NEWCASTLE Airport’s new international terminal came to life last week as more than 120 local volunteers helped test the facility during a full-scale Mass Passenger Exercise. With surfboards in tow, guitars slung over shoulders and bags packed to the brim, participants from across the Hunter took on the role of international travellers. They moved through […]

Offshore wind continues to divide opinions in the Hunter
A COALITION of unions, business groups, industry representatives and environment advocates have called for a “full-scale commitment from both federal and state governments” on the “responsible” delivery of an offshore wind industry in the Hunter. “While offshore wind became a campaign issue in the seat of Paterson, voters ultimately backed Labor’s renewable energy agenda,” said […]

First-ever DNA mapping of NSW river mouths and estuaries
Dr Maarten De Brauwer of SCU and Fisheries Technician Kait Harris conduct estuarine monitoring in Yamba. Dr Maarten De Brauwer and Kait Harris collect samples to send to Wilderlab for processing. Dr Maarten De Brauwer and Kait Harris collect samples to send to Wilderlab for processing. A MAJOR study of NSW estuaries using a novel […]
Port Stephens Mayor pushes for reform at Local Roads Congress
MAYORS, councillors, experts and peak bodies gathered at Parliament House in Sydney on 2 June, for this year’s Local Roads Congress. Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson was among the community leaders discussing road-related policy issues. “It’s not just a Port Stephens problem,” she said. “Not just millions, but billions more dollars are needed.” The event […]

Mosquito numbers set to soar after long rains
Aedes aegypti mosquito ready for a meal, followed by laying eggs in your birdbath. Photo: Dr Cameron Webb. This backyard birdbath, filled by the recent rains, contains dozens of mosquito larvae that can mature within a week. The black spots are mosquito eggs or pupae, ready to hatch. MOSQUITO numbers are set to soar due […]

Advocacy on the agenda as Nelson Bay CWA branches attend state conference
NEWS Of The Area joined more than 600 delegates and another 200 observers at the Country Women’s Association’s 103rd State Conference in Wagga Wagga last week. In a statement to media ahead of the conference, CWA of NSW president Joy Beames said, “The high number of motions delegates will be asked to vote on this […]

Residents urged to be aware of mould impacts after floods
HIDDEN dangers exist in practically every house and property, many only exposed after an incident like the heavy rainfall that the region received over the last weeks. Mould, which naturally exists almost everywhere, loves moisture and poorly-lit areas that lack decent ventilation, such as walls or wallpaper, ceilings, bathroom tiles, carpets, insulation material and wood. […]
Call for patience as area’s long road to recovery begins
PORT Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson has thanked community members for their patience as the flood emergency makes way for a long and messy clean-up. The priority, she shared, is to “work through recovery – safely, thoroughly, and as quickly as possible”. “Sadly, for many of our residents across Port Stephens, the impacts of this natural […]

Regional collaboration key for airport expansion
MAYORS and council general managers from across the Hunter took an exclusive tour of Newcastle Airport’s international terminal development on Monday 12 May. The local governments represented are members of the Hunter Joint Organisation (HJO), a collaborative body that brings together the ten councils in the region. The tour was led by Newcastle Airport Director […]
NRAR to step up water usage compliance check ups
THE Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) will step up water compliance checks along regulated sections of the Hunter River catchment during May to improve water law compliance. NRAR will visit properties across the Hunter region in the coming weeks to speak with water licence holders about their water take conditions. The visits follow a review […]