March
Banks campaign for cash levy to avoid Armaguard ‘monopoly’
Twenty banks spending millions each year to provide cash to country towns are forming a campaign to renew focus on the need for a regional bank levy.
February
TWU Airlines is not needed to keep flying to the regions
Not only is the nationalisation of Rex not required to maintain air services to regions, it is wrong in principle based on basic competition policy grounds.
Conservative broadcaster ADH TV firms on regional free-to-air network
Licences covering Tasmania, Darwin and a swathe of South Australia were put up for sale by ASX-listed Southern Cross Austereo last year.
January
Second wind for regional housing markets as exodus resumes
High costs of living and soaring house prices are fuelling another wave of regional migration, experts say.
December 2024
Fears nuclear power ‘may stop people moving to the bush’
Regional Australia is having its “phoenix moment” as more people move to the bush, but some residents fear the Coalition’s nuclear plan could hinder growth.
November 2024
Macquarie, Westpac and CBA big losers from $350m rural bank levy
Confidential details shared with industry participants show the size of the cost to the biggest lenders as Treasury attempts to keep regional branches open.
October 2024
Where home buyers can snag the best beach house bargains now
House prices in some of the most popular coastal suburbs are starting to rise, but buyers can still find sharp discounts.
Why $31 billion will not be enough to build Inland Rail
Australia’s grand plan to transport goods by rail from Melbourne to Brisbane in less than 24 hours is cutting corners to stay on track, say residents of one city on the route.
August 2024
AFP on the scene at Rex as boardroom recriminations deepen
The inquiries come weeks after the regional carrier collapsed, and as administrators at EY work to find a buyer for its fleet and network of services.
Houses at $500k discounts in these prestige regions
House prices in popular areas such as Byron Bay have slumped by as much as $570,000 since peaking two years ago.
The most expensive house sales outside Sydney
Recent sales of premium homes in top regional areas could challenge Sydney’s status as the country’s most expensive housing market.
Rex was months behind payments, as ratepayers left to foot bill
The collapse of Regional Express into voluntary administration is bad news for local councils still reeling from the loss of Bonza, which also left unpaid airport fees.
July 2024
Rex needs a buyer willing to spend big on planes
The government is downplaying its interest in a bailout, but may have no choice but to stump up to help keep the regions connected.
Rex stops selling seats as board scrambles to stabilise airline
The board of embattled Regional Express will meet to decide on the airline’s fate after it stopped selling seats on flights between major cities, and as it evaluates a plan to simplify the business.
‘Death clause’ triggers an extra $1.2m for vendor
“You’re not legally allowed to ask for a price reduction just because someone dies,” said the agent. But one buyer did – and then pulled out of the sale.
Network Ten wavers on turning off broadcast across swath of WA
The regional signal – a joint venture between Seven West Media and WIN Corporation – will remain on air only after more funding from the federal government.
June 2024
Bonza’s administrators concede sale hopes dead, staff to go
The low-cost airline collapsed in late April. A confidential creditors’ meeting was told on Thursday that administrators may consider legal action instead.
May 2024
Regional housing values gather steam
Persistent demand for homes in regional areas with lifestyle advantages and affordable price points sparked a re-acceleration in price growth in the past three months.
Bonza administrator still looking for new backers
Bonza’s move to enter voluntary administration is a “sad time for aviation and major blow for competition”, says the main body representing Australia’s network of airports.
March 2024
More homeowners cash out within three years as rates, prices rise
The number of homes bought and sold within three years rose again in the December quarter as owners cash out amid rising prices and higher interest rates.