New sustainability Report by RMIT

Image Credit: RMIT Online

RMIT Online, in collaboration with Deloitte Access Economics, has released a powerful new sustainability report titled “Towards a Green-Skilled Workforce” and it’s a wakeup call for Australian businesses.

The report highlights the urgent need for climate readiness and green workforce development, revealing that:

56% of businesses expect significant financial impacts from climate change within the next 10 years.

• 43% are unprepared for mandatory climate reporting, which begins this year.

• Australia will need 1 million additional green-skilled workers by 2030

• Managers with green skills could earn up to 13% more, representing a $1.7 billion opportunity

The report outlines the economic risks, compliance challenges, and critical skills shortages facing Australian organisations and urges business leaders to act now.

To support this transition, RMIT is also launching the Regenerative Futures Institute in 2026, aimed at equipping the workforce with the skills needed for a sustainable future.

Councils become 'critical frontline actors' in crisis response

Image Credit: La Trobe University - Campaspe River Flooding in 2022

A new report has highlighted a joint emergency response by five local councils in northern Victoria during the 2022 floods, one of the most severe weather events in the state’s history. The councils, forming the Northern Victorian Emergency Management Cluster, coordinated efforts to operate a major emergency relief centre and establish a field hospital in Bendigo, supporting evacuees from Campaspe Shire over a two-week period.

The strengthening Collaborative Emergency Management Report, led by La Trobe University, found that combining resources and working together allowed the councils to better meet local needs during the crisis. The collaboration helped address resource shortages, staff burnout, and complex community demands.

The Bendigo Showgrounds Emergency Relief Centre housed over 280 evacuees, offering medical care, meals, laundry services, and trauma-informed support. Loddon Shire, one of the hardest-hit areas, reported $36 million in asset damage, $100 million in crop losses, and the death of 3,500 livestock.

The report emphasised the importance of local knowledge, mutual trust, and institutional support in emergency management, especially as climate change increases the frequency and severity of disasters. It also called for more responsive funding systems and legislative frameworks that enable collaboration.

At the heart of the findings is a simple truth: effective emergency management is about resilience, response, and recovery for real people.

Stringing Across Holbrook Road

Image Credit: EnergyConnect - Transgrid

The EnergyConnect project team are continuing to advance construction activities on the transmission line from Dinawan, NSW to Wagga Wagga via Lockhart. From Friday 8 August to Friday 22 August 2025 weather permitting, the project team will be stringing transmission lines across Holbrook Road, approximately 6km south of Wagga Wagga.

There will be traffic control in place at the affected locations while works are being carried out to ensure the safety of motorists and construction crews. There will be varying speed limits from 100km to 40kms in place whole works are being carried out. Motorists can expect waiting times of up to 10 minutes.

The public can also anticipate an increase in heavy equipment on local roads in and around Holbrook Road associated with stringing activities. Please keep to the signposted speed limits, follow the direction of traffic controllers, and drive to the conditions. Please factor this in when planning your journey into and out of Wagga Wagga.

You can read the Construction Notification here: Transmission Line Stringing Holbrook Road

icare Launches New Lung Mobile Clinic |Bringing Vital Screening to Regional NSW

Image Credit: CDC

icare has officially launched its new, state-of-the-art Lung Health Mobile Clinic, continuing a long-standing commitment to supporting the respiratory health of workers across New South Wales. The clinic has just begun its inaugural road trip, with its next stop in Wagga Wagga already fully booked highlighting the strong demand for accessible lung health services in regional communities.

This new mobile clinic builds on the legacy of icare’s original lung screening bus, which served the community for nearly 16 years. Over that time, it travelled more than 700,000 kilometres, screened over 53,000 individuals, and visited more than 300 destinations across NSW. Each year, icare’s program provides lung health checks to over 5,000 people, helping detect and treat dust-related diseases such as asbestosis, silicosis, and mesothelioma.

The upgraded clinic features cutting-edge technology and enhanced facilities, including:

• Digital chest X-ray imaging for accurate and reliable diagnostics

• Advanced spirometry equipment to assess lung function

• Digital monitoring systems to streamline care

• Backup power supply for uninterrupted service in remote areas

• Improved accessibility and comfort, with a larger clinical space

• A welcoming design, including an interior mural by Indigenous agency Mumbulla Creative, reflecting connection to Country and icare’s values.

