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 […]
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 […]
Dr Ben Gooden, CSIRO research scientist, surrounded by fleabane weed. Image GRDC
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 […]
Dame Marie Bashir. The commemorative plaque in Minimbah Garden. THERE was widespread sadness surrounding the recent death of the much-loved former NSW Governor, Dame Marie Bashir, and a number of Gloucester locals were prompted by her passing to fondly remember the day in October 2003 she spent in and around the town. Dame Marie was […]
AFTER a 12-month disruption, normal XPT services are due to return to Gloucester in April 2026. However, a date has still not been announced for the introduction of the new regional fleet to replace the ageing XPT fleet. NOTA reported in March 2025 that XPT train services to and from Gloucester would be significantly disrupted […]
A 60km/h sign on Bucketts Way at Forbesdale Hill.
MOTORISTS frustrated by the long-standing – and said to be temporary – 60 km/h speed zone on Bucketts Way south of Gloucester may soon see some relief. Heading south, the reduced speed limit, which begins at the bottom of Forbesdale Hill near Fairbairns Road, and continues to just short of Faulkland Road, has now been […]
Taree airport is under review. Photo: MidCoast Council.
MIDCOAST Council has placed a new draft Strategic Plan for Taree Regional Airport on public exhibition, inviting the community to help shape how the airport develops over the next decade. Community members, aviation users and industry stakeholders can review the draft and provide feedback until Friday, 13 March 2026. The plan sets out a long-term […]
Fair Trading Minister Anoulack Chanthivong launched the ‘Name and Shame’ list on 25 January. Photo: minister’s website.
THE State Government has launched a “Name and Shame” list of real estate agents, property managers and strata managing agents who have faced enforcement action. Available through the NSW Fair Trading website, it allows homeowners, buyers and renters to check if an agent has been fined, suspended or had their licence cancelled. It also includes […]
The rain radar and weather map were at the top of the Bureau’s list of fixes. Photo: Sue Stephenson.
THE Bureau of Meteorology has implemented the first round of changes to its heavily-criticised $96.5m website. Since launching, the site has attracted 400,000 “items of feedback”. As a result, the rain radar and weather map have been improved and there is more information about daily temperature highs and lows on state, territory and district pages. […]
THOSE recently enjoying a stroll or a run through Gloucester District Park are likely to have noticed heavy machinery in operation on one eroded section of the riverbank. MidCoast Council has been successful in obtaining a Habitat Action Grant from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. The grants are funded from the Recreational […]
