THE State Government has launched a “landmark strategy” to respond to the perpetration of domestic and family violence (DFV) in NSW. “Building Better Responses: NSW Strategy to Respond to the Use of Domestic and Family Violence 2026–2030” is NSW’s first dedicated plan aimed at disrupting DFV and focusing on those who cause or may cause […]
A MINISTERIAL Direction will require NSW Government agencies to take stronger action to address modern slavery risks. Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement Courtney Houssos has directed all NSW Government agencies to include modern slavery tender clauses in procurement categories identified as high risk. The change will come into effect this month (January 2026), […]
UNIVERSITY of South Australia scientists say they have developed a powerful new way to uncover the genetic interactions that fuel cancer progression. The AI-driven method, published recently in the Royal Society Open Science journal, reveals that tumour progression is driven by cooperating groups of genes, rather than mutated genes acting alone. Lead researcher Dr Andres […]
IMPROVED methane capture at six high-emission coal mines appears the state’s best bet to hit climate targets. A report released by climate advisory group Common Capital said NSW could help reach emissions targets with best-practice abatement at the six mines, which produce half the state’s coalmine emissions despite delivering less than 10 percent of the […]
MIDCOAST Council says rangers will be “out in force” during the holiday period, with a focus on illegal parking, driving on beaches without a permit, illegal camping and rubbish dumping. “While we want to welcome visitors, we also have a responsibility to our local communities and our environment,” said Director of Liveable Communities, Paul De […]
THEY said it couldn’t happen, but the Federal Labor Government has worked with the Greens to pass reforms to the Environment Protection Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act after negotiations fell through last November. The reforms include a new environment watchdog agency; national standards to safeguard nature; federal laws to apply to native forest logging by mid-2027; […]
THE recently-released annual report of the NSW Voluntary Assisted Dying Board reveals that 62 patients in the MidCoast Local Government Area had a first assessment for voluntary assisted dying (VAD) during the 12 months to 30 June 2025. Only six other local government areas had a greater number of first assessments, with the Central Coast […]
THE Housing Industry Association (HIA) has warned that housing pressures across regional NSW are reaching critical levels. Builders and industry leaders gathered in Taree last week for a Regional Housing Roundtable hosted with Nationals Senator Bridget McKenzie and Member for Lyne Alison Penfold. “The discussions in Taree reflect the growing challenges faced by builders in […]
THE NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is encouraging everyone to be alert to signs of avian influenza in commercial and domestic poultry, and wildlife. Australia remains free from the H5N1 strain that is causing concern globally, however there is a risk the disease may be introduced by wild birds that migrate […]
MIDCOAST Council is calling for nominations for the Open Coast Coastal Management Program Reference Group until Wednesday 19 November 2025. The Coastal Management Program will combine and replace existing coastal zone management plans for the Manning, Great Lakes and Jimmys Beach. The included coastline is from north of Crowdy Head to Hawks Nest, except for: […]
