Some of the damage caused by May’s floods in Mid North Coast and Hunter State Forests. Photos: Forestry Corporation.             THE region’s State Forests are progressively reopening following the floods and severe weather of May but the Forestry Corporation is urging users to check the status of trails and […]

IT’S been ten weeks since the crew of John Thompson – Marine Rescue Port Stephens’ offshore vessel – steered into the blackness of open ocean for what became one of the unit’s most challenging rescues in recent memory. But for those on board that night, the moments are still vivid. “It was one of those […]

Cameleer Emily Parrott has found the less bottom in the saddle, the better. Emily and Luke will follow the winding Outback Camel Trail on a 6000km round trip. INSTEAD of a dozen red roses, a bottle of bubbly or romantic poetry, Emily Parrott gave her hubby a camel for their first Valentine’s Day. “When he […]

HUNTER Water bills for a typical household customer will increase by 6.9 percent next financial year including inflation and then by 3.8 percent each year plus yearly inflation in subsequent years. The rise comes after a pricing determination by the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART). Tribunal Chair Carmel Donnelly said IPART reviewed costs […]

Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe at the announcement. The former BHP Steelworks Intertrade Site. THE state government has announced it will invest $115.5 million to build the Newcastle Logistics Precinct, described as a “critical new hub that will support the delivery of more reliable and affordable renewable energy to homes and businesses […]

Brisbane Water crew searching in challenging conditions. Lemon Tree Passage volunteers search on board LM 30. A crew member retrieves a mannikin. A volunteer searches from inside the cabin. Coordinating communication from the radio room. A MAJOR multi-agency Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX) concluded successfully on Saturday, 14 June off the coast of the Hunter. […]