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 […]
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.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
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 […]
