NEW research, real-time tracking and expanded drone surveillance lead a $4.2 million NSW Government initiative to keep people safer in the water this summer. The investment follows an unprecedented number of attacks in recent weeks and the need for better education and community messaging on shark behaviour – particularly before and after weather events. Surf […]
Crews have driven the final pile to complete foundation works for 11 new bridges between Black Hill and Raymond Terrace. Photos: TfNSW.
Major milestone reached with final bridge pilings installed on M1 extension
Crews have driven the final pile to complete foundation works for 11 new bridges between Black Hill and Raymond Terrace. Photos: TfNSW. Crews have driven the final pile to complete foundation works for 11 new bridges between Black Hill and Raymond Terrace. Photos: TfNSW. CREWS working on the M1 Pacific Motorway extension to Raymond Terrace […]
CEO Doug Taylor talked to school students ahead of the launch of the Smith Family appeal. Photo: The Smith Family.
The Smith Family’s 2026 Back to School Appeal launched
AS families across the Hunter prepare for the return to school, new research has revealed the growing pressure many households face simply trying to meet the basic costs of education. The latest Pulse Survey of families supported by The Smith Family shows that more than four out of five parents and carers are worried about […]
RFS warns there’s no time for complacency as warmer days return
Firefighters continue to monitor active fires at Nabiac and Bulahdelah. A map released by the RFS shows the extent of lightning strikes over four hours on 3 January. THE NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) is urging everyone to remain vigilant, with higher temperatures forecast to return later this week. The bushfire near Bulahdelah is still […]
The report identifies near-term priority emissions abatement measures for industry subsectors including livestock production, dairy, fisheries, cropping, horticulture, and forestry. Photo: Leanda Connor.
NSW Government releases report to guide primary industries to lower emissions
THE NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (NSW DPIRD) has released a report to guide farmers and primary industries so they can reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while maintaining or enhancing productivity and sustainability. The NSW Land and Primary Industries Low Emissions Options Report identifies near-term priority emissions abatement measures for industry subsectors […]
Learning how to stay safe in heatwaves
HEAT can kill. That’s the message from the Red Cross and Health Direct as we face the prospect of heatwave conditions over the summer months. According to the Institute of Health and Welfare there were 2.143 hospital admissions related to extreme heat between 2019 and 2022. These included 348 patients from New South Wales, 410 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Scores of climate protesters have tried to block coal ships from Newcastle port. Photo: Darren Pateman/AAP
Ships turned, arrests made at annual climate protest
CLIMATE protesters are ramping up efforts to disrupt the fossil fuel industry, scaling and blocking a ship bound for the world’s largest coal port. Three Greenpeace activists scaled the ship on Sunday morning at Rising Tide’s annual “protestival” at Newcastle Harbour, unveiling a banner reading “Phase Out Coal and Gas”. After police confirmed 11 people […]
‘It is home’: coal closures not the end of rural towns
ONE resident in a rural town facing the closure of a major coal mine says “it’s the best place to be… I’m gonna get carried out of here in a box”. Another local from Muswellbrook, a town at the frontline of Australia’s energy transition, plans on staying long after BHP’s Mt Arthur mine closes in […]
