Agribusiness group warns pesticide fee hike will push up grocery prices
Independent analysis says a looming pesticide fee hike could shrink farmers’ access to new products and push grocery prices even higher. Here’s the industry’s warning.
What the new Community Participation Plan means for Bellingen Shire
Bellingen Shire residents will see changes to how they are consulted on local planning decisions following the introduction of a new NSW Statewide Community Participation Plan.
Lismore residents urged to prepare for bushfire season
Lismore residents are being urged to prepare for bushfire season as emergency services test their response to extreme conditions.
Coffs Coast wildlife sanctuary races to open triage hospital as bird flu detected at Corindi Beach
A wildlife hospital trailer that has spent years nursing sick and injured shearwaters back to health is being fast-tracked into a registered triage facility, after the H5 bird flu virus was confirmed in a bird at Corindi Beach, the Coffs Coast’s first detection of the disease.
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Local News
Saffin defends regional ministers after confirming administrative error
Janelle Saffin says the numbers back up what she told budget estimates all along, it was never misuse, just a mix-up over which budget line her Sydney travel came from.
Six charged in high-visibility Taree police operation
Six people have been charged during a high-visibility police operation targeting crime and anti-social behaviour across the Taree area.
Clarkes Beach erosion works completed in Byron Bay
A $1.6 million coastal protection project has been completed at Clarkes Beach, improving access and protecting assets from erosion.
Major milestone reached for Lismore Build-to-Rent homes
Lismore is a step closer to gaining 50 new long-term rental homes after a major construction milestone was reached at Landcom’s East Lismore Build-to-Rent development.
Have your say on Ballina’s economic future
Ballina Shire residents and businesses are being asked to help shape a five-year strategy for local economic and tourism growth.
What's On
Coffs Coast waste trucks carry cheeky message: don’t be a rubbish driver
Coffs Coast bin trucks are now rolling billboards for a cheeky road safety message, as police warn one age group is fuelling the region’s worst speeding record.
Coffs Harbour man honoured for courageous creek rescue
Coffs Harbour man Brett Neal has been honoured for courage after helping rescue a woman trapped in an overturned vehicle.
Coffs Harbour’s local legends in line for Australia Day honours
Coffs Harbour residents are being urged to nominate local community champions for the 2027 Australia Day Awards.
Lifestyle
Salt, letters and healing: inside Jodie Harris’s new Kyogle exhibition
A Kyogle photographer is bringing a deeply personal project home, with an exhibition and community letter-writing campaign designed to open up conversation about domestic and family violence in the Northern Rivers.
F4CA report says farmers carry industry’s climate load
Farmers are already propping up Australia’s climate accounts for free, while coal, gas and oil buy their way out of cutting pollution at the source, according to a new report from Farmers for Climate Action.
Small business talks aim to boost Nambucca Valley jobs and growth
Nambucca Valley businesses are helping shape policies aimed at reducing costs, supporting local jobs and strengthening the regional economy.
Environment
Old pallets, new tricks: Ballina’s recycled art competition throws down a challenge
Pallets, letterboxes and backyard habitats: Ballina’s Salvage Shed wants your junk turned into art, with $600 in prizes up for grabs.
MidCoast search begins for next reuse champion
MidCoast residents are being encouraged to turn their repair, restoration and recycling projects into prizes as entries open for the 2026 Reviva Reuse Competition.
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
Red tape blocks surgeon working in Taree
He’s qualified, willing and wanted by two Taree hospitals, but a Canberra classification says the Manning doesn’t need this surgeon. Alison Penfold wants it fixed, now.
EDUCATION
Pharmacists take on bigger role as GP shortages bite
GP shortages are pushing pharmacists into new territory – but we’re running out of pharmacists too. A new course and scholarship from CSU is aimed to help address that.
POLITICS
Coalition ramps up attack on Saffin over expenses
“One night, out of a year,” she said of a Ballina hotel stay. Now the Coalition is dragging Minister Janelle Saffin to the Auditor General to explain that and dozens of other travel claims that may not be right.
INDIGENOUS
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.
CRIME
Penfold backs Coalition tobacco tax cut as black market debate reignites
Lyne MP Alison Penfold says an 80 per cent tobacco tax cut is the only way to smash organised crime’s grip on illegal cigarettes, but a former detective says even that might not be enough.
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
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- Opinion: A toxic brew has shaped a world driven by anger, fear and confusion
Cost-of-living pressures, terror attacks, widening inequality and financial crises — it’s no wonder Australians are angry. Yet danger lies in scapegoating, writes Professor Alan Gamlen The post Opinion: A toxic brew has shaped a world driven by anger, fear and confusion appeared first on North Coast Times Engage.
