March 5, 2026
NSW Farmers offer government suggestions for firearm rule improvements NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin addresses the media. Photo: NSW Farmers.
Local News

NSW Farmers offer government suggestions for firearm rule improvements

THE state’s peak body for farmers has presented the state government with a range of suggestions for improvements to firearms regulations. NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin said that “sudden, sweeping changes” to firearms laws had created adverse and unintended consequences, with ongoing uncertainty causing major problems for food and fibre producers. “At the moment I’m […]

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Emergency Services Levy reform to face parliamentary inquiry
Government

Emergency Services Levy reform to face parliamentary inquiry

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 […]

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Record remand numbers drive growth in NSW prison population
Dungog Shire

Record remand numbers drive growth in NSW prison population

NEW data released by the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) shows the state’s prison population reached 13,133 in December 2025, an increase of 8.5 percent (1,026 people) over the past two years. The growth has been driven by a sharp rise in the number of people held on remand. Between December 2023 […]

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$15 million investment in state’s renewable energy workforce
Dungog Shire

$15 million investment in state’s renewable energy workforce

THE NSW and Federal governments are investing $15 million over four years to train the skilled workforce needed for the state’s renewable energy rollout, set to create thousands of jobs in regional NSW. The investment underpins the state’s Renewable Energy Skills Strategy, launched last week by Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe and Minister for Skills, […]

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NSW Government invests $1 million to fund biocontrol research to manage weeds Dr Ben Gooden, CSIRO research scientist, surrounded by fleabane weed. Image GRDC
Government

NSW Government invests $1 million to fund biocontrol research to manage weeds

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 […]

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Grants available for water projects in the Lower Hunter A previous grant went towards a rainwater tank at the Shelley Street Community Garden in Toronto.
Community

Grants available for water projects in the Lower Hunter

HUNTER Water has announced the return of its Love Water Grants Program for 2026, offering $125,000 to support community-led projects that improve water efficiency, sustainability and wellbeing across the Lower Hunter. Now in its ninth year, the program continues to support innovative local initiatives that deliver practical water-saving outcomes while strengthening community connections. The NSW […]

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Varroa mite showing resistance to chemical treatments L925I significantly reduces the efficacy of pyrethroid miticides in managing affected mite populations.
Local News

Varroa mite showing resistance to chemical treatments

THE NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has confirmed the first case of Varroa mite pyrethroid resistance in the state. Laboratory testing at the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute identified a known genetic mutation, L925I, which causes pyrethroid resistance in Varroa mites. DPIRD Honey Bee Technical Specialist, Elizabeth Frost, said L925I significantly reduces […]

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Grants for Dungog and Gresford RSL sub-Branch projects
Local News

Grants for Dungog and Gresford RSL sub-Branch projects

DUNGOG RSL sub-Branch has received a $1400 grant to go toward its display of veterans’ uniforms. A project is underway to ensure that uniforms gifted to the sub-Branch by veterans and their families, from all services, are displayed properly. The uniforms range from WWII to those worn more recently in Afghanistan. Funds will be used […]

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Charges laid after elderly targeted in carpark fraud
Local News

Charges laid after elderly targeted in carpark fraud

CHARGES have been laid as detectives investigate fraud and stealing offences allegedly committed in car parks in dozens of locations across NSW, including in Port Stephens and the Mid Coast. Officers attached to North West Metropolitan Region established Strike Force Pitstop to investigate incidents reported across the state, from Newcastle to Wagga Wagga and including […]

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604 people detected drug driving in statewide traffic operation
Local News

604 people detected drug driving in statewide traffic operation

MORE than 600 drivers were detected allegedly driving with drugs in their systems during a statewide police traffic operation last week. Operation RAID (Remove All Impaired Drivers) commenced at 12am on Thursday 12 February and concluded at 4am on Sunday 15 February, targeting people driving while affected by alcohol, drugs and fatigue. During the operation, […]

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