New Toolkit Empowers Farmers and Communities to Plan for Renewable Energy Project Retirement

Image Credit: Re-Alliance

A new resource from RE-Alliance, an independent not-for-profit, is helping farmers, landholders, and regional communities understand what happens when renewable energy projects like wind and solar farm reach the end of their operational life.

The toolkit, titled “Refurbishment, repowering or retirement. What happens when renewables approach end of life?”, provides clear and factual information about the three main pathways for aging renewable infrastructure.

• Refurbishment: Replacing worn components to extend the life of the project

• Repowering: Upgrading the entire site with newer, more efficient technology, potentially including battery storage

• Decommissioning: Removing infrastructure and rehabilitating the site, as agreed with the landholder

With some of Australia’s earliest renewable projects now approaching retirement age, this toolkit arrives at a crucial time. It aims to support informed decision-making and long-term planning for communities hosting renewable energy developments.

Impacts of the Water Amendment (Restoring Our Rivers) Act 2023 on NSW Regional Communities

Image Credit: NSW Legislative Assembly

Image Credit: NSW Legislative Assembly

Image Credit: NSW Legislative Assembly

The committee in Investment, Industry and Regional Development held a public hearing in Griffith on 23 July 2025. This inquiry was established to examine and report on the impacts of the Water Amendment (Restoring Our Rivers) Act 2023 on NSW regional communities.

The Committee is looking into major changes from recent federal legislation, such as

• the impact of reintroducing buybacks

• risks to achieving legislative outcomes, such as reducing unlicensed take of water

• the impact of environmental water rules and rules-based changes in NSW

• options to improve government programs aimed at offsetting the impacts of buybacks

Representatives from Leeton Shire, Murrumbidgee council, RAMJO, Griffith City Council, Murray Darling Association, Ricegrowers’ Association of Australia, De Bortoli Wines Pty Ltd, Matrix Commodities Pty Ltd, Griffith Business Chamber, Leeton Business Chamber, Soroptomists International Griffith Inc, Murrumbidgee Irrigation, Murrumbidgee Groundwater Inc and Murrumbidgee Private Irrigators Inc, City of Wagga Wagga and Murray River Council presented at the Inquiry.

You can read the written submissions here: https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/inquiries/Pages/inquiry-details.aspx?pk=3089#tab-submissions

A transcript of the inquiry will be available in coming weeks here: https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/inquiries/Pages/inquiry-details.aspx?pk=3089#tab-hearingsandtranscripts

Image Credit: NSW Legislative Assembly

Image Credit: NSW Legislative Assembly

Image Credit: NSW Legislative Assembly

Image Credit: NSW Legislative Assembly

Image Credit: NSW Legislative Assembly

Image Credit: NSW Legislative Assembly

Image Credit: NSW Legislative Assembly

Image Credit: NSW Legislative Assembly

RDA Riverina Attends the NSW Training Awards 2025

Image L to R: Scott Sandbrook, CEO, Committee4Wagga, and Amanda Cappello, Operations Manager, RDA Riverina

Image L to R: Amanda Cappello Operations Manager RA Riverina, Geoff Reardon Regional Manger - Industry Capability Network NSW, Mel Heffer Business Development Manager GTES Complete Apprentice Management, and Nadine Whalan Job Coordinator Murray-Riverina Workforce Australia

On 19 Jun 2025, Amanda Cappello, Operations Manager at RDA Riverina, proudly attended the NSW Training Awards for the Riverina region, held at the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre. This prestigious event is part of a state-wide initiative celebrating excellence in vocational education and training (VET) and shines a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of students, apprentices, and educators across the Riverina.

Amanda joined a diverse gathering of industry leaders, educators, and community members to honour finalists and winners in categories such as Apprentice of the Year, Trainee of the Year, and VET in School Student of the Year. The evening was a powerful testament to the region’s commitment to nurturing talent, building career pathways, and supporting hight-quality training programs that meet the evolving needs of local industries.

The Riverina Training Awards form a vital part of the broader NSW Training Awards Program, which promotes the value of vocational education and encourages excellence across all sectors. Amanda’s attendance reflects RDA Riverina’s ongoing support for initiatives that strengthen workforce development and celebrate the achievements of future leaders in our region.

