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 […]

A NEW roundabout and road works outside an over 55s housing estate are part of proposed multi-million dollar improvements in West Woolgoolga. The list of works are detailed in a draft Voluntary Planning Agreement (VPA) between the City of Coffs Harbour and INA Plantations Development Pty Ltd, who would co-fund the new infrastructure. A VPA […]

Board members and supporters celebrate the council’s decision. Mayor Steve Allen has worked with the community on the project. THE Bellingen Shire has taken a landmark step towards addressing the housing crisis, with Council voting unanimously to progress the Waterfall Way Community Land Trust (WWCLT) project.  The decision comes after an extensive community consultation process […]

COUNCILLOR Jonathan Cassell continues to highlight environmental and related economic issues at City of Coffs Harbour Council meetings. At the April meeting, councillors unanimously supported a Notice of Motion from Cr Cassell, committing the City to a comprehensive response to microplastic pollution across local waterways. A recent report from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, […]

THE fifth annual Buluunggal (Mullet) Festival will take place at the V-Wall, Nambucca Heads on Saturday, celebrating the arrival of buluunggal in the Nambucca River and the enduring connections of Gumbaynggirr people to Country. Led by the vision of recently passed Gumbaynggirr Elder Uncle Bud Marshall, the festival continues this year as an ongoing expression […]

Inundation along the Hastings River in May 2025. Photo: Port Macquarie SES. Hastings River Drive, Port Macquarie in May 2025. Photo: Port Macquarie SES. NSW SES Coffs Harbour responding to flood rescues in May 2025. Photo: Coffs Harbour SES. THE State and Federal Governments have committed more than $56 million in new funding to support […]

THE State and Federal Governments have committed more than $56 million in new funding to support Mid North Coast communities as they continue to rebuild following the severe weather of May 2025 and ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. The nearly $56.3 million package, delivered through the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), targets the long-term work […]

ARTIFICIALLY intelligent cameras detected more than 1100 bushfires in Australia over summer, including some that would have been missed by humans until they posed a greater risk. One fire outbreak caused by lighting strikes, for example, could have damaged a pine forest if cameras had not alerted firefighters. Pano AI revealed the findings on Tuesday […]

EVER stood under a quiet night sky and caught a sudden flash, like the heavens just struck a match? That fleeting streak we casually call a “shooting star” is anything but ordinary. And over the coming week, the sky is set to put on a show that rewards patience, curiosity, and a willingness to lose […]

A visualisation of the ring that Jonathan, Renato and John found. Photo: European Space Agency. Coffs astronomer Jonathan Bradshaw with his telescope. Amateur astronomers Jonathan, Renato and John with their story in Nature. Renato Langersek and Jonathan Bradshaw receive their Page Medals from Fred Watson. MOONEE amateur astronomer Jonathan Bradshaw has been honoured by the […]