A REPORT has been published examining the NSW Reconstruction Authority’s response to the severe weather event that hit the east coast in May 2025. The review was undertaken by the Joint Select Committee on the NSW Reconstruction Authority, composed of MPs from across the political spectrum. “This inquiry had a focus on the severe weather […]

NEWCASTLE Airport CEO Linc Horton has been named Industry Leader of the Year at the Prosperity Advisers Newcastle Hospitality and Tourism Awards, held on 18 May. Mr Horton was recognised for supporting and championing the growth of the Hunter region’s visitor economy. The annual awards celebrate the people, businesses and operators helping to shape the […]

THE 2026 Census is less than 100 days away, with Census night to be held on Tuesday 11 August 2026. The Census is an important tool for regional and rural communities, as it shows what local areas need to help them grow, including transport, schools, healthcare, roads and buildings. Emily Walter, Census National Spokesperson, said […]

Chichester Dam, April 2026. Grahamstown Dam, April 2026. HUNTER Water is urging customers to make smart water choices as the Lower Hunter records its highest April water usage in 20 years, alongside declining dam levels and ongoing dry conditions. Residential water use topped 3.7 billion litres in the month, equating to 189 litres per person […]

MORE than 708 drivers have been detected allegedly driving with drugs in their systems during a statewide police traffic operation. Operation RAID (Remove All Impaired Drivers), which ran from Thursday 7 to Sunday 10 May, focused on roadside testing to identify people who may be driving while affected by alcohol and drugs. During the operation, […]

Part of the area near Harwood Avenue that will be converted into a concrete shared pathway. Photo: Nico Lombardo. The red line shows where the pathway will be once constructed. Image: Port Stephens Council. NELSON Bay residents are protesting the creation of a 500-metre long and three-metre wide concrete shared pathway between Halifax and Harwood […]

WITH dry seasonal conditions being experienced in many parts of the region, Hunter Local Land Services (LLS) is urging producers to act early on feral pig control. As feed and water become limited, feral pigs are concentrating around remaining resources, increasing the risk of damage to crops, pastures and infrastructure, and putting additional pressure on […]

Mayor Digby Rayward with NSW Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison, Labor spokesperson for Upper Hunter Emily Suvaal MLC, and local schoolchildren on the new bridge. The Clarence Town community is celebrating the progress with their bridges. Local schoolchildren are some of the first to cross the bridge, alongside project team members and local politicians. THE first […]

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 […]

THE 2026 Census is less than 100 days away, with Census night to be held on Tuesday 11 August 2026. The Census is an important tool for regional and rural communities, as it shows what local areas need to help them grow, including transport, schools, healthcare, roads and buildings. Emily Walter, Census National Spokesperson, said […]