A federal inquiry examines the worsening financial state of Australian local governments, with Hunter councils highlighting unsustainable costs from climate change, tourism, and state mandates. Will it lead to real change?
A State of Emergency has been declared in Victoria as multiple bushfires threaten communities. Premier Jacinta Allan urges residents to heed warnings and prepare to evacuate. Stay informed.
A fast-moving fire has destroyed multiple properties in the Adelaide Hills. Emergency services are on scene. Stay informed with the latest updates and safety advice.
Less than 5% of Cessnock households responded to a survey on a proposed 39.9% rate increase, with 82% opposed. Council faces a crucial vote amid claims of survey bias and cost-of-living concerns. Read the full story.
Cairns Regional Council advises residents to stock water and move cars to higher ground as severe weather intensifies. Stay informed with the latest updates and safety instructions.
A major police operation is underway in Mullewa, WA, after a shooting. Kenneth John Giles is on the run, with the TRG and air support involved in the search. Follow for live updates.
A fast-moving grass fire near Geelong Ring Road caused significant traffic delays and prompted a multi-agency emergency response. Stay informed on the latest updates.
Firefighters have contained a grass fire in St Leonards, Geelong, at a location targeted by arsonists last year. Authorities are investigating the cause. Read the latest.
Newcastle ratepayers demand answers as council CEO's $608k package exceeds the Premier's pay. Former councillor reveals how Hunter coal mines triggered a 'relativity' salary spiral across local government.
An out-of-control bushfire in Perth's east is threatening lives and homes, forcing the closure of Roe Highway. Residents in High Wycombe are told it's too late to leave. Get the latest emergency updates.
Europe's weak response to Trump's threats against Greenland and US actions in Venezuela risks NATO's collapse and emboldens Russia. Analysis by Australian academics.
Lake Macquarie City Council reveals a draft $80 million capital works plan for 2026-27, with over half earmarked for its fire-damaged Speers Point administration building. Discover the community projects set to benefit.
A major fire at a popular swimming pool on Victoria's Surf Coast led to a large-scale evacuation. Emergency services rushed to the scene. Read the latest on the incident and response.
Four remote bushfires in Canberra's Namadgi National Park are now under control after a complex firefighting operation involving helicopters and specialist crews. Read the latest.
Emergency services rushed to a fierce house fire on Wilsons Rd, Whittington. Police are treating the blaze as suspicious and urge witnesses to come forward.
Annual reports show two Illawarra council CEOs received higher pay packets than Premier Chris Minns. Explore the figures and the reasons behind the salaries.
Declassified 2005 cabinet papers expose Australia's secret terror response plan after the London attacks, with themes still relevant today. Read the full story.
A man has died in severe Gulf Country flooding, with major roads cut and towns isolated. Premier David Crisafulli calls it a 'deep tragedy' as emergency services respond.
A massive fire involving 100 tonnes of chicken manure sparked a major emergency response in Waurn Ponds, Geelong. Firefighters battled the blaze for hours. Read the full story.
A tornado ripped through the Beyond the Valley music festival in Lardner, causing chaos and injuring two. Read the full report on the severe weather event and emergency response.
A Port Stephens canoe club's missing trailer, thought stolen for scrap, was discovered impounded by council rangers. Read how a mix-up over registration led to the costly confusion.
Western Australia deploys Tactical Response Group officers to Jewish places of worship and major events as a visible deterrent. See the new security measures in place.
Heavily armed police swarmed a Canberra street, ordering residents indoors. One person is in custody after reports of a firearm. Read the latest updates on the incident.
Wollongong and Shellharbour councils announce altered bin collection schedules over Christmas. Find out your new collection days and extra recycling services.
Readers share powerful tributes and perspectives on climate action, the Bondi tragedy, and societal divisions. Explore the community's voice in the Newcastle Herald.
A two-vehicle collision on the Princes Highway at Mount Moriac brought traffic to a standstill. Emergency services responded, with two people taken to Geelong Hospital. Read the latest.
A 48-year-old man allegedly pulled a knife at a family carols event in Launceston. Police made a swift arrest, with no injuries reported. Read the latest on the incident and national security measures.
Victoria Police will deploy officers with semi-automatic rifles around the MCG for the cricket match, citing the current threat environment. Fans urged to be aware.
Perth councils secure increased police patrols at iconic beaches like Cottesloe this weekend following Sydney's Bondi terror attack. Community leaders call for reassurance.
Emergency crews rushed to a Geelong pier after a suspicious drum washed ashore, sparking a major hazmat response. Authorities are investigating the contents.