News

North West pesticide users complying with laws but record-keeping concerns remain

MOST farmers and landholders across the North West are complying with the state’s pesticide laws, according to a targeted compliance campaign by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), although some sprayers have been warned to improve their record-keeping. The campaign assessed pesticide users across the local government areas of Moree, Narrabri, Walgett, Warren, Liverpool Plains, Gunnedah, Warrumbungle Shire, Coonabarabran and Gilgandra. The inspections resulted in 19 advisory letters and eight formal warnings being issued to landholders and sprayers found to have minor breaches of the Pesticides Act. NSW EPA director of operations Julian Thompson said officers reviewed almost 170 spray […]

Aug 4, 2026

Council expresses support for potential environmental partnership

NARRABRI Shire Council has expressed its support, in principle, as a potential project partner with the University of NSW and the National Environmental Science Program. The council was approached by Professor Veena Sahajwalla seeking an expression of support for the development of a future funding application. The project is anticipated to begin in 2027. The program, titled Australian Climate Science Informing Adaptation Solutions, will support research that informs policy development, strengthens climate resilience, and improves understanding of Australia’s future climate to assist communities, governments and industries in responding to climate-related challenges. The program builds on the existing National Environmental Science […]

Aug 4, 2026

Breast Screen coming to North West

ELIGIBLE women are being encouraged to book in for breast cancer screening with Breast Screen soon coming to the North West. Women aged 40 years or older are eligible to attend and the recommended breast screening age is 50 to 74 years. More than 75 per cent of breast cancers occur in women over 50. Regular breast screens are the best way to find breast cancer early. The Breast Screen van will be at Wee Waa Hospital from 24 to 27 August, The Crossing Theatre car park from 28 August to 23 September, and Boggabri MPS from 24 to 28 […]

Aug 3, 2026

Rebecca Reardon to lead NSW Farmers

THE North West region can proudly boast of strong representation on NSW Farmers, with the new president again hailing from the region. Rebecca Reardon, of Moree, was elected to the position unopposed at the farming body’s annual conference held in Sydney last week. Ms Reardon took the reins of the organisation from outgoing president Xavier Martin, of Mullaley, following his successful four-year term. NSW Farmers thanked Mr Martin for his contribution over the past 30 years. A mixed farmer, Ms Reardon brings extensive experience across agriculture and agribusiness, having held leadership and directorship roles in the ag sector for more […]

Aug 3, 2026