June 7, 2025
Scamming behaviour tipped to spike following natural disaster Authorities are warning that scammers may attempt to exploit the recent natural disaster through fake fundraising appeals. Photo: NSW SES.
Community, Regional

Scamming behaviour tipped to spike following natural disaster

PREDATORY scammer activity is predicted to skyrocket in the wake of the recent rains and flood disasters. In the aftermath of severe flooding, the State Government is urging people to remain vigilant when donating to recovery efforts. As communities recover and rebuild, authorities are warning that scammers may attempt to exploit the situation through fake […]

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Work in progress: bottlenecks hinder green export hub The Hunter region is lagging on indicators of a shift to an economy powered by decarbonised exports. Photo: Michael Gorton/AAP PHOTOS.
National

Work in progress: bottlenecks hinder green export hub

SLOW project approvals, energy storage gaps and investment uncertainty are proving hurdles to cutting greenhouse gas emissions from heavy industry. For the Hunter, a region eyeing off green industrial exports as global demand for its coal wanes, the transition has not been all smooth sailing. Government support for clean tech innovation and steps to retrain […]

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Residents urged to be aware of mould impacts after floods This roof leak went unnoticed until the heaviest rains fell, again using wood as transmission to the lowest point.
Health, Regional

Residents urged to be aware of mould impacts after floods

HIDDEN dangers exist in practically every house and property, many only exposed after an incident like the heavy rainfall that the region received over the last weeks. Mould, which naturally exists almost everywhere, loves moisture and poorly-lit areas that lack decent ventilation, such as walls or wallpaper, ceilings, bathroom tiles, carpets, insulation material and wood. […]

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Ill landholder urges compassion in shift to renewables A rural landowner is upset about the development of high-voltage lines across his property. Photo: Darren England/AAP PHOTOS.
National

Ill landholder urges compassion in shift to renewables

FILMMAKER Ian Barry hoped to live out his final years in peace and tranquility on his bush property. But Mr Barry, who has motor neurone disease, is instead locked in a fight to save his NSW Hunter sanctuary from being damaged by a planned renewable energy zone. He and his wife Vicki have had a […]

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Mosquito numbers set to soar after long rains Aedes aegypti mosquito ready for a meal, followed by laying eggs in your birdbath. Photo: Dr Cameron Webb.
Health, Regional

Mosquito numbers set to soar after long rains

Aedes aegypti mosquito ready for a meal, followed by laying eggs in your birdbath. Photo: Dr Cameron Webb. This backyard birdbath, filled by the recent rains, contains dozens of mosquito larvae that can mature within a week. The black spots are mosquito eggs or pupae, ready to hatch. MOSQUITO numbers are set to soar due […]

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Dungog Shire ‘better prepared’ for recent flooding Clarence Town Road at Woodville. Photo: Joseph Richards.
Local News

Dungog Shire ‘better prepared’ for recent flooding

Clarence Town Road at Woodville. Photo: Joseph Richards. Dunmore Bridge at Woodville. Photo: Joseph Richards. Flooding on Butterwick Road. Road closures in Dungog on 19 May. Photo: Karen Turner. Flooding in Dungog. Photo: John Squires. DUNGOG Shire Mayor Digby Mayor has praised the response of the community and emergency services to intense rainfall and flooding […]

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Knife-edge recounts could decide parliament’s make-up A rare recount in a Sydney electorate will delay confirmation of Australia's next parliament. Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS.
National

Knife-edge recounts could decide parliament’s make-up

IT could take weeks to confirm the members of Australia’s next parliament, with one seat sitting on a margin of only eight votes and an incumbent in another requesting a second tally. Independent MP Zoe Daniel has requested a recount in the Melbourne seat of Goldstein. The Australian Electoral Commission finalised a margin of 260 […]

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Shed occupation policy to be reviewed
Dungog Shire

Shed occupation policy to be reviewed

MAYOR Digby Rayward has put forward a Mayoral Minute seeking Dungog Shire Council to review its policy relating to the residential occupation of sheds. The current policy, adopted in 2001 and re-adopted in 2003, requires applicants to have full development and construction approvals for a dwelling before permission can be granted to temporarily live in […]

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Disaster assistance activated for flood affected local government areas
Community, Health

Disaster assistance activated for flood affected local government areas

THE Albanese and Minns Governments have activated disaster assistance to communities in Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the Hunter and Mid North Coast following severe weather, including heavy rainfall. The NSW Government’s Natural Disaster Declaration applies to the LGAs of Bellingen, Central Coast, Cessnock, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Dungog, Kempsey, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, MidCoast, Nambucca, […]

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Fodder drops provide lifeline to flooded farmers Fodder is being air-dropped to farmers in need.
Community

Fodder drops provide lifeline to flooded farmers

HELICOPTERS have provided isolated farmers with emergency fodder for their stranded livestock, as part of a range of support available to flood-affected farmers across the Mid North Coast, North Coast and Hunter. As of midday Saturday, 24 May, there had been 43 helicopter aerial drops of fodder, and nearly 131 emergency fodder drops by other […]

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