When did ‘net zero’ become just another term for renewables?
RK Crosby says the term ‘net zero’ does not mean ‘renewable energy’ and we’ll continue to be stuck on these issues until we’re talking about the same thing.
LATEST >
Rail cheaper than trucks
QW: Bring back the Armidale–Queensland rail line
QW: Net Zero
OPINION >
Rail cheaper than trucks
Mal Peters says freight once arrived in Armidale by train, but government cuts shifted it to trucks and crumbling roads. He argues reopening the Armidale north rail corridor is vital for Australia’s freight competitiveness and environmental future.
Merits of Regional Rail Renewal vs a Rail Trail: Failures of Decision-Making in New England
Train advocate Siri Gamage says we are stuck between a rock and a hard place: dependent on governments to meet our transport needs, yet repeatedly let down by their inaction.
Boys are still in the grip of crippling masculine stereotypes
COP 30 Shaping Up as a COP-OUT
QUICK WORD: OPINIONS IN LESS THAN 100 WORDS
QW: Bring back the Armidale–Queensland rail line
Susan Moxon says: Please reinstate a rail line from Armidale to Queensland. It’s such a backward step not having it available for…
QW: Net Zero
Well done, Jan Kleeman! I was listening last night to a Professor talking about the Ozone layer… when scientists told the world…
IDEAS >
Scaling Without Losing the Spark
Mark Palmer says the most dynamic FMCG, food and lifestyle brands are founder-led – driven by vision, belief and authenticity. His founderproof® approach helps businesses scale without losing the spark that creates lasting brand value.
Ask an ethicist: How much should politics influence my dating decisions?
Daniel Finlay from The Ethics Centre says dating is hard enough without apps, but there’s a few things to think about before you put your political preferences on your dating profile.
Macca’s weeds: Pesticide resistance in 2025
Paul McIntosh writes there is absolutely no doubt that when you continue to use the same mode of action in all our pesticides, over and over again and leave a few survivors, you will soon develop your own increasing level of resistance.
REGIONAL >
Radiology deserts in regional NSW are a policy failure costing millions
An Open Letter to the Prime Minister – When the Bush Pays for the City’s Silence
REGULARS >
Chaffey’s Corner – Fair energy and strong communities
Letter: Trains North’s current petition re rail
John Burrell from Armidale writes that the Trains North petition to reopen the railway north of Armidale is misguided – the line is derelict, bridges collapsed…
Keep readingLetter: Rail Line and REZ
Rick writes transport and energy are both highly important and the REZ and its associated transmission lines can assist with both.
Keep readingLetter: Rail trail a chance for community unity?
Scott Harrison writes it’s important for those who oppose the rail trail and want to use the rail corridor for something else, to come to the…
Keep readingLetter: Alarm Bells Over Armidale Council’s Rail Trail Decision
Siri Gamage writer the rail trail should be built along side the existing rail corridor.
Keep readingLATEST COMMENTS >
Well written thankyou. When you consider the three pillars of sustainability Environment, Society and Economy it backs up your reasoning…
Of course you have not seen what rail trails generate. You wouldn’t want to disrupt you prejudices with facts. Plenty…
ENGAGE POLL >
EDITORIAL >
Engage Poll: Popcorn required for Parkes but Joyce easy retain in New England
The final Engage Poll is predicting a very similar result for New England as in 2022, but Parkes is hard to pick with significant regional variation and a huge anti-Dutton factor causing even loyal National supporters to rethink their vote.
Have your say in more ways on Engage
We’re improving the range of voices we have on New England Times Engage, and seeking regular contributors who would like to have their own column, as well as broadening the kinds of articles and letters.
SOCIAL ISSUES >
Denise’s Desk: It’s Time to Give Our Community Preschool Teachers the Pay They Deserve
Denise McHugh writes that we need to be ensuring community preschool teachers are paid on par with primary teachers.
ENVIRONMENT >
Barnaby’s Net Zero Rants: Right for the Wrong Reasons
Jan Kleeman says the idea of net zero has been hijacked – twisted from a scientific goal into political spin. Real climate action, she argues, means cutting emissions to zero now, not relying on future promises or unproven technology.
SOLUTIONS >
Young food entrepreneurs are changing the face of rural America
Rural America is experiencing a culinary renaissance, with young, diverse residents driving growth in local food startups, shared kitchens, and innovative programs that connect agriculture, community, and entrepreneurship.
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT >
How the world’s constant crises are quietly fuelling anxiety in Australians
Psychotherapist Diane Young says an increasing number of people, especially young Australians, are feeling perpetually anxious and trapped in a cycle of consuming distressing world events, yet powerless to make a change.