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Questions remain over the WA government's $150m battery promise

At this year's state election, WA Labor revealed plans for a $150 million, 50-megawatt vanadium flow battery to be built in Kalgoorlie-Boulder by 2029. But can the government deliver on its promise?

A drone photograph of Kalgoorlie-Boulder in regional Australia.

Published: WedWed 7 May 2025 at 4:14amSource: ABC GoldfieldsTopic: Electricity Production and Distributionby Jarrod Lucas

Foreign gold miner beefs up takeover offer for WA partner to $3.7b

The head of a Perth-based gold miner that is the target of a takeover bid from a South African company expects there will be further consolidation in the sector as prices for the precious metal reach record highs.

A smiling man in dark sunglasses and high-vis in font of a pit at an outback mine site.

Published: TueTue 6 May 2025 at 1:15amSource: ABC GoldfieldsTopic: Goldby Jarrod Lucas

Grieving mother pleads for answers on how son died in WA jail

Lynton Ryan, 31, died after being found unresponsive in his cell. His grieving family fear it will be years before they are told how he died.

A man with a missing tooth gives a big smile wearing a beanie.

Published: MonMon 5 May 2025 at 5:02amSource: ABC GoldfieldsTopic: Black Deaths In Custodyby Hayden Smith

What changes in WA under a second term Albanese government?

What specifically can West Australians expect from another three years of a federal Labor government?

Close up of two men at a press conference

Published: SunSun 4 May 2025 at 9:21pmSource: ABC NewsTopic: Electionsby Gian De Poloni

Liberals fail to win historically safe WA seat after ‘negative’ campaign

The Liberals have conceded defeat in what was once one of WA's safest seats, with Teal MP Kate Chaney retaining Curtin.

Defeated Liberal party candidate for Curtin Tom White 2025-05-03 08:05:00

Published: SunSun 4 May 2025 at 9:06amSource: ABC NewsTopic: Electionsby Keane Bourke

'Extremely disappointed': Lynas say it signed water contract in good faith

Kalgoorlie-Boulder Mayor Glenn Wilson defends a decision to not publicly release an independent review of the council's water supply contract with Lynas Rare Earths, saying it could risk potential legal claims worth millions.

Two women in high-vis and hard hats at a rare earths refinery.

Published: 30 Apr 2025Wed 30 Apr 2025 at 11:00pmSource: ABC GoldfieldsTopic: Water Supplyby Jarrod Lucas

These are the Perth newsroom's top picks for photography across April

Take a look at the best photos from the ABC News team in Western Australia from April, including action shots, art therapy and moments on the federal election campaign trail.

Published: 30 Apr 2025Wed 30 Apr 2025 at 9:33pmSource: ABC NewsTopic: Photographyby Kenith Png

Listen back

ABC Goldfields Local News

Local news, updated weekdays at 6:35am

Duration: 4 minutes 59 seconds

Source: Listen

Majority of Western Australian exports exempted from sweeping US tariffs

Former deputy ambassador Paul Myler said broad exemptions on gold, copper, critical minerals and energy meant the state was less likely to be impacted.

Duration: 4 minutes 3 seconds

Source: ABC Radio PerthTopic: Tradewith Nadia Mitsopoulos

The woman keeping Australia trucking

If you walked into a mechanic workshop in Australia 50 years ago, chances are you'd have been surrounded by men.

Duration: 3 minutes 16 seconds

Source: ABC Alice SpringsTopic: Road Transport Industryby Victoria Ellis

Bogged for days on the Nullarbor

When Carl Jakeway's four-wheel-drive sunk into the clay on a remote road trip, he tried for days to dig it out.

white car bogged in mud and four people - three men and one woman pose form a photo in scrubland

Duration: 3 minutes 2 seconds

Source: ListenTopic: Driver Educationby Hayden Smith

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Watch

Esperance residents call for reliable mobile coverage

Esperance residents hope election promises from the major parties will improve access to reliable mobile coverage.

Regional Reception: Close-up of a mobile phone in a person's hand, rural setting in background

Duration: 1 minute 50 seconds

Source: ABC News

Tjuntjuntjara's Spinifex People call for support amid extreme weather, rising costs

The road between Tjuntjuntjara and Kalgoorlie was closed for months after flooding.

Duration: 2 minutes 34 seconds

Source: ABC News

Plans to turn Kalgoorlie into an 'inland port'

WA's Premier says turning Kalgoorlie-Boulder into an 'inland port' would need the state's rail freight network returned to public ownership.

'Inland port' at Kalgoorlie: Drone view of a freight train in an arid landscape.

