Biosecurity Training Strengthens Renewable Energy Development in the Riverina

On 25 November 2025, Regional Development Australia (RDA) Riverina partnered with EnergyCo and Charles Sturt University to deliver the first Biosecurity Training for the Renewable Energy Industry at the AgriPark on Charles Sturt University’s Wagga Wagga Campus.

This initiative is a vital step in ensuring renewable energy projects in the South-West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) meet stringent biosecurity standards while respecting the needs of local landholders.

Why Biosecurity Matters

As renewable energy projects expand across rural NSW, maintaining strong biosecurity practices is essential to protect agricultural land and livestock. The training addressed risks such as weed and pest spread, soil contamination, and vehicle hygiene—critical issues for developers working in farming communities.

About the Session

The one-day program combined classroom learning with a hands-on field component at Charles Sturt Farm. Participant explored:

• Biosecurity principles and compliance with the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015.

• Practical hygiene protocols for vehicles and machinery.

• Soil and vegetation management strategies.

• Landholder engagement and property access planning.

The session brought together participants from across the renewable energy and agricultural sectors, creating valuable opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing.

What Participants Said

• “Loved the inter-industry discussion. I felt it helped with the social licence having Ag experience in the room.”

• “Good presentation which elevated the importance of biosecurity risk to the local projects. It was good to have some Elecnor folk there who have some lived experiences and lessons they were able to pass on.”

• “This will be especially useful for construction contractors.”

Looking Ahead

The next training session will be held in Hay early 2026, targeting major contractors responsible for constructing renewable projects. These workshops are part of a broader effort to unlock 3.56 GW of clean energy capacity, create thousands of jobs, and attract $17.8 billion in private investment to the South-West REZ.

Community TV More Available Than Ever Before, With CTV+

Image Credit: Oscar Nord

Media Release: Minister for Communications, Minister for Sport

Australian stories will be even more accessible thanks to an investment from the Australian Government. Developed with the support of the Australian Government, the new CTV+ streaming app for smart TVs means community television is more available than ever before.

The Australian Government delivered $386,000 through its Community Broadcasting Program to support CTV+, making diverse voices, local content and real stories more accessible than ever.

National Road Transport Technology Strategy Plots a Course Ahead

Image Credit: Connor Wang

Media Release: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government

The Australian Government, on behalf of Australia’s infrastructure and transport Ministers, has released the National Road Transport Technology Strategy, setting out a nationally consistent approach to technology deployment and adoption in the road transport sector.

With the automotive industry rapidly changing with greater vehicle connectivity and automated driving technologies, this strategy will support the responsible adoption of these road transport technologies.

The Government recognises that these new technologies can help improve road safety and reduce fuel and energy use, but with this comes greater safety, privacy and cyber security risks.

The National Road Transport Technology Strategy outlines the policy, regulatory and investment roles of governments in supporting new road transport technologies, and provides a set of nine principles to guide nationally consistent decision-making across all jurisdictions.

Through the strategy and action plan, the Federal, State and Territory Governments are working together to ensure the community gets the best out of these technologies and the risks are managed.

Productivity Commissions Inquiry into Regional Airfares

Image Credit: Philip Myrtorp

Media Release: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government

The Australian Government released the terms of reference for the Productivity Commission inquiry into key factors that determine regional airfares.

Regional Australians deserve reliable air services at reasonable prices and that’s what this review is about.

That’s why in response to the Aviation White Paper, we tasked the Productivity Commission to look at regional airfares, including competition, pricing practices and whether profits along the supply chain are fair.

This will give state governments and the Commonwealth the nationally consistent data required to tackle the issue of regional airfares.

Delivering Stronger Oversight of Triple Zero

Image Credit: Mpho Mojapelo

Media Release: Minister of Communications, Minister for Sport

Oversight of the Triple Zero system has been strengthened by the Australian Government, with legislation passing Parliament.

The new laws give the Triple Zero Custodian the power to demand information from telecommunications providers, through the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), so it can monitor Triple Zero performance, identify risks, and respond more quickly to outages and make improvements.

It will also increase the maximum penalties faced by telcos for failing to follow the Triple Zero rules to $30 million.

The laws cement the powers of the Custodian which has been established administratively within the Department of Communications since March and will ensure end-to-end oversight of Triple Zero.

