March 22, 2026
Strict welfare guidelines as government legalises virtual stock fencing The CSIRO’s patented neckbands use GPS and wireless sensors to control cattle movements. Photo: CSIRO.
Regional

Strict welfare guidelines as government legalises virtual stock fencing

CATTLE and dairy farmers have welcomed the government’s decision to legalise virtual stock fencing, which involves using GPS collars to control the animals through audio cues and electric shocks. The move is expected to reduce physical fencing costs, improve rotational grazing systems, and provide remote access to data on the welfare of herds. Minister for […]

Read More
Cairncross recycling facility set to become transfer station The Cairncross Waste Management Facility. Photo: PMHC.
Local News

Cairncross recycling facility set to become transfer station

PORT Macquarie-Hastings Council will transition the Cairncross Materials Recycling Facility from a local processing plant to a large-scale transfer station. A council report says major changes across the recycling industry have made small regional facilities increasingly unviable. The decision last week confirms Council will move away from plans first flagged in 2022 to establish a […]

Read More
SES interns pass with flying colours The Camden Haven SES Unit with graduating interns.
Community

SES interns pass with flying colours

The Camden Haven SES Unit with graduating interns. Caz Dobson and Katie Green. The Baptist Church choir in full voice. SES units at the church function. NOVEMBER was a busy month for the Camden Haven State Emergency Service (SES), with key management appointments, community outings and the finalisation of an intern program. The unit’s leadership […]

Read More
Last days to donate to Toy Drive NGM Group's Rubi Stitt and Alexandra Tompkins with the Salvos' Joey Newman.
Local News

Last days to donate to Toy Drive

AS the donation period draws to a close, The Salvation Army, Newcastle Permanent, and Greater Bank are encouraging the community to support their annual Christmas Toy Drive Appeal and help share the spirit of the season. Each year the annual Toy Drive delivers thousands of gifts to children and families facing hardship at Christmas time. […]

Read More
New system for road recategorisation unveiled in NSW
Local News

New system for road recategorisation unveiled in NSW

THE NSW Government is rewriting the framework that determines road management in NSW, announcing a new road recategorisation system this week. The move comes in an attempt to provide local councils with certainty over who will manage and maintain different roads, allowing for more targeted investment where it is most needed. Road recategorisation is the […]

Read More
Early mackerel, Lake Cathie prawns and coastal conditions
Local News

Early mackerel, Lake Cathie prawns and coastal conditions

BEACHES across the Mid North Coast are currently experiencing a bloom of red algae. Locally known as “red weed”, this natural phenomenon is vital for marine ecosystems but can create unpleasant odours as it decomposes on the sand. Beachgoers should be prepared for the smell, though only temporary. Prawning has been the highlight of the […]

Read More
Final touch-ups to go but Ocean Drive Duplication declared ‘complete’ Regional Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison (in blue), Mayor Adam Roberts (l) and Port Macquarie MP Rob Dwyer (r) on Wednesday, near the new Matthew Flinders Drive traffic lights. Photo: David Heffernan.
Local News

Final touch-ups to go but Ocean Drive Duplication declared ‘complete’

Regional Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison (in blue), Mayor Adam Roberts (l) and Port Macquarie MP Rob Dwyer (r) on Wednesday, near the new Matthew Flinders Drive traffic lights. Photo: David Heffernan. A before and during aerial view of Ocean Drive. Photo: NSW Government. How the roadway looked before Wednesday’s announcement. Photos: Deputy Mayor Nik Lipovac. […]

Read More
PMHC releases Disability Inclusion Plan featuring Town Beach Mobi Mats
Government

PMHC releases Disability Inclusion Plan featuring Town Beach Mobi Mats

INTERNATIONAL Day of People with Disability on 3 December, was marked by the release of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s Community Inclusion and Disability Inclusion Action Plan for 2025-2029, alongside the NSW Government’s Disability Inclusion Plan 2025-2029. The Port Macquarie Hastings plan is named, “Make a bigger circle”. It originated from a community forum where a participant […]

Read More
Long-standing FAWNA member Meredith Ryan recognised with prestigious Wildlife Rehabilitator Award Meredith Ryan is awarded the NSW Wildlife Council’s Inaugural Wildlife Rehabilitator Award.
Community

Long-standing FAWNA member Meredith Ryan recognised with prestigious Wildlife Rehabilitator Award

AFTER 34 years of dedicated service, Meredith Ryan has been recognised for her incredible work with FAWNA. Meredith received the NSW Wildlife Council’s “Wildlife Rehabilitator Award”, during the council’s 20th anniversary event on Friday 28 November. NSW Minister for Climate Change, Energy, Heritage and the Environment Penny Sharpe, presented the inaugural award to Meredith, for […]

Read More
Oxley MP Michael Kemp returns for 2027 election tilt Oxley MP Michael Kemp will run again in 2027. Photo: Michael Kemp MP FB.
Local News

Oxley MP Michael Kemp returns for 2027 election tilt

MICHAEL Kemp has been unanimously re-endorsed as the National Party’s candidate for the Oxley electorate in the 2027 state election. The incumbent MP again received the support of his party at the Nationals’ Oxley division State Electorate Council meeting on Saturday, 6 December. Mr Kemp said he was humbled by the confidence placed in him […]

Read More