Duration: 1 minute 46 seconds

Source: ABC News

Remote Bird Watching: Australia's most remote bird research station

The Eyre Bird Observatory on Western Australia's Nullarbor Plain is Australia’s oldest and most remote bird research station. It's managed by a revolving team of volunteer caretakers.

Duration: 7 minutes 27 seconds

Source: ABC News

Features

Almost everyone smokes in this community and locals want that to change

With a packet of tobacco costing more than $100, smokers in Tjuntjuntjarra are in a vicious cycle, but have "little support" when it comes to quitting.

Source: StatelineTopic: Smokingby Emily JB Smith and Katrina Tap

Faced with extremes, the Spinifex People are being pushed to the limit

The Anangu built one of the nation's most remote communities after nuclear bombs were tested on their country. But they face profound challenges amid extreme weather and rising costs.

He has curly grey hair, stubble and wears a green and blue striped jumper.

Duration: 2 minutes 34 seconds

Source: StatelineTopic: Roadsby Emily JB Smith and Katrina Tap

79yo bird-lover's solo pilgrimage across the country

Struggling after the death of her husband, Christina Sobey had her health checked and her blue station wagon serviced before travelling west to Australia's oldest and most remote bird research station.

A woman smiles in a bush setting. She wears an Akubra hat and a backpack.

Source: LandlineTopic: Human Interestby Hayden Smith and Emily JB Smith

From a dilapidated shed to an outback fresh-food oasis

There are hopes a new farm will provide a critical supply of both food and jobs for locals in Western Australia's remote Ngaanyatjarra Lands.

Source: LandlineTopic: Indigenous Australiansby Emily JB Smith and Giulia Bertoglio

What's happening

Australia Votes: Your Vote, Your Say

This election, the ABC is asking you to be part of the conversation.

Text reads: Your Say. Tell us what's on your mind this election. Have your say here.

Published: 27 Feb 2025Thu 27 Feb 2025 at 3:05amSource: Radio

Know your ABCs in an emergency

This summer know your ABCs; action plan, be safe, connect with us. The ABC has a host of useful resources and tips on how to best prepare yourself for emergency weather so you can keep you and your household safe.

Letters A, B and C in pink, yellow and blue with small infographics of people completing emergency safety tasks

Published: 9 Dec 2024Mon 9 Dec 2024 at 5:23amSource: ABC EmergencyTopic: Bushfires

Download our free ABC listen app

The ABC listen app connects you to the best podcasts and live radio from the presenters you know and love. Download it today and hear the world differently.

Published: 27 Aug 2024Tue 27 Aug 2024 at 4:23amSource: ABC BRISBANE

Sign up for an ABC newsletter

Want informative, educational and entertaining stories straight to your inbox? Subscribe to a wide range of newsletters from around the ABC including local and national content.

Published: 17 Jun 2024Mon 17 Jun 2024 at 1:53amSource: ABC BRISBANE

WA Sport

Fri Fix: the Ange prophecy, Willie's ban, NRL mega-clash

Ange Postecoglou always wins a trophy in his second season and now Tottenham are one win away from doing just that. The Aussie manager is on the cusp of something special and he has not held back in his press conference addressing perceived haters.

Ange Postecoglou claps the crowd after a Europa League match.

Duration: 14 minutes 54 seconds

Source: ListenTopic: Sport

analysis

NRL boss makes bizarre player swap proposal as Perth Bears club announced

Could someone play for both the Perth Bears and the Western Force? Peter V'landys thinks that could work as the NRL's newest side begins its build towards the 2027 season.

The press conference announcing the foundation of the Perth Bears

Source: ABC NewsTopic: NRL

Bears roar again, what now?

The Bears are back in the NRL and there's a lot to unpack. Big emotions out of North Sydney and big questions for rugby league. Ex-Bear and QRL CEO Ben Ikin joins us to explain the scope of the challenge and what the club must do to succeed.

Duration: 14 minutes 39 seconds

Source: ListenTopic: Sport

Family saves and sacrifices to help son chase sporting dream

Cost-of-living pressures are hitting both community sport and higher-level competitions, and an academic says the implications are huge.

A teenage boy in a bright sports shirt looks up at a soccer ball just above his head.

Source: ABC Midwest & WheatbeltTopic: Cost of Living

News

Labor claims victory in Bullwinkel in final WA vote count

Labor has claimed victory in the seat of Bullwinkel, on Perth's eastern fringe, six days after Saturday's federal election handed a landslide victory to Anthony Albanese's government.

Source: ABC NewsTopic: Electionsby Cason Ho and Gian De Poloni

Policeman's alleged killer may have 'unconsciously' put foot on accelerator

Taking the stand for the first time at his manslaughter trial, Reagan Chown claims he had no control of the car when it accelerated backwards after he was given a taser shock.

