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 […]

THE State Government has launched a “Name and Shame” list of real estate agents, property managers and strata managing agents who have faced enforcement action. Available through the NSW Fair Trading website, it allows homeowners, buyers and renters to check if an agent has been fined, suspended or had their licence cancelled. It also includes […]

DOG owners tempted to leave their pet in the car when they run to the shops, will soon risk tougher penalties. The State Government is delivering on its election promise to review the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979 (POCTAA), flagging heavier fines and longer jail sentences. Minister for Agriculture, Regional and Western NSW, […]

THE Bureau of Meteorology has implemented the first round of changes to its heavily-criticised $96.5m website. Since launching, the site has attracted 400,000 “items of feedback”. As a result, the rain radar and weather map have been improved and there is more information about daily temperature highs and lows on state, territory and district pages. […]

CITY of Coffs Harbour councillors have unanimously backed a plan to maximise opportunities and mitigate any potential negative impacts resulting from the $2.2 billion Coffs Harbour bypass. Council endorsed the Coffs Harbour Post Bypass Renewal Action Plan – prepared by City staff in collaboration with Transport for NSW, the Highway Bypass Integration Committee and the […]

CITY of Coffs Harbour is looking to strengthen economic opportunity on rural properties by allowing landholders to run small-scale events like destination weddings, and to set up artisan food and drink operations on their land. At its meeting on 23 October, Council voted to send its planning proposal to the NSW Department of Planning, Housing […]

COUNCILLOR George Cecato has been elected to a further 12-month term as Deputy Mayor of the City of Coffs Harbour Council. Cr Cecato was endorsed by Council at its Thursday, 23 October meeting after his initial 12-month term expired. The Deputy Mayor’s role is to act as chairperson of the Council meeting if the Mayor […]

THE City of Coffs Harbour is developing a 15-year Sport and Active Recreation Strategy, with residents invited to have their say. “This is the first step to help us discover how our sport and rec facilities might be best managed,” City Planning and Communities Acting Director Ian Fitzgibbon said. “Tell us what’s working well now, […]

CITY of Coffs Harbour councillors have voted unanimously to co-sign a letter from Clarence Valley Council to the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, requesting the prohibition of mineral exploration and mining in the Clarence drinking water catchment. Councillor Tony Judge moved the motion to co-sign the letter, after the Clarence Valley Council requested support. […]