SOME regional Australians may get a reprieve from the housing crisis as councils are offered interest relief to build more drains, roads, and other infrastructure. Though many parts of regional Australia have ample residential land, it often isn’t ready for development due to a lack of funding and planning for critical infrastructure, a 2024 national […]

A NEW citizen science project led by UNSW Sydney is inviting beachgoers, snorkelers and divers to spot and share photographs of seagrass flowers along Australia’s coasts. The endangered seagrass Posidonia australis forms rich underwater meadows that capture carbon, support fisheries, and help stabilise shorelines. It’s one of the most important habitats in coastal ecosystems but […]

THE North Coast has been identified by the NSW Government as a region ready to harvest the economic benefits of the growing plant-based protein sector. Plant-based protein manufacturing is the process of turning crops such as chickpeas, soybeans, lentils and grains into high-protein food products like meat alternatives, protein powders, dairy-free drinks and snacks without […]

The owner and workers of Bowraville Sawmill are struggling under the GKNP moratorium. Nationals Senator Ross Cadell addresses worried workers at Adam’s Sawmill in Bonville. Photo: Senator Cadell. THE Nambucca Valley’s last remaining timber mill is struggling to stay afloat as a result of the Great Koala National Park (GKNP) logging moratorium. Enforced on 8 […]

NEW data released by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare shows that in the period 2023–24, more than 6000 children across NSW without a parent or guardian, sought help from a specialist homelessness service. More than 80 percent of these children did not receive support. While it is hard to put a figure on […]

AFTER announcing the proposed boundary for the Great Koala National Park (GKNP) on Sunday, 7 September, Premier Chris Minns met business leaders in Sawtell to discuss broader economic and social impacts. The park includes 176,000 hectares of state forest and connects existing national parks, creating a 476,000-hectare reserve. The move promises to protect endangered species […]

Premier Chris Minns at Sunday’s announcement with Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin (left) and Environment Minister Penny Sharpe. The proposed boundary of the Great Koala National Park. Conservationists welcome the long-awaited announcement. Photo: Penny Sharpe, FB. Members of the Timber, Furnishing & Textiles Union hold up signs saying ‘Don’t burn timber jobs. Talk […]

Across the four days, 865 people were arrested and charged, with 269 arrest warrants executed. Across the four days, 865 people were arrested and charged, with 269 arrest warrants executed. Across the four days, 865 people were arrested and charged, with 269 arrest warrants executed. POLICE have charged 865 people with 2,028 offences during a […]

THE region has again been battered by wild weather, with emergency services mounting a second major response in just over two months. On Saturday 2 August, severe storms lashed the Mid North Coast, bringing heavy rain and damaging winds to the Port Macquarie Hastings, Kempsey and Nambucca regions. The NSW State Emergency Service (SES) received […]

ALARM bells are ringing after the release of statewide Landcover and Tree Study (SLATS) data. It shows that 66,498 hectares of native vegetation, including 32,847ha of forest and woodland, was cleared across NSW in 2023, compared to the clearing of 47,388ha of native vegetation and 21,137ha of forest and woodland in 2022. This represents a […]