CONCERNS have been raised that tiered pricing for camping in National Parks could leave the pursuit beyond the reach of struggling families. A consultation paper was released last month by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, which sets out proposed changes to the camping fee system for national parks and reserves in NSW. The […]
NSW Gov funds $10m for weed control and eradication
THE NSW Government will deliver $10 million to local councils to target high-risk weeds across the state. The Weeds Action Program funds local councils, known as Local Control Authorities (LCA), to detect and respond quickly to incursions of new high-risk weeds. The program focuses on prevention and early intervention to stop the spread of problem […]

Top cop denies push as replacement search heats up
AN outgoing police chief has batted away suggestions she was pushed from her role, as taxpayers foot a hefty bill for a replacement. NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb announced last week she will retire in September after a three-year stint as the first woman to lead the force. An interim commissioner has also been appointed […]

Climate target not safe after Nationals leadership vote
DAVID Littleproud has retained his position as leader of the Nationals following a challenge over climate policy but has refused to say whether the party remains committed to net-zero emissions by 2050. The rural party’s MPs and senators on Monday re-elected Mr Littleproud and backed Kevin Hogan as deputy leader. Queensland senator Matt Canavan failed […]
Cr Ellie Tree steps down from Bellingen Shire Council
BELLINGEN Shire Council has accepted the resignation of councillor and Deputy Mayor Ellie Tree. In 2021, Cr Tree made history as the youngest councillor ever elected to Bellingen Shire Council. “Being a councillor has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” said Cr Tree. “I immersed myself fully in this role with […]

Pat Conaghan secures third term as Cowper MP
NATIONALS MP Pat Conaghan says he is ready to “get to work” after retaining the seat of Cowper for the National Party after Saturday’s federal election. “With the polls results now locked and the last of the postal vote counts trickling in, it’s time to declare Cowper as ‘Nat Retained’ and accept the role of […]
Donna Pike to contest Page for Trumpet of Patriots
DONNA Pike will contest the seat of Page in Saturday’s federal election for the newly-formed Trumpet of Patriots party. Ms Pike, who has lived in the electorate for over 40 years, holds a Certificate 4 in leadership and management, and has worked in real estate sales and as a wedding celebrant. She has also served […]
Liberals call for more trainee tradies during Port Stephens site visit
A HOME under construction in Anna Bay was host to visiting politicians on Wednesday, 15 January. Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party Sussan Ley was joined by NSW Senator Maria Kovacic and the Liberal candidate for Paterson, Laurence Antcliff. It was an opportunity for Mr Antcliff, who has worked in the building industry, to […]