MORE locations in the Upper Hunter Electorate have been added in the past week to the impact area for the East Coast Severe Weather Personal Hardship Assistance grant. The one-off payment provides $180 for eligible individuals, or up to $900 per household. As of the Thursday 19 June update, residents of 29 communities are now […]
Increase in domestic violence, sexual assaults and retail theft, data shows
NEW data reveals rates of domestic violence, sexual assault and retail theft have increased in NSW over the last two years. The NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) has released its latest report on 13 major criminal offences. Stealing from a motor vehicle was the only major offence to show a significant decline […]
Chimney safety warning to avoid winter housefires
This chimney was originally installed by an amateur and had never been swept. Creosote was visible on the roof. Craig Baldwin uncovers inappropriate lead flashing, which allowed water to rust the roof below. What a perfectly clean and safe chimney looks like, free of ugly black creosote residue. FIRE safety around chimneys is an area […]
Farming body welcomes NSW Gov ag funding
Premier Chris Minns with students at Tocal College last Friday. Premier Chris Minns with students at Tocal College last Friday. The state government has committed more than $140 million to the agriculture sector. Photo: DPIRD. THE State Government will invest over $140 million of new funding to “safeguard the future of NSW’s agricultural industry”. On […]
Mayor calls for increased disaster funding
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 […]
Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell and Nationals leader Dugald Saunders met with primary producers in Barrington.
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 […]
