SO, you want to catch a snapper. There are many ways to do this, but I will tell you how I do it. The very first question to ask is: where do snapper gather? The best snapper fisher in the world will not catch a fish where they are not. Perfect underwater habitat for ‘reddies’ […]
Port Stephens Council reaffirms stance over offshore wind
PORT Stephens Council has reaffirmed its position on potential offshore wind development off the Hunter coast. At Council’s Ordinary Meeting on Tuesday 24 February, councillor Mark Watson moved a multi-faceted motion which called for a series of actions from the Federal Government. Council has confirmed it does not currently support an offshore wind project off […]
Expressions of interest open for 2025–26 Volunteer Grants in Lyne
FEDERAL Member for Lyne Alison Penfold is encouraging not-for-profit organisations to apply for funding under the Australian Government’s 2025–26 Volunteer Grants Program, with expressions of interest now open. Volunteer Grants of between $1,000 and $5,000 are available to eligible community organisations that rely on volunteers. The program is designed to strengthen local volunteering by helping […]
Port Stephens Police veteran celebrated for lifelong community impact
SENIOR Constable Alison Stewart has been recognised as Port Stephens Local Woman of the Year for 2026. She was honoured as part of the NSW Women of the Year Awards, which shine a spotlight on visionary thinkers, everyday heroes and trailblazing role models who make a meaningful difference in their communities. This year, 94 women […]
Weed action program gets an update
FOUR-YEAR funding is being made available to local organisations to combat the impact of priority weeds, updating a previously annual grant program. The new $40.7 million NSW Weeds Action Program (WAP) is a key component of the NSW Government’s Biosecurity Action Plan, with funding being provided to 97 Local Control Authorities (LCA). Minister for Agriculture […]
Stinker’s History: Memories of home at Bobs Farm (part two)
IDA Lena Collard OAM was born on 8 September 1920 to Henry and Selina Upton. Below are her memories of growing up as the fifth of seven children on a dairy farm in Bobs Farm. To read part one, visit the News Of The Area website or pick up a copy of last week’s paper. […]
Marine Rescue Lemon Tree Passage volunteers work together with the visiting kayakers to complete the mission.
Paddlers help Marine Rescue volunteers complete challenging tidal rescue
Marine Rescue Lemon Tree Passage volunteers work together with the visiting kayakers to complete the mission. Shallow water around Fenninghams Island restricted rescue vessel LT 30 from getting closer to the stranded boaters. The boaters are taken safely aboard LT 30. A SATURDAY afternoon on the water quickly turned challenging when two adults were left […]
Buyers are once again looking to escape to the regions in search of a better value and quality of life. Photo: PMHC.
Regional housing market booms, outpacing capital cities
WITH the prospect of paying at least $1 million for a home in many of Australia’s capital cities, buyers are once again looking to escape to the country. The regional property market surged in the three months to January, outpacing the capitals, according to figures from data firm Cotality released on Wednesday. Dwelling values rose […]
New guide to support councils in identifying land for affordable housing
THE NSW Government has released a new guide to support councils to undertake land audits to identify vacant operational land that could be used to deliver affordable housing projects. The “Council Led Affordable Housing on Operational Land Guide” released by the Office of Local Government provides step-by-step guidance for councils on identifying and managing affordable […]
L925I significantly reduces the efficacy of pyrethroid miticides in managing affected mite populations.
Varroa mite showing resistance to chemical treatments
THE NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has confirmed the first case of Varroa mite pyrethroid resistance in the state. Laboratory testing at the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute identified a known genetic mutation, L925I, which causes pyrethroid resistance in Varroa mites. DPIRD Honey Bee Technical Specialist, Elizabeth Frost, said L925I significantly reduces […]
