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Central Coast and Newcastle hit by floods

Did your place get a drenching earlier this week? Days of torrential rain across Newcastle and the Central Coast left several residents in danger and many more counting the cost of sudden property damage.

Emergency service crews were called upon to rescue at least five motorists on the Central Coast after their cars were surrounded by floodwaters on Monday. At Williamtown, where a driver was rescued from the deluge, 129mm was recorded overnight to 9am on Tuesday.

'Rocks in their heads': Brandy Hill quarry expansion approved

Anger. Surprise. Frustration. They were just some of the reactions that followed this week's Federal Government decision to approve a quarry expansion at Brandy Hill near Port Stephens (read more here). The 52-hectare area has long been identified as a haven for the local koala population.

Speaking with Paul Turton on Drive, federal Environment Minister Sussan Ley assured conservationists that her decision was made in the name of science and that the koala population would not suffer a decline.

Pearce rumours are false, coach says

Should Knights fans be worried about the future plans of Mitchell Pearce? That was the question coach Adam O'Brien was called upon to answer on Tuesday and, at least for now, he assured us that our star was here to stay.

Speculation surrounding Pearce's return to the Roosters reached a peak recently, after their halfback Kyle Flanagan was released to join the Bulldogs. O'Brien says Pearce will be sitting down to negotiate with the Knights as soon as possible.

Staff vent fury at 'immoral' uni cuts

They might have asked for their identities to remain anonymous, but they made their feelings as clear as day. A number of academics from the University of Newcastle have told the ABC that their current workplace is disappointing, difficult, and characterised by low morale. An associate professor said the institution had reached the lowest point in its history. 

Learning the art of 'yes' and 'no'

Are you a people pleaser? What if we told you that being one might not always be a bad thing? Relationship coach Tara Whitewood revealed some interesting truths about these behaviours to Kia Handley on Monday.

Will fewer fines mean more books?

It's official. Cessnock City Council is doing way with library fines for now. The hope is that by removing the threat of a fine, more borrowers will be encouraged into the city's libraries.

But is it really that simple? What if getting rid of fines means that lenders will just keep the books indefinitely? These are questions that Dan and Jenny asked behavioural economist Dr David Savage, and his answers were not what you might expect.

What else is making news this week?

Ambulance culture improving: A new manager hired to lead the ranks of Hunter region ambulance staff has contributed positively to a turnaround in workplace attitudes, says the Australian Paramedics Association. A review into an allegedly toxic culture prompted a review earlier this year, but the association's Chris Kastelan says they are already encouraged by the way that manager Jordan Emery has stepped into the role.

Fitzgibbon admits gas isn't enough: Federal Member for the Hunter Joel Fitzgibbon has dismissed a report prepared by the Australia Institute that found only a small percentage of people regard gas as a future economic saviour. In reaffirming his support for a gas-led recovery in a post-COVID economy, Mr Fitzgibbon has also conceded that the gas industry will not support local employment as widely as coal does.

New research undermines koala policies: Amid a recent and controversial decision to approve a quarry expansion adjacent to a Port Stephens koala population, new research claims that the marsupials might be in more danger than first thought. A three-decade long study, led by Dr Edward Narayan, has found that habitat loss and disease will likely contribute to a steady, long-term decline in koala numbers throughout northern NSW.

Water in all the right places: Torrential local rainfalls have significantly boosted drinking water storages in the region, says Hunter Water spokesman Chris White. Overall storage levels have recently risen from 76% to 82%. Mr. White said these levels were encouraging, particularly as we approach the summer season.

Deepening social crisis: Concerns have been raised in the Hunter after a new report showed child neglect, homelessness and domestic violence might all be on the rise in the region. Soul Cafe chief executive Rick Prosser said residents who could afford to give more back to their local community should do so. He said an economic downturn such as this could cause many difficulties for the disadvantaged, especially when Government supports were suddenly withdrawn.

Jets boss says fears are premature: Newcastle Jets boss Lawrie McKinna has dismissed claims that even more personnel want to abandon the embattled football club. Amid mounting speculation that midfielder Steven Ugarkovic and striker Bernie Ibini want to follow in the footsteps of departed head coach Carl Robinson, McKinna sought to remind fans that both players, like the rest of the Jets squad, were still under contract.

How's the weekend weather looking?

It's forecast to be mostly sunny tomorrow, with a possible thunderstorm Saturday and showers from Sunday through to the middle of next week.

ABC Newy footy tipping results are in

At ABC Newcastle staff take their footy tipping seriously. Very. Seriously. But internal communications to participants are very tongue in cheek. The comp comes with office bearers with inflated titles and imaginary pay cheques to match. Press releases are often issued to members with all the seriousness of an NRL or A-League missive.

This year the competition, which has been running since 2004, was won by Ben Homer. Needless to say the result is still "mired in controversy". However, the recipient of the inaugural Hall of Fame is under no fitness cloud, according to competition patron Craig Hamilton.

"Recently-retired ABC staffer Emma Tonkin was inducted for her services to tipping, for her role in getting the competition started, and for her tireless work as senior executive in the competition’s administration," Hamilton said.

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