November 7, 2026
No new mines but coal expansions given green light Minister for Natural Resources Courtney Houssos (left) talks through the coal industry outlook for 2026-2050. Photo: Courtney Houssos MP.
Local News

No new mines but coal expansions given green light

COAL mine expansions are on the cards for at least another 25 years under NSW’s new mining road map at odds with its environment commission. The NSW government announced its coal industry outlook for 2026-2050 on Thursday, saying it will no longer consider new coal mines but applications to extend existing mines will be assessed. […]

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Comboyne mountain biker Luke Meier-Smith wins record fourth Australian downhill title Comboyne’s Luke Meier-Smith has won his fourth Australian downhill title. Photo: Giant Bicycles.
Local News

Comboyne mountain biker Luke Meier-Smith wins record fourth Australian downhill title

COMBOYNE mountain biker Luke Meier-Smith has won his fourth back-to-back Australian downhill title. It means the 23-year-old has equalled the national record held by Troy Brosnan and Tracey Hannah. Described as one of the most exciting downhill racers to watch this season, Meier-Smith completed the 1.8km slippery track at Mt Buller last weekend in a […]

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Announcements galore as fuel shortages hit hard FuelCheck is the NSW Government’s real-time fuel price transparency tool and provides motorists with instant access to prices from around 2,400 service stations across the state. Photo: NSW Gov.
Local News

Announcements galore as fuel shortages hit hard

IN Parliamentary Question Time on Wednesday, Premier Chris Minns provided an update into fuel shortages across NSW. At the time of speaking, he said 32 petrol stations in NSW were without any kind of fuel. “That’s down from 51 stations yesterday but concerningly, 187 stations are out of diesel,” he said. “The split of regional […]

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MP’s push for more social housing in Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer in front of the proposed Homes NSW social housing site on the corner of Gordon and Grant streets.
Local News

MP’s push for more social housing in Port Macquarie

MEMBER for Port Macquarie Rob Dwyer has called for more social and affordable housing across the Port Macquarie electorate during an address to Parliament on Tuesday night. Ahead of the state budget, Mr Dwyer said more funds were needed to increase supply as housing stress and homelessness were continuing to rise across the region. “Too […]

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Tests confirm blueberries are safe to eat
Local News

Tests confirm blueberries are safe to eat

THE NSW Food Authority says consumers can feel confident enjoying locally grown berries, with NSW Government laboratory testing confirming they meet food safety standards for pesticide residues. Twenty-five kilograms of blueberries and raspberries, representing 100 samples of 250 grams each, were purchased from a range of Sydney retail stores in November 2025. They were tested […]

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Community generosity drives record result at Port Macquarie ToxTails fundraiser Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services CEO Kelly Lamb, Dr Kristy Kostalas from Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic and Regional Australia Bank Chief Risk Officer Les Bailey. Photo: Atlantis Creative.
Community

Community generosity drives record result at Port Macquarie ToxTails fundraiser

Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services CEO Kelly Lamb, Dr Kristy Kostalas from Port Medical Aesthetics Clinic and Regional Australia Bank Chief Risk Officer Les Bailey. Photo: Atlantis Creative. Dancers entertain the crowd at the fundraiser. Photo: Atlantis Creative. THE Hastings community has again given generously in support of Liberty Domestic and Family Violence […]

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B-double accident adds to Oxley Highway chaos Dashcam shows the moment the B-double’s rear wheels lifted off the pavement. Photo: supplied to @PortMacquarieOnScene.
Local News

B-double accident adds to Oxley Highway chaos

Dashcam shows the moment the B-double’s rear wheels lifted off the pavement. Photo: supplied to @PortMacquarieOnScene. The B-double tipped on its side at the John Oxley Drive and Oxley Highway roundabout. Photos: supplied by @PortMacquarieOnScene. The B-double tipped on its side at the John Oxley Drive and Oxley Highway roundabout. Photos: supplied by @PortMacquarieOnScene. The […]

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Fuel stockpile topped up as minister says supply secure Fuel has been running short in regional areas, prompting calls for supply to be rationed in cities. Photo: Jay Kogler/AAP PHOTOS.
Regional

Fuel stockpile topped up as minister says supply secure

AUSTRALIA has stockpiled billions of litres of fuel – more than a month’s supply – as frustrated motorists grapple with rising petrol prices and an explosion in demand. The country is “as prepared as possible” with 1.6 billion litres of petrol or 37 days’ supply, Energy Minister Chris Bowen told reporters on Saturday. The stockpile […]

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Essential Grants applications closing soon The Repurposing for Resilience volunteers with Kate Haynes from Essential Energy.
Local News

Essential Grants applications closing soon

CHARITIES, community groups and not‑for‑profit organisations delivering community‑led projects across Essential Energy’s network area are encouraged to submit their applications for the 2026 Essential Grants program before the end of March. The program is offering grants of up to $15,000 to help eligible organisations bring their initiatives to life and deliver real benefits for people, […]

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Mid North Coast students and experts discuss AI and the future of the workforce St Columba Anglican School students share perspectives to a full house at the Technology Summit. Photo: Sis Higgins.
Business

Mid North Coast students and experts discuss AI and the future of the workforce

AROUND 150 business leaders, industry representatives and technology practitioners from across the Mid North Coast attended a “Future of Business – Technology Summit” in Port Macquarie on Tuesday, 17 March. Hosted by Business NSW at Panthers Port Macquarie, the summit’s primary focus was how artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies are reshaping education, healthcare and […]

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