THE construction of Stroud’s new State Emergency Service (SES) building is progressing well and set to finish on time, according to an update from MidCoast Council. Council is managing the project on behalf of the SES as the new building is situated on a Council-owned road reserve. The slab has been laid, and crews have […]
Technology transforming fire responses in rural NSW
Footage captured by an AI-powered camera system on a watch tower. Photos: supplied. RFS volunteers now have improved access to real-time imagery, particularly in remote and high-risk areas. Drones provide volunteers with live vision of firegrounds. RURAL firefighters in NSW are utilising a new technology helping to detect fires earlier, improve situational awareness and strengthen […]
Regions leading the way on crime reduction
RECENTLY released data from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) demonstrates that crime rates in NSW have generally been stable or have declined over the past two years. The statistics also show that those living in regional NSW, and in postcode 2422 in particular, are generally much less impacted by crime than […]
Debbie Hicks undertakes a grave endeavour
WANDERING around a graveyard may seem like a strange thing to do, but that’s exactly what Debbie Hicks has been doing for the past several years. “I moved to Gloucester in December 2020 during Covid and you were allowed to go about on your own,” she told NOTA. “Gloucester Cemetery was close by and I […]
Free koala feed trees and prizes at Nabiac Market
THE MidCoast Council Koala Safe Spaces team will host an interactive stall at the Nabiac Market on Saturday 28 March, helping residents to improve koala habitats across the region. Visitors can collect free koala feed trees to plant on their properties and speak directly with experts about how to establish and maintain koala-friendly landscapes. Attendees […]
Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos (left) talks through the coal industry outlook for 2026-2050. Photo: Courtney Houssos MP.
No new mines but coal expansions given green light
COAL mine expansions are on the cards for at least another 25 years under NSW’s new mining road map at odds with its environment commission. The NSW government announced its coal industry outlook for 2026-2050 on Thursday, saying it will no longer consider new coal mines but applications to extend existing mines will be assessed. […]
Report examines impact of ‘climate whiplash’ on MidCoast LGA
Gloucester’s flooded main street in 2021. Gloucester District Park in January 2025 A NEWLY released report has highlighted how climate change is placing a significant strain on MidCoast Council finances, and on its residents. The report released last week from the Climate Council, titled “Breakneck Speed: Summer of Climate Whiplash” examines what this just-gone summer […]
Train manufacturing jobs coming back to the Hunter
ALMOST 40 years since the Tangara trains were built in Newcastle, the work to extend their life is coming back to the Hunter, with the establishment of two new production lines at the rail facility in Cardiff. This NSW Government investment will create around 100 new jobs and 20 apprenticeships in the Hunter region. The […]
Recycling the focus of first Gloucester Garden Club meeting of 2026
GLOUCESTER Garden Club members took part in a comprehensive discussion on recycling and waste management at their first meeting for 2026. Guest speaker Jessie Summerville, the Water Resilience Officer with MidCoast Council, highlighted different recycling programs and what waste each bin can take. “Your recycled waste is sent to a Visy material recovery facility where […]
Government extends funding for two key programs
THE state government has extended funding for both the No Interest Loan Scheme (“the NIL Scheme”) and Aged-Care Supported Accommodation (“the ASCA Program”). The Government committed $21.5 million in funding to administer the NIL Scheme for another five years, continuing its history of providing fee and interest-free loans to low-income earners since its establishment in […]
