IT’S always distressing to hear or read about people losing their lives in a house fire, particularly when many such tragedies can be prevented with simple safety measures. Each year, approximately 20 people die in NSW from fires that could have been prevented, and almost all of these fatalities occur in people’s homes. Fire safety […]
Opposition Leader Angus Taylor has unveiled his economic vision in a budget reply. Photo: Lukas Coch/AAP PHOTOS.
Tax, migration and NDIS in coalition’s economic sights
AUSTRALIA’S tax system would be overhauled, welfare restricted to citizens and immigration slashed under a future coalition government. In his first budget reply speech, Angus Taylor has conceded the Liberals and Nationals still have a long road to win back the confidence of voters, but asked Australians to “begin to believe again”. The opposition leader […]
700-plus drivers caught during traffic operation
MORE than 708 drivers have been detected allegedly driving with drugs in their systems during a statewide police traffic operation. Operation RAID (Remove All Impaired Drivers), which ran from Thursday 7 to Sunday 10 May, focused on roadside testing to identify people who may be driving while affected by alcohol and drugs. During the operation, […]
Free breast screening in Gloucester
THE BreastScreen NSW van will be providing free breast cancer screening in Gloucester from 9 June to 8 July. BreastScreen NSW Hunter New England manager Rebecca Delaporte said a regular breast screen is one of the most important things women can do for their health. “Detecting breast cancer early increases your chance of survival while […]
Farmers urged to act early on feral pig control
WITH dry seasonal conditions being experienced in many parts of the region, Hunter Local Land Services (LLS) is urging producers to act early on feral pig control. As feed and water become limited, feral pigs are concentrating around remaining resources, increasing the risk of damage to crops, pastures and infrastructure, and putting additional pressure on […]
Cut to rail route sparks fury from farmers and regions
A MAJOR freight rail line intended to connect Melbourne and Brisbane will be left half-finished after its cost nearly tripled in six years, sparking anger from farmers and regional leaders. The federal budget will include plans to pare back the Inland Rail project and instead end it at Parkes in central NSW. Independent analysis shows […]
Critical renewable energy projects to be fast-tracked under new law
PROPOSED legislation currently before the NSW Legislative Assembly would allow the Energy Minister to identify the highest-priority renewable energy projects in the planning pipeline and prioritise them for streamlining. The NSW Government says it would result in more streamlined approvals for generation, storage and network projects that will power homes, industry and economic growth. However, […]
Gloucester golf course and clubhouse turning 50
The golf course site at the beginning of construction. Photo: Brian Osborne. Women golfers outside the new clubhouse. GLOUCESTER’S connection to golf stretches back over a century, while this year its present course and clubhouse turn 50. The first course was laid out in 1910 on the site of the old saleyards, along the eastern […]
Key council plans on public exhibition
MIDCOAST Council is now inviting community feedback on its Draft Delivery Program and Draft Operational Plan. Mayor Claire Pontin said the draft budget and program had been developed to balance community needs with long-term financial sustainability. “Council is increasingly being relied upon to deliver services and infrastructure that were traditionally the responsibility of other levels […]
Inquiry: Road funding fix needed for rural councils
RURAL residents are crying out for reliable roads, the state’s peak farming body has told an inquiry into local government funding and fiscal sustainability. Last week, the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Regional Development, Infrastructure and Transport held hearings with more than 20 councils in Wodonga, Wagga Wagga and Taree. Also present were representatives […]