Rest Area Upgrades to Benefit Heavy Vehicle Drivers on the Newell Highway

Image Credit: Gabriel Santos

Media Release: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government

Works to upgrade two rest areas on the Newell Highway south of Moree has begun, benefiting all road users, particularly heavy vehicle drivers travelling in the state’s north-west.

The Australia Government and NSW State Government have committed $12 million to extensively upgrade the northbound and southbound rest areas either side of the Newell Highway at Tycannah.

The Tycannah rest areas upgrade work is receiving $2.4 million in funding from the NSW Government, and $9.6 in funding through the Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Rest Area initiative under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.

The existing rest areas at Tycannah service the major long-haul interstate freight route linking Melbourne and Brisbane but currently have no toilets and no turning lanes.

The upgrades will include a reconfiguration of the rest areas to better accommodate extra-long vehicles, and also deceleration lanes at the entry of the rest area to improve safety.

Industry-Led Projects Driving Heavy Vehicle Safety with $4.2 Million Investment

Image Credit: Chris

Media Release: Assistant Minister for Regional Development

The Australian Government and National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) are continuing to improve safety for everyone on Australia’s roads by funding 12 crucial industry-lead projects through Round 10 of the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI).

To date, the Australian Government has invested more that $45 million across 182 HVSI projects since the program started in 2016, delivering safety improvements across Australia’s heavy vehicle industry and protecting all road users,

The trucking industry is vital for the Australia economy and way of life, with Australia’s road freight expected to grow by 77% between 2020 and 2050.

Parliamentary Inquiry into Local Government Sustainability

Image Credit: Marcus Reubenstein

Media Release: Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories

The Australia Government has announced a Parliamentary Inquiry into Local Government Sustainability, referred to the Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport.

This inquiry will explore key challenges facing local councils, including:

• Financial sustainability and funding sources

• Workforce security

• Cost shifting between different levels of government

The Committee will build on work from the previous term, which highlighted issues such as declining council revenue, increasing service obligations, and unique pressures on regional councils compared to metropolitan areas.

Have your say:

Written submissions are open until 3 February 2026. Previous submissions will still be considered, but new or updated contributions are welcome.

For more details, including the Terms of Reference and how to make a submission, visit the official announcement below:

Whitton Malt House Celebrates Five Years of Innovation

Image L to R: Serena Hardwick, Regional Director, Business NSW; Matt Leonard, Chief Operating Officer, Southern Cotton; Kaitlin Leonard, General Manager, Whitton Malt House; Leanne; Rodger; Annette Commins, Marg Couch, Local Connector, RDA Riverina; and Tim Commins, Southern Cotton | Whitton Malt House

This month, Marg Couch Joined the celebrations marking five years since Whitton Malt House first opened its doors. What began as a bold vision has become a destination loved by locals and visitors alike, a place to gather, dine, educate and celebrate.

The celebration dinner last week showcased the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our region. Roger Commins, his family, and business partners continue to inspire their commitment to growth and innovation. The team is now expanding with the first stage of a 22-stie caravan park, scheduled for completion in early 2026.

It’s exciting to see the next generation stepping up, with Manager Kaitlin Leonard carrying forward her father’s vision. Looking ahead, Whitton Malt House will host major events, starting with the Riverina Field Days in March 2026, followed by large-scale music festivals and more over the next year.

Congratulations to Whitton Malt House and all those who helped build the dream, on this remarkable milestone.

Wagga Wagga Inland Rail Update

Image Credit: Inland Rail, Edmondson Street Bridge

Wagga Wagga residents should be aware of major traffic changes now underway as part of the Inland Rail Project. From 22 November 2025, the Edmondson Street bridge has been closed for a trial period to test traffic mitigation measures ahead of its planned demolition and rebuild. This work is essential to accommodate double-stacked freight trains through the city.

What does this mean for you?

• Traffic Detours: Expect changes across Wagga, including:

  • Temporary roundabout at Macleay and Coleman Streets,

  • Lane separators and turning restrictions

  • Parking restrictions near work zones

  • Updated signage.

  • Traffic delays which are expected to be around 10 minutes during peak periods.

• Bus Routes: School and public bus timetables have been adjusted. Check the Transport for NSW Trip Planner or Busabout Wagga for updated routes.

