Wednesday 19 August 2026Victoria edition
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VIC News Today

Local stories, community first — Melbourne and beyond.

Business

Business
High Country Backlash: Historic Victorian Cattle Station Cobungra Sold to Carbon Credit Fund

The sale of the historic 170-year-old Cobungra Station to a carbon asset manager has sparked intense debate over the future of traditional farming. While the buyers plan to combine livestock with carbon capture, critics warn the deal sets a worrying precedent for agricultural land use.

10 days ago
Business
Victoria Enforces Historic Poultry Lockdown as Bird Flu Threat Escalates

Victoria has become the first state in Australia to mandate a poultry lockdown, ordering producers to keep birds indoors to combat the spread of H5N1 bird flu. The proactive 14-day measure aims to shield the agricultural sector from wildlife transmission while ensuring egg supply remains stable.

12 days ago
Business
Funding Hate: How Meta is Directly Paying Australian Far-Right Agitators and Conspiracy Theorists

A deep dive into social media monetization has revealed Meta is funneling money to controversial Australian figures, including white nationalists and anti-vaccine activists. Despite strict corporate guidelines, these accounts are successfully turning online outrage into a steady revenue stream.

13 days ago
Business
Squeezed at the Pump: Regional Taxi Drivers Pushed to 12-Hour Limits as Fuel Prices Soar

Rising fuel costs are forcing regional Victorian taxi drivers to work maximum legal hours just to cover basic living expenses. While drivers face immense pressure, fuel distributors assure that supply levels remain stable despite localized panic buying.

14 days ago
Business
Free-Range Egg Regulations Paused as Farmers Move Hens Indoors Over Bird Flu Concerns

Consumer watchdogs are granting egg producers leniency on free-range labeling rules as farmers lock up flocks to prevent H5 bird flu outbreaks. However, local egg producers are calling for clearer shelf signs and temporary stickers to maintain shopper trust.

15 days ago
Business
Unlocking Green Gold: Australia's $4.5 Trillion Superannuation War Chest Poised for Renewable Energy Boom

Many Australians are calling for their multi-trillion-dollar superannuation savings to fuel the nation's renewable energy transition. However, current investment frameworks and market complexities pose significant challenges that are now under government review.

23 days ago
Business
Australian SMEs Under Siege: Economic Headwinds Push Businesses to the Brink

From remote Queensland hamlets to bustling city centres, Australia's small and medium-sized businesses are grappling with a perfect storm of economic pressures. Rising fuel costs, escalating interest rates, and tightening credit are pushing many to their limits, forcing difficult decisions and dampening future growth.

25 days ago
Business
High-Stakes Legal Battle Unfolds for Global Video Tech Powerhouse

A co-founder of a globally renowned Australian video technology company claims he has been unfairly barred from selling his multi-million dollar stake. The dispute, spanning a decade of alleged hostility, pits founding partners against each other in a battle over corporate control and financial transparency.

25 days ago
Business
Chinese Electric Vehicles Spark Revolution in Australian Auto Market, Shaking Global Giants

Chinese electric vehicles are rapidly transforming the Australian auto market, with a massive influx challenging traditional global car giants. Consumers are increasingly drawn to affordable, tech-rich EVs, driven by both environmental concerns and soaring fuel costs.

26 days ago
Business
Portland Set to Revolutionize Timber Production with Major New $200 Million Hub

A proposed $200 million timber manufacturing hub in Portland aims to revolutionize the Australian construction industry by producing local, high-strength timber from blue gum. This major investment is expected to create jobs, reduce reliance on imports, and address Australia's growing demand for building materials.

27 days ago
Business
Export Shake-Up: Australian Beef Navigates China Tariffs Amidst Global Inventory Shifts

Australian beef exporters are grappling with a significant 55% tariff imposed by China, leading to a halt in direct shipments. However, China's extensive strategic reserves and existing frozen beef inventories are preventing immediate price hikes, forcing Australian producers to seek new international markets.

about 1 month ago
Business
Australia's Craft Beverage Boom Faces Threat as Ancient Cooperage Skills Vanish

Australia's burgeoning craft beverage industry faces a looming crisis as the ancient, vital trade of coopering teeters on the brink of extinction. With a severe skills shortage and a lack of formal training pathways, the crucial art of barrel-making and maintenance is disappearing, threatening the future of local wines and spirits.

about 1 month ago
Business
US Trade Commission Probes Australian Lamb Imports: Industry Braces for Potential Tariffs

A major US trade body has launched an investigation into lamb imports, predominantly from Australia, raising concerns about potential new tariffs. The Australian meat industry is preparing a robust defence, highlighting the mutual benefits of the long-standing trade relationship.

about 1 month ago
Business
Industrial Tribunal Upholds Dismissal After Truck Driver's $100,000 Ice Cream Blunder

A recent decision by a national industrial relations tribunal has affirmed the dismissal of a truck driver whose error led to the spoilage of over $100,000 worth of ice cream. The driver had challenged his termination, but the tribunal found his failures in temperature management justified the company's action.

about 1 month ago
Business
BYD Extends Full Refunds to Over 1,200 Customers After Wrong-Year Vehicle Sales

More than 1,200 BYD customers who received wrong-year electric and hybrid vehicles will now be offered a full refund by the company. This comes after widespread consumer frustration and calls for regulatory investigation into the initial compensation offer.

about 1 month ago
Business
Live Theatre Under Threat: Cost-of-Living Crisis Squeezes Australian Musicals

Major musical productions across Australia are facing unprecedented cancellations, caught between soaring operational costs and dwindling consumer spending. Industry leaders are urging government intervention, proposing a tax offset to safeguard the future of live entertainment.

about 1 month ago
Business
Alpine Resorts Deploy Snowmaking Technology to Safeguard Future Amid Warming Winters

As natural snowfall becomes increasingly unreliable, Australian ski resorts are turning to advanced snowmaking technology to ensure their seasons continue. This crucial investment is transforming the viability of alpine businesses, enabling them to offer a guaranteed product on the slopes.

about 1 month ago
Business
Australian Property Market Faces Continued Auction Slump: Experts Weigh In

Australian property auction clearance rates remain below 50%, signaling a persistent market downturn. Experts point to a mismatch in buyer-seller expectations and a combination of economic factors as key drivers.

about 2 months ago
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