Pencil sketch of Reagan Chown frowning in the dock of a courtroom.

Source: ABC NewsTopic: Crimeby David Weber

'Vaccine hesitancy': WA lags behind rest of country in flu jab uptake

Health authorities urge West Australians to vaccinate against influenza and RSV, as the state lags behind the rest of the country in flu jab uptake.

A baby sits with her parents with a nurse facing her holding a small bandaid

Source: ABC NewsTopic: Influenzaby Cason Ho

Refugee loses court battle over mental injuries caused by immigration detention

An Iranian refugee has lost a court battle against the federal government for mental health injuries caused by five years of immigration detention.

A man with a beard stands in front of a stone facade.

Source: ABC NewsTopic: Refugees

National News

Devastated NSW community mourns deaths of young brothers

The boys, whose bodies were found in their grandmother's home earlier this week, are being remembered as "little firecrackers" who were "cute as buttons" and loved their karate class.

A pair of karate belts on a small altar upon which a candle burns.

Published: 36m agoFri 9 May 2025 at 9:01amSource: ABC Western PlainsTopic: Crimeby Max Tillman and Brigitte Murphy

Live: Spotlight on Curnow's troublesome knee as Carlton faces St Kilda

Carlton is adamant star forward Charlie Curnow's knee issue isn't serious after he suffered a knock at training ahead of a blockbuster clash against St Kilda. Follow live.

Charlie Curnow points a finger after kicking a goal for Carlton.

Published: 56m agoFri 9 May 2025 at 8:41amSource: ABC NewsTopic: AFLby Chris De Silva

Labor claims victory in Bullwinkel in final WA vote count

Labor has claimed victory in the seat of Bullwinkel, on Perth's eastern fringe, six days after Saturday's federal election handed a landslide victory to Anthony Albanese's government.

Published: 12m agoFri 9 May 2025 at 9:25amSource: ABC NewsTopic: Electionsby Cason Ho and Gian De Poloni

Families of fallen airmen urge ADF to 'do better' as Taipan inquiry ends

Captain Danniel Lyon, Lieutenant Maxwell Nugent, Warrant Officer Class 2 Joseph Laycock and Corporal Alexander Naggs died when their MRH-90 Taipan helicopter ditched into the ocean off the Queensland coast in 2023.

A composite image of four fair-skinned men, three of whom are in military uniform.

Published: 54m agoFri 9 May 2025 at 8:44amSource: ABC NewsTopic: Defence Forcesby Laura Lavelle

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ABC Goldfields

Questions remain over the WA government's $150m battery promise

Foreign gold miner beefs up takeover offer for WA partner to $3.7b

Grieving mother pleads for answers on how son died in WA jail

What changes in WA under a second term Albanese government?

Liberals fail to win historically safe WA seat after ‘negative’ campaign

'Extremely disappointed': Lynas say it signed water contract in good faith

These are the Perth newsroom's top picks for photography across April

ABC Goldfields Local News

Majority of Western Australian exports exempted from sweeping US tariffs

The woman keeping Australia trucking

Bogged for days on the Nullarbor

ABC Radio GOLDFIELDS

Drive

Connect with ABC Goldfields

Esperance residents call for reliable mobile coverage

Tjuntjuntjara's Spinifex People call for support amid extreme weather, rising costs

Plans to turn Kalgoorlie into an 'inland port'

Remote Bird Watching: Australia's most remote bird research station

Almost everyone smokes in this community and locals want that to change

Faced with extremes, the Spinifex People are being pushed to the limit

79yo bird-lover's solo pilgrimage across the country

From a dilapidated shed to an outback fresh-food oasis

Australia Votes: Your Vote, Your Say

Know your ABCs in an emergency

Download our free ABC listen app

Sign up for an ABC newsletter

Fri Fix: the Ange prophecy, Willie's ban, NRL mega-clash

NRL boss makes bizarre player swap proposal as Perth Bears club announced

Bears roar again, what now?

Family saves and sacrifices to help son chase sporting dream

Labor claims victory in Bullwinkel in final WA vote count

Policeman's alleged killer may have 'unconsciously' put foot on accelerator

'Vaccine hesitancy': WA lags behind rest of country in flu jab uptake

Refugee loses court battle over mental injuries caused by immigration detention

Devastated NSW community mourns deaths of young brothers

Live: Spotlight on Curnow's troublesome knee as Carlton faces St Kilda

Labor claims victory in Bullwinkel in final WA vote count

Families of fallen airmen urge ADF to 'do better' as Taipan inquiry ends

Other ways to listen

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