July 23, 2025
XPT replacement trains unlikely to arrive anytime soon An artist’s impression of the XPT replacement trains. Photo: TfNSW.
Community, Government

XPT replacement trains unlikely to arrive anytime soon

THE wait for XPT replacement trains looks set to continue for the foreseeable future, with Transport for NSW Deputy Secretary Camilla Drover unable to put a date on when the new trains would come into service. “I’m not willing to commit to a hard and fast date,” she said at a recent Parliamentary budget estimates […]

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Public wharves close to commercial use YKnot Cruises generally offer a ferry service between Nelson Bay and Tea Gardens three times a day.
Government

Public wharves close to commercial use

THE commercial use of public wharves in the MidCoast LGA has been discontinued as of 1 July, including the Yallinbah wharf on Marine Drive, Tea Gardens. The decision looks set to impact catamaran operator YKnot Cruises, which currently utilises the wharf for its Nelson Bay-Tea Gardens service. MidCoast Council resolved to discontinue the commercial use […]

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Backlash over ‘quiet cut’ to train passes The six-month Discovery Pass, previously available for $420, offered unlimited travel across NSW TrainLink’s regional train and coach network.
Government

Backlash over ‘quiet cut’ to train passes

LIBERAL MLC Aileen MacDonald has called for the NSW Government to immediately reinstate three-month and six-month NSW TrainLink Discovery Passes, describing the removal as a “quiet cut” that disproportionately hurts regional communities. Speaking in the Legislative Council last week, Ms MacDonald moved a motion highlighting the significant impact of the removal of the passes on […]

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Funding for ‘future economic development’ of four coal mining regions Minister Ryan Park says it's time to position the Hunter as a national leader in clean energy and advanced manufacturing. Photo: AAP Image/Pool, Nikki Short.
Government

Funding for ‘future economic development’ of four coal mining regions

THE 2025-26 NSW Budget will include $27.3 million over four years to fund the Future Jobs and Investment Authority, initially focusing on the Hunter and Central West regions. “The Authority will help guide the future economic development of the four coal mining regions – the Hunter, Central West, Illawarra, and North West – from coal […]

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Make-up of Australian Senate confirmed The writs were returned to Governor-General Sam Mostyn on 12 June by Acting Electoral Commissioner Jeff Pope. Photo: AEC.
Government, National

Make-up of Australian Senate confirmed

RESULTS of the 2025 Federal Election have been finalised and the writs returned to the Governor-General Sam Mostyn. This marks the end of the electoral process for the House of Representatives and Senate and paves the way for the opening of the 48th Parliament on 22 July. Acting Electoral Commissioner Jeff Pope said the election […]

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Nationals MPs slam disaster relief funding after Barrington visit Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell and Nationals leader Dugald Saunders met with primary producers in Barrington.
Government

Nationals MPs slam disaster relief funding after Barrington visit

Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell and Nationals leader Dugald Saunders met with primary producers in Barrington. NSW NATIONALS Leader Dugald Saunders has slammed the NSW Government over a “complete lack of urgency” to help flood-impacted businesses and primary producers, after visiting residents in Barrington last week. On Wednesday, 11 June, applications opened for grants of […]

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Farming body welcomes NSW Gov ag funding Premier Chris Minns with students at Tocal College last Friday.
Government

Farming body welcomes NSW Gov ag funding

Premier Chris Minns with students at Tocal College last Friday. Premier Chris Minns with students at Tocal College last Friday. The state government has committed more than $140 million to the agriculture sector. Photo: DPIRD. THE State Government will invest over $140 million of new funding to “safeguard the future of NSW’s agricultural industry”. On […]

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AEC formally declares Alison Penfold as Lyne MP Member for Lyne Alison Penfold, who represents the National Party.
Government, National

AEC formally declares Alison Penfold as Lyne MP

ALISON Penfold is now officially the Federal Member for Lyne, after the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) formally declared the ballot result last Wednesday. In an electorate reeling from the recent flood disaster, Ms Penfold said the news came at a time when it was difficult to focus on anything other than supporting the community on […]

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Cheaper complementary health treatments are on the way Private insurers will soon cover some complementary treatments. Photo: Bianca De Marchi/AAP PHOTOS.
Government, Health

Cheaper complementary health treatments are on the way

WHEN Peter Hill walked into his first pilates class, he had to warm-up for the warm-up. With a feeble lower back and taut hamstrings, the then 63-year-old was hoping the therapy could aid his pain. Six years later, he can dart and dash with little-to-no trouble. “Occasionally I might have a bit of a twinge […]

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Kerbside waste collection only targeting flood-impacted areas Waste piles have been seen outside of the flood-impacted areas. Photo: supplied.
Government

Kerbside waste collection only targeting flood-impacted areas

AS the enormous clean-up effort from the flood continues, MidCoast Council is asking people outside of the flood-impacted areas not to put their waste on the kerbside. Over 15,000 tonnes of waste have already been picked up from kerbsides in areas impacted by flooding and that volume is expected to climb considerably as affected residents […]

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