Congratulations to all the nominees and recipience, your dedication, skill and passion are shaping the future of our workforce and inspiring communities across the Riverina and beyond.

Amplifying Regional Voices in Multicultural NSW’s Next STrategic Plan

Image: Event attendees.

Image L to R: Multicultural NSW Deputy CEO James Jegasothy, The Welome Experienc Local Connector Jayadev Ajayakumar RDA Riverina

Image L to R: James Jegasothy, Deputy CEO of Multicultural NSW, Dr Saba Nabi, Advisory Board Member Multicultural NSW, Tabitha Chepkwony Community Engagement Officer at Multicultural NSW, Jay Local Connector Welcome Experience, RDA Riverina

Our Local Connector Jay, participated in a Strategic Plan Consultation hosted by Multicultural NSW at the International Hotel Wagga Wagga on June 3rd, 2025. This state-wide consultation process is informing the development of Multicultural NSW’s next Strategic Plan, which will guide their work beyond the current Stronger Together (2021-2025) Framework.

Held across NSW throughout June and July the consultations invite community members, government representatives, and sector stakeholders to help shape the future direction of multiculturalism in the state. Jay contributed insights from the Riverina and Wagga Wagga region, highlighting the importance of regional voices in conversations about inclusion, settlement, and service access. He spoke to the unique experiences of culturally and linguistically diverse communities in rural areas, where issues like housing, employment, and culturally appropriate services continue to impact migrant retention and community cohesion.

“It was a great opportunity to advocate for the realities of multiculturalism in regional NSW and ensure our local challenges and strengths are part of the bigger picture.” Jay shared.

Multicultural NSW’s next Strategic Plan is expected to be finalised in 2025 and will aim to support a more inclusive, connected, and cohesive multicultural future for all of NSW. Community members who couldn’t attend in person are still welcome to provide feedback online via the link below.

An Evening with the Australian Defence Force

This important evening held on the 6 August 2025, will bring together senior Defence leaders, government officials, educators, and industry stakeholders to highlight the national and regional importance of Defence assets located in the Riverina-Murray. We will explore how the region’s major bases—RAAF Base Wagga, Blamey Barracks (Kapooka), and the Albury-Wodonga Military Area—continue to contribute to Australia’s national security while unlocking long-term economic, education, and workforce benefits across our communities.

The event will feature a keynote address, a panel discussion with leading Defence representatives, and a networking reception.

Confirmed Speakers:

· Colonel Matthew Freeman – Army Logistic Training Centre

· Colonel Gerard Kearns CSC – 1st Recruit Training Battalion

· Moderator: Dianna Somerville – Chair, RDA Riverina

Purpose of the Event:

· Spotlight the strategic importance of Defence infrastructure in our region

· Identify opportunities for collaboration across education, innovation, and investment

· Strengthen community and industry partnerships with the Defence sector

Have Your Say On Inland Rail

Image Credit: Dan Loran

Inland Rail is Australia’s largest infrastructure projects, and it’s shaping the future of freight transport across the country. To ensure the project continues to meet the needs of local communities, Inland Rail is inviting feedback through a short survey.

Your input helps guide how Inland Rail communicates and engages with the public. The survey takes just 10 minutes and is open until Monday, 14 July 2025.

Wagga Wagga’s Housing Future: Have Your Say

Image Credit: Wagga Wagga City Council

Wagga Wagga City Council has released the draft of the Local Housing Strategy and Interim Affordable Housing Paper for public feedback, outlining a bold vision to meet the city’s growing housing needs.

With the population expected to increase by 8,900 people by 2041, the city will need around 4,150 new dwellings. The strategy focuses on delivering affordable, well-located, and adaptable housing that suits residents at all life stages.

Key development areas include greenfield sites, infill zones, the CBD, and surrounding villages such as Uranquinty, Ladysmith, and Tarcutta.

Community members are encouraged to review the plans and share their thoughts via Councils Have Your Say platform before Friday, 1 August 2025.

