DUNGOG Shire Council has received an update on progress of the new Clarence Town Bridge at its 10 December meeting. The major infrastructure project is being funded through a combination of Federal, State and Transport for NSW contributions totalling $20.581 million. Recent achievements on the project include the completion of the bridge abutments, piers and […]
Plan your summer journey – allow extra time on the Pacific Highway at Hexham
TRANSPORT for NSW is encouraging motorists travelling on the Pacific Highway through Hexham to plan their trip and allow extra travel time during the Christmas New Year period, with high traffic volumes and delays expected. The M1 Pacific Motorway at Beresfield and the Pacific Highway at Hexham are linked via John Renshaw Drive and the […]
Region’s national parks users urged to ‘stay vigilant and safe’
The Point Plomer campground in Limeburners Creek National Park. Photo: NPWS. Kayaking in the Barrington River. Photo: NPWS. WITH temperatures high and visitors flocking to the region’s stunning beaches, rivers, and waterholes, the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) is urging everyone to stay vigilant and safe. National parks offer countless opportunities for swimming, fishing, […]
Tributes flow for firefighter after Bulahdelah fire tragedy
TRIBUTES have flowed for John Lohan, 59, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Services (NPWS) firefighter who lost his life protecting the townships of Bulahdelah and Nerong. In a statement to social media, the NPWS said Mr Lohan was a “treasured and long-serving staff member” who was based at the service’s Lake Munmorah depot for […]
Students excel at AgSkills and Stock Horse challenges
Tocal students compete at the Stock Horse Breaker Challenge. Photo: JP Photography and Media. Tocal students compete at the Stock Horse Breaker Challenge. Photo: JP Photography and Media. Tocal students compete at the Stock Horse Breaker Challenge. Photo: JP Photography and Media. TOCAL College agriculture and stock horse students have put their abilities and knowledge […]
Climate targets cooked without methane action: report
IMPROVED methane capture at six high-emission coal mines appears the state’s best bet to hit climate targets. A report released by climate advisory group Common Capital said NSW could help reach emissions targets with best-practice abatement at the six mines, which produce half the state’s coalmine emissions despite delivering less than 10 percent of the […]
Council raises alarm after flood grants denied
FOLLOWING the record-breaking floods which hammered the region in May, impacted residents were instructed by the NSW Government’s Reconstruction Authority to apply for Disaster Relief Grants. According to MidCoast Council, the Authority is now refusing some grant applications due to homes being classified as within a flood zone. Council says this is despite the Authority […]
Access to essential medicines during recent bushfires
PEOPLE living in communities impacted by recent bushfires who require essential medicines, including diabetes, heart and asthma medicines, can now access a limited supply without a prescription at pharmacies. NSW Health has issued an Authority under the Poisons and Therapeutic Goods legislation that enables pharmacists to supply prescription medicines to people without a prescription who […]
Smelter’s future secured but cost to taxpayers unclear
MORE than 1000 jobs at a troubled aluminium smelter are secure after the federal government confirmed it would keep the site running with taxpayer support. Rio Tinto, majority owner of the massive Tomago smelter, had for months been threatening to shut down the plant due to spiralling energy costs after 2028, when its electricity contract […]
The CSIRO’s patented neckbands use GPS and wireless sensors to control cattle movements. Photo: CSIRO.
Strict welfare guidelines as government legalises virtual stock fencing
CATTLE and dairy farmers have welcomed the government’s decision to legalise virtual stock fencing, which involves using GPS collars to control the animals through audio cues and electric shocks. The move is expected to reduce physical fencing costs, improve rotational grazing systems, and provide remote access to data on the welfare of herds. Minister for […]
