BOORAL resident Kieran Fraser has expressed concerns that traffic issues on Bucketts Way are likely to become much worse if the proposed Hillview Hardrock Quarry in Maytoms Lane, near Booral, is approved. According to the application, when operational, there will be 272 two-way truck movements, six days per week, over an eleven-hour day due to […]
Wollongong and Newcastle councils pitch in for flood recovery
MIDCOAST Council has offered thanks to Wollongong Shire Council for sending manpower and resources to help with the flood recovery process. Two pothole filling crews of four staff in each team did one-week stints on the MidCoast, doing their bit to help the local road work crews. A spokesperson from the Wollongong Shire Council said […]
XPT replacement trains unlikely to arrive in Gloucester anytime soon
THE wait for XPT replacement trains looks set to continue for the foreseeable future, with Transport for NSW Deputy Secretary Camilla Drover unable to put a date on when the new trains would come into service. “I’m not willing to commit to a hard and fast date,” she said at a recent Parliamentary budget estimates […]

Backlash over ‘quiet cut’ to train passes
LIBERAL MLC Aileen MacDonald has called for the NSW Government to immediately reinstate three-month and six-month NSW TrainLink Discovery Passes, describing the removal as a “quiet cut” that disproportionately hurts regional communities. Speaking in the Legislative Council last week, Ms MacDonald moved a motion highlighting the significant impact of the removal of the passes on […]
Farming body welcomes NSW Gov ag funding
Premier Chris Minns with students at Tocal College last Friday. Premier Chris Minns with students at Tocal College last Friday. The state government has committed more than $140 million to the agriculture sector. Photo: DPIRD. THE State Government will invest over $140 million of new funding to “safeguard the future of NSW’s agricultural industry”. On […]

Nationals MPs slam disaster relief funding after Barrington visit
Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell and Nationals leader Dugald Saunders met with primary producers in Barrington. Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell and Nationals leader Dugald Saunders met with primary producers in Barrington. NSW NATIONALS Leader Dugald Saunders has slammed the NSW Government over a “complete lack of urgency” to help flood-impacted businesses and primary producers, […]
Gloucester Business Chamber concerned by National Parks fee hikes
A NSW GOVERNMENT consultation paper has proposed introducing a six-tier system for camping in NSW National Parks that would make the rate for some campgrounds as much as $97 a night or $679 a week. Public consultation on the changes closed on 25 May. Concerns have been raised that the tiered pricing could leave camping […]
AEC formally declares Alison Penfold as Lyne MP
ALISON Penfold is now officially the Federal Member for Lyne, after the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) formally declared the ballot result last Wednesday. In an electorate reeling from the recent flood disaster, Ms Penfold said the news came at a time when it was difficult to focus on anything other than supporting the community on […]
Gloucester Machinery Site investigation not yet complete
NSW Crown Lands has yet to complete its investigations into the extent of contamination under the old Gloucester Machinery site opposite Billabong Park in Denison Street. MidCoast Council has been considering acquiring the site for a new visitor information centre. The site was used as a service station until about 15 years ago and has […]
MidCoast Mayor pays tribute to former councillor Dheera Smith
MIDCOAST Council has announced the passing of former Greens councillor Dheera Smith. Mayor Claire Pontin said she shared the news with a “heavy heart”. “Dheera served on MidCoast Council from 2021 until earlier this year,” Mayor Pontin said. “She gave so much of herself during her time with us – always guided by her caring […]