THE Federal Government is providing an additional $11.7 million in funding to bolster emergency relief and financial counselling across Australia, including funds for services in Dungog and Gloucester. A total of $8.5 million will be distributed amongst 196 Commonwealth-funded Emergency Relief providers across the country, helping them meet increased demand for their services. This funding […]
Statewide approach to community consultation welcomed by building body
THE NSW Government is attempting to introduce a statewide approach for how communities have their say on planning proposals. A draft statewide Community Participation Plan is now on public exhibition. Currently there are more than 100 different Community Participation Plans across the state, each with its own approach, timeframes and thresholds for consultation on planning […]
Progress in Scotch Broom battle, but Barrington Tops weed fight far from over
he Scotch Broom infestation near Polblue in 2023, which has now been cleared. A large area recently cleared of Scotch Broom by the mechanical muncher. LIKE many other plant and animal pests, Scotch Broom was brought to Australia by the early European settlers. Apparently, it was imported here in the early 1800s by Governor King […]
Practical insights for producers across the Hunter
NEW analysis from Hunter Local Land Services (LLS) is providing practical insights for producers looking to make timely decisions as seasonal conditions tighten, with distinct patterns emerging between the Upper and Lower Hunter. The latest data combines Meat and Livestock Australia saleyard throughput, the Eastern Young Cattle Indicator (EYCI) and soil moisture readings from the […]
Port Stephens Council Mayor Leah Anderson, State Member for Port Stephens Kate Washington and Federal Lyne MP Alison Penfold.
Works on East Seaham Road now complete
ROADWORKS on East Seaham Road are now complete, following investments from all levels of government. The project included reconstructing the entire 3.1km unsealed section of East Seaham Road to become sealed and match road widths of previously constructed stages; upgraded drainage infrastructure to cater for large storm events and flooding; and installation of road safety […]
Angus Taylor is being accused of trying to replicate One Nation's anti-immigration stance. Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS.
Liberals’ migration plan ‘strange’, from ‘another time’
THE coalition’s hardline migration plan has been lashed as divisive and Australia’s multicultural communities say they are tired of being dehumanised by all sides of politics. Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has unveiled a plan to boot migrants from the nation if they do not exhibit “Australian values”, shut the door on some asylum seekers and […]
Nominations open for the 2026 Hunter Volunteer of the Year awards
IT’S time for people across the Hunter to nominate family, friends or work mates for the 2026 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards, to help celebrate the enormous positive impact of volunteers across the state. The awards are in their 20th year and are run by The Centre for Volunteering to recognise the outstanding work […]
M1 extension set to open a year earlier than planned
THE M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace is now expected to open to traffic in late 2026, more than a year earlier than originally planned. The accelerated timeline comes as the project reaches a major milestone, with the northern section, the Heatherbrae Bypass, now complete. The M1 Pacific Motorway extension and Hexham Straight widening […]
Sydney to Grafton XPT service to resume this month
The XPT trains have been painted to reflect their history. The XPT trains have been painted to reflect their history. THE Sydney to Grafton XPT train service is set to return from 28 April, after a year of coach replacements during fleet upgrades. Sydney to Grafton train services – travelling through the Central Coast, Hunter […]
Locals meet to raise concerns about Dungog pool’s operating hours
Michelle Dado-Millyn with over 100 survey responses. Users meet at the Dungog swimming pool. OVER 20 concerned pool users recently met at the Dungog Memorial Swimming Pool, calling for it to remain open for longer periods. Currently, the pool is open six months of the year. This year it closed just before Easter and the […]
