News Archive
Local news is also available from the Singleton Argus, Cessnock Advertiser and Newcastle Herald websites and NSW farming news is available from The Land.
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Showing previous Wollombi Valley Online Local News stories from 21 to 970. For the current 20 stories see the main news page.
ALP challenged in Cessnock
Date: Fri 27-Aug-10
Author: Donna Sharpe (The Herald)
Fed up with Cessnock's "political soap opera", Cr Dale Troy will stand against sitting member Kerry Hickey at the March state election. Cr Troy said yesterday that the thought of Mr Hickey retaining the seat for another four years was more than he could bear and said the people of the electorate deserved better.
"I want to be the people's representative in parliament, not the parliament's representative to the people," Cr Troy said.
Compliance questioned
Date: Wed 25-Aug-10
Author: Joanne McCarthy (The Herald)
CESSNOCK City Council could consider legal action against Planning Minister Tony Kelly's decision this week to restrict the council's planning role by appointing an independent planning panel. Council will decide tonight whether to seek legal advice about Mr Kelly's move and if it complied with the requirements of a 2007 government order covering the appointment of planning panels for unsatisfactory council performance. Under the order Mr Kelly is required to gazette heads of consideration for appointing a panel, and take them into account.
Political Storm Surrounding Cessnock Council
Date: Tue 24-Aug-10
Author: NBN News (Video)
A political bunfight is brewing over the removal of some of Cessnock Council's planning powers. It's been claimed the state government's trying to take control of the council, which is run largely by independents and Greens.
Tony Kelly makes up his own reasons to help Labor Contributors
Date: Tue 24-Aug-10
Author: Peter Firminger
NSW Planning Minister Tony Kelly's reasons for appointing an Independent Planning Panel are simply ludicrous, apportioning blame to the Council for delays in referrals instead of the NSW Government Departments that hold up DA Processing.
Media release from Planning Minister Tony Kelly
Date: Tue 24-Aug-10
Author: Peter Firminger
An independent expert panel has been appointed to undertake the planning functions of Cessnock City Council.
NSW Minister for Planning, Tony Kelly, said the appointment follows his request in May for the council to show why its planning powers should not be removed due to a history of delays in dealing with rezonings and development applications.
Promises, promises
Date: Tue 24-Aug-10
Author: Sarah Lee (Singleton Argus)
Locally the election hype is all over - for now - and the Hunter has chosen Joel Fitzgibbon as its federal representative. Promises have been made. Now it is time for the promises to be delivered.
Singleton stories and photos wanted
Date: Tue 24-Aug-10
Author: Singleton Argus
THE Singleton Visitor Information and Economic Centre is looking for stories and photos of people's favourite experiences in Singleton. With the opening of the VIEC next month, organisers are wanting to have a showcase of people's experiences across Singleton.
Milbrodale Mountain Classic
Date: Tue 24-Aug-10
Author: Rachel Oldknow (Singleton Argus)
RACING is a Hedley family trait. To say that motorsport is in their blood falls way short of the finish line. To say they are competitive... that's like saying you don't need fuel to start a car.
Hunter Valley Wine Show
Date: Tue 24-Aug-10
Author: Singleton Argus
THIS year's winners at the Clear Image Hunter Valley Wine Show are as diverse as the categories. The results this year award the older more established winemaking families and the next generation of winemakers who are starting to show their talents.
Margan Family Winegrowers- Excellence in Tourism
Date: Tue 24-Aug-10
Author: Nick Scully (Singleton Argus)
BROKE Fordwich winemaker Andrew Margan has been acknowledged for his outstanding contribution to Hunter tourism, winning the top award at the Hunter and Central Coast Awards for Excellence in Tourism.
Minister for the Hunter, Jodi McKay presented Mr Margan with his award for "Outstanding Contribution by an Individual" in a reception at Newcastle City Hall on Thursday night.
Joel Fitzgibbon - Federal Election
Date: Tue 24-Aug-10
Author: Kate Morris (Singleton Argus)
IT was a federal election like no other on Saturday and while the future of the nation hangs in the balance the Hunter remains a stronghold for the Labor Party.
Voters gave the Labor Party a clear message however, with a five per cent primary vote swing away from the incumbent member for Hunter Joel Fitzgibbon falling in line with the national trend away from Labor.
Cessnock council stripped of planning powers
Date: Tue 24-Aug-10
Author: ABC News
The New South Wales Planning Minister, Tony Kelly has stripped Cessnock Council, in the Hunter Valley, of its planning powers for the next five years.
