Solar recycling plans: Energy giant AGL has announced plans for a solar recycling and cable manufacturing plant at its Hunter Energy Hub. AGL and solar recycling company Elecsome is exploring the feasibility of manufacturing solar cables and recycling panels at the Bayswater e-Recycling Precinct. If developed, the recycling plant would be Elecsome's first commercial-scale solar panel recycling facility in New South Wales and could process 500,000 residential and grid-scale solar panels each year. Elecsome says it's patented technology can use the glass from the panels and turn it into a pre-mixed concrete. About 20,000 kilometres of solar cable is also expected to be produced at the site each year.
Image credit: Infinity Solar
Legal action on coal mine ruling: A local environment group says the extension of two adjacent Hunter Valley coal mines will affect the Great Barrier Reef, despite the federal government saying it won't. Late last year Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek ruled the department wouldn't need to consider potential effects of the Hunter Valley Operations Continuation Project on the reef because there would be no impact. But the Hunter Environment Lobby has begun legal action in the Federal Court to overturn that decision. Lobby group president Jan Davis says every tonne of carbon released into the atmosphere will affect the reef.
Deer sightings rise: Efforts are being stepped up to control feral deer in Port Stephens. Local Land Services says numbers are increasing in locations like Ferodale, Raymond Terrace and around Port Stephens. The organisation's general manager Brett Miners is encouraging landholders to help identify hotspots, adding there were 45 reports of deer sightings or damage in the past two months.
New high school site revealed: Port Stephens residents are welcoming the next stage of a long-awaited public high school in Medowie, with the state government revealing the site. The high school will be built at 6 Abundance Road and will have an enrolment capacity of 1,000 students. It's expected to open in 2027. Medowie resident Marina Warner says the community has wanted a high school for decades.
Train station upgrades: Kotara and Cockle Creek will be the next Hunter train stations to receive accessibility upgrades. Design and investigation work has been funded under the Safe and Accessible Transport program, and the installation of new lifts, stairs, ramps and footbridges are being explored. Planning work, including consultation, is expected to take up to 12 months.
