THE NSW Government has inspected just under 1800 petrol stations for fuel price compliance, issuing 93 penalty infringement notices. Over the last fortnight, the government fast-tracked a statewide fuel price compliance blitz to “strengthen fuel price transparency and protect motorists from misleading pricing”. Around 75 percent of stations in NSW were inspected by the beginning […]
Restoration of Scone Road.
RECOVERY continues across the MidCoast following the May 2025 flood event, however completion of works is not expected until 2029. The recovery program – one of the biggest in the region’s history – includes repairs to roads, bridges, drainage, and landslips. While work is underway, with Council working closely with the NSW Reconstruction Authority, Mayor […]
The Barrington Bike Park has previously received eco-certification through Ecotourism Australia.
MIDCOAST Council is currently sponsoring local tourism businesses to receive eco-certification through Ecotourism Australia. Three local tourism operators were supported through the process in 2025. Eco-certification indicates that a business meets globally recognised sustainability standards and supports businesses to improve their practices and build long-term resilience. Executive Manager Sustainable Development, Rachel Pleasant said the Ecotourism […]
The report shows walkability has a bigger impact on the amount of time spent walking in regional communities. Photo: David Guerrero/Pexels.
AMID soaring fuel prices which are prompting Australians to explore alternative transport options, a new study highlights the health benefits of walkable neighbourhoods. New research shows that regional residents living in walkable towns and centres walk 75 minutes more each week, prompting calls for Governments to invest more in well-connected, safe footpaths to boost community […]
LOCAL organisations doing important work across the Hunter and Northern Rivers regions are being encouraged to apply for up to $5,000 in the latest round of Port Authority of NSW’s Community Grants Program. Funding is available to support eligible projects that strengthen community connections, promote sustainability, or enhance the wellbeing of people living and working […]
THE Legislative Assembly Committee on Law and Safety has concluded its two-year inquiry into community safety in regional and rural communities. The Committee’s final report, tabled on 19 March, makes 15 recommendations. Committee Chair Edmond Atalla MP said he hopes that the inquiry will result in lasting change. “Communities in regional NSW deserve to feel […]
TOTAL household wealth rose by 2.5 percent ($453.7 billion) in the December quarter 2025, according to figures released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). The value of residential land and dwellings rose 3.2 percent ($368.6 billion). This contributed two percentage points to the growth in Household wealth, while Superannuation assets contributed 0.3 percentage points. […]
BUILDERS say they are under pressure from a ‘triple threat’ caused by spiking fuel prices. Matthew Pollock, Executive Director of Master Builders NSW, said builders are increasingly feeling pressure from fuel price rises from a triple pain point perspective. The cost of keeping diesel-fuelled commercial vehicles and equipment operating and getting to site. Rising transport […]
NSW PARENTS are embracing a new wave of contemporary baby names, with eight fresh entries joining the state’s Top 100 in 2025. Newly released data from the NSW Registry of Births, Deaths & Marriages shows a growing preference for names that feel meaningful and distinctive. Boys’ names saw particularly strong movement, with Fletcher making the […]
Gloucester’s flooded main street in 2021.
Gloucester’s flooded main street in 2021. Gloucester District Park in January 2025 A NEWLY released report has highlighted how climate change is placing a significant strain on MidCoast Council finances, and on its residents. The report released last week from the Climate Council, titled “Breakneck Speed: Summer of Climate Whiplash” examines what this just-gone summer […]
