Narrabri - 2390

Insectivorous bats are tiny, quiet and worth about $63 million to the cotton industry. A study of the creatures, some of which are under threat, has been expanded in NSW.

Beekeepers call for education and training as they make decisions about rebuilding their hives and living with varroa mite.

The Pilliga bushfire has burnt through 112,000 hectares and, while storms are making firefighting efforts difficult, predicted rain is expected to help contain the main fire front.

A bushfire in the Pilliga State Forest near Narrabri is threatening lives and properties in Bohena Creek between McCanns Road, Perimeter Road, Tomlinson Lane and the Newell Highway.

A hold on stray and surrendered cats remains in place at four of RSPCA NSW's six animal shelters amid a vaccine shortage, while an inquiry probes the issue of overcrowding at pounds.

Tamworth mum Shona Robilliard started with a few seeds in her veggie patch, but in search of a better work-life balance she's ditched the vegetables and is now a fully fledged cut-flower farmer.

Farmers fighting Santos's Hunter Gas Pipeline suddenly noticed survey pegs along the route. A title search shows the surveyed land is now owned by the directors of the company negotiating land access for Santos.

Residents in five regions, including Greater Sydney, are being told to stay alert ahead of the hot and windy conditions forecast for today. The fire risk is rated as high for much of the rest of the state.

A Boggabri coal worker has told a Sydney court there was nowhere for the shock wave to go as he was caught unaware from a blast at nearby Maules Creek.

The peak body is now supporting a management strategy for the parasite, believing eradication that's involved the euthanasia of millions of bees has failed.

The NSW Rural Fire Service issues an extreme fire danger rating for the Upper Central West Plains, with a high fire danger rating also in place for the state's North and South Western zones.

The NSW government plans to boost the budget by close to $3 billion over four years with the increase. The mining sector says it is a "significant additional impost", but is relieved the state did not follow Queensland's model.

The bee-killing parasite is found at Vineyard, forcing authorities to extend the eradication zone for the mite further into the Sydney basin.

With bees responsible for pollinating much of the food we find at the supermarket and green grocer, authorities remain committed to trying to eradicate the recently introduced varroa mite before it gains too much of a foothold.

NSW beekeepers have launched a class action over loss of business after their hives were destroyed to curb the spread of varroa mite.

Nathan Markl's body was found two weeks after he went missing, but an autopsy could not determine a cause of death. As an inquest is confirmed, his mother says she won't rest until she finds out what happened.

An annual report reveals the consultants who helped develop New South Wales' Future of Gas Statement were working with energy company Santos at the same time, but Ernst & Young says there is no conflict of interest.

Four more NSW local government areas are declared in drought and, as the opposition calls on the government to reveal its preparedness, the premier says announcements will be made in next month's budget.

It has been 12 months since the bee-killing parasite was detected in Australia, but eradication efforts will continue for at least another three years.

The Australian Farmer of the Year awards celebrate and applaud the outstanding achievements of those individuals and families making a significant contribution to Australian agriculture.

The chair of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority warns there will be less water available for irrigators and the environment, as he announces the first review of the plan since its inception a decade ago.

The mine where former Wallaby David Pocock chained himself to plant equipment when construction started nearly a decade ago wants to extend its operations.

An ABC analysis uncovers several examples of project approval being granted to coalmines based on environmental assessments that contained significant underestimates of their greenhouse gas pollution.

Traditional owners from across Australia have travelled to the Tiwi Islands to lodge a human rights complaint against the top 20 superannuation funds over their investment in gas giant Santos.

The Shooters Fishers and Farmers party could still hold sway with the Minns government after being annihilated in the NSW lower house, as controversial leader Robert Borsak nabs a spot in the tight upper-house contest on preferences.