Novocastrians' key concerns this fed election

What are the key issues on your mind this federal election? We want to know.

According to some analysts, the number-one state to watch in the upcoming federal election is New South Wales, with a handful of Labor-held seats under threat.

Labor is promising to expand the existing 87-clinic network if re-elected, with this $644 million promise coming on top of the $8.5 billion pledged last weekend to lift bulk-billing rates.

A former NSW juvenile corrections officer jailed for sexually abusing five boys is appealing her conviction and prison sentence on the grounds she was the victim of a miscarriage of justice.

The religious organisation's rules should not be used in NSW, says a coroner at an inquest into the death of a 75-year-old follower who refused a blood transfusion and died when surgery went wrong.

Bradley O'Dell enters the record books by taking all 10 wickets in a single innings — including a hat-trick — during a local cricket competition in Newcastle.

A new report from think tank the Regional Australia Institute has found workers in 80 occupations are actually better paid in regional and remote areas.

Per Gessle and Marie Fredriksson burst onto the music scene in 1986 and quickly became one of Sweden's biggest exports as Roxette. After Marie died in 2019, Per tells Scott Bevan he had no idea what would happen with Roxette, until he began working with Lena Philipsson.

Environment Minister Tanya Plibsersek is being taken to federal court by a conservation group over failure to list recovery plans for 11 threatened species.

Ecologists say regular culls are necessary to protect vegetation and other native animals, as well as the animal welfare of the kangaroos themselves.

ABC Newcastle on location: The Newcastle and Upper Hunter Breakfast programs were out in the community on Thursday for the launch of the ABC's Your Say. In the lead up to the next federal election the ABC wants to hear from you about the issues most important to you. Upper Hunter presenter Amelia Bernasconi broadcast live from Muswellbrook, while Newcastle Breakfast presenter Paul Culiver was in Warners Bay.

Pictured: Amelia Bernasconi speaks with Muswellbrook resident Harry Hobson. Image credit: ABC News/Sean Murphy

Hunter house growth: House price growth in the Hunter Valley has outstripped Sydney in the past 12 months. PropTrack's home price index has found dwelling prices in the Valley, excluding Newcastle, rose 5.22 per cent in the past 12 months — well above the state average of 3.27 per cent. The median dwelling price in the Hunter Valley is now $693,000. House prices in regional New South Wales are up nearly 57 per cent since March 2020, during the pandemic.

Wind farm's progress: The federal government says a feasibility licence has been issued for the Hunter offshore wind zone. During the feasibility stage the Novocastrian Offshore Wind project will conduct community consultation and environmental assessments, and seek approvals on the proposed plan. Energy Minister Chris Bowen says the assessments will also involve physical testing on the seabed.

New refuge for DV victims: A new emergency refuge for women and children fleeing domestic violence is being built in Newcastle. It's the fifth refuge in the Hunter region announced under the New South Wales government's core and cluster model, which locates services like counselling and legal assistance at the site. The $9-million refuge is being funded by the state government and can house nine families at a time.

If you or someone you know needs family and domestic violence support, contact Lifeline on 131 114 or the NSW Domestic Violence Line on 1800 656 463.

Muswellbrook records another earthquake: Geoscience Australia says it believes heightened awareness about earthquakes is behind so many people feeling a small quake near Muswellbrook at the weekend. A 3.3 magnitude quake struck near Muswellbrook on Saturday night, in the same vicinity where a cluster of earthquakes hit last year. The quake was at a depth of 1 kilometre and generated 199 reports. Geoscience Australia senior seismologist Dr Phil Cummins says that's a high number of people.

Next phase of oil refinery site clean-up: A contract has been awarded for the $5.3 million second stage of the Truegain site clean-up. The Truegain site at Rutherford was abandoned in 2016 after losing its trade waste permit and environment protection licence and going into liquidation, and the community has been lobbying for a clean-up ever since. The first stage was completed in 2023, which included removing 11,000 tonnes of industrial liquid waste, sludge and some above-ground infrastructure. A contract has been awarded for the $5.3-million second stage to remediate the contaminated soil across the 1.2-hectare site. The work, to begin in a fortnight, is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Shake salads are the perfect grab-and-go meal for busy days. Simply add the dressing, shake and enjoy.

What do you need to know before you vote in the upcoming federal election? What would you ask the candidates? Have Your Say.

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