TELLING the incredible stories of Dungog Shire is what News Of The Area (NOTA) is all about. Since successfully launching in mid-2024, amid widespread newspaper closures, the independently-owned and family-run NOTA has been keeping locals up to date with all the latest news, sport, current affairs and more. Now, NOTA is seeking more enthusiastic locals […]
Rural Lands Steering Committee appointed following expression of interest campaign
COUNCIL has endorsed the appointment of three independent community representatives to its Rural Lands Steering Committee following an expression of interest campaign. The Rural Lands Steering Committee was originally formed in September 2019, however the Rural Lands Strategy was placed on hold and the committee ceased meeting. At its June 2025 meeting, Council agreed to […]
NSW farmers gather for annual conference
FARMERS from all corners of NSW will meet in Sydney this week to discuss critical issues such as the future of farming and the energy transition. NSW Farmers’ Chief Executive Annabel Johnson said the NSW Farmers’ Annual Conference was a chance to bring the perspective from the paddock to the city as Australia faced a […]
Dungog Shire Council frustrated with biodiversity laws
DUNGOG Shire Council will write to the Environment Minister to express concerns over the impacts of the Biodiversity Conservation Act. At Council’s July 16 meeting, Mayor Digby Rayward said the Act has resulted in a high number of Biodiversity Development Assessment Reports (BDARs) being required for minor developments such as single dwellings or small subdivisions. […]
Feedback sought on farm connectivity program
THE Australian Government is seeking input from community and industry stakeholders on the “On Farm Connectivity Program” to ensure it is delivering the best possible outcomes for primary producers through the upcoming third round. Through over $30 million in rebates provided over the first two rounds, the government says thousands of primary producers have been […]
Calls for childcare register to include work histories
A NATIONAL childcare worker register should show the employment history of staff after revelations an accused child abuser was sacked from one facility but continued working unimpeded. Joshua Dale Brown, 26, has been charged with more than 70 sex offences against eight alleged victims aged under two at a childcare centre in Melbourne. Authorities have […]
Council seeks community input for new scenic viewing platform
DUNGOG Shire Council, in partnership with Dungog Regional Tourism, is inviting the community to help find the perfect location for a new scenic viewing platform that will showcase the region’s stunning natural landscapes and rich heritage. Renowned for its rolling hills, sweeping ridgelines, and tranquil river valleys, Dungog Shire boasts some of the most stunning […]
Personal Hardship Assistance payment extended to new Hunter suburbs
AN additional 29 suburbs in the Hunter and Mid North Coast are now eligible for the East Coast Severe Weather Personal Hardship Assistance payment for people impacted by recent floods. In the Hunter this includes Balickera 2324, Brandy Hill 2324, Butterwick 2321, Duns Creek 2321 and Glen Oak 2320, and comes following further assessments by […]
Inquiry launched into conservation hunting bill
AN Upper House inquiry has been established to examine the Game and Feral Animal Legislation Amendment (Conservation Hunting) Bill 2025, a private members’ bill introduced by Robert Borsak MLC of the Shooters, Fishers and Farmers party. The bill proposes a number of amendments to the Game and Feral Animal Control Act 2002, including to abolish […]
Report paints ‘catastrophic picture’ of environment
THE NSW Government tabled the 2024 State of the Environment Report last week. Compiled by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), the report is published every three years. According to EPA CEO Tony Chappel, the 2024 report indicates that climate change is already a major factor impacting many environmental trends. “In 2021-22, greenhouse gas emissions […]