THE NSW Government’s ongoing FuelCheck inspection program has revealed which regions across the state have the best and worst compliance rates for price transparency. While approximately half of all inspections have taken place outside of Sydney, around 70 percent of all fines have been issued in regional NSW. The Central Coast comes out on top […]
The federal government has continued back its budget tax reforms despite opposition criticism. Photo: Susie Dodds/AAP PHOTOS.
Budget brawl escalates over rival tax cut proposals
A ROW has broken out over the cost of cutting taxes for millions of Australians as Labor and the opposition try to sell rival economic plans to voters. After a week dominated by the state of the nation’s finances, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese accused the opposition of failing to properly price its plan to bake […]
Farmers urged to act early on feral pig control
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.
As one bridge closes, another opens in Clarence Town
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 […]
Art installation in Nelson Bay to promote safety for women and girls
The four local women who helped shape the ‘Nellies’: Fiona Brown, Mayor Leah Anderson, Janine Hanna and Maddie Lilley. Photo: PSC. Professor Tamara Blakemore and Mayor Leah Anderson unveiling one of the “Nellies”. Photo: Nico Lombardo. The ‘Nellies’ lighting up Yacaaba Street at night. Photo: Nico Lombardo. FOUR interactive installations called the “Nellies” were unveiled […]
Environmental organisations unite in Raymond Terrace over marine debris
TANGAROA Blue Foundation, in collaboration with Port Stephens Council and Hunter Local Land Services, hosted the 2026 edition of the annual Hunter Regional Marine Debris Workshop in Raymond Terrace. On Monday 4 May, representatives from environmental organisations and the community came together for a five-hour discussion, sharing updates on the state of marine debris and […]
Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin, Premier Chris Minns and Environment Minister Penny Sharpe at the Great Koala National Park announcement last year. Photo: Penny Sharpe MP.
Forest industry future under review as NSW maps logging reform
THE forestry industry has been a contested space in NSW for many years, with some supporting the continuation of native hardwood logging and others strongly opposing it. The issue was brought into sharper focus recently with the announcement by the NSW Government of its intention to create the Great Koala National Park (GKNP). The establishment […]
MACH Energy sought to double the mine's output to 21 million tonnes per year and extend its life to 2048. Photo: MACH Energy.
Global eyes on the Upper Hunter as Mt Pleasant mine case hits the High Court
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 […]
Data from the 2021 Census showed a significant shift in where people live, with more than 184,000 people moving to regional areas over the previous five years. Photo: supplied.
Less than 100 Days to Census: Regional Australia encouraged to be counted
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 […]
Hunter LLS says it’s time for land managers to focus on practical strategies for managing a tough winter.
Talking tactics for the winter ahead with Local Land Services
RECORD-BREAKING saleyard numbers at Scone, Tamworth, and Dubbo signals that cattle producers are selling down, with Hunter Local Land Services (LLS) urging landholders to keep making these proactive decisions as conditions tighten moving into winter. Three key indicators point to increasing pressure on producers. Scone’s largest yarding on record, with more than 4,000 head, reflects […]