Cessnock loses planning powers to panel
Date: Tue 24-Aug-10
Author: Donna Sharpe (The Herald)
CESSNOCK City Council has been stripped of its authority to determine major development applications after NSW Planning Minister Tony Kelly appointed a three-person panel to assess projects with a value of more than $1 million.
The move comes three months after Mr Kelly wrote to the troubled council demanding it show cause why its planning powers should not be removed after he revealed it was the most complained about council in NSW with a history of delays in dealing with rezonings and development applications.
Cessnock stripped of its planning powers
Date: Tue 24-Aug-10
Author: Rob O'Brien (GovernmentNews.com.au)
The NSW Government has stripped Cessnock City Council of its planning powers after ongoing concerns to delays in development applications.
An independent expert panel has been appointed to undertake the planning functions of the council, the NSW Minister for Planning, Tony Kelly, said.
Fwd: Appointment of Planning Panel
Date: Mon 23-Aug-10
Author: Clr. Cordelia Burcham
Today this notification of the removal of Council's planning powers arrived from the Planning Minister Tony Kelly.
It is with utter disgust and palpable frustration I inform the wider community of the obvious implications and impact of a decision like this will have on all sides of opinion.
Cessnock Council must resist Labor Government's imposition of Planning Panel
Date: Mon 23-Aug-10
Author: Sylvia Hale MLC
Sylvia Hale MLC, Greens spokesperson on Planning and Local Government has called on Cessnock Council to challenge the State Government's imposition of a planning panel.
Cessnock City Council Loses Planning Powers
Date: Mon 23-Aug-10
Author: Peter Firminger
NSW Planning Minister Tony Kelly has stripped Cessnock City Council of its planning powers amidst the confusion of the outcome of the Federal Election.
Companion Card comes to Cessnock
Date: Mon 23-Aug-10
Author: Cessnock City Council
Cessnock LGA residents may now use Companion Cards when visiting Council facilities including the public swimming pools and the Performing Arts Centre.
The Companion Card is issued to people who have a significant and permanent disability and enables those people to attend and participate in activities without incurring the cost of a second ticket for their attendant carer.
Must do better is message MP reads from poll
Date: Mon 23-Aug-10
Author: Donna Sharpe (The Herald)
HUNTER incumbent Joel Fitzgibbon has been returned to office with a slightly reduced margin.
Mr Fitzgibbon was relaxing yesterday at home with family, hoping Labor could still form a government.
Papers left blank or incorrect
Date: Mon 23-Aug-10
Author: Ben Smee (The Herald)
MORE than 23,000 people, about 6 per cent of Hunter voters, turned in informal ballot papers.
Early figures from the Australian Electoral Commission show about 5.65 per cent of votes nationwide would not count because they were filled out incorrectly on Saturday or left blank.
Clean start for village
Date: Sat 21-Aug-10
Author: Frances Thompson (The Herald)
With new financial partners and no political baggage, LWP has renewed its effort to win approval for Huntlee village, writes FRANCES THOMPSON. THE merits of creating Huntlee, a proposed new town in the Hunter of up to 20,000 people, are again under scrutiny as the project takes its second swing through the NSW planning process. With new documents lodged this week, Danny Murphy, managing director of the Western Australia-based developer LWP, was in the Hunter to announce his determination to get the troubled project approved.
WVAC Arts News August/September 2010
Date: Fri 20-Aug-10
Author: Bronnie Aliotti
Inspired by the Landscape
'Land Forms' Lorna Wall
Peter Williams
Emerging Artists
Farmers raise coal seam gas concerns
Date: Fri 20-Aug-10
Author: ABC News
A group of farmers from the far west say coal seam gas explorations in the region are not worth the damage they could cause to local aquifers.
Farmer calls for mining company to cease gas exploration
Date: Fri 20-Aug-10
Author: The Daily Liberal (Dubbo)
Irate farmer Heath Webb wants mining giant Santos to stop searching for coal seam gas in the Tooraweenah district.
The company has been carrying out a seismic study on prime agricultural land as part of a multi-million dollar project extending over 25,000 square kilometres in the Gunnedah basin.
If analysis proved positive the next step would involve drilling deep core holes.
Shock over MP's actions
Date: Fri 20-Aug-10
Author: Joanne McCarthy (The Herald)
Cessnock MP Kerry Hickey will almost certainly face preselection challenges from within the Labor Party after Tuesday's confirmation that he lied about having a baby with a parliamentary staffer, and had planned to retire from politics.