Stronger Support for Telco Customers WHO Experience Domestic and Family Violence

Image Credit: Priscilla Du Preez ca

Media Release: Joint Release by Minister for Communications, Minister for Sport, and Assistant Minister for Social Services, Assistant Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence

Australians impacted by domestic, family, and sexual violence will soon have stronger protections when dealing with telecommunications providers, thanks to a new mandatory industry standard introduces by the Australian Government.

The Domestic, Family, and Sexually Violence (DFSV) Industry Standard, developed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), will come into effect from 1 July 2025. It aims to ensure that victim-survivors receive safe, respectful, and trauma-informed support from their telco providers.

The standard introduces a range of safeguards that telcos must implement, including:

• Reversing service disconnections or restrictions when a customer raises a safety risk.

• Hiding sensitive information such as calls to 1800RESPECT from appearing on bills

• Using only agreed communication methods to avoid triggering trauma

• Training staff to recognise and support victim-survivors appropriately

• Prohibiting any requirement for victim-survivors to engage with alleged perpetrators to resolve account issues

• Minimising re-traumatisation by reducing the need to repeatedly share their story or provided extensive evidence

• Enhancing privacy and control over account security for affected customers

Timeline:

• 1 July 2025: Initial rules become mandatory

• 1 January 2026: Additional rules apply to large telco (30,000 + services)

• 1 April 2026: Full compliance required from all providers

The standard was developed following extensive consultation with the domestic and family violence sector, the telecommunications industry, and consumer advocacy groups. It reflects a growing recognition that telco services can play a critical role in either supporting or endangering victim-survivors.

Inland Rail Update: Across the Riverina

Image Credit: Inland Rail

Major developments are underway across the Riverina as part of the Inland Rail project. Key highlights include:

• New bridge visualisations released for Edmondson Street, Mothers Bridge, and Cassidy Bridge in Wagga Wagga.

• Night works and pre-construction activities ongoing in Wagga Wagga and Junee

• Environmental surveys, including squirrel glider tracking, are active along the Albury to Illabo corridor

• Local jobs and supplier opportunities continue to grow, with strong engagement from regional and First Nations businesses

To learn more, read the full update from Inland Rail here: Inland Rail

Councils Will Receive $1.7 Billion in Funding Early

Image Credit: Joey Csunyo

The Australian Government is bringing forward over $1.7 billion in untied financial assistance to councils across Australia, representing 50% of the 2025-26 Financial Assistance Grant allocations. The funds will be paid before 30 June to support essential local services and shovel-ready projects.

This early payment is especially important for councils facing cash flow challenges or recovering from extreme weather events. The untied nature of the funding allows councils to allocate resources according to local priorities.

Since its inception, the Financial Assistance Grant Program has delivered over $70 billion to local governments. Additional support is programs like the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program, Roads to Recovery, and Growing Regions.

Share Your Stories: Local Healthcare and Roads

Dr Joe McGirr MP, Independent Member for Wagga Wagga

Dr Joe McGirr MP, Independent Member for Wagga Wagga, invites you to complete his survey and share your experience of regional and rural healthcare and roads.

This Survey is a great opportunity for people living in rural and regional areas to express concerns and share experiences in a confidential and efficient manner.

This survey is open until September.

HumeLink West Community Investment and Benefits Program Launched

Image Credit: Transgrid

The HumeLink project, one of Australia's largest energy infrastructure initiatives, is set to revolutionize the nation's energy landscape. This ambitious project aims to connect renewable energy sources to the grid, enhancing availability, market competition, and putting downward pressure on energy prices.

Project Overview:

• Scope: 365 kilometers of 500 kV overhead transmission lines connecting Wagga Wagga, Bannaby, and Maragle.

• Infrastructure: New or upgraded facilities at four substations.

• Sections: Construction divided into HumeLink East and HumeLink West.

Community Investment and Benefits Program: Transgrid, the project developer, is committed to delivering substantial social, environmental, and economic benefits to local communities through its Community Investment and Benefits Program. This program focuses on:

1. Community Connection: Addressing social isolation, mental health, and regional connectivity.

2. Care for Country: Supporting environmental initiatives and reconciliation with First Nations people.

3. Social Legacy Initiatives: Promoting community benefits beyond the project's lifecycle.

4. Local Education and Skills Development: Investing in local education and workforce development.

5. Local Industry Development: Collaborating with local businesses to enhance capacity and capability.

Funding and Eligibility: Transgrid has allocated at least $15 million for community investment initiatives, with $11 million from Transgrid and $4 million from delivery partners. Eligible projects must demonstrate lasting and tangible benefits to local communities within the project footprint, including Snowy Valleys, Wagga Wagga, Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional, Upper Lachlan Shire, Yass Valley, and Goulburn Mulwaree.

