Newcastle ratepayers demand answers as council CEO's $608k package exceeds the Premier's pay. Former councillor reveals how Hunter coal mines triggered a 'relativity' salary spiral across local government.
Lake Macquarie City Council reveals a draft $80 million capital works plan for 2026-27, with over half earmarked for its fire-damaged Speers Point administration building. Discover the community projects set to benefit.
A new report reveals millions of Australian homes are at risk of devastating urban bushfires. Experts call for urgent action to retrofit properties and improve community resilience.
Annual reports show two Illawarra council CEOs received higher pay packets than Premier Chris Minns. Explore the figures and the reasons behind the salaries.
A Port Stephens canoe club's missing trailer, thought stolen for scrap, was discovered impounded by council rangers. Read how a mix-up over registration led to the costly confusion.
Wollongong and Shellharbour councils announce altered bin collection schedules over Christmas. Find out your new collection days and extra recycling services.
The Trump administration is firing over 1,100 scientists and dismantling a premier climate research institute, removing references to human-caused climate change from official websites. This analysis explores the political motives behind the attack on sci
Newcastle councillors are urging the NSW government to fund a major upgrade of public toilets, citing high costs and the need for accessibility. A state inquiry backed their call.
Newcastle councillors have deferred a major plan to revitalise Civic Park and surrounds, citing a $70 million price tag and more pressing community priorities like safer streets and drainage.
Code of conduct complaints at Newcastle City Council have doubled in two years, costing ratepayers over $62,000. Nine complaints were lodged, with four still pending. Read the full report.
East Fremantle councillors have unanimously voted to receive superannuation payments, backdated to the October elections. The move aligns the Town with larger councils.
Townsville City Council is recruiting 30 new staff in a major 'back to basics' drive to improve core services like parks, roads, and waste. Mayor Troy Thompson leads the overhaul.
Cottesloe councillor Katy Mason has resigned and is moving to Nedlands. She is considering running in the upcoming Nedlands council election. Read the full story.
Liberal councillors call for a ban on Rising Tide using public land after a weekend of protests in Newcastle Harbour led to over 140 arrests and significant economic disruption. Read the full story.
The WACA's CEO has formally requested a 10-year exemption from council rates, worth an estimated $2.5 million, to aid the historic ground's financial future. Read the full story.
Rising Tide climate activists have disrupted the world's largest coal port in Newcastle, with 16 people locking themselves to equipment. The protest follows mass arrests over the weekend.
A major police operation is underway in Newcastle after climate activists locked themselves onto coal loaders and conveyor belts, disrupting the world's biggest coal port.
Police arrest 141 climate activists during weekend protests at Newcastle coal port. Protesters blocked ships, scaled anchors in dramatic demonstration against fossil fuels.
Australian healthcare workers join climate protests, citing fossil fuels as the century's greatest health threat. They demand government action to protect community wellbeing.
Environment Minister announces River Murray water buybacks as climate conference fails. SA Conservation Council warns basin continues to decline. Read the full story.
Recent council decisions show common sense in short supply as official petitions get sidelined. Discover how local governance is being undermined across Australia.
As COP30 climate summit approaches, Australia faces pressure to lead fossil fuel phase-out. Will global talks deliver binding commitments? Analysis inside.
Newcastle students walk out of school to demand climate action from government. 17-year-old organizer explains why fossil fuel approvals threaten their future.
Audit reveals Douglas Shire Council paid former employee triple their wage as contractor. Investigation uncovers serious procurement breaches and governance failures.
SA Premier Peter Malinauskas reveals Adelaide's failed COP31 climate conference bid cost taxpayers $1.5 million, branding the selection process 'obscene'. The Premier remains committed to future hosting opportunities.
Deputy Liberal leader Sussan Ley has dramatically abandoned Australia's net zero by 2050 target, declaring it 'dead'. The policy reversal creates major political division ahead of COP30.
Australia's bid to host COP31 climate summit falls short as Turkey wins hosting rights. Despite the setback, opportunities remain for climate leadership in the region.
Hunter students are walking out of school to protest new coal and gas projects. They demand climate action from a government they accuse of greenwashing.
Adelaide's bid to host the 2026 UN climate summit COP31 has failed, with the event going to Turkiye. The state government spent millions on the unsuccessful proposal. Download the app for more.
Joondalup residents face potential service cuts as the city council confronts a $20 million operational deficit. Learn how this budget crisis could impact your community.