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Augusta-Margaret River Times

DFES Superintendent Phil Brandrett.

fire riskPremiumIncrease in house fires blamed on lithium-ion batteries

Fire and emergency rescue crews are reporting their busiest year yet as road crashes and lithium batteries heap on the pressure.

Warren Hately

Toni and Graham Velterop are among those who have benefitted from the annual Arum Lily Blitz.

war on weedsPremiumSeventh annual Arum Lily Blitz starts

This year’s Arum Lily Blitz has kicked off with a bang.

Warren Hately

Shire president Julia Meldrum initiated a new council committee focused on lobbying efforts.

funds in focusPremiumLobbying a ‘long-term project’: Meldrum

Shire chiefs have defended the apparent lack of success in their high-profile lobbying efforts after the State Government Budget largely overlooked the region.

Warren Hately

The crew from Scrublands: Silver filming on the jetty last year.

council costsPremiumTurner Jetty showdown for July meeting

Councillors will be asked to consider a key report later this month that will determine the future of Augusta’s popular Turner Street Jetty

Warren Hately

Shire of Augusta-Margaret River councillor Greg Boland.

CCTV PremiumSurveillance policy needed for Shire: Boland

The Shire of Augusta-Margaret River will be pushed to develop a policy governing the use of closed-circuit television surveillance across the region.

Warren Hately

Margaret River Wine Association's Amanda Whiteland.

wine timePremiumLocal wineries to feature in UK Sommelier of the Year

Margaret River Wine Association chief Amanda Whiteland flew out to London this week to represent the region on the world stage.

Warren Hately

Police and Road Safety Minister Reece Whitby.

free lessonsPremiumRoad Smart Kickstart program rolls out to regional learners

Regional students will have a new way to get to grips on the risks as new drivers thanks to a new project introduced by the State Government.

Warren Hately

Willow Hardy is recovering after her surgery.

surfingPremiumWillow recovering from surgery after Newcastle disaster

Teenage surfing sensation Willow Hardy is facing a significant setback despite remaining firm on her Championship Tour ambitions.

Warren Hately

Margaret River police Sergeant Alan Dean has warned drivers about their behaviour.

Serious issuesPremiumMargaret River police issue warning for motorists

Margaret River police officer-in-charge Sergeant Alan Dean says local drivers need to lift their game when it comes to drink-driving.

Warren Hately

Scott and Annette Baxter are thrilled with their five-medal haul from this year's Decanter awards.

Rare honourPremiumGralyn tops Decanter awards with muscat win

A small Wilyabrup producer has found its rare fortified wine propelled onto the world stage thanks to last week’s Decanter honours.

Warren Hately

Vasse MLA Libby Mettam says it is time to advance longstanding plans for a new fire station at Vasse.

State PoliticsPremiumMettam calls for action on fire stations in South West

Vasse MLA Libby Mettam says the Capes region’s blistering growth demands serious consideration of a full-time professional, paid fire brigade.

Warren Hately

Deputy shire president Tracey Muir chaired last week’s Augusta meeting where the rates submissions were overruled.

rates takePremiumCouncillors stick by rates increase

Councillors have locked in a 4.9 per cent rates increase for residential ratepayers and say they are glad criticisms of the jump were set aside.

Warren Hately

Architect and My Home chair Michelle Blakeley is leading a project to address homelessness in Margaret River.

housing crisisPremiumHousing crisis village plan for town centre

A social housing developer is in early talks to switch its Margaret River focus to the disused Water Corporation depot on Willmott Avenue to develop housing for those most at risk of homelessness

Warren Hately

Daisy Ridley in We Bury the Dead, one of the films in this year’s CinefestOZ Film Festival.

Film FestivalPremiumAustralia’s best feature films on show in the South West

The 2025 CinefestOZ Film Festival will be making its way through Busselton, Bunbury and Margaret River from August 30 to September 7, showcasing four Australian films, all in the running to win $100,000. 

Craig Duncan

The Margaret River Senior High School combined country week volleyball squads features players from Years 10 to 12.

volleyballPremiumSchool volleyball squads blitz South West rivals

Margaret River Senior High School’s volleyball teams will be hoping to come back from country week with some silverware after a blitzkrieg performance in Busselton last fortnight.

Warren Hately

DICE will be headlining this year’s Shelter the Storm event at Shelter Brewing.

Cabin FeverPremiumCabin Fever Festival announces live music lineup

Cabin Fever has dropped the line-up for their live music events across the Margaret River and Busselton regions, with beats, brews and good times on offer. 

Daniel Hocking

Passengers disembark from the maiden Perth to Busselton flight on the QantasLink F-100.

FIRST LANDING PremiumQantasLink’s maiden flight from Perth lands in Busselton

QantasLink’s controversial Perth to Busselton flight made it’s first trip on Friday afternoon, landing at Busselton Margaret River Airport as a push for accessibility and tourism.

Daniel Hocking

Impressions of the Gnarabup Tourism Development: Resort and Beach Village.

minister’s decisionPremiumGroups circle Saracen resort project

A slew of groups have lodged objections to the environmental approval for a contentious resort at Gnarabup, including the Wildflower Society of WA.

Warren Hately

Maggie Dent pictured with Cowaramup Primary School students earlier this year.

taking actionPremiumCowaramup parents band together for smartphone ban pledge

A group of Cowaramup parents have formed a new alliance based around a pledge not to give their children smartphones until they turn 16.

Warren Hately

Lifestyle appeal is one of the prime factors still driving a surge of interest in Margaret River real estate.

real estatePremiumMargaret River and Gelorup predicted to cross $1 million

Margaret River is among the locations nationwide poised to join an exclusive real estate club.

Warren Hately

One of the pieces created by Soleil Heimlich incorporating ocean debris.

microplasticsPremiumOcean artist draws inspiration from dark tide

A South West artist who incorporates marine debris into her work is encouraging beachgoers to take some rubbish home with them as a reminder of the region’s precious coastline.

Warren Hately

Margaret River Future Council members during October's Beach Clean-Up.

beach alertPremiumConservationists fear rising tide of microplastics

Concerns are rising about an increase in microplastics littering Capes beaches

Warren Hately

Regional Development and Local Government Minister Kristy McBain. NewsWire/Martin Ollman

historic reversalPremiumMinister says final inquiry report key to future funding

The Federal Regional Development and Local Government Minister says a key review into Commonwealth funding for councils will lead to an outcome during this term of government

Warren Hately

A major retail precinct is coming to Rapids Landing.

major projectPremiumResidents in queue for supermarket update

Residents will have a chance to get more details about a proposed new shopping precinct long anticipated for Margaret River’s Rapids Landing subdivision

Warren Hately