• Pedestrian Access: While the bridge is closed to vehicles, pedestrian access remains via Mothers Bridge and Cassidy Street footbridge.

• Duration: If the trial proves successful, the bridge will remain closed for approximately 18 months while the new, taller and wider structure is built.

To learn more, view road closure maps, and access other information, please click the button below.

New Funding to Keep Communities Informed

Image Credit: Markus Winkler

Media Release: Minister for Communications, Minister for Sport

Diverse and regional communities will get the news that matters to them, through a $67 million investment from the Australian Government.

Now open for applications, the new Journalism Assistance Fund will support Australian news outlets to keep journalists employed and produce news that informs and educates. More than $67 million will be delivered under the program, with successful applicants able to access up to $39,000 for each eligible full-time-equivalent journalist they employ over the three financial years to June 2028.

To read the full media release click the button below.

Arthur Boyd’s Art Returns to Bundanon

Media Release: Minister for the Arts

Image Credit: Dannie Jing

Eleven works by one of Australia’s most beloved artists, Arthur Boyd, will be loaned to Bundanon Art Museum thanks to the Australian Government’s Sharing the National Collection Program.

Bundanon is an Australian cultural institution and living arts centre that supports the arts through its residency, education, exhibition and performance programs. On loan from the National Gallery of Australia, Bundanon will present the works in two parts exploring the artist’s early career. Created in the 1930s when Boyd lived with his grandfather at Port Phillip Bay, the works fill a gap in the chronology of Bundanon’s collection.

To read the full media release click the button below.

The Music Sounds Better Across Australia

Media Release: Minister for the Arts

Image Credit: Danny Howe

The Australian Government is delivering on its commitment to support our live music industry to keep venues open and festivals entertaining fans across the country. Through the ReviveLive program, the Australian Government will provide support to 105 organisations across Australia.

59 music festivals 46 live music venues will receive support for performances and upgrades including to improve accessibility for people with a disability. The funding ensures music venues and festivals, including those in regional and remote areas across Australia remain open and accessible to all audiences.

To read the full media release follow click the button below.

Exploring UNSW’s New Rural Clinical Campus in Wagga Wagga

Yesterday, our operations manager had the privilege of attending the UNSW Rural Clinical Campuses Wagga Wagga Community Tour, held at the Biomedical Sciences Centre on Edward Street. This purpose-built facility represents a major investment in rural medical education and is set to transform healthcare training in our region.

The tour offered a first-hand look at UNSW’s state-of-the-art learning spaces, including specialised science laboratories, high-tech simulation facilities, and a dry anatomy lab. These resources will ensure that medical students in Wagga Wagga have access to the same advanced technology and teaching standards as their Sydney counterparts.

What stood out most was the centre’s strategic location adjacent to Wagga Wagga Base Hospital, enabling long-term clinical placements and fostering strong partnerships with the Murrumbidgee Local Health District. This approach will help train the next generation of doctors to live and work in rural and regional areas, addressing critical workforce needs.

The facility hosts students across all six years of UNSW’s undergraduate medical degree, including many from rural backgrounds. Research shows these students are more likely to remain in regional communities, which is great news for the Riverina.

Part of the laboratory space

Learning space

Attendees and the Guide for the event.

Part of the simulation facilities

Investment to Boost Drought Resilience Across Regional NSW

Image Credit: Ramy Loaiza

Media release: The premier, Minister for Agriculture

The Australian and NSW State Governments will jointly invest $43.2 million to support farmers to strengthen their drought resilience and climate adaptation, as drought continues to impact regional communities across NSW.

Delivered through Phase 2 of the Farm Business Resilience Program (FBRP), the funding will support farmers to access subsidised learning and development opportunities that will help them to manage risk, build long-term operational resilience, and continue to remain productive.

From personalised coaching, workshops, digital learning, and peer-to-peer case studies, the FBRP equips farmers with practical support to ensure they are better prepared before, during and after these challenging periods.

To read the full media release follow the link below.

New Developments to Narrow Digital Gap for First Nations Australians

Image Credit: Rodion Kutsaiev

Media Release: Minister for Communications, Minister for Sport

The Australian Government is narrowing the digital divide for First Nations Australians through its $68 million investment to boost digital inclusion and literacy for communities across the country. Better digital access means better access to learning, health care and other essential services, especially for people in remote communities.

