Local News Archives - Port Stephens News Of The Area

Transgrid’s bushfire prevention work complete

WITH much of Australia bracing for heightened bushfire danger this summer and authorities calling for early preparations for the season ahead, Transgrid has completed its bushfire prevention throughout NSW. Transgrid’s transmission network spans 12,200km and its prevention work included extensive surveys, inspections and preventative maintenance. About half of Transgrid’s annual maintenance expenditure is directed to […]

Community, Government, Local News, Regional

Port Stephens residents question telcos over dropout rates and coverage gaps

PHONE calls dropping out, poor reception and worries about getting help in an emergency were among key issues raised by residents at a telecommunications forum in Medowie last week. Federal Member for Paterson Meryl Swanson hosted the forum at Pacific Dunes, with representatives from Telstra, Optus, TPG Telecom, and NBN answering questions. A Sunrise resident […]

Community, Local News, Regional

Residents invited to help form a Medowie Landcare group

MEDOWIE’S bushland is part of what makes it a special place to live. Now, the woman behind a proposed local Landcare group is calling on residents to help care for it. Organiser Dee Murdoch hopes to bring together residents who want to protect the natural areas that surround them. An initial meeting is planned for […]

Community, Government, Local News

Stock refuge mound approved for Nelsons Plains despite traffic concerns

PORT Stephens Council has unanimously approved a new flood mound on 30 Nobles Road, Nelsons Plains, close to Raymond Terrace. The 5500m2 mound will serve as a refuge for livestock during floods. A development application was approved after a series of technical issues were considered. These included the mound’s impact on flooding and drainage of […]

Community, Government, Local News, Regional

Koori Knockout brought support with household bills to Raymond Terrace

The team getting ready for the crowds at King Park last weekend. Photo: Department of Customer Service. With 40,000 people expected at King Park, the Mobile Service Centre was kept busy. Photo: Department of Customer Service. A TRIP to last weekend’s Koori Knockout offered First Nations families more than football, with help to navigate household […]

Community, Local News, National

Port Stephens locals invited to again look up and count our birds

The crested tern is one of the birds you might spot during the Aussie Bird Count. Photo: Mick Roderick. A spotted pardalote. Photo: Mick Roderick. The colourful rainbow lorikeet is a familiar sight in many local gardens. Photo: Mick Roderick. PORT Stephens residents recorded 188 bird species during last year’s Aussie Bird Count, and locals […]

Community, Government, Local News

Eighteen-dwelling rural residential proposal in flood-prone land proceeds to Gateway

Aerial photograph of the proposed residential development site at 20 Nulla Nulla Lane. Photo: Metromap. Preliminary masterplan. Photo: sala4D. AGAINST staff recommendations, Port Stephens Council (PSC) has approved a residential planning proposal at 20 Nulla Nulla Lane, Hinton, to be sent for Gateway consideration. “As a planner, I would say that in most instances I […]

Community, Local News

Grants open for applications from charities and not-for-profits

CHARITIES and not-for-profit organisations in regional NSW with inspiring ideas are encouraged to apply for financial assistance through a grant from the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation (NPCF). This year the NPCF’s annual grassroots grants program has more than $540,000 available to support the health and social wellbeing of communities in regional NSW. The program offers […]

Community, Health, Local News

Art for Amber exhibition raises funds for mental health research

Amber Wraith’s family described Mikaylah’s involvement as “a treasure”. Photo: Nico Lombardo. More than $5000 was raised on the opening day. Photo: Nico Lombardo. Tamara and Richard Wraith are fighting for better mental health care. Photo: Nico Lombardo. Artists from across Australia donated artwork to the exhibition. Photo: Nico Lombardo. WHEN Tamara and Richard Wraith […]

Community, Government, Health, Local News, Regional

Dogs at risk as hot car laws languish in Parliament

EVERY year in NSW, authorities receive hundreds of calls about animals left in hot vehicles. Temperatures inside a car can rise to dangerous levels and can rapidly reach more than double the outside temperature – even on mild days. Tinting, parking in the shade or leaving the windows open do not help to reduce the […]