April 20, 2026
Forestry Corporation fined $450,000 for latest breach
Local News

Forestry Corporation fined $450,000 for latest breach

FORESTRY Corporation of NSW (FCNSW) has been convicted and sentenced over the illegal logging of six giant and three hollow-bearing trees in Wild Cattle Creek State Forest near Coffs Harbour in June and July 2020. The organisation responsible for managing timber production in NSW’s state-owned native and plantation forests, FCNSW has been ordered to pay […]

Read More
Coffs Creek, Darkum Creek rank high for microplastics Across 17 waterways and 67 samples, most North Coast systems fell within Grade C, with no waterways graded A or B and three systems graded E. Photo: Broadscale Microplastic Assessment.
Local News

Coffs Creek, Darkum Creek rank high for microplastics

AN Australian-first microplastic assessment has found three Mid North Coast creeks to be among NSW’s most contaminated coastal waterways. The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has partnered with the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) to deliver a Broadscale Microplastic Assessment, released this week. The report ranks coastal waterways by […]

Read More
Increased traffic putting residents’ safety at risk North Bellingen residents have voiced their concerns about traffic issues. Photo: Caroline Joseph.
Local News

Increased traffic putting residents’ safety at risk

WHENEVER a major road is disrupted, it isn’t just its regular users who are inconvenienced: residents in formerly quiet, urban streets also experience significant traffic changes. Forty residents attended the Bellingen Showground Luncheon Pavilion earlier this month to air their concerns about the impact the closure of Waterfall Way is having on them. Hammond and […]

Read More
Farmers share insights on mental health realities in the bush Rural Aid Chief Executive Officer John Warlters.
Local News

Farmers share insights on mental health realities in the bush

RURAL Aid has released the third annual Pulse of the Paddock farmer survey report, offering a candid snapshot of how Australian farmers are navigating mental health, uncertainty and the realities of life on the land. Based on the experiences of nearly 1,400 farmers surveyed during October and November 2025, Rural Aid says the report shows […]

Read More
Near miss as poles collapse in Nambucca Heads David and Rory catch up at the RSL after their near miss. Photo: Rory Kaine.
Local News

Near miss as poles collapse in Nambucca Heads

The collapsed poles forced a closure of the Nambucca RSL Club. Photo: Nambucca RSL. One of the collapsed poles. Photo: Rory Kaine. David and Rory catch up at the RSL after their near miss. Photo: Rory Kaine. A NAMBUCCA Heads local has shared his experience of being in the near vicinity when two power poles […]

Read More
State award for Coffs Harbour teacher of the deaf
Local News

State award for Coffs Harbour teacher of the deaf

TEACHER of the deaf Penny Proctor Ward has received state recognition. The Assistant Principal Hearing Support for Coffs Harbour and the Bellinger Valley, was honoured with an Outstanding Professional Service Award by the Professional Teachers Council (PTC), which incorporates the Institute for Educational Leadership in Australia (IELA). Penny was nominated by the NSW Educators of […]

Read More
Review into feral animal management in NSW Minister Moriarty with landholder Andrew McIntyre.
Local News

Review into feral animal management in NSW

A TECHNICAL review will be undertaken into feral pig and deer management in NSW. The move follows the announcement of a $40 million investment in feral animal management from the NSW Government, and almost a quarter of a million pigs culled across the state in the past three years. The control program has been built […]

Read More
Community to have its say on Urunga CBD upgrade An RPS AAP Consulting render of what Bowra Street, Urunga could look like.
Local News

Community to have its say on Urunga CBD upgrade

RESIDENTS can now have their say on design elements for the Urunga CBD upgrade, through a feedback survey open until 26 March. The Urunga CBD Upgrade aims to enhance the amenity of the town centre through improved streetscaping, accessibility and connectivity, as well as improving the connection between the main commercial hub and the foreshore. […]

Read More
NSW Gov tests confirm blueberries are safe to eat
Local News

NSW Gov tests confirm blueberries are safe to eat

THE NSW Food Authority says consumers can feel confident enjoying locally grown berries, with NSW Government laboratory testing confirming they meet food safety standards for pesticide residues. Twenty-five kilograms of blueberries and raspberries, representing 100 samples of 250 grams each, were purchased from a range of Sydney retail stores in November 2025. They were tested […]

Read More
Iran War causes instant price spikes in basic commodities
Local News

Iran War causes instant price spikes in basic commodities

WAR in the Middle East is having direct impacts on the prices of basic commodities in Australia, including petrol and other fuels that keep the local economy going. Almost overnight, the geopolitical shape of the world instigated panic that filtered through global supply chains. Unleaded petrol is now averaging over $2/litre in many areas of […]

Read More