Clarence fishers demand answers as Minister remains silent on White Spot fallout
Angry Clarence River commercial fishers rally amid growing frustration on the future of the industry following the prolonged White Spot outbreak biosecurity restrictions.
200-tonne dilemma for Waterfall Way
The State Government will undertake a detailed corridor assessment of Waterfall Way and surrounding Mid-North Coast routes following a major landslip.
Tax shock for farm trailblazers
Farmers with cellar doors and fruit stands should beware of huge new bills being slapped on them by the state government, NSW Farmers says.
Bonalbo serves up new flood resilient tennis courts
Bonalbo’s sporting community has scored a win with the official opening of the village’s new flood-resilient tennis courts.
Local News
First Nations voices take centre stage in Tamworth
A powerful celebration of First Nations music, art, and community, Yaama Guduu, Greetings Murray Cod will land in the heart of Tamworth from 28 to 30 November.
Recognising local sporting champions
Twenty-nine young athletes from the Northern Rivers have been recognised with Local Sporting Champions grants, supporting their efforts to compete at state and national levels.
New student accommodation eases housing pressure in Northern Rivers
Southern Cross University’s 27-unit Sirius Student Accommodation in Lismore is in the final stages of refurbishment after suffering extensive damage during the 2022 floods.
NSW Opposition names Shadow Parliamentary Secretaries
The NSW Liberals and Nationals have announced a new slate of Shadow Parliamentary Secretaries, with local MPs on the list.
Ballina announces Australia Day awards
The Ballina community came together on Australia Day to honour local heroes, welcome new citizens, and celebrate what makes life in the Ballina Shire so special.
What's On
Australia Day Festival Celebrations on the North Coast
From lakeside concerts and historic sailing regattas to grassroots community breakfasts and citizenship ceremonies, the North Coast of New South Wales will come alive this Australia Day long weekend with a diverse program of celebrations stretching across the region.
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.
Finalists announced for 2025 Environmental Music Prize
Thirty songs have been named finalists for the 2025 Environmental Music Prize, a $20,000 award that recognises Australian artists using music to connect audiences with nature and inspire climate action, including bushfire tribute “Up Armidale Road”
Events
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Lifestyle
Autism Swim’s Dippers Program returns with inclusive beach and ocean safety
Lighthouse Beach, Port Macquarie will once again host Autism Swim’s inclusive beach and ocean safety program. Read more here.
Fishing festival takes over Mylestom
The quiet village of Mylestom was bustling last weekend with more than 800 fishers of all ages casting a line for the 29th annual Putt Bennett Family Fishing Festival.
Sustainability the key to unlocking ag workforce puzzle
The National Farmers’ Federation is urging policymakers to prioritize long-term workforce sustainability, highlighting the critical need for unskilled and semi-skilled labour – such as seasonal harvest roles – alongside targeted skilled migration.
Environment
Blue-green algae Red Alert for Toonumbar Dam
WaterNSW has issued a Red Alert warning for high levels of potentially toxic blue-green algae for Toonumbar Dam, about 30 km west of Kyogle.
NSW recyclers return record 15 billion containers
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.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT
North Hill Veterinary Clinic opens doors to state-of-the-art Bundarra Road facility
North Hill Veterinary Clinic have opened the doors to their brand-new, purpose-built facility on Bundarra Road, bring the best and latest in vet care to Armidale.
The Grove Yamba: Coastal Living Elevated to a New Standard
Discover The Grove Yamba, a boutique collection of 14 luxury villas that blend timeless design with coastal serenity. Just a short stroll from town, it’s a rare chance to own in this…
HEALTH
Have your say on the next stage of the Manning Hospital Redevelopment
The next stage of the Manning Hospital Redevelopment is moving ahead, with the community invited to have their say on plans now on public exhibition.
EDUCATION
NSW unveils landmark anti-bullying reforms
Schools across New South Wales, including those in the North Coast region, will soon be required to triage and respond to bullying incidents more quickly and consistently, under a landmark framework.
POLITICS
Calls for alternate route to ‘Rockfall Way’
The closure of Waterfall Way for the fifth time in less than 12 months has reignited calls to invest in a viable and safe alternate route. Some locals are now calling the drive ‘Rockfall Way’.
MONEY
North Coast leaves $12m unclaimed
More than $12 million in unclaimed money is sitting in accounts linked to North Coast addresses, with residents urged to check whether some of it belongs to them.
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
On engage now
- QW: Politicians need to stop talking and start doing
Thelma Yoong writes: If it took us all 3 years to pass a suggestion at our workplace, nothing would get done. That is this Parliament now. We know Net Zero is destroying our lives... please politicians get off your soap boxes and change the rules. The post QW: Politicians need to stop talking and start doing appeared first on New England Times Engage.
Good News
Mount Warning/Wollumbin finally set to reopen
The long-awaited reopening of Mount Warning/Wollumbin is finally a step closer, with the iconic track set to reopen in July 2027 after years of closure.
New Probationary Constables welcomed to Clarence and Richmond Valleys
Four new Probationary Constables will join the ranks of the Clarence and Richmond Valleys. Read more here.
Track upgrade powers ahead for Clarence Valley BMX riders
Clarence Valley’s BMX community is gearing up for a faster, safer future thanks to $19,250 to resurface the track at the Clarence Valley BMX Club.