Engagement and Selection Process: The program is guided by ongoing community engagement to ensure it reflects local priorities. Projects are selected based on community and stakeholder feedback, program conformance, and budget considerations.

RDA Riverina Staff Attend South West Major Projects Roadshow

Pictured in Griffith are from left to right Karly Sivewright – Griffith City Council, Court Sayer Roberts - Enterprise Plus, Nicola James - AusIndustry, Monica Armanini - DPIRD, Marg Couch and Katie Pastro – RDA Riverina.

Last Month, RDA Riverina staff members Marg Couch (Manager Griffith Projects), and Katie Pastro (Projects Officer) supported the South West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) community and business forums hosted by EnergyCo. These events brought together local residents, businesses, and project partners to discuss the exciting developments underway in the region’s renewable energy future.

The roadshow provided valuable insights into the opportunities emerging from the South West REZ, including updates on major wind, solar, and battery projects, as well as information on procurement processes and job creation. With over $17 billion in private investment and thousands of jobs expected, the REZ is set to transform the region’s energy landscape and economic outlook.

Katie and Marg appreciated the chance to connect with community members and hear directly from developers and EnergyCo representatives. Their attendance reflects a shared commitment to staying informed and engaged as the region transitions to clean, reliable energy.

You can read more about the forums and the South West REZ on EnergyCo’s official announcement.

Increased Skilled Visa Income Thresholds from 1 July 2025

Image Credit: Nicole Geri

From 1 July 2025, skilled visa income thresholds will increase by 4.6%. This is in conjunction with changes to the annual Average Weekly Ordinary Time Earnings (AWOTE). New nomination applications from 1 July 2025, must meet the new relevant income threshold or the annual market salary rate, whichever is higher. The increased skilled visa income thresholds will not apply to existing visa holders and nominations lodged before 1 July 2025.

Salary Increase for the different visa subclasses:

• The Core Skills Income Threshold (CSIT) will increase from AUD75,150 to AUD76,515. This will impact nomination applications for the Core Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482) and the Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186)

• The Specialist Skills Income Threshold (SSIT) will increase from AUD135,000 to AUD141,210. This will impact nomination applications for the Specialist Skills stream of the Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)

• The Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TISMIT) will increase from AUD73,150 to AUD76,515. This will impact nomination applications lodged for the Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa (subclass 494) and the Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme (RSMS) (subclass 187). This is in line with the CSIT and subject to approval or relevant legislation.

NSW Community Improvement District Legislation

Image Credit: Economic Development Australia

Economic Development Australia (EDA) has announced the passing of the Community Improvement Districts (CIDs) Bill 2025 by the NSW Government last month. A landmark move that will make it easier for communities to establish CIDs and drive local economic growth.

CIDs, also known as Business Improvement Districts (BIDs), are collaborative initiatives led by local businesses in partnerships with councils and community groups. They aim to revitalise town centres, enhance public spaces, and foster vibrant local economies.

EDA has a provided the CID model as a powerful tool for:

• Strengthening local business networks

• Improving the trading environment

• Encouraging community-led urban renewal

In early 2024, EDA CEO Jacqueline Brinkman met with Ed Steane, Director of Urban Policy at Transport for NSW, to provide feedback on the proposed legislation. EDA also actively promoted the initiative across its membership, encouraging engagement and review throughout the legislative process.

Festivals Australia Backs Our Regions

Media Release: The Hon Tony Burke MP, Minister for the Arts

Image Credit: Wes Hicks

Regional and remote communities across Australia are set to benefit from a major arts funding boost, with over $700,000 awarded to 18 creative projects through round 20 of the Australian Government’s Festivals Australia Program. This funding will support a variety of community arts, music, literature, visual arts, circus, and theatre projects, helping local artist and organisations bring them to life and share them with their communities. The Festivals Australia program plays a vital role in fostering cultural tourism, supporting local economies, and celebrating talent in regional Australia.