A NEW paper co-authored by Macquarie University lecturer and renowned whale scientist Dr Vanessa Pirotta highlights the importance of ‘citizen scientists’ who have been integral in exposing a newly observed Humpback whale behaviour. The paper released by Macquarie University on 4 May, ahead of Australia’s annual Humpback Day (6 May), explores the distinct action of […]
Wild Koala Day: Meet Tucker the joey
Tucker and his mother. Tucker has been deemed fit to transition to a new pre-release enclosure. AS A celebration of Wild Koala Day (3 May), meet Tucker, a joey born through Koala Conservation Australia’s (KCA) Wild Koala Breeding Program at Guulabaa – Place of Koala in the Cowarra State Forest. Tucker is one of seven […]
Support for pet owners facing financial strain in Port Macquarie
MORE than 100 people brought their cats and dogs along to the Healthy Pet Day in Port Macquarie on 23 April. Hosted by the Port Macquarie RSPCA Supporter Group and held at the St Agnes Community Centre, Healthy Pet Day is for owners facing financial challenges. Their pets receive free vaccinations, vet health checks, engraved […]
Local support for Human Rights Act
PEOPLE with Disability Australia (PWDA) President Jeramy Hope has used an address to the National Press Club to repeat calls for a Human Rights Act. He said that without enforceable rights, people with disabilities will continue to be exposed to harm with limited pathways to challenge their treatment. “Australia’s human rights framework has gaps, and […]
Bootlegger boom: big excise fuels black market booze
A SPATE of fire bombings could be just the beginning as concerns mount the tax system is driving a burgeoning alcohol black market putting lives and the budget bottom line at risk. Police have not confirmed whether illicit alcohol was behind 15 incidents at hospitality venues across inner Melbourne since 14 April, but the industry […]
Cut to rail route sparks fury from farmers and regions
A MAJOR freight rail line intended to connect Melbourne and Brisbane will be left half-finished after its cost nearly tripled in six years, sparking anger from farmers and regional leaders. The federal budget will include plans to pare back the Inland Rail project and instead end it at Parkes in central NSW. Independent analysis shows […]
Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Finance Minister Katy Gallagher are facing questions about the budget. Photo: Mick Tsikas/AAP PHOTOS.
Budget won’t be war between generations: treasurer
POTENTIAL changes to negative gearing or capital gains tax in the federal budget would not be breaking the trust of voters, the treasurer says. As Jim Chalmers prepares to hand down his fifth budget, the government faces accusations it is coming after “mum and dad” investors as family trusts join capital gains tax discounts and […]
Five tobacco stores across the Hastings and Camden Haven hit with temporary closure orders
Closure order stickers on the front of Fusian Asian Groceries and Confectionary in Short Street, Port Macquarie. Photo: Sue Stephenson. Some of the closure orders will expire in June. Photo: Sue Stephenson. FIVE stores have now been temporarily shuttered in the Hastings and Camden Haven as part of the NSW Government’s tough new crackdown on […]
Cocos Palms spread rapidly, with seeds carried by birds and flying foxes into bushland and waterways. Photo: PMHC.
Council to replace Cocos Palms in parks and reserves
COCOS Palms will be gradually removed from selected streets, parks and reserves in coming months, as part of a long-term council program to protect native wildlife and ecosystems. Classified as an environmental weed, Cocos Palms (Syagrus romanzoffiana) are known to negatively impact flying-foxes – a species that plays a critical role in pollinating and dispersing […]
Camden Haven Chamber of Commerce president Luke Hadfield discussing the plan with local residents and historians Phil Bowman and Mike Dodkin.
Have your say on the future of Laurieton town centre
THE third rendition of the Draft Laurieton Town Centre Master Plan has officially gone on public exhibition. Residents are now being encouraged to carefully review the document and make formal submissions as debate around the town’s future intensifies. The latest draft became publicly available on Monday, 20 April and will remain on exhibition until Friday, […]
