New England North West local news briefing: Wednesday, November 5th, 2026 - ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Here's what's making news in the New England North West region today.

One Nation's member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, is criticising government spending in the wake of this week's interest rate rise.

The Reserve Bank voted on Tuesday to raise interest rates by 0.25 percentage points, bringing the official cash rate to 4.85 per cent.

Mr Joyce said renewable energy, public servants and the NDIS were driving government borrowing, which was in turn leading to rate rises.

He said the amount of money flowing into the economy needed to be restricted.

"It is an impossible result if you have money flowing in at one end, while interest rates lock it up at the other," he said.

Local Government New South Wales is seeking stronger planning powers to help prevent clusters of stores near schools and community facilities.

Multiple businesses in Tamworth and Gunnedah remain closed after NSW Health raids over suspicions they were selling illicit tobacco products.

Laws introduced in July obliged landlords to act against tenants selling illegal tobacco and vapes.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said the state government was considering inquiry findings recommending consultation with councils to reduce tobacco store numbers.

Walgett district farmer Enid Coupe says harvest is progressing well despite the drought-affected year.

Ms Coupe said she was happy with her wheat yields so far and the dry weather had contributed to higher protein levels.

She said well-timed rain had set her operation up for success, although less than 10 per cent of the district got to plant.

"We were lucky enough to get a good hit of rain at the end of May and it was on," she said.

Homes and businesses near Narrabri are expected to benefit from a recently completed $5.9 million internet infrastructure upgrade across Western NSW.

The project, mainly funded by the state government, included two new towers and new fixed wireless equipment on three existing towers along the Narromine–Cobar corridor.

It forms part of a $76 million partnership with the National Broadband Network (NBN) to improve internet to nearly 12,000 homes and small businesses.

Services are expected to go live by the end of 2027.