NSW FARMERS is warning state and federal governments must urgently respond to an acute cost-of-production shock with new data showing spikes in fuel and fertiliser prices caused by global shortages have slashed confidence. The latest NSW Farmers Farm Business Sentiment Survey suggests 80 percent price increases for fuel and fertiliser have flowed through to freight […]
Dave Reneke views the skies on one of the world's most famous trains, the Southern Spirit. Photo: davidreneke.com.
Dave Reneke to speak at Probus Port Macquarie on UFOs and space awareness
PORT Macquarie residents will be encouraged to “look up” when astronomer Dave Reneke addresses the Probus Club on Wednesday 6 May. Reneke, from the Mid North Coast Astronomy and Science Centre, will discuss the enduring mysteries of UFOs. His presentation will challenge common assumptions based on science and observation. Reneke says understanding space is more […]
Statewide approach to community consultation welcomed by building body
THE NSW Government is attempting to introduce a statewide approach for how communities have their say on planning proposals. A draft statewide Community Participation Plan is now on public exhibition. Currently there are more than 100 different Community Participation Plans across the state, each with its own approach, timeframes and thresholds for consultation on planning […]
Mid Coast Careers Market returns to Port Macquarie
THE Mid Coast Careers Market makes its return at the Port Macquarie Race Club on Tuesday, 5 May. The official opening is at 8.30am and the event will conclude at 2pm. Open to the public at no charge, everyone is welcome to attend. “The Mid Coast Careers Market is important in terms of raising the […]
Government extends funding for two key programs
THE state government has extended funding for both the No Interest Loan Scheme (“the NIL Scheme”) and Aged-Care Supported Accommodation (“the ASCA Program”). The Government committed $21.5 million in funding to administer the NIL Scheme for another five years, continuing its history of providing fee and interest-free loans to low-income earners since its establishment in […]
New funding available for regional events
A NEW $50 million fund aimed at building community connections and supporting events in regional areas has been announced by the NSW Government. The Active Regional Communities Package delivers funding through three streams for non-profit local community groups, local councils and cultural or sporting organisations to deliver events, programs and activities. $15 million for Regional […]
Fisherman drowns at Lord Howe Island
A FISHERMAN has died after being pulled from the ocean at Lord Howe Island. About 5pm on Wednesday 4 March, emergency services attended Clear Place Point following reports a body had been seen in the water. At the scene, officers located the body of a fisherman in the water near a rock platform where fishing […]
MPs bemoan lack of action on Oxley Highway
FEDERAL MPs Pat Conaghan and Alison Penfold are renewing calls for a solution to the Oxley Highway’s congestion chaos to be “urgently scoped and funded”. “The Wrights Rd and Lake Rd roundabouts leading into Port Macquarie’s health and education precincts have long been flagged as the area’s worst and most dangerous bottleneck,” said Mr Conaghan. […]
Housing options, health services top concerns for country women
THE Country Women’s Association (CWA) of NSW has released the findings of its second inaugural Annual Women’s Survey, highlighting ongoing health and housing concerns. Building on the inaugural 2024 survey, the 2025 survey provides a year-on-year snapshot of women’s lived experiences across NSW. The 2025 survey opened in August last year and closed at the […]
$15 million investment in state’s renewable energy workforce
THE NSW and Federal governments are investing $15 million over four years to train the skilled workforce needed for the state’s renewable energy rollout, set to create thousands of jobs in regional NSW. The investment underpins the state’s Renewable Energy Skills Strategy, launched last week by Minister for Energy, Penny Sharpe and Minister for Skills, […]
