Broken Hill local news briefing, 18 September, 2026 - ABC News & Headlines – Australian Broadcasting Corporation

Here's what's making news in the Broken Hill region today.

The New South Wales director of freshwater fisheries and threatened species says there should be sufficient flows down the Lower Darling through summer, with the Menindee Lakes at about 32 per cent capacity.

Cameron Lay said his biggest concern was the prospect of a hot, dry few months and the impact the developing El Niño might have on the lakes and river system.

He said there were concerns about potential fish kills, but improved monitoring and a fish passage trial had increased confidence there would not be a large-scale event.

Labor has voted against a motion in the New South Wales parliament to undo changes to the state's kangaroo management system.

Licences to cull kangaroos were previously granted through National Parks and Wildlife, but in July the licensing authority shifted to the biodiversity and heritage regulator.

NSW MLC Scott Barrett said farmers were reporting waits of up to 40 days for a licence, compared with one to two days under the previous system.

He said the burden of proof had also increased and the system was failing farmers.

The three-day Silver City Show has opened at Memorial Oval in Broken Hill, with thousands of people expected to attend over the weekend.

The event has been running for more than 130 years and features show rides, food stalls, baking competitions, arts and crafts, dog shows and entertainment.

Silver City Pastoral and Agricultural Association president Chris Harrison said about 1,500 people usually attended on Thursday night, with crowds of about 3,000 hoped for on Friday and Saturday nights.

Broken Hill Mines has withdrawn a plan to raise $5 million from existing shareholders to help drill into the previously unreachable centenary zone of Rasp Mine.

BHM informed the ASX it would abandon its share purchase plan, offering eligible existing shareholders the opportunity to buy up to $30,000 worth of new shares, due to low uptake.

CEO Patrick Walta said all money received would be refunded in full, without interest.

Broken Hill's soccer grand finals are set for this weekend, with Alma Goats and West Panthers to meet in the men's A-grade decider at 4pm tomorrow.

Alma went into the final as the best side of the regular season, having not lost a game, while West earned its place after a three-nil win over St Joe's.

In the women's top-of-the-table clash, St Joe's play the Panthers from 2pm after the teams drew nil-all in round 15.

The men's B-grade grand final starts at 12pm, with Alma favoured against St Joe's.