THREE leading builders based in the Hunter region have been ranked among the largest residential builders in the nation, according to the HIA-COLORBOND® steel Housing 100 Report for 2024/25. The annual report ranks Australia’s top 100 builders by the number of homes commenced. Leading the way with a total of 2,898 starts in 2024/25, NEX […]
TO help drive the transition to net zero, the Australian Government has set a target to reduce emissions to 62-70 percent below 2005 levels by 2035. It is a step up on Australia’s 2030 target – to reduce emissions to 43 percent below 2005 levels by 2030. The government says it represents a “credible contribution […]
REVENUE NSW has revealed that from July 2023 to August 2025, Raymond Terrace was among the top 10 suburbs in the Hunter for first homebuyers. Data shows that 220 homes were purchased through the Australian Government’s First Home Guarantee Scheme. “This is the best first home buyer scheme in the country, and just one part […]
THE Federal Government has announced it will deliver 20,000 Home Care Packages in the next eight weeks. A further 20,000 packages are set to be released between November and the end of the year, with the remainder of the promised 43,000 to be delivered by mid-2026. The Australian Government subsidises organisations to provide home care […]
SCHOOLS and community groups across Port Stephens are being encouraged to put their green ideas into action, with $20,000 in funding now available through Council’s Environmental Projects Grants program. Mayor Leah Anderson said the program is all about supporting grassroots projects that make a real difference to the local environment. “We know our community is […]
INDIGENOUS business owners are urged to get their registrations in to attend the NSW Aboriginal Business Roundtable. With a focus on “Walking Together to Create Cultural Tourism Experiences”, the event will be held on Thursday, 9 October at Murrook Cultural Centre on Worimi Country in partnership with Destination NSW. The free event is specifically designed […]
A NUMBER of changes to social security payments, rates, and limits will commence from 20 September 2025. People receiving the full single rate of Age Pension, Disability Support Pension or Carer Payment will see a $29.70 boost to their fortnightly payment. People receiving Commonwealth Rent Assistance, JobSeeker, ABSTUDY (aged 22 and over), and Parenting Payment […]
THE State Government has welcomed the Standing Committee on State Development’s report into beneficial and productive post-mining land use, supporting all of its 13 recommendations. In a statement last week, the Government stated it is “committed to supporting coal-producing communities as the demand for coal declines over time”. The Future Jobs and Investment Authority, in […]
FLUENCE Energy has been selected to deliver the 500 MW/2000 MWh Tomago Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). The Tomago BESS will be located within the Tomago Industrial Estate, northwest of Newcastle. The project has already been approved by the NSW government. “We are honoured to be selected by AGL and partner with them on the […]
HUNTER region councils can now apply for a share of $10 million to plant trees, shrubs, and native vegetation in parks, plazas, and other public spaces. The funding comes due to an expansion of the “Greening Our City” program beyond Greater Sydney for the first time. “The program is designed to increase tree planting, which […]
