Max Rowley
Katherine, NT
Max Rowley is a rural reporter for the ABC based in Katherine.
Latest by Max Rowley
How Indigenous rangers hope to control 'the biggest unmanaged threat to the natural and cultural integrity' facing remote NT
Savanna burning carbon credits transformed how Indigenous rangers care for their country in northern Australia. Could the carbon market help tackle their next big threat — feral buffalo?
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'True gentleman' of NT cattle industry remembered for his 'quiet strength' after death at 83
Colin Brett's family led a class action against the federal government's 2011 live export ban. Industry figures say Mr Brett leaves a "tremendous legacy".
Pastoralist's hopes for fracking fortunes met with reservation in split Beetaloo community
Pastoralists are divided on the costs and benefits of the gas industry as the Northern Territory opens the door to fracking in the Beetaloo Basin.
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Meet the pilot navigating dirt airstrips to deliver mailbags and essential medicine
Jordan Griffin's job takes him to some of the most remote parts of the country, delivering mail to Aboriginal communities and outback cattle stations.
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How much is a crocodile egg worth? These Indigenous rangers know exactly
Indigenous rangers in the Northern Territory are earning more for saltwater crocodile eggs this year, as a ban on a common method for egg collection tightens supply.
Cattle stations flood but pastoralists expect 'a hell of a season' after best rainfall in years
Cattle stations across the Top End and Barkly regions are experiencing one of their best wet seasons in recent memory, but the rain has come too heavy and fast for some.
It's the middle of the Top End's wet season. Why are rangers burning country?
Northern Australia's tropical savannas are among the most fire-prone regions in the world, but rangers and traditional owners are working to reduce the impacts of fire and climate change.
An invasive weed threatens this outback community's 'pristine' environment but locals are determined to stamp it out
Mataranka locals band together to tackle the rapidly spreading neem trees, which are choking native vegetation and putting the town's native environment at risk.
'You can't stop people drinking': Outback town faces influx from Alice Springs
By Matt Garrick and Max Rowley
Katherine in the Northern Territory already has one of nation's highest homelessness rates. Officials say more people are now pouring into the town, putting a strain on services.
Could sandalwood hold the answer to this island's post-mining future?
On a remote island in the Gulf of Carpentaria, plans are underway to start growing Indian sandalwood trees commercially.
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Gas fracking could start in NT's Beetaloo Basin soon despite the government missing a key deadline
The oil and gas industry's peak body says Beetaloo fracking licences could be issued in a month, as critics say the government's promise to implement a key inquiry is "impossible".
Mango farmers look to harvesting at night, using robots to beat heat
Finding workers willing to pick mangoes under the hot NT sun is difficult. Some farmers are turning to harvesting at night and preparing for a future of using robots.
Wholesale diesel prices are going down, but why isn't it reflected at the bowser?
The situation has prompted some to claim that motorists are being "held to ransom", but fuel companies say critics don't see the bigger picture.
Fires are blazing across the Top End amid a heatwave and a spell of lightning strikes
Across the Northern Territory, thousands of square kilometres of parched savanna and grazing land have been reduced to ashes as bushfires spread rapidly amid another heatwave and weeks of ongoing electrical storms.
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Cattle producers worried livestock tracing 'needs to be a lot better' to prevent FMD outbreak
There are concerns inconsistent rules and procedures mean a disease outbreak may not be contained fast enough to prevent rapid spread and extensive economic and social losses.
'Biggest biosecurity threat in decades': Preparations underway to prevent foot-and-mouth outbreak
Nicole Hayes was among hundreds of pastoralists who met in Darwin today discussing more ways to prevent any possible foot-and-mouth disease outbreak in Australia.
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'Absolutely shocking' remote highway even more dangerous, say locals
Remote Arnhem Land residents worry iron ore trucks are making the Roper Highway increasingly more dangerous, and causing dust pollution.
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'Unusual' cold weather snap across NT could bring one of the coldest July days on record
One of the coldest July days in recorded history looks like it is about to be set at the end of this week in the Northern Territory.
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Why are solar farms in the NT sitting idle and generating zero power?
Four solar farms in the Northern Territory are sitting idle, years after construction.
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Pastoralist forced to allow gas company access to frack in Beetaloo Basin
A gas company has accessed a Northern Territory cattle station to begin exploration, against the wishes of pastoralists and some traditional owners.
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Man accused of stealing mustering helicopter appears in NT court
A 50-year-old man who allegedly put down a deposit and later refused to pay the outstanding amount on a helicopter used it to muster cattle, NT police say.
As NT farmers look to a new 'silver bullet' crop, Katherine council weighs cotton industry's impacts on water
Katherine council considers its stance on the cotton industry, as the NT's first cotton gin nears completion.
Gamba grass becomes federal election issue
National parks rangers welcome election pledges to combat gamba grass in what feels like an uphill battle.
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Mango growers squeezed, but one variety brought sweet relief
Australia's mango crop is down this year amid labour and cost issues, but one crop has bucked the trend and broken records.
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