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NUTRIEN AG AWARDSPremiumOutstanding WA businesses recognised in nationwide Ag awards

Four Western Australian agricultural businesses have been recognised and celebrated by Nutrien Ag Solutions for their magnificent performance and contribution to agriculture.

Hannah Whitehead

BankingCommentsPremium‘Disgusting’: CBA hits customers with fee to access own cash

Commonwealth Bank’s move to slug customers with a new $3 withdrawal fee has been described as ‘disgusting’ and a ‘slap in the face’, particularly for older Australians who rely on cash transactions.

Cheyanne Enciso

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WATCH AND ACT
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STAY ALERT: Bushfire warning downgraded as blaze contained

A bushfire in Broomehill is contained and under control thanks to the efforts of local fireys but a watch and act alert remains in place for the area.

Georgia Campion

State PoliticsCommentsPopular seafood sale back for Christmas at ports across WA

It’s become a December tradition for many West Aussies - buying their Christmas crayfish fresh off the back of the boat.

Dylan Caporn

BUSHFIRE SEASONConnectivity issues linger after 3G shutdown

The WA Nationals are calling on the Federal Government and Telstra to boost mobile coverage in the regions, amid fears the recent shutdown of the 3G network poses ‘significant safety risks’ to farmers.

Matthew Paddick & Adam Poulsen

Federal politicsCommentsThe hunt for a $1600-a-day advocate for live sheep ban

It’s the $1600-a-day job WA’s agriculture sector thinks no one will want: the Government is searching for someone to advocate for its live sheep export ban.

Katina Curtis

LIVESTOCKPremiumAus beef poised to capitalise on growing SE Asia demand

Urbanisation, increasing wealth, westernisation of diets and improvements in cold chain supplies are all adding to increased demand for retail beef in South-East Asia.

Rebecca Turner

breakingPremiumChina’s astonishing Aussie trade ban call

China has removed its last remaining ban on two beef exporters, ending a raft of restrictions and sanctions on Australian products which totalled about $20bn.

Jessica Wang

SHEEP SHIPPING BANPremiumGovt announces search for live export transition advocate

The Federal Government is officially on the hunt for a transition advocate who will assist with the phase-out of live sheep exports by sea, set to come into affect May 1, 2028. 

Olivia Ford

NEW ROLEPremiumBindi Murray takes on role as new Sheep Producers director

West Australian sheep farmer Bindi Murray is the new chair of Sheep Producers Australia, taking the reigns from Andrew Spencer who had been in the job for three years. 

Olivia Ford

‘Bad policy’PremiumSuper tax Bill fails to pass through Senate

The National Farmers’ Federation has welcomed the halt of a controversial tax on superannuation after it failed to pass the Senate in the last sitting week of the year. 

Olivia Ford

HARVEST 2024-25PremiumAnother day, another CBH receival record

WA’s harvest has kicked into overdrive, with CBH Group recording two consecutive daily receival records as growers took advantage of a clear run after rain and bushfires caused delays across the grainbelt.

Adam Poulsen

TRADE PARTNERSHIPSPremiumLive export peak body reps head to Middle East

Australian Livestock Exporters’ Council chair David Galvin and CEO Mark Harvey-Sutton have visited key customers and markets in the Middle East in a bid to retain strong industry relationships in the region. 

Olivia Ford

Ram sales dropPremiumWA’s ram sale numbers fall as ban policy hits home

WA‘s Merino seedstock ram sale numbers have dropped by more than half in the past two years, causing concern for the flow-on effect to the State’s flock progression.

Bob Garnant

Keep the SheepPremiumWool industry faces crisis from fall-out of the sheep ban

WA’s $655m wool industry is a victim of collateral damage from the Albanese Government’s policy to ban the live sheep trade by sea in 2028.

Bob Garnant

Traceability HubPremiumWool traceability aims to mitigate risk

WA woolgrowers have been encouraged to lift their traceability tactics as industry aims to be proactive in case of an emergency animal disease outbreak.

Bob Garnant

GRAINPremiumReminder for canola seed growers

WA canola seed growers are being urged to ensure any carryover is properly stored and tested well before sowing for the 2025 season begins.

Staff reporter

GRAINPremiumDPIRD releases 2025 Crop Sowing Guide

WA grain growers can access the latest advice on planting options for the upcoming season after the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development released its 2025 Crop Sowing Guide.

Staff reporter

Federal electionCommentsPremiumLive sheep export campaigner to run for Senate

One of the lead spokesmen for the campaign to save live sheep exports — former State MP Paul Brown — has announced he will contest the Senate for the WA Nationals at the Federal Election.

Dylan Caporn

The West Australian exclusive
The West Australian exclusive
Courts & JusticeCommentsPremium
The West Australian exclusive
Toodyay farmer’s case raises fears for landholders’ rights

Toodyay farmer Tony Maddox faces trial for alleged Aboriginal Heritage Act breach, causing stress and impacting his health amidst uncertainty.

Rebecca Le May

EnvironmentPremiumGovernment unveils $97m centre to battle invasive bugs

The State Government has unveiled a $97.3 million State Biosecurity Response Centre it fast-tracked to tackle the growing threat to Perth trees from the invasive shot-hole borer. 

Claire Sadler

2024-25 HARVESTPremiumMiguel family among those on track for bumper harvest

WA’s grain harvest is tipped to be the third-biggest haul on record, with farmers like the Miguel family closing in on bumper yields despite a worryingly dry start to the season. 

Olivia Ford

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Disaster & emergencyComments
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Cervantes safe for now as firefighters hold line

Residents in Cervantes are breathing a sigh of relief, with firefighters managing to hold-off an out-of-control bushfire threatening the town overnight — but authorities are bracing for challenging weather.

Jessica Evensen

state politicsCommentsPremiumMia Davies calls time on WA politics

Former Nationals WA leader and candidate for the new seat of Bullwinkel, Mia Davies, has given her last speech to parliament after a 17-year State career.

Jake Dietsch