Recent rain helping with drought recovery: Parts of the Upper Hunter are now officially in recovery, a year since drought gripped the region. The NSW Department of Primary Industries' drought map shows that much of the area is now "recovering" from drought following above-average rainfall in June. Belltrees cattle farmer Anto White (pictured) says while the rain has returned, the effects of the drought are still being felt.
Photo supplied: Anto White
Spike in whooping cough cases: A public health physician says whooping cough has returned with a vengeance in the Hunter New England health district, back to pre-pandemic levels. The region has recorded 501 cases from January to June, compared to just six during the same period last year and in 2022. Dr Tony Merritt says the drop in cases over the last few years is due to people taking extra precautions during the COVID pandemic. He says whooping cough is highly infectious and says the community should be on the look out for symptoms.
Mine extension approved: An Upper Hunter community group says the extension of a Singleton coal mine delays the region's transition away from coal. The Glendell mine has been granted state government approval to continue operating until June 2026, after its previous approval expired last month. The government says it was in the public interest to extend the operation for economic reasons. Denman, Aberdeen, Muswellbrook and Scone Healthy Environment Group says the state government needs to stop extending coal mining licences and transition to renewables sooner rather than later.
Cessnock calling for more public transport: Cessnock mayor Jay Suvaal is calling on the NSW government to implement more public transport connecting the towns in his local government area. The council says there are no direct routes between Cessnock and the Greta/Branxton areas, with limited travel via Kurri Kurri and Maitland blowing out commute times. It also says there is no public transport to get to the Hunter Valley vineyards, where there are growing work opportunities.
New quarry approved: The New South Wales Independent Planning Commission has approved the development of a new hard rock quarry in Eagleton, north of Raymond Terrace. The state significant development is set to extract up to 600,000 tonnes of hard rock per year over a period of 30 years. The project was referred to the commission because at least 50 people objected to it during an assessment by the planning department. The commission has granted approval under several conditions, including setting strict noise, blasting and air quality criteria.
Hunter Valley athlete to make Olympics debut: Newcastle athlete Genevieve Janse van Rensburg is heading to her first Olympic Games in Paris later this month. The 20-year-old has been selected in modern pentathlon. Modern pentathlon is made up of four events combining five sports — show jumping, fencing, swimming, running and shooting.
Women's rugby league game on cards for Vegas: Newcastle Knights second-rower Yasmin Clydsdale is excited by the opportunity to showcase the women's game on the world stage in America. The Australian Jillaroos are set toplay a Test match against England in Las Vegas as part of the NRL's expanded four-game series in 2025. The NRL is hopeful that a women's match as part of the Vegas trip to start the men's season will attract potential talent from the United States. Clydsdale says it's another step in the right direction to get as many eyes on the women's game as possible.
Back-to-back wins for Knights men: Newcastle Knights coach Adam O'Brien says his team's win over the Canberra Raiders was tough to watch at times, but their fighting spirit prevailed. The Knights took a four-point lead into the half-time break, but had to fight a Raiders comeback to hold on for a 16-12 victory. Captain Kalyn Ponga made an inspired return to the field after 10 weeks on the sideline due to a foot injury. O'Brien says it wasn't their best football but he was pleased to get the result. Newcastle next face Manly at Brookvale on Sunday.
