October 17, 2026
MidCoast Council undertaking flood risk management review The clean up begins following flooding in 2025. Photo: Council.
Local News

MidCoast Council undertaking flood risk management review

MIDCOAST Council is inviting community feedback on a review of its floodplain risk management studies and plans after major floods in 2021, 2022 and 2025. “MidCoast Council has in place flood risk management studies and plans, and we keep them updated. This is a requirement of the NSW Government,” said Council’s Director of Infrastructure and […]

Read More
Shock at the petrol pump sparks electric vehicle surge Less pain at the power point. Interest in electric cars is rising as petrol prices soar. Photo: Jono Searle/AAP
Local News

Shock at the petrol pump sparks electric vehicle surge

DEMAND for second-hand electric vehicles is rising with the price of petrol, attracting more than double the number of enquiries since the fuel crisis began. But automotive experts say the record interest also extends to new vehicles and could cause delays as motorists buy electric cars still en route to Australia. Pickles released details of […]

Read More
Inquiry into community safety concludes
Gloucester District

Inquiry into community safety concludes

THE Legislative Assembly Committee on Law and Safety has concluded its two-year inquiry into community safety in regional and rural communities. The Committee’s final report, tabled on 19 March, makes 15 recommendations. Committee Chair Edmond Atalla MP said he hopes that the inquiry will result in lasting change. “Communities in regional NSW deserve to feel […]

Read More
New Stroud SES building set to finish on time SES and council representatives at the site. Photo: Council.
Local News

New Stroud SES building set to finish on time

THE construction of Stroud’s new State Emergency Service (SES) building is progressing well and set to finish on time, according to an update from MidCoast Council. Council is managing the project on behalf of the SES as the new building is situated on a Council-owned road reserve. The slab has been laid, and crews have […]

Read More
Technology transforming fire responses in rural NSW Drones provide volunteers with live vision of firegrounds.
Local News

Technology transforming fire responses in rural NSW

Footage captured by an AI-powered camera system on a watch tower. Photos: supplied. RFS volunteers now have improved access to real-time imagery, particularly in remote and high-risk areas. Drones provide volunteers with live vision of firegrounds. RURAL firefighters in NSW are utilising a new technology helping to detect fires earlier, improve situational awareness and strengthen […]

Read More
Regions leading the way on crime reduction
Gloucester District

Regions leading the way on crime reduction

RECENTLY released data from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) demonstrates that crime rates in NSW have generally been stable or have declined over the past two years.  The statistics also show that those living in regional NSW, and in postcode 2422 in particular, are generally much less impacted by crime than […]

Read More
Debbie Hicks undertakes a grave endeavour
Local News

Debbie Hicks undertakes a grave endeavour

WANDERING around a graveyard may seem like a strange thing to do, but that’s exactly what Debbie Hicks has been doing for the past several years.  “I moved to Gloucester in December 2020 during Covid and you were allowed to go about on your own,” she told NOTA. “Gloucester Cemetery was close by and I […]

Read More
Free koala feed trees and prizes at Nabiac Market Visitors can collect free koala feed trees to plant on their properties. Photo: supplied.
Local News

Free koala feed trees and prizes at Nabiac Market

THE MidCoast Council Koala Safe Spaces team will host an interactive stall at the Nabiac Market on Saturday 28 March, helping residents to improve koala habitats across the region. Visitors can collect free koala feed trees to plant on their properties and speak directly with experts about how to establish and maintain koala-friendly landscapes. Attendees […]

Read More
No new mines but coal expansions given green light Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos (left) talks through the coal industry outlook for 2026-2050. Photo: Courtney Houssos MP.
Local News

No new mines but coal expansions given green light

COAL mine expansions are on the cards for at least another 25 years under NSW’s new mining road map at odds with its environment commission. The NSW government announced its coal industry outlook for 2026-2050 on Thursday, saying it will no longer consider new coal mines but applications to extend existing mines will be assessed. […]

Read More