The Mount Pleasant coal mine.
PLANS by mining company MACH Energy to substantially expand its Mount Pleasant coal mine in the Hunter Valley have stalled. The NSW Court of Appeal has found that the Independent Planning Commission’s approval of the mine’s expansion in 2022 was legally flawed. The approval would have allowed the mine to continue operating until 2048, and […]
TIME is running out to nominate for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards. With days remaining, organisers are urging people across the country to nominate those whose actions, leadership or impact deserve recognition. Nominations will close at midnight AEST on Thursday 31 July 2025. This is the final opportunity to help bring the stories […]
A NEW handbook guiding landowners and solar developers to “harness the benefits of combining agriculture with solar energy” is now available. EnergyCo will launch the Agrivoltaics Handbook, a guide to preserving productive agricultural practices while meeting the state’s growing renewable energy needs. It was developed by Farm Renewables Consulting and Progressive Agriculture, with support from […]
Signage at the monastery.
LOCALS will have a unique opportunity to explore one of Stroud’s best-kept secrets at a special three-part open day event at the mud brick monastery on Saturday 30 August. Nestled in the bush beside the Stroud Golf Club on Bucketts Way, down St Claires Road, the monastery, often dubbed the “Assisi of the South”, will […]
Flood Recovery Coordinator Dave Owens speaking with farmers at Gloucester. Photo: supplied.
Flood Recovery Coordinator Dave Owens speaking with farmers at Gloucester. Photo: supplied. Flood Recovery Coordinator Dave Owens speaking with farmers at Gloucester. Photo: supplied. THE Flood Recovery Coordinator for the Hunter and Mid North Coast is encouraging farmers and other flood-affected residents to continue to seek assistance. “We understand it is difficult but it is […]
THE family of Tinonee resident Scott Hayden is pleading for the public’s help to help locate the missing 46-year-old. Scott was last seen on the evening of 30 May in his car on Thunderbolts Way, Tibbuc. The vehicle was found abandoned the following day, parked on the side of the road near Tibbuc Road. The […]
Free koala feed trees will be handed out at the Gloucester Market on Saturday 9 August.
MIDCOAST Council is joining National Tree Day celebrations by giving away free koala feed trees at the Gloucester Market on Saturday 9 August, from 8am to 12pm at Billabong Park. This fun pop-up event is run by Council’s Koala Safe Spaces team and is a great way to learn how you can support the local […]
The newly reopened footbridge.
THE Billabong Park Footbridge has finally been reopened, having been damaged during a flood event in 2021. In the years that followed, there was a lengthy delay with the insurance process. The tender for the replacement of the bridge was awarded late last year to Jacobs Building who have now completed the work. MidCoast Council’s […]
THE State Government has welcomed the Standing Committee on State Development’s report into beneficial and productive post-mining land use, supporting all of its 13 recommendations. In a statement last week, the Government stated it is “committed to supporting coal-producing communities as the demand for coal declines over time”. The Future Jobs and Investment Authority, in […]
A MAN was charged with alleged sexual assault, firearm and drug-related offences during a search warrant north west of Taree last Friday. Officers from Manning/Great Lakes Police District commenced investigations following a report a 44-year-old woman was allegedly sexually assaulted in Cooplacurripa. Following ongoing investigations, about 6.30am on Thursday 24 July local detectives – with […]
