MIDCOAST Council Mayor Claire Pontin has written to Premier Chris Minns requesting him to seek a “Category D” disaster classification from the Federal Government. Cr Pontin recently met with key NSW Ministers, including Minister for Disaster Recovery Janelle Saffin, to push for a more substantial and long-term funding commitment – including Category D disaster funding […]

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, […]
Endangered Manning River Turtle faces new threat
A NATIVE invader is threatening the long-term survival of the endemic Manning River turtle, which is only found in the freshwater creeks and rivers of the Manning River system. This ancient, unique creature is at risk of extinction because of its limited population size and a range of other threats. Of all the pressures on […]
Repairs continue on Thunderbolts Way
THUNDERBOLTS Way will remain closed about 40 kilometres north of Gloucester near Bretti in the short term, as crews work to clear landslips and repair bridges. MidCoast Council crews are repairing the road which connects Gloucester to the New England region to achieve access to more damaged sections. Repairs are currently being done on Leslie’s […]
NSW Gov committee investigating access to public land and waterways
A NSW Government committee has begun investigating access to publicly owned land and waterways in New South Wales, including national parks, marine reserves, crown land, state forests, water catchments and Aboriginal land. The Select Committee on Access Restrictions to Public Lands and Waterways was established by a resolution of the NSW Legislative Council on Wednesday […]
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 […]
Gloucester Business Chamber calls for urgent action on local sites
GLOUCESTER Business Chamber has written to several NSW Government ministers and MidCoast Council Mayor Claire Pontin, seeking urgent action in relation to the Gloucester Machinery site in Denison Street and the Gloucester Holiday Park. The letter notes that the Holiday Park is “in a derelict state, with vital repairs and upgrading long overdue”. NOTA has […]
Gloucester VIEW club announce new date for dual birthday celebration
AFTER Gloucester VIEW Club’s dual birthday celebration was cancelled due to severe weather and flooding last month, belated festivities will be held at their Tuesday, 17 June meeting. “Members will celebrate 36 years of supporting disadvantaged Australian students while fostering lasting friendships and, at the same time, celebrate VIEW Australia’s 65th birthday – both wonderful […]
Some relief for flood affected ratepayers on the MidCoast
WHILE MidCoast Council staff and contractors continue the mammoth flood clean up, councillors have provided some relief to struggling ratepayers. At Wednesday’s Extraordinary Council meeting the impact of the recent floods was high on the agenda. Councillors agreed to provide some financial relief for the hardest hit. Some of the initial measures include: · writing […]
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 […]