MORE than 60 Councils from across the state have issued a call for the NSW Government to guarantee fuel supplies for local government garbage and waste collections in the face of increasing shortages and costs. The meeting of councils convened by Local Government NSW (LGNSW) President Mayor Darcy Byrne also proposed that any fuel cost […]
Port Macquarie’s Breakwall. Photo: @port.macquarie.01
A NEW wave of internal migration is reshaping regional Australia, with coastal communities from Port Stephens through to the Mid North Coast continuing to attract strong interest from city dwellers. While Queensland’s Sunshine Coast remains the top destination nationally, the NSW corridor spanning Port Stephens, the MidCoast, Port Macquarie, Nambucca and Coffs Harbour is maintaining […]
MEALS on Wheels Tea Gardens/Hawks Nest has bid official farewell to one of their long-serving staff, as Meredyth Rae stepped down from the manager’s role at the end of March. Meredyth, whose family roots spread deep around the region, returned to Bulahdelah 27 years ago, and initially got involved with the Meals on Wheels service […]
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. […]