While Labor members contacted by the Newcastle Herald accepted his new relationship and the birth of his daughter were a private matter, his retirement plans - reversed within 30 minutes of talking to Premier Kristina Keneally - were a shock.
Hickey's preselection challenge
Date: Fri 20-Aug-10
Author: Joanne McCarthy (SMH)
THE state MP for Cessnock, Kerry Hickey, will almost certainly face Labor preselection challenges after it was confirmed on Tuesday that he lied about fathering a parliamentary staffer's baby, and planned to retire from politics. Labor members accepted his new relationship and the birth of his daughter were a private matter but his retirement plans - reversed within 30 minutes of talking to the Premier, Kristina Keneally - were a shock. "It's been a huge surprise... but I hope it all calms down," said James Hawkins, a Cessnock councillor and the Bellbird Labor branch secretary.
Winning winemaker is toast of the Hunter
Date: Fri 20-Aug-10
Author: Neil Goffet (The Herald)
Broke Fordwich winegrower Andrew Margan was recognised for his outstanding contribution to tourism, winning the top gong at the Hunter and Central Coast Awards for Excellence in Tourism at Newcastle City Hall last night.
Mr Margan won the Outstanding Contribution to Regional Tourism by an Individual award and Minister for the Hunter Jodi McKay said Mr Margan would be a strong contender to win the state award.
Secret love child exposes Labor MP Kerry Hickey
Date: Thu 19-Aug-10
Author: Andrew Clennell (The Daily Telegraph)
THIS is the child Kerry Hickey thought he could keep a secret ... then the mother's boyfriend walked in.
David Kuta was the partner of parliamentary research officer Stephanie Hesford when he came home early from work one day last August to find Mr Hickey in his underwear playing with the child Mr Kuta thought was his daughter on the floor.
Wollombi/Broke Update - 18 August 2010
Date: Wed 18-Aug-10
Author: Peter Firminger
Events list and news on Coal Seam Gas as emailed to Wollombi Valley Online members.
Hunter Expressway - it's been a long, long haul
Date: Wed 18-Aug-10
Author: The Advertiser
For Federal Member Joel Fitzgibbon, the fight to rid the city of highway traffic including heavy trucks began in Easter of 1988.
MP admits lying over paternity: I'm the dad
Date: Wed 18-Aug-10
Author: Joanne McCarthy (The Herald)
Cessnock MP Kerry Hickey said yesterday he would stay in politics after a dramatic day in which he admitted lying about having a baby with a NSW parliamentary staff member, called NSW Premier Kristina Keneally to give her the news, and reversed a decision to retire.
''Of course I lied,'' he said yesterday about a Newcastle Herald report last month in which he said he and the woman were friends, and the baby girl born in February last year was not his.
Plan back in for Huntlee
Date: Wed 18-Aug-10
Author: Frances Thompson (The Herald)
DEVELOPERS behind the $1.8 billion Huntlee development, near Branxton, today begin their second tilt at getting it approved after a court last year found elements of the project unlawful, a decision they said cost them at least $40 million. Proponent the LWP property group refused to show the Newcastle Herald a copy of its new study, expected to be lodged today, that seeks state significant project status for Huntlee.
Milbrodale Mountain Classic
Date: Tue 17-Aug-10
Author: Singleton Argus
OVER 50 drivers from across New South Wales will fight it out for the prestigious 'Man of the Mountain' title when action gets underway in the 24th Milbrodale Mountain Classic on August 21 and 22.
Hunter Valley Wine Show
Date: Tue 17-Aug-10
Author: Singleton Argus
THE Hunter Valley Wine Show is in full swing and has once again attracted international and nationally-acclaimed wine experts.
There are 100 exhibitors for the 2010 show and a total of 777 wines will be tasted by an expert panel of wine judges.
The presentation of awards will be at a special luncheon on Friday at Brokenwood Wines when the winner from each category and the overall winner will be announced.
Duck Farm - Howes Valley
Date: Tue 17-Aug-10
Author: Singleton Argus
SINGLETON council has suggested that the proponents of the Howes Valley Duck Farm withdraw their application due to the inadequate information supplied. If the proponent resubmits it will be the third time. Singleton Council director planning and regulations Mark Ihlein said the proponent needs to decide what they want to do.
Country Villages - Singleton
Date: Tue 17-Aug-10
Author: Sarah Lee (Singleton Argus)
RESIDENTS of Singleton's country villages have again come away from a meeting with government departments feeling disappointed. Hoping to get some answers about what changes may be coming to air quality regulations and policies for mining operations, about 40 people met in the Civic Centre Foyer on Thursday night to listen to and put questions to three state government departments.
