June 2026
DALBY 07 4669 7317 TOOWOOMBA 07 4633 5513 WARWICK 07 4661 4126 GOONDIWINDI 07 4519 3801
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Women get stronger
More than just a shed
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$30m wind farm boost
Sheds to stage
A major renewable energy development in Queensland’s Western Downs is set to deliver long-term benefits to regional communities, with a landmark Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) signed for the Goombi Wind Farm project. Goombi Energy Holdings — a partnership between LP Renewable Projects and TagEnergy — has joined with Western Downs Regional Council to formalise the agreement, which will see $30 million invested into the local community over the next 35 years. COVERAGE PAGES 4-5
At just 21, Art Cooper has lived a life many songwriters would envy - one marked by adversity, hard work and a connection to the land that now underpins his burgeoning music career. Before returning to the stage in January, Art spent two years in the shearing sheds of western Queensland working as a rouseabout in Longreach, an experience he credits with shaping both his character and his sound. STORY PAGE 12
It’s a big meat deal One of Australia’s most significant livestock companies has announced a deal to acquire Gympie-based meat processing icon Nolan Meats, in a deal expected to be completed in coming months. The Queensland-based Hewitt group, has just announced the agreement, which it says should be finalised in the second half of this year. STORY PAGE 6
Out in Longreach, with time to reflect, Art Cooper’s songwriting took a different direction. (Supplied)
Freight derailed The Federal Government has indefinitely stalled the ambitious Melbourne-to-Brisbane Inland Rail project at Parkes, New South Wales, following an independent review revealing costs have ballooned past $45 billion - triple early estimates. Infrastructure Minister Catherine King an-
nounced the project would be “consolidated,” focusing on completing the southern section from Beveridge to Parkes by 2027. Meanwhile, $1.75 billion will be redirected into broader east coast freight upgrades. The decision has rattled regional Australia.
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Farmers, freight operators, and regional leaders warn that halting the northern section into Queensland severely diminishes the project’s transformative potential, leaving agricultural supply chains in limbo and threatening local investments.
While the government defends the move as fiscally responsible, opposition figures and industry stakeholders view it as a major setback that abandons regional communities. COVERAGE PAGES 2-3
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