NEWCASTLE Airport’s new international terminal came to life last week as more than 120 local volunteers helped test the facility during a full-scale Mass Passenger Exercise. With surfboards in tow, guitars slung over shoulders and bags packed to the brim, participants from across the Hunter took on the role of international travellers. They moved through […]

Offshore wind continues to divide opinions in the Hunter
A COALITION of unions, business groups, industry representatives and environment advocates have called for a “full-scale commitment from both federal and state governments” on the “responsible” delivery of an offshore wind industry in the Hunter. “While offshore wind became a campaign issue in the seat of Paterson, voters ultimately backed Labor’s renewable energy agenda,” said […]

First-ever DNA mapping of NSW river mouths and estuaries
Dr Maarten De Brauwer of SCU and Fisheries Technician Kait Harris conduct estuarine monitoring in Yamba. Dr Maarten De Brauwer and Kait Harris collect samples to send to Wilderlab for processing. Dr Maarten De Brauwer and Kait Harris collect samples to send to Wilderlab for processing. A MAJOR study of NSW estuaries using a novel […]

Ex-PM lauded over honours gong but not everyone’s happy
FORMER prime minister Scott Morrison has been congratulated after receiving Australia’s highest civilian honour, but there is at least one call for him to decline the gong. Mr Morrison is one of 14 people named as a Companion of the Order of Australia in the annual King’s Birthday Honours List, alongside filmmaker Baz Luhrmann and […]
Disaster relief extended for small businesses, primary producers
STATE and Federal governments are delivering more funding to help communities recover from the recent severe flooding. Support available includes: Grants of up to $25,000 for eligible small businesses (with fewer than 20 employees) and non-profit organisations to help clean up and restore their business. Grants of up to $25,000 for eligible primary producers directly […]
Qantas launches direct flights between Newcastle and Perth
QANTAS has announced it will be the first airline to offer direct flights from Newcastle to Perth. The new route will launch on 8 September and flights will operate on Fridays, Sundays and Mondays. “These flights will boost connectivity for Newcastle residents and mean they no longer have to drive to and from Sydney when […]
King tides add to coastal flooding
KING tides flooded the coastlines and estuaries around Port Stephens from Thursday 29 May, coinciding with the riverine flooding that rocked the hinterland and Mid North Coast. Masses of seaweed and sand were lifted by the tides over the roads at Pindimar North and South, leaving salty flooding, seaweed and debris in its wake. This […]
Myall Coast locals rally to support flood victims
Widespread flooding occurred in the wetland areas of Tea Gardens near Myall Way. A strong collection initiative began at Galleries in the Gardens even before the rains abated. Stroud SES units have done flood assessments around the area, such as here in Nerong. MASSIVE rainfall over the last few weeks has led to widespread flooding […]

Residents urged to be aware of mould impacts after floods
HIDDEN dangers exist in practically every house and property, many only exposed after an incident like the heavy rainfall that the region received over the last weeks. Mould, which naturally exists almost everywhere, loves moisture and poorly-lit areas that lack decent ventilation, such as walls or wallpaper, ceilings, bathroom tiles, carpets, insulation material and wood. […]

Mosquito numbers set to soar after long rains
Aedes aegypti mosquito ready for a meal, followed by laying eggs in your birdbath. Photo: Dr Cameron Webb. This backyard birdbath, filled by the recent rains, contains dozens of mosquito larvae that can mature within a week. The black spots are mosquito eggs or pupae, ready to hatch. MOSQUITO numbers are set to soar due […]