ABC Western Plains

16/09/2026

Almost six years on from the initial plan was announced, delivering the infrastructure is taking longer than planned and the state is racing to meet its own targets.

The Central West Orana REZ is the state's first and most advanced zone, currently in the delivery phase.

The first transmission tower was erected in April 2026.

NSW needs to dramatically increase the amount of renewables projects it commissions in order to meet its legislated 2030 targets.

15/09/2026

Local man Jim Frecklington has died at the age of 76.

He grew up in Peak Hill and made his first carriage - the Australian State Coach in Dubbo in the 80's.

He went on to spend another decade building the Diamond Jubilee state carriage in his Sydney workshop with some parts from Dubbo, before gifting it to the late Queen in 2014.

Jim Frecklington dies during the final stages of a build for King Charles III, but his team vows to see the work through.

15/09/2026

One determined 12 year old, plus 540km over 16 days = $2 million!

Dollar For Dusty

Dusty Langby walked more than 500 kilometres from Warren to Canberra to ask Anthony Albanese to match $500,000 he raised for Little Wings. The prime minister said yes to that and more.

15/09/2026

He's done it! 🛩️🧎‍♂️💰

12 year old Dusty Langby set out to raise a million dollars for Little Wings, walking 540km from Warren to Canberra.

This morning, he met with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to ask him to match his fundraising to hit that million dollar mark, and the PM has agreed - and tipped in another $1m.

As of 10:30am on Tuesday, Dusty has raised more than $530 thousand, meaning more than $2m will be going to keep Little Wings in the air.

Congratulations Dusty - we could not be more proud of you!

Dollar For Dusty

Read more about his mammoth effort: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-15/dusty-langby-anthony-albanese-little-wings-fundraiser-match/107154522

14/09/2026

Dusty Langby has completed his 540km walk from Warren to Canberra to raise money for the charity Little Wings.

Tomorrow, he meets the PM.

Dollar For Dusty

The rural New South Wales boy has capped off an intense 16-day mission for paediatric health with his mum and support crew.

14/09/2026

Scientists say an outbreak could devastate vulnerable waterbird populations, while landholders are seeking clearer information about how to prepare and respond.

Landholders fear the Macquarie Marshes feral pig problem could make a bird flu outbreak harder to contain as concerns grow about the potential impact on the internationally recognised wetlands.

13/09/2026

Some of the most important people in our legal system enter the court with no specific training and are legally prevented from talking about the sometimes gruesome evidence they are forced to see and hear.

The fate of those accused of the most serious crimes usually rests in the hands of a jury, but absorbing weeks or even months of evidence can take a toll.

Mark Farrant didn't expect to experience trauma from serving on a jury, but experts say there needs to be more awareness of mental health risks for those called to complete their "civic duty" in the courts.

11/09/2026

Dubbo is home to an Australian-first, with new wastewater recycling tech switched on this week for the first time in the country.

Developed by Australian water treatment scientist Troy Warry, the technology is designed to break down stubborn pollutants faster, using less energy and fewer chemicals than conventional systems.

A new water recycling plant in Central NSW can process '16 times' more efficiently than existing systems, its inventor says.

10/09/2026

Firefighters contained a unit fire that broke out on Myall Street in Dubbo early this morning.

Fire and Rescue NSW says crews were called just before 6am to the second-storey unit where part of the roof has collapsed.

Police, paramedics and the RFS also attended the scene with no injuires reported.

Residents are being advised to avoid the area and close doors and windows if they are concerned about smoke.

10/09/2026

Around 5.5 million Australians live with disability, that’s one in every five people who are potentially more vulnerable to increasing fires, floods and storms.

👉 Read more about how to plan for an emergency at abc.net.au/emergency.