NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin addresses the media. Photo: NSW Farmers.
NSW Farmers offer government suggestions for firearm rule improvements
THE state’s peak body for farmers has presented the state government with a range of suggestions for improvements to firearms regulations. NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said that “sudden, sweeping changes” to firearms laws had created adverse and unintended consequences, with ongoing uncertainty causing major problems for food and fibre producers. “At the moment I’m […]
Emergency Services Levy reform to face parliamentary inquiry
OPTIONS to reduce household insurance costs and fix an “unfair funding model” for emergency services will be put to a NSW parliamentary inquiry. While emergency services benefit everyone, most of their funding comes from a levy not everyone pays. The NSW Government says it is committed to removing this Emergency Services Levy (ESL) and replacing […]
Printed Edition 18 FEBRUARY 2026
Record remand numbers drive growth in NSW prison population
NEW data released by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) shows the state’s prison population reached 13,133 in December 2025, an increase of 8.5 percent (1,026 people) over the past two years. The growth has been driven by a sharp rise in the number of people held on remand. Between December 2023 […]
$15 million investment in state’s renewable energy workforce
THE NSW and Federal governments are investing $15 million over four years to train the skilled workforce needed for the state’s renewable energy rollout, set to create thousands of jobs in regional NSW. The investment underpins the state’s Renewable Energy Skills Strategy, launched last week by Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe and Minister for Skills, […]
Dr Ben Gooden, CSIRO research scientist, surrounded by fleabane weed. Image GRDC
NSW Government invests $1 million to fund biocontrol research to manage weeds
THE NSW Government has granted $1 million to Australia’s national science agency the CSIRO to carry out biocontrol research to help control invasive weeds. Biocontrol reduces weeds by deploying natural biological agents, such as fungi or insects, and is considered increasingly important as an environment-friendly, self-sustaining and cost-effective weed-management tool. Invasive weeds cost Australian agriculture […]
A previous grant went towards a rainwater tank at the Shelley Street Community Garden in Toronto.
Grants available for water projects in the Lower Hunter
HUNTER Water has announced the return of its Love Water Grants Program for 2026, offering $125,000 to support community-led projects that improve water efficiency, sustainability and wellbeing across the Lower Hunter. Now in its ninth year, the program continues to support innovative local initiatives that deliver practical water-saving outcomes while strengthening community connections. The NSW […]
L925I significantly reduces the efficacy of pyrethroid miticides in managing affected mite populations.
Varroa mite showing resistance to chemical treatments
THE NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has confirmed the first case of Varroa mite pyrethroid resistance in the state. Laboratory testing at the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute identified a known genetic mutation, L925I, which causes pyrethroid resistance in Varroa mites. DPIRD Honey Bee Technical Specialist, Elizabeth Frost, said L925I significantly reduces […]
Grants for Dungog and Gresford RSL sub-Branch projects
DUNGOG RSL sub-Branch has received a $1400 grant to go toward its display of veterans’ uniforms. A project is underway to ensure that uniforms gifted to the sub-Branch by veterans and their families, from all services, are displayed properly. The uniforms range from WWII to those worn more recently in Afghanistan. Funds will be used […]