As part of this, up to 52 remote communities in the Northern Territory, Western Australia, South Australia, Queensland and Tasmania will benefit from free publicly accessible Wi-Fi through the $20 million First Nations Community Wi-fi Program.

To read the full media release follow the link below.

New Maritime Training Initiative for Seafarers

Image Credit: Nico Smit

Media Release: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government

The Australian Government has launched the Maritime Skills and Training Initiative (MSTI), a new program that will provide access to sea time for up to 20 trainee and cadet seafarers. This program, a $13.8 million contribution from the Government over four years will help address skill shortages and enhance workforce capabilities across the maritime sector through providing financial grants to employers to help support access.

This program is a key outcome of the 2023 Strategic Fleet Taskforce Report, helping pave the way for the next generation of seafarers, by enabling them to complete the sea time required for international certification. The investment in this program showcases the Australian Government’s investment in ensuring our maritime sector remains a key driver for economic growth, safety across our seas and sustainability across the shipping industry. 

To read the full media release follow the link below.

Survey - Help to Create Better Transport Connectivity for Jobseekers in the Riverina Murray

Image Credit: Mitchell Johnston

Are you an employee, jobseeker or employer?

The WorkTransit Alliance, a formal alliance of Workforce Australia Local Jobs Program regions of Murray Riverina, Capital and Illawarra South Coast is seeking to better understand and remove transport-related barriers to employment.

The Alliance has engaged Sparrowly Group to undertake foundational research to understand and build an evidence base for the transport-related barriers and opportunities in the region,

Sparrowly have developed a short survey to help capture transport-related data and insights, which we’d like you to complete.

The feedback you provide is invaluable and will help the Alliance advocate for better transport access to jobs across the Murray Riverina.

Your feedback is invaluable. To participate select the relevant short five (5) minute survey below:

• Employee survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WTA-employee-survey

• Employer survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WTA-employer-survey 

• Job seeker survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WTA-job-seeker-survey

 
All surveys close Friday 7 November 2025

RDA Riverina Committee Chair position available

RDA Riverina is seeking applications for the Committee Chair position.

The RDA Committee Chair has overall responsibility for setting strategic direction and ensuring that objectives and outcomes of their RDA Committee are achieved. They appoint the Deputy Chair (following Ministerial agreement) and the members.

The Chair has a hands-on role and is active in facilitating economic development opportunities for the region.

Applicants must meet the selection criteria:

1. Leadership and governance – experience in leading organisations including an understanding of the relevant governance and performance management principles as they relate to volunteer committees.

2. Delivery focus – experience in leading high performing organisations that have had success in achieving outcomes within tight timeframes and in a difficult and complex environment.

3. Stakeholder engagement – experience managing a broad range of stakeholders in a complex environment to achieve successful outcomes.

4. Representational skills – experience representing regional, business and/or industry interests, highly developed networks and networking skills, can collaborate with integrity, transparency, respect and accountability, and an ability to translate these into economic development opportunities.

5. Commitment to the region – have a clear and strong commitment to the region including an understanding of local/state issues and how the RDA(s) can broker solutions to these issues. Members of standalone Capital City RDAs should reside in the capital city, and/or have strong relationships with regional and capital city stakeholders.

6. Commitment to diversity – have a clear and strong commitment to diversity, including building strong relationships with diverse communities, especially First Nations people, and supporting gender equality opportunities.

Applications close on Monday 17 November, 5pm local time.

Successful applicants will commence in their role from January 2026.

Learn more and apply now: https://rda.gov.au/Chair

Australian Farm Waste Portal

Sinitta Leunen

A new interactive tool has just launched to help communities, councils, and industry stakeholders better understand and manage agricultural waste across Australia.

The Australian Farm Waste Portal maps pre-farm gate waste, materials generated before products leave the farm and presents opportunity for investment, innovation, and improved waste strategies.

In 2025, the Agricultural, Fisheries and Forestry sector produced an estimated 16.3 million tones of pre-farm gate waste, including:

• 16.1 million tonnes of organic waste (mostly reused on-farm)

• 97,500 tonnes of plastic waste

• 159,000 tonnes of workshop waste

The portal provides insights across key sectors:

• Horticulture

• Broadacre

• Livestock

• Dairy

• Forestry and logging