AUSTRALIAN fruit and vegetable growers are missing out on the sale of up to a million tonnes of produce annually that never makes it to market. That’s a whopping $2.5 billion a year but a figure dwarfed by the costs linked to such a huge loss. Data shows Australian horticulture experiences average food loss rates […]
More people are contemplating buying e-bikes, Bicycle Industries Australia members say. Photo: Darren England/AAP PHOTOS.
High fuel prices drive ‘massive spike’ in e-bike sales
ELECTRIC bike sales are surging as rising fuel costs push commuters to find a cheaper way to get around, industry figures say. While Australian e-bike sales have been climbing for years, retailers say recent fuel price pressures have sharply accelerated the trend. “We’ve seen a massive spike in interest in e-bikes in the last couple […]
CCTV released in Port Macquarie assault investigation
DETECTIVES have released CCTV images of a vehicle as an investigation continues into a serious assault in Port Macquarie late last year. About 10.20pm on Wednesday 12 November 2025, emergency services were called to the corner of Buller and Hollingsworth Street, Port Macquarie, following reports of an assault. Inquiries revealed that a man was walking […]
Donation speeds up lifesaving response at Camden Haven SLSC
A $4500 DONATION from the Rotary Clubs of Laurieton and Port Macquarie West has allowed new roller doors to be installed at Camden Haven Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC), improving emergency response times. The Camden Haven SLSC has been serving the local community since 1956, with a record of zero drownings between the flags. Keeping […]
Hornshaw warns of five-year cumulative blow-out in Council rates and charges
Libertarian Councillor Mark Hornshaw. Photo: supplied. The Cowarra Water Supply Scheme is one of Council’s key infrastructure projects. Photo: PMHC. THE only councillor to vote against the draft budget for the Port Macquarie-Hastings is warning of a cumulative blow-out in rates and charges, while Council is warning of a reduction in services if the increases […]
Labor backs above-inflation wage bump for low-paid
LABOR has thrown its weight behind an above-inflation wage rise for low-paid workers, but business groups warn the move could worsen price pressures and fuel further interest rate rises. The federal government repeated its 2025 call for a pay bump above the inflation rate in its submission to the Fair Work Commission’s annual wage review. […]
Less pain at the power point. Interest in electric cars is rising as petrol prices soar. Photo: Jono Searle/AAP PHOTOS.
Shock at the petrol pump sparks electric vehicle surge
DEMAND for second-hand electric vehicles is rising with the price of petrol, attracting more than double the number of enquiries since the fuel crisis began. But automotive experts say the record interest also extends to new vehicles and could cause delays as motorists buy electric cars still en route to Australia. Pickles released details of […]
The fuel excise will be temporarily cut to ease the pain of high petrol prices for motorists. Photo: Dan Himbrechts/AAP PHOTOS.
Relief for struggling motorists as fuel tax slashed
AUSTRALIANS under the pump from sky-high fuel prices will get some financial relief after the federal government succumbed to pressure to halve the tax on petrol and diesel. The decision to cut the fuel excise from the start of April will save motorists about $19 on a 65-litre tank, or 26.3 cents a litre, Prime […]
Hastings SES volunteers honoured at awards night
Award recipients from across the Hastings SES cluster. Photo: supplied. Long service and courage award recipients with NSW SES Assistant Commissioner Sean Kearns and local dignitaries including Port Macquarie MP Robert Dwyer, Mayor Adam Roberts and Port Macquarie Council General Manager Robert Fish. NSW STATE Emergency Service (NSW SES) volunteers from the Hastings Cluster were […]
Vale trailblazer Janet Cohen
Janet Cohen fought for the right for the terminally ill to die with dignity. Janet outside State Parliament with MP Alex Greenwich, who introduced the VAD Bill, and former Port Macquarie MP Leslie Williams. Janet with partner Glenn Brewer looking at plans for the historic Pilot Station Lookout at Camden Head. Photo: Sue Stephenson. CAMDEN […]
