April 7, 2026
Full MidCoast flood recovery ‘likely by 2029’ Restoration of Scone Road.
Government

Full MidCoast flood recovery ‘likely by 2029’

RECOVERY continues across the MidCoast following the May 2025 flood event, however completion of works is not expected until 2029. The recovery program – one of the biggest in the region’s history – includes repairs to roads, bridges, drainage, and landslips. While work is underway, with Council working closely with the NSW Reconstruction Authority, Mayor […]

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Council issues update on roads and capital works
Government

Council issues update on roads and capital works

MIDCOAST councillors viewed reports on the progress and expenditure of capital works and roadworks programs at council’s last Ordinary Meeting. As of 13 March, Council is 70 percent of the way through the 2025-26 financial year, while the total maintenance expenditure is at just over 74 percent of the budget. Council says the effects of […]

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Nationals urged to ‘come clean’ over gun reform The reforms include a cap limiting individuals to four firearms, with exemptions for primary producers up to ten. Photo: Michael Kemp MP.
Government, Police

Nationals urged to ‘come clean’ over gun reform

NSW MINISTER for Police Yasmin Catley is calling on the NSW Liberals and Nationals to “come clean” about a plan to “water down” the state’s new gun laws passed in the wake of the Bondi terrorist attack. Minister Catley cited comments made on radio by Shadow Minister Anthony Roberts (Liberals), which suggested that the Coalition […]

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Renewable hub plan raises worker housing questions The entrance to Yancoal’s proposed Renewable Energy Hub. Photo: file.
Business, Community, Government

Renewable hub plan raises worker housing questions

The entrance to Yancoal’s proposed Renewable Energy Hub. Photo: file. A concept image of Stratford Renewable Energy Hub. Photo: Yancoal. CONCERNS have been raised about where to accommodate construction workers if a major renewable energy project goes ahead. As reported by NOTA (2/10/2024), the Stratford Coal Mine has come to the end of its useful […]

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New play area for Gloucester’s best friends The dogs are excited about their new off-leash area. Photo: MidCoast Council.
Community, Government, Health

New play area for Gloucester’s best friends

SARAH Wortley from Gloucester River Dogs is delighted with the announcement a new fenced off-leash dog park will be developed within the existing off-leash area of Gloucester District Park. Gloucester River Dogs is an informal assembly of dog lovers who for some time have been meeting regularly with their dogs for a couple of hours […]

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New minimum age for e-bike usage in NSW A review led by Transport for NSW will recommend a legal minimum age between 12 and 16 for riding an e-bike in NSW. Photo: NSW Gov.
Government, Police

New minimum age for e-bike usage in NSW

A MINIMUM age to ride an e-bike is being introduced in NSW. Under current NSW Road Rules, a child of any age can ride an e-bike and bicycle riders of any age can carry passengers if the bike’s design allows. A review led by Transport for NSW will recommend a legal minimum age between 12 […]

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On-site wastewater strategy on public exhibition
Government

On-site wastewater strategy on public exhibition

AN updated MidCoast Council strategy guiding how on-site wastewater systems are managed across the region is now on public exhibition. The draft 2026–2031 On-site Wastewater Management Strategy is on public exhibition until Thursday 12 March, setting out a proactive, risk-based approach to regulating around 13,000 septic systems across the MidCoast. Under the strategy, Council will […]

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Emergency Services Levy reform to face parliamentary inquiry
Government

Emergency Services Levy reform to face parliamentary inquiry

OPTIONS to reduce household insurance costs and fix an “unfair funding model” for emergency services will be put to a NSW parliamentary inquiry. While emergency services benefit everyone, most of their funding comes from a levy not everyone pays. The NSW Government says it is committed to removing this Emergency Services Levy (ESL) and replacing […]

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NSW Government invests $1 million to fund biocontrol research to manage weeds Dr Ben Gooden, CSIRO research scientist, surrounded by fleabane weed. Image GRDC
Government

NSW Government invests $1 million to fund biocontrol research to manage weeds

THE NSW Government has granted $1 million to Australia’s national science agency the CSIRO to carry out biocontrol research to help control invasive weeds.         Biocontrol reduces weeds by deploying natural biological agents, such as fungi or insects, and is considered increasingly important as an environment-friendly, self-sustaining and cost-effective weed-management tool. Invasive weeds cost Australian agriculture […]

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