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 […]
Dr Ben Gooden, CSIRO research scientist, surrounded by fleabane weed. Image GRDC
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 […]
The proposed investment is aimed at supporting the development of international aviation access through Newcastle Airport, strengthening the Hunter’s position as a competitive destination for overseas visitors. Photo: Newcastle Airport.
INTERNATIONAL tourism advocacy has taken centre stage in the Hunter region, with a united push for targeted funding to unlock new economic opportunities. Through a joint advocacy effort with Newcastle Airport and Destination Sydney Surrounds North, the Hunter Joint Organisation – of which Dungog Shire Council is a member – is calling for $3.85 million […]
Council roadworks underway. Photo: Dungog Shire Council.
DRIVERS across Dungog Shire are being urged to slow down, stay alert and allow extra travel time this week, as crews remain active on multiple road, bridge and infrastructure projects from Monday, 2 February. Roadworks are continuing in several town centres, with Marshall Street in Clarence Town closed to through traffic while pavement and drainage […]
THE State Government has launched a “Name and Shame” list of real estate agents, property managers and strata managing agents who have faced enforcement action. Available through the NSW Fair Trading website, it allows homeowners, buyers and renters to check if an agent has been fined, suspended or had their licence cancelled. It also includes […]
The rain radar and weather map were at the top of the Bureau’s list of fixes. Photo: Sue Stephenson.
THE Bureau of Meteorology has implemented the first round of changes to its heavily-criticised $96.5m website. Since launching, the site has attracted 400,000 “items of feedback”. As a result, the rain radar and weather map have been improved and there is more information about daily temperature highs and lows on state, territory and district pages. […]
The number of emergency and urgent care patients is the highest since reporting began.
THE latest Bureau of Health Information report shows increased demand for hospital care and urgent surgery across the Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD). The quarterly report is based on the period between July – September 2025. There were 108,152 presentations to emergency departments (EDs) across the district, which is 2174 fewer than in […]
Dungog Shire Council's Deputy Mayor Liam Ley, with Mayor Digby Rayward and Acting Director of Planning and Environment Jenny Webb.
DUNGOG Shire Council has endorsed a suite of major strategic planning documents to be placed on public exhibition under the Commonwealth Government-funded Housing Support Program – Stream 1. The draft documents form the foundation of Council’s long-term growth management framework and have been developed to guide how the Shire will meet the NSW Government’s Housing […]
DUNGOG residents are being invited to roll up their sleeves for National Recycling Week (10–16 November) with a free, hands-on evening about cutting waste and making the most of household recycling. Hosted by Dungog Shire Council’s Waste Management Team with community partners Boomerang Bags/Single Use Plastic Free and the Dungog Wholefood Co-op, the two-hour “Recycling […]
The Nationals make their net zero at Parliament House. Photo: supplied.
THE Nationals have set up a possible showdown with their political ally the Liberals after unanimously agreeing to scrap their commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. The regional party argues Australia is doing more than its fair share to reduce carbon pollution, and emissions reductions should instead be tied to an average of similar […]
