Decision on ex gratia payment close: The attorney-general has told New South Wales budget estimates he's close to finalising his decision relating to Hunter woman Kathleen Folbigg's ex gratia payment application. Ms Folbigg spent 20 years in prison after being found guilty of causing the deaths of her children Caleb, Patrick, Sarah and Laura, but was released and pardoned in 2023. Last year she had her convictions quashed. Her legal team has called for her application for an ex gratia payment to be expedited. When questioned in budget estimates last week Attorney-General Michael Daley said it was "a complex and in some ways unprecedented matter" for him to consider. He said while he couldn't give a firm date for a decision, it would be made "in weeks rather than months".
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Solar farm opposition: Opponents of the proposed Muswellbrook Solar Farm say the old mine site is too close to homes and not compatible with such a project. Swedish company OX2 wants to develop the project on the old Muswellbrook coal mine site. The project has been referred to the state's Independent Planning Commission after receiving more than 50 objections that suggest the Muscle Creek site will have an enormous visual impact. Some residents say the old Liddell coal-fired power station site is a better place for a solar farm. Project supporters say the socio-economic benefits of the project outweigh the costs.
Live music venue plans change: Lake Macquarie City councillor Jason Pauling says he's staying optimistic about the possibility of a live music venue being delivered at the Cedar Mill site in Morisset. Construction at the former golf course has paused, and Winarch Group is set to scale down its original plans for a 30,000-capacity concert venue. It's anticipated revised plans will be lodged with council next month. Cr Pauling says a blowout in construction costs appears to have had an effect.
Opposition to nursing home sale: A survey shows three in four Merriwa residents who responded are against the sale of the town's only nursing home. The Upper Hunter Shire Council operates Gummun Place Hostel but is exploring options to lease or sell the facility after recording multi-million-dollar losses in recent years. Nearly 150 residents completed a survey by the local progress association regarding the home's future, with more than 75 per cent indicating council shouldn't sell the facility. Merriwa District Progress Association president Steve Gowland says most respondents would prefer to see the facility leased and the community retain ownership.
Should the local health district be split? Plans to potentially dissolve the Hunter New England Local Health District are gaining momentum, with submissions called on whether it should be split. A state committee is holding an inquiry into the Health Services Amendment — Splitting of the Hunter New England Health District — Bill 2025. It was referred to the committee last month. The bill proposes splitting the Hunter New England Local Health District into the Hunter Local Health District and the New England North West Local Health District. Submissions close on April 17.
Knights get points in season opener: Newcastle coach Adam O'Brien says there are plenty of lessons to take out of Friday night's 10-8 win over the Wests Tigers. Newcastle eventually came away with the two points after making some errors and scoring all its points in the second half. O'Brien says his side has some improving to do. The Knights will host the Dolphins at Hunter Stadium on Thursday night.
Jets' men's finals hopes still alive: Newcastle Jets men's coach Rob Stanton says he's happy with his side's draw against Auckland given his players had a break of more than two weeks. The Jets drew 1-all against the ladder leaders at the weekend at Hunter Stadium and are now undefeated in five games. The Jets women beat Sydney FC on Saturday 1-nil.
