April 23, 2026
Sydney to Grafton XPT service to resume this month The XPT trains have been painted to reflect their history.
Government

Sydney to Grafton XPT service to resume this month

The XPT trains have been painted to reflect their history. The XPT trains have been painted to reflect their history. THE Sydney to Grafton XPT train service is set to return from 28 April, after a year of coach replacements during fleet upgrades.  Sydney to Grafton train services – travelling through the Central Coast, Hunter […]

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Blueprint released for more inclusive Coffs Coast Disability Inclusion and Access Advisory Committee Chair Connor Bryant.
Government

Blueprint released for more inclusive Coffs Coast

CITY of Coffs Harbour’s “Draft Disability Inclusion Action Plan – 2026-2030” is now on public exhibition until 22 April. “The City has worked closely with the Disability Inclusion and Access Advisory Committee to develop this blueprint which is our statement of ambition for a fairer go for all,” Mayor Nikki Williams said. “Apart from being […]

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Women underrepresented on councils across NSW
Government

Women underrepresented on councils across NSW

LOCAL Government NSW ((LGNSW) is calling for more female representation on elected councils in NSW. Council representatives from across the state gathered in Sydney on Friday for the peak body’s International Women’s Day event. Mayor Darcy Byrne, President of LGNSW, said the event was an excellent opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the role of women […]

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Feedback requested on CCTV sharing proposal The City of Coffs Harbour’s draft Video Surveillance in Public Areas Policy includes a raft of safeguard measures covering privacy, strictly controlled rights of access and legal covenants.
Government

Feedback requested on CCTV sharing proposal

CITY of Coffs Harbour is proposing to give police live access to its closed-circuit television (CCTV) network. But to do so will require a change to the City’s Video Surveillance in Public Areas Policy, with Council resolving at its meeting on 26 February to place a new draft policy on public exhibition for feedback. “A […]

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City of Coffs Harbour to recoup deferred CBD rates City Centre Masterplan Committee Chair Oliver Gee said the pending opening of the Highway Bypass will be a watershed moment for the Coffs Harbour CBD.
Government

City of Coffs Harbour to recoup deferred CBD rates

CITY of Coffs Harbour Council has voted to recoup CBD Special Business Rate revenue deferred in 2020/21 due to Covid. The move comes after Council’s City Centre Masterplan Committee asked for options to continue funding activation initiatives in the city centre. In reviewing available options, City staff presented the option of ‘catching up’ the shortfall […]

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City set to join other councils in attempt for cheaper power deal City of Coffs Harbour will look to join the Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils power-buying group through a scheme known as the Program for Energy & Environmental Risk Solutions.
Government

City set to join other councils in attempt for cheaper power deal

CITY of Coffs Harbour will move to join other councils and lock-in a power supply deal set to deliver “significant financial benefit”. At its meeting on 26 February, Council resolved to give the General Manager delegated authority to enter into a Power Purchasing Agreement. The City currently buys ‘black’ power from Shell Energy for small […]

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New minimum age for e-bike usage in NSW A review led by Transport for NSW will recommend a legal minimum age between 12 and 16 for riding an e-bike in NSW. Photo: NSW Gov.
Government, Police

New minimum age for e-bike usage in NSW

A MINIMUM age to ride an e-bike is being introduced in NSW. Under current NSW Road Rules, a child of any age can ride an e-bike and bicycle riders of any age can carry passengers if the bike’s design allows. A review led by Transport for NSW will recommend a legal minimum age between 12 […]

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Nats members back Gurmesh Singh once more Gurmesh Singh at Coffs Harbour City Square.
Government

Nats members back Gurmesh Singh once more

GURMESH Singh has again been pre-selected as the Nationals candidate to contest the seat of Coffs Harbour at the March 2027 NSW State Election. The result of Monday night’s vote comes as no surprise, given Mr Singh’s role as leader of the NSW Nationals. “I thank our local Nationals members for their enduring support and […]

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Emergency Services Levy reform to face parliamentary inquiry
Government

Emergency Services Levy reform to face parliamentary inquiry

OPTIONS to reduce household insurance costs and fix an “unfair funding model” for emergency services will be put to a NSW parliamentary inquiry. While emergency services benefit everyone, most of their funding comes from a levy not everyone pays. The NSW Government says it is committed to removing this Emergency Services Levy (ESL) and replacing […]

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NSW Government invests $1 million to fund biocontrol research to manage weeds Dr Ben Gooden, CSIRO research scientist, surrounded by fleabane weed. Image GRDC
Government

NSW Government invests $1 million to fund biocontrol research to manage weeds

THE NSW Government has granted $1 million to Australia’s national science agency the CSIRO to carry out biocontrol research to help control invasive weeds.      Biocontrol reduces weeds by deploying natural biological agents, such as fungi or insects, and is considered increasingly important as an environment-friendly, self-sustaining and cost-effective weed-management tool. Invasive weeds cost Australian agriculture […]

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