
SCAMMERS are attempting to take advantage of the recent storms and the community’s increased vulnerability. The National Broadband Network (nbn) is one of the companies urging everyone to remain vigilant for unsolicited phone calls or messages. Advertise with News of The Area today. It's worth it for your business. Message us. Phone
PM energised as Nats use nuclear to hunt coal-rich seat
EARLY campaigning ahead of a federal election is giving insight into what voters will be pitched, with energy and leadership quality dominating the discussion. The political tussle last week largely focused on respective energy policies with Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton each painting themselves as the best chance to take Australia
Wildfires and other weather extremes raising new climate alarms
WILDFIRES in Los Angeles, heavy snow in other parts of the US, floods in Saudi Arabia and heatwaves across Australia have all confirmed the fears of climate scientists. The Climate Council, an independent organisation formed after the Abbott Government abolished the Climate Commission in 2013, says scientists have confirmed 2024 was
New patients continue struggle to find bulk-billing GPs
FEWER GP clinics than ever will take new bulk-billed customers and out-of-pocket charges continue to rise, in data labelled concerning but not surprising. Healthcare directory Cleanbill's annual survey of nearly 7000 GP clinics found Australia's bulk-billing rate had plummeted to 20.7 percent at the start of 2025, down from 35.7 per
Pollies sharpen pitch as pseudo-election campaign heats up
STRUGGLING Australians are being promised more help as Labor pushes to "build Australia's future" while the Liberals pledge to get the country "back on track". Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has given a glimpse into the Liberals' campaign mantra as the unofficial election campaign ramps up and leaders and senior ministers hit
Major changes to water use a boost for farmers fighting and preparing for bushfires
THE State Government is removing some of the red tape that has prevented farmers fighting fires on their property and adjacent land. During a fire emergency, a landholder can now use surface water and groundwater sources without a water licence or water use approval. Advertise with News of The Area today.