NSW residents have returned a record 15 billion bottles, cans and cartons through the Return and Earn scheme, delivering $1.5 billion in refunds, but access on the North Coast remains uneven.
Kath Jacobs
Kath Jacobs is a senior journalist and manager at New England Times. Got a story for me? Email kathj@netimes.com.au
Posted inEmergency management, Local politics, NSW Politics
NSW RFS ‘red fleet’ ownership delayed by bureaucracy
NSW councils hoping for a swift resolution to long running ownership issues surrounding the Rural Fire Service Red Fleet have been left disappointed with the NSW Government’s response to a parliamentary inquiry.
Posted inCrime, National News
Light a candle tonight for Chanukah Massacre victims
All Australians are being encouraged to light a candle and put it in a front window of their home at 6.47pm tonight to show support for those affected by the terrorist attack at Bondi Beach last night.
Posted inConsultations and feedback, Energy, National News
AEMO releases draft roadmap for national energy transition for consultation
AEMO’s Draft 2026 ISP is open for consultation until 13 February 2026 and will be finalised by June 2026.
Posted inHealth, NSW Politics
More voices added to call for better rural health
Calls for urgent, practical reform of rural healthcare have intensified this past week, with the Country Mayor’s Association formally backing the Better Care, Closer to Home Alliance push for a new Rural Health Action Plan
Posted inFederal Politics, NSW Politics
Shock exit of state Nationals leader while federal Libs move to protect Ley
NSW Nationals leader Dugald Saunders has abruptly resigned from the party leadership, while moderate Liberals in Canberra have denied Sussan Ley is losing support.
Posted inEducation, New England
University of New England teams up with Maccas for uni credits
The University of New England (UNE) has joined forces with McDonald’s Australia to recognise workplace training as university credit, helping thousands of Macca’s employees nationwide take their next step into higher education.
Posted inEnergy, Environment
Solar power free for all in the middle of the day
Households across the North Coast could soon receive three hours of free electricity each day under the federal Solar Sharer program, which will pass on ultra-low daytime solar prices to homes with smart meters.
Posted inEnergy, North Coast Surrounds, Regional Development
Clean Energy Council fails to consult with farmer groups on decommissioning model
The Clean Energy Council (CEC) has unveiled a national model for decommissioning large scale renewable energy projects, but it appears the industry body did not consult any farmer groups while developing the proposal it says is designed to “protect farmers”.