VISITORS planning to drive on the Worimi Conservation Lands at Stockton Bight, between Anna Bay and Stockton, should be aware of a new Beach Vehicle Permit (BVP) system. From 3 March 2026, permits will be purchased online. Existing paper and sticker permits will remain valid until they expire. The cost of permits will not change. […]

A FORMER traffic engineer has expressed urgent safety concerns over two infamous highway intersections, describing the level of risk as “unacceptable”. As reported in NOTA on 21 January 2026, the NSW Government currently has no firm plans to fix the busy and dangerous Bucketts Way/Pacific Highway intersection in the foreseeable future. “Further investigations are underway […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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. 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 […]

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 […]

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 […]