A NEW handbook guiding landowners and solar developers to “harness the benefits of combining agriculture with solar energy” is now available. EnergyCo will launch the Agrivoltaics Handbook, a guide to preserving productive agricultural practices while meeting the state’s growing renewable energy needs. It was developed by Farm Renewables Consulting and Progressive Agriculture, with support from […]
CWA Dungog to host domestic violence prevention seminar
THE Dungog-Clarence Town Country Women’s Association (CWA) will be hosting a domestic violence prevention seminar on Tuesday 19 August. Presented by educator Michael Jeh, the talk will be held at the CWA Hall on Dowling Street in Dungog. The event is part of an educational program created by domestic violence advocacy group, Small Steps 4 […]
Stargazing: The energy-producing power of the sun
HOW much energy does the Sun produce in one hour? Let’s just say it’s enough to make your brain hurt. In just one hour, our Sun releases more energy than all of humanity uses in an entire year. Seriously. Every house lit up, every car driven, every phone charged, every plane flown – all could […]
‘We have not forgotten you’: flood recovery coordinator reassures Mid North Coast
By Pauline CAIN Dave Owens with Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain, Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin and Disaster Recovery Australia volunteers at Smithtown. Photo: supplied Dave Owens speaking with farmers at Gloucester. Photo: supplied THE Flood Recovery Coordinator for the Hunter and Mid North Coast is encouraging farmers and other […]
Court knocks back Mount Pleasant coal mine expansion
PLANS by mining company MACH Energy to substantially expand its Mount Pleasant coal mine in the Hunter Valley have stalled. The NSW Court of Appeal has found that the Independent Planning Commission’s approval of the mine’s expansion in 2022 was legally flawed. The approval would have allowed the mine to continue operating until 2048, and […]

Study: Prescribed burning threatens survival of skinks and other wildlife
AS Australia and the world grapple with global warming and increased bushfire risks, University of South Australia ecologists are turning their attention to the impact of prescribed burning on native animals. In a new study published in “The International Journal of Wildland Fire”, researchers investigated the maximum temperatures that lizards could experience during prescribed (controlled) […]
Appeal to find missing man Scott Hayden
THE family of Tinonee resident Scott Hayden is pleading for the public’s help to help locate the missing 46-year-old. Scott was last seen on the evening of 30 May in his car on Thunderbolts Way, Tibbuc. The vehicle was found abandoned the following day, parked on the side of the road near Tibbuc Road. The […]
Government supports all 13 recommendations from post-mine land use inquiry
THE State Government has welcomed the Standing Committee on State Development’s report into beneficial and productive post-mining land use, supporting all of its 13 recommendations. In a statement last week, the Government stated it is “committed to supporting coal-producing communities as the demand for coal declines over time”. The Future Jobs and Investment Authority, in […]
Chance to explore one of Stroud’s best-kept secrets
LOCALS will have a unique opportunity to explore one of Stroud’s best-kept secrets at a special three-part open day event at the mud brick monastery on Saturday 30 August. Nestled in the bush beside the Stroud Golf Club on Bucketts Way, down St Claires Road, the monastery, often dubbed the “Assisi of the South”, will […]
Have your say on changes to gas and pipeline regulations for NSW
INFORMATION sessions will be held in Maitland and Muswellbrook around proposed changes to the process of negotiating land access for pipeline projects. The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) says it is modernising the regulation of pipelines and creating new guidelines to clarify: the roles and responsibilities for seeking land access […]