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 […]
Hunter union welcomes government’s 2035 emissions target
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 […]
Coalition’s youth crime laws voted down in parliament
THE NSW Labor Government has voted down the Opposition’s Crimes Legislation Amendment (Youth Crime) Bill 2025, which proposed changes to bail and sentencing laws. The Coalition’s bill sought changes including: – Expanding the definition of repeat offences beyond break and enter and car theft, to include serious indictable crimes like murder and sexual assault. – […]
Government release 20,000 Home Care Packages
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 […]
Green growth brings risk of bloat and pulpy kidney
LOCAL Land Services (LLS) is encouraging livestock producers to take steps to reduce the risk of bloat and pulpy kidney as Spring arrives. Pulpy kidney, also known as enterotoxaemia, can cause sudden death in sheep, goats and cattle on high carbohydrate, energy-rich feed, with fat, healthy livestock in prime condition particularly susceptible. “Pulpy kidney is […]
Changes to government payments and deeming rates
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 […]
Community meeting to discuss subdivision on Eagle Avenue
A COMMUNITY meeting will be held on Saturday, 23 August to discuss the “Water’s Edge Estate” subdivision on Eagle Avenue, Hawks Nest. Running from 2-4pm at the Hawks Nest Community Hall, neighbouring resident Steve Lawler will speak at the meeting. Having grown up in Hawks Nest, Steve has been a Registered Surveyor in NSW for […]
More sand renourishment for Jimmys Beach
MIDCOAST Council will commence sand renourishment of Jimmys Beach at Hawks Nest this month to reduce the risks associated with coastal erosion in the area. MidCoast Council’s Director of Engineering and Infrastructure Services, Robert Scott, said the sand buffer which provides temporary protection to the coastline is constantly being eroded by the ocean. This short-term […]
State Government delivers funding boost for Hunter projects
A NEW maritime facility will be built in Newcastle to attract servicing of international super yachts and new saleyards infrastructure will be delivered in Singleton. The State Government is investing $8.73 million into the two Hunter projects through its Regional Economic Development and Community Investment Program. With co-contributions from the two successful applicants, the projects […]
Digital readiness workshop on offer in Stroud
A FREE digital readiness workshop will be held in Stroud in September, through a collaboration between nbn, MidCoast Council and The Business Centre Newcastle. The workshop is suited to small businesses seeking ways to enhance their digital skills and capabilities. Workshops are designed to provide small business owners with expert guidance and practical advice on […]
