Three strikes and still not out: the weak council rules unable to deal with populist politicians
They run the same playbook as Pauline Hanson and Donald Trump: turn every sanction into persecution. Inside the NSW rules that still can’t make badly behaved councillors stop.
New faces bolster three Coffs Harbour committees
Four locals, including a recent regional tourism award winner, have joined three City of Coffs Harbour committees covering tourism, disability access and ageing.
Two Mid North Coast tongs legends need your vote for AFL glory
One rebuilt his club from nothing after the floods. One runs the canteen off an esky and a trestle table. Gwyn Stokes and Gelena White both need your vote for the AFL Grand Final.
Coffs Harbour eyes $60 million car park fix for CBD squeeze
Coffs Harbour is short on parking, and it’s only going to get worse. Council is weighing up a $60 million fix, and wants to know what locals think first.
JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST
LATEST NEWS
Local News
Northern Rivers rebuild delivers first homes, unlocks flood-free land
Four relocated homes are in. Seventy-six more lots are coming. The Northern Rivers rebuild is picking up pace, and officials say it’s changing lives on the ground.
Coffs Harbour bus interchange upgrade to ease city centre crush
A $1 million upgrade is about to transform one of Coffs Harbour’s busiest transport hubs, with new crossings, shelters and a traffic-calming redesign. Construction starts within weeks.
Lismore fun run set for biggest one yet this Sunday
Elvis impersonators, gorillas and a Where’s Wally have all crossed the line before. This Sunday, Lismore’s biggest fun run returns, and organisers say it could be the biggest yet.
Alstonville healing service wins $20,000 cultural grant
A new healing service for Northern Rivers women and children just got a $20,000 boost, part of a statewide push to fund Aboriginal-led cultural projects.
Council backs comprehensive review of landmark coastal trail
Coffs Harbour’s push to turn the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk into a nationally-renowned beachside trek has taken a step forward, with City of Coffs Harbour Council backing a broad-brushed analysis of the 60-kilometre route.
What's On
Two Mid North Coast tongs legends need your vote for AFL glory
One rebuilt his club from nothing after the floods. One runs the canteen off an esky and a trestle table. Gwyn Stokes and Gelena White both need your vote for the AFL Grand Final.
Coffs Harbour eyes $60 million car park fix for CBD squeeze
Coffs Harbour is short on parking, and it’s only going to get worse. Council is weighing up a $60 million fix, and wants to know what locals think first.
Lismore fun run set for biggest one yet this Sunday
Elvis impersonators, gorillas and a Where’s Wally have all crossed the line before. This Sunday, Lismore’s biggest fun run returns, and organisers say it could be the biggest yet.
Lifestyle
Luna leads pack as NSW’s top dog name
Luna is officially NSW’s favourite dog name, beating out Teddy, Daisy and Milo.
Christmas oyster heist leaves local producer reeling
A local producer still rebuilding after the floods has lost his entire Christmas stock, 400,000 oysters worth $350,000, in what is suspected to be a professional theft.
‘Be brave’: Coffs Harbour blueberry picker’s message after alleged underpayment scandal
She borrowed money from her supervisor just to buy groceries. Now a Coffs Harbour region blueberry picker is telling other migrant workers to fight back, as her employer faces court.
Environment
$51.3m contract awarded for Stuarts Point wastewater treatment plant
Kempsey Shire Council has awarded a $51.3 million contract to build a new wastewater treatment plant at Stuarts Point.
$1 million boost for North Coast bushland recovery
From Byron’s hinterland to the Tweed Coast, three local groups have landed a share of $1 million to repair bushland and protect threatened species from disaster.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT
New England Business Technology: the local team behind smarter business systems
New England Business Technology (NEBT) is focused on helping organisations “do business better” through tailored technology and communication solutions designed specifically for regional conditions.
Tow World trusted for honest service and practical know-how
Helping people tow, travel and explore with confidence is what drives the Tow World team every day – and they’re expanding their service capacity with a move to new premises.
HEALTH
Northern NSW hospitals brace for busiest winter yet
Northern NSW hospitals are seeing 22 more patients a day than this time last year. Health bosses reveal where locals should go instead of the ED, and it might save you hours in a waiting room.
EDUCATION
Northern Rivers locals benefit from free TAFE tax support
Northern Rivers residents and businesses are benefiting from free tax support and training initiatives aimed at building the region’s skilled workforce.
POLITICS
Kyogle Council’s decade-long waste levy fight finally pays off
A decade of lobbying, one unfair tax scrapped for good. Kyogle ratepayers are set to save up to $400,000 a year after the state finally agreed the levy should never have applied to them.
INDIGENOUS
Funding to prevent violence through Aboriginal sport
Aboriginal-led organisations can apply for new funding to tackle domestic, family and sexual violence through community sport programs.
CRIME
Two charged after alleged machete attack on Ballina street
A quiet Sunday night on a Ballina street turned violent when a man was allegedly struck with a machete. Two people are now facing court, refused bail.
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
On North Coast Times engage now
- State Matters: Defib grants, energy feedback and council awards.
Read the latest newsletter for Member for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell. The post State Matters: Defib grants, energy feedback and council awards. appeared first on North Coast Times Engage.
