Rain gives relief but drought worries continue

Budget seeks drought relief

Easing financial burdens on farmers and ratepayers was a key focus of Surf Coast Shire’s latest budget, but not everyone was happy with council’s commitments. Council adopted its 2025-26 Budget and 2025-29 Revenue and Rating Plan, which included a 3 percent rate rise, during its June 24, meeting. Following community feedback, farmland rate differentials were reduced from 75 to 64 percent, while commercial/industrial lands dropped from 190 to 165…

Rain gives relief but drought worries continue

Summer officially arrived Friday in Marshall County with heat, humidity and persistent wind gusts for more than 72 consecutive hours, stirring up dust and drying out crops and gardens.