Outstanding Business Awards - Margan Family Winegrowers
Date: Tue 17-Aug-10
Author: Singleton Argus
MARGAN Family Winegrowers is Singleton's Most Outstanding Business for 2010. After taking out the tourism and hospitality award, the Broke-Fordwich business then took out the overall win at this year's Singleton Outstanding Business Awards. Marketing manager Lisa Margan said it was absolutely a great honour to be recognised as a successful business at the local business awards.
Kitchener land zoning revisited after stuff up
Date: Tue 17-Aug-10
Author: Joanne McCarthy (The Herald)
The NSW Planning Department will go ahead with a plan to rezone Kitchener land owned by a major Labor Party donor despite an embarrassing rezoning ''stuff-up'' and contrary advice from the NSW Planning Assessment Commission.
It also embarrassed Planning Minister Tony Kelly when Cessnock Council found the mistake three days after he had told it that Kitchener rezoning delays were one of the reasons he was moving to strip its planning powers.
It's a gas as NSW industry comes of age
Date: Mon 16-Aug-10
Author: Mathew Murphy (SMH)
"It is not an insignificant task, but we believe we could be delivering LNG out of Newcastle by 2014, which is the same time as Queensland" - Eastern Star Gas Managing Director David Casey
Accreditation proposal for Aboriginal Cultural Heritage reforms - Scott Singleton, Partner at Minter Ellison
Date: Mon 16-Aug-10
Author: Boardroom Radio - Minter Ellison Lawyers
Native Title considerations are becoming more crutial to mining, utilities and construction projects in Australia, as such the laws governing Native Title are under review... Interesting 7 minute listen...
History buff digs up list of NSW coal mines since 1804
Date: Mon 16-Aug-10
Author: Briony Snedden (Maitland Mercury)
Names such as Cramp, Folly, Hell Hole and Last Try could sum up the mood of some entrepreneurial miners on a list of all of the state's coal mines. Kurri Kurri historian Brian Andrews is undertaking the mammoth task of listing every mine to operate in the state, starting with the first coal mine in Newcastle in 1804.
Increase in RAAF Activities on Singleton Training Area 16 - 27 Aug 10
Date: Mon 16-Aug-10
Author: Major Denny Grezdo - Range Control Officer - Singleton
I am just giving you an update on the activities over the next fortnight. The main activity that will be conducted will be the one involving the RAAF jets.
One dead after horror day on Hunter roads
Date: Mon 16-Aug-10
Author: Damon Cronshaw (The Herald)
ONE man died and two people, including a boy, 10, suffered serious injuries in two accidents in a horror day on Hunter roads yesterday. The accidents happened on Nelson Bay Road, Williamtown, and Wollombi Road, near Millfield, police said.
Sick system: patients forced to travel hours for treatment
Date: Mon 16-Aug-10
Author: Michelle Harris (The Herald)
UPPER Hunter residents are travelling hundreds of kilometres to undergo dialysis while machines that could treat them in Muswellbrook and Singleton are used for just three days a week. A lack of trained staff to operate the Upper Hunter equipment full time is said to be forcing patients to go to Newcastle or Tamworth for treatment.
Millfield Crash
Date: Sun 15-Aug-10
Author: AAP via SMH
Meanwhile, a 32-year-old woman and a 10-year-old boy are in a critical condition in hospital after their car hit a tree in the Central Hunter region.
Police say the car was travelling at 130km/h in an 80km/h zone along Wollombi Road near Millfield about 1.45pm (AEST) on Sunday when the car left the road and hit a tree.
The female driver and boy were airlifted to Royal North Shore and Westmead hospitals for treatment.
Broke's Herberts Street Bridge
Date: Fri 13-Aug-10
Author: Rachel Oldknow (Singleton Argus)
A FIVE-tonne load limit placed on Broke's Herbert Street bridge has angered locals. Yesterday, Singleton Council's director assets and facilities Gary Thomson said Council had placed the five-tonne restriction due to structural concerns. A detour via Broke and Putty Roads will act as an alternative with the new limit in place indefinitely.
Wollombi Quilt finds a home
Date: Fri 13-Aug-10
Author: Peter Firminger
The Wollombi Quilt is now hanging in Gray's Inn, in the hallway between Fareba's RaRa Gallery and Bronwyn's Herbal Practice.
Broke Fordwich
Date: Fri 13-Aug-10
Author: Nick Scully (Singleton Argus)
THE Broke Fordwich Wine Region