By Amanda Wright The 2025 Federal Budget was never just about dollars and cents—it was about the direction Australia takes in the years ahead. Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ latest budget, delivered on 25 March, makes clear where the Albanese government believes that the future lies: in cost-of-living relief, housing, and a transition to a more sustainable economy. But with an election now set for 3 May, it’s impossible to ignore the political stakes. Is this a responsible economic plan or a budget de
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When disastrous floods swept through the region in February, the town of Ingham found itself in a crisis unlike any it had seen in recent memory with devastating flood waters surpassing the levels they reached in the historic floods of 1967. Amidst the chaos of the floods the local medical practices Hinchinbrook Healthcare and Ingham Family Medical Practice banded together in times of uncertainty and provided a glimmer of light to Ingham residents, demonstrating remarkable resilience and resour
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Victoria grew up in Brisbane and went on to pursue a Cert III in Business Administration while also qualifying as a swimming teacher through AustSwim. Their career path led them to roles as a receptionist and swimming instructor, where they worked hard to fund their Diploma of Arts. Later serving as an editor for a medical journal at Queensland University of Technology, Victoria further sharpened their writing and editorial skills. Victoria's family live in Macknade and moving to the reg
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A striking symbol of resilience and awareness now stands along the highway in Ingham—its vivid blue branches reaching out as a reminder that no one has to struggle in silence. The Blue Tree Project, a national initiative aimed at breaking the stigma around mental health, found a home in the town in July 2023, thanks to a collaborative community effort. Councillor Donna Marbelli first saw a Blue Tree while driving between Townsville and Ingham and knew the town needed one of its own. The search
Read the full storyThe value of agriculture in 2025-26 is expected to be the third highest on record at $91 billion.
Including fisheries and forestry, The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES) expects the sector to reach $98 billion, according to Executive Director Dr Jared Greenville.
“While this is slightly down on an exceptional 2024-25, particularly strong results are forecast for livestock and livestock products – expected to reach a new record value of $40 billion,” Dr Greenville said.
“Demand for red meat is reflected in both strong export volumes and rising export prices, which has led to the total value of meat exports expected to hit $22 billion this financial year.
“Agricultural exports are also looking healthy next year, with the value forecast to remain relatively steady at $72 billion – or $77 billion if we include fisheries and forestry.
“On the cropping front this year, national winter crop production is estimated to have increased to 59.8 million tonnes in 2024–25, 27% above the 10-year average and the third largest on record.
“Summer crop production is predicted to fall slightly in 2024–25 but will remain 28% above the 10-year average at 4.7 million tonnes.
“Conditions for winter crops were favourable across most of New South Wales and Queensland with timely rainfall in Western Australia. However, both Victoria and South Australia faced poor seasonal conditions resulting in lower crop yields.
“Based on the back of these livestock and cropping trends, average farm financial performance is estimated to increase for broadacre farms.
“On average, national broadacre farm cash income is forecast to rise by $89,000 in 2024–25 from $124,000 to $213,000, mostly driven by higher livestock prices and greater crop production.
“Next financial year average farm incomes are expected to increase further, to $262,000 per farm as input costs ease and higher prices support both crop and livestock receipts."
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