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 […]
Councils and state gov to address root causes of DV
LOCAL Government NSW (LGNSW) is partnering with the state government to support councils in addressing the root causes of domestic, family, and sexual violence. The initiative is part of the NSW Government’s Pathways to Prevention Strategy, which aims to address the drivers of violence. Under the three-year primary prevention partnership, the state government will provide […]
Upper Hunter Crown reserves secure funding
THE State Government will provide more than $54,500 in grants to maintain and upgrade Crown land reserves and community facilities across the Upper Hunter. The grants are being provided by Crown Lands in the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) from the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund (CRIF). Upper Hunter electorate projects being funded include […]
