July 25, 2026
Funding for ‘future economic development’ of four coal mining regions Minister Ryan Park says it's time to position the Hunter as a national leader in clean energy and advanced manufacturing. Photo: AAP Image/Pool, Nikki Short.
Regional

Funding for ‘future economic development’ of four coal mining regions

THE 2025-26 NSW Budget will include $27.3 million over four years to fund the Future Jobs and Investment Authority, initially focusing on the Hunter and Central West regions. “The Authority will help guide the future economic development of the four coal mining regions – the Hunter, Central West, Illawarra, and North West – from coal […]

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Veterans given free vehicle access to National Parks A family runs towards the sea at Booti Booti National Park, where park entry fees for motor vehicles apply. Photo: John Spencer/DPIE.
Local News

Veterans given free vehicle access to National Parks

THE Minns Government is extending free vehicle access to National Parks to all Commonwealth Veteran Card holders. Park entry fees for motor vehicles apply at 45 of NSW’s 895 national parks and reserves. A 2025-26 budget measure will enable veterans from around Australia to apply for a pass to enter for free. The pass is […]

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Household water bills to increase after IPART determination
Local News

Household water bills to increase after IPART determination

HUNTER Water bills for a typical household customer will increase by 6.9 percent next financial year including inflation and then by 3.8 percent each year plus yearly inflation in subsequent years. The rise comes after a pricing determination by the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART). Tribunal Chair Carmel Donnelly said IPART reviewed costs […]

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Rural Lands committee to be reestablished
Dungog Shire

Rural Lands committee to be reestablished

DUNGOG Shire Council will reinstate its Rural Lands Steering Committee, following a motion at its 18 June meeting. Originally established in 2019, the Committee was designed to inform and guide the development of the Rural Lands Strategy. With the strategy now being revisited under the Commonwealth’s Housing Support Program, Council has endorsed to re-activate the […]

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Transport for NSW advises of bridge closures
Local News

Transport for NSW advises of bridge closures

TRANSPORT for NSW has advised it will be temporarily closing the Brig O’Johnston Bridge to carry out essential maintenance and safety upgrades. The NSW Government is investing in rehabilitation of the Brig O’Johnston Bridge as part of its bridge maintenance program. The bridge over the Williams River at Clarence Town was built in 1880 and […]

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Regional platypus initiative pushes forward Platypus Becan and the Easter Bunny go head-to-head at the Gresford Billy Cart Derby. Photo: supplied.
Community

Regional platypus initiative pushes forward

Rachel Barry, platypus mascot ‘Becan’ and Callaghan kids at May’s Tocal Field Day. Photo: supplied. Regional Platypus Initiative coordinators Sian Ineson, Rachel Barry and Julie Overton during a planning session. Photo: supplied. Platypus Becan and the Easter Bunny go head-to-head at the Gresford Billy Cart Derby. Photo: supplied. THE “Barrington Rivers Platypus Initiative” has been […]

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Home schooled students get their hands dirty with Stroud Landcare
Local News

Home schooled students get their hands dirty with Stroud Landcare

Platypus mascot ‘Yappi’ (platypus in Gathang language) with Connor and Rachel Barry at a Stroud Jr Landcare event. Photo: Rachel Barry. Stroud Jr Landcare Group at a water quality testing workshop for home schooled students. Photo: Stroud Landcare. Jonathon Quaken of Landcare and Worimi Traditional Owner Justin Ridgeway plant a red cedar tree at Mill […]

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Nationals MPs slam disaster relief funding after Barrington visit Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell and Nationals leader Dugald Saunders met with primary producers in Barrington.
Government

Nationals MPs slam disaster relief funding after Barrington visit

Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell and Nationals leader Dugald Saunders met with primary producers in Barrington. NSW NATIONALS Leader Dugald Saunders has slammed the NSW Government over a “complete lack of urgency” to help flood-impacted businesses and primary producers, after visiting residents in Barrington last week. On Wednesday, 11 June, applications opened for grants of […]

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