In May 2025, the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) issued their latest fire ant emergency order as the size of the Queensland infested area continues to grow. Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) is asking the Snowy Monaro community to be alert and keep an eye out for potential local incursions of this dangerous invasive […]
Category: Agriculture
Council Secures Significant Funding to Control Local High-Risk Weeds
The work of the Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) biosecurity team has been recognised and rewarded by the NSW Government this month, with a combined $312,250 in grant funding awarded in two allocations under the NSW Weeds Action Program for Council’s work to address high-risk weed species. Proudly funded by the NSW Government, $272,250 was […]
Murrumbidgee River Blue-Green Algae Alert: Mittagang Crossing, Cooma
Snowy Monaro Regional Council (SMRC) has advised that a blue-green algae red alert is in effect for the Murrumbidgee River at Mittagang Crossing outside Cooma, as of 4pm Tuesday May 13, 2025. PHOTO: An aerial view of the affected area at Mittagang Crossing, Cooma. A spokesperson for SMRC said, “Under a red-level algae alert, untreated […]
Snowy Monaro Shines at Sydney Royal Easter Show
The Snowy Monaro region has been represented proudly at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, as locals shone brightly in a series of prestigious competitions. The Far South Coast and Snowy Monaro Association of Show Societies, known as Group 6, celebrated a host of achievements alongside top performers at the event. PHOTO: The Conrayn Merino Stud […]
Seed Saving Workshop at Cooma Community Garden Promises Growth
Enthusiastic gardeners and those who love sustainability don’t have long to secure their spot at The Cooma Community Garden (CCG) Seed Saving for Beginners Workshop, this Sunday, April 13, 2025. The CCG, a beloved hub for community engagement and education, will host a hive of information. PHOTO: Bega Valley Seed Savers’ Toni Remi will share […]
Tiny Homes Offer Hope Amid Australia’s Cost-of-Living Crisis
As Australia grapples with a cost-of-living crisis, innovative solutions like agritourism and tiny homes are providing a glimmer of hope for communities such as Braidwood, a heritage-listed town in the Snowy Mountains. Recent research by Good360 Australia reveals that the financial strain on households across the country has intensified for some Australians, with 34 percent […]
Trump’s Tariffs Pose Challenges for Australian Farmers
In a recent development that could have significant economic repercussions for producers in the Snowy Mountains and across the country, the Trump Administration has imposed a 10 percent tariff on Australian exports. The news comes as President Trump set out his Liberation Day plans, today announcing reciprocal tariffs that trade partners would face from April […]
Rural Confidence Survey: Region’s Farmer Confidence Levels Highest in NSW
Farmer confidence in New South Wales (NSW) is on the mend, as noted in Rabobank’s latest Rural Confidence Survey, which indicates the state is experiencing a reversal from the downturn seen towards the end of 2024. The survey, released yesterday, captures the perspective of farmers as they embrace 2025 with cautious optimism, with the South […]
Australia’s Food Market Enters “New Normal” Amid Shifting Consumer Habits: Rabobank Report
Rabobank has released a new report detailing the evolving dynamics in Australia’s food market, signalling a “new normal” following several tumultuous years. The Rabobank report, marking the five-year anniversary of significant market disruptions, suggests that Snowy Mountains residents among Australian consumers, and businesses are adapting to a drastically altered food ecosystem. PHOTO: Snowy Mountains residents […]
Bombala Show Celebrates 150 Years on Saturday: Your Guide
The Bombala Show is set to delight visitors as it marks a significant milestone of 150 years this Saturday, March 15, 2025, under the theme ‘Now…and Then’. Eager show-goers are in for a day filled with festivities, highlighting the agricultural heritage and vibrant community spirit of Bombala. PHOTO: The 150th Bombala Show will feature presentation […]