A LACK of access to early childhood education and care (ECEC) on the Mid North Coast is compounding staff shortages at the region’s hospitals. Nurse and midwife Amanda Bailey-Derrett, who serves as President of the Coffs Harbour branch of the NSW Nurses and Midwives Association, said the “majority” of the branch’s
Author: Doug Connor
Jacinta Price’s Kempsey pub visit called off after protest by local Elders
A “POLLIES in the Pub” event in Kempsey featuring controversial Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price was cancelled just as it was about to begin on Wednesday, 12 March, following a protest by members of the Dunghutti community. National Party Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan had organised Senator Price’s visit to the West
Sanderling Avenue development declared state significant
A CONTROVERSIAL proposal for a large-scale apartment complex on Sanderling Avenue, Hawks Nest has been declared a State Significant Development (SSD), potentially fast-tracking its delivery. The Hawks Nest development was one of 18 housing proposals across NSW the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces declared an SSD last week, following recommendations
Parties clash over future of Great Koala National Park
“HAVE the koala wars been reignited?” That is the question from NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe after three north coast National Party MPs raised issues with the Great Koala National Park (GKNP) consultation process during a press conference in Coffs Harbour on Tuesday. Advertise with News of The Area today. It's
Government seek to correct ‘misconceptions’ on Jetty Foreshores development
Forest campaigners rally for Little Newry ahead of logging start date
THE NAMBUCCA Valley Conservation Association has lodged an objection to scheduled logging in Little Newry State Forest (SF), claiming it is home to key koala habitat and that planning requirements have not been fulfilled. Little Newry SF, located west of the Pacific Highway between Valla Beach and Urunga, is currently
Sports clubs need to apply to donations program for rates subsidy
MAYORAL candidate Nikki Williams slammed the City of Coffs Harbour last week after a policy change meant rates notices were issued to sporting groups and community organisations for the first time, before a policy guideline amendment by Council found a solution for the groups involved. The furore related to a
National MPs slam removal of Norco milk from NSW Health facilities
A PETITION has been launched by Nationals MPs to return Norco milk to NSW Health facilities from Port Macquarie to the Tweed. Member for Clarence Richie Williamson, Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh and Member for Oxley Michael Kemp launched the petition on Monday at the property of Lismore dairy
Radford hits back after parliamentary mention
AFTER being singled out in a parliamentary speech by Port Stephens State MP Kate Washington earlier this month, Newcastle and Port Stephens Game Fish Club president Troy Radford is seeking to “set the record straight”. Mr Radford, the only individual identified in Ms Washington’s 14 August Private Members’ Statement, was
Explosive community meeting hears pros and cons of Jetty Foreshores plan
STATE MP Gurmesh Singh and City of Coffs Harbour councillor Tony Judge presented vastly different viewpoints on the future of the Jetty Foreshores at a packed Boambee East Community Centre last Tuesday night. Hosted by the Coffs Coast Residents and Ratepayers Association (CCRRA), group chairman George Christinson was quick to