October 17, 2026
Critical renewable energy projects to be fast-tracked under new law
Gloucester District

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, […]

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Gloucester golf course and clubhouse turning 50 The golf course site at the beginning of construction. Photo: Brian Osborne.
Community

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 […]

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Key council plans on public exhibition
Gloucester District

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 […]

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Inquiry: Road funding fix needed for rural councils
Local News

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 […]

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Revised wastewater strategy adopted by MidCoast Council The strategy provides a framework for managing approximately 13,000 septic systems.
Community

Revised wastewater strategy adopted by MidCoast Council

MIDCOAST Council has adopted a revised On-site Wastewater Management Strategy, providing a framework for managing approximately 13,000 septic systems across the region. The “Healthy Land, Healthy Water: MidCoast Council’s On-site Wastewater Management Strategy 2026-2031” outlines how Council will manage on-site wastewater systems, particularly in environmentally sensitive areas where poorly performing systems can impact public health, […]

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Trackwork on Hunter and North Coast railway lines
Local News

Trackwork on Hunter and North Coast railway lines

THE Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) will carry out maintenance and improvement works on the Hunter Valley and North Coast rail corridors this weekend to maintain safety and reliability. The works will take place between: – Telarah in New South Wales to Acacia Ridge in Queensland from 5:00am Saturday 16 May to 7:30pm Monday 18 […]

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Global eyes on the Upper Hunter as Mt Pleasant mine case hits the High Court MACH Energy sought to double the mine's output to 21 million tonnes per year and extend its life to 2048. Photo: MACH Energy.
Local News

Global eyes on the Upper Hunter as Mt Pleasant mine case hits the High Court

THE first ever climate change case to reach the High Court of Australia will be heard on Wednesday, 13 May. The landmark moment will set a national precedent on whether Australian planning authorities are legally required to consider the local climate impacts of fossil fuel project approvals. The case, MACH Energy Australia Pty Ltd v […]

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Change to opening hours at Stroud Customer Service Point Stroud Customer Service Point and Library.
Government

Change to opening hours at Stroud Customer Service Point

REDUCED operating hours at the Stroud Customer Service Point and Library were adopted at MidCoast Council’s 29 April meeting. The facility will now operate from Tuesday to Thursday, 9am to 12pm. The move comes after a three month trial and a community feedback period open from Tuesday 27 January to Monday 2 March 2026. The […]

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NSW moves to avert landfill crisis with new food recycling laws Pat Burrows explains the Community Garden’s composting method.
Business, Community, Government

NSW moves to avert landfill crisis with new food recycling laws

NEW Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) recycling requirements are coming into force. From 1 July, most large food businesses will have to recycle their food waste, with the aim of diverting it from landfill. The changes will also require all councils to provide household food waste recycling services from 2030. “Without action, NSW is […]

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Stroud Butchery’s Mathew Thompson named Apprentice of the Year
Community

Stroud Butchery’s Mathew Thompson named Apprentice of the Year

RISING talent Mathew Thompson has been crowned Apprentice of the Year at the prestigious 2026 World Butcher Wars, following an outstanding performance at Sydney Meatstock over the weekend. Competing in front of massive, energetic crowds at the Sydney Showgrounds, Mat demonstrated exceptional skill, precision and creativity in the butchery arena while proudly representing Stroud Butchery. […]

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