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 […]

SOME 30 percent of Hunter locals are more concerned about climate change than they were a year ago, a new poll has revealed. The polling of 302 Hunter residents, completed on 20 March, was part of a broader poll of 1,965 residents across key renewable energy zones. Renew Australia for All commissioned research firm 89 […]

A SPATE of fire bombings could be just the beginning as concerns mount the tax system is driving a burgeoning alcohol black market putting lives and the budget bottom line at risk. Police have not confirmed whether illicit alcohol was behind 15 incidents at hospitality venues across inner Melbourne since 14 April, but the industry […]

POTENTIAL changes to negative gearing or capital gains tax in the federal budget would not be breaking the trust of voters, the treasurer says. As Jim Chalmers prepares to hand down his fifth budget, the government faces accusations it is coming after “mum and dad” investors as family trusts join capital gains tax discounts and […]

Inundation along the Hastings River in May 2025. Photo: Port Macquarie SES. Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie in May 2025. Photo: Port Macquarie SES. THE State and Federal Governments have committed more than $56 million in new funding to support Mid North Coast communities as they continue to rebuild following the severe weather of May […]

ARTIFICIALLY intelligent cameras detected more than 1100 bushfires in Australia over summer, including some that would have been missed by humans until they posed a greater risk. One fire outbreak caused by lighting strikes, for example, could have damaged a pine forest if cameras had not alerted firefighters. Pano AI revealed the findings on Tuesday […]

FIRE and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) will be throwing its doors open to the public again next month with important safety advice for adults and fun opportunities for the kids. Gloucester Fire Station will be open from 10am to 2pm on Saturday 9 May, showcasing its fire trucks, equipment and highly-trained firefighters. There will be a […]

A VISITOR from the deep past is about to grace Australian skies. For those willing to rise before dawn, it offers something close to time travel. The long-period comet C/2025 R3 (PanSTARRS) – last seen when humans were shaping stone tools and learning to master fire – has returned after an absence of roughly 170,000 […]

THIRTEEN regional clubs have collectively raised more than $70,000 to support farmers impacted by the devastating floods of May last year. Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer said the fundraising effort brought together clubs from across the region with the support of Clubs NSW. “[It] highlighted the strong community spirit and commitment to supporting those […]

BUCKETTS Radio is Gloucester’s local radio station, broadcasting a rich mix of music and community content produced entirely by its dedicated volunteer announcers. According to Tim Carroll, one of the hosts of “The Old Mates Radio Show”, the station is “jumping with some exceptional input from the dedicated group of volunteers”. One such project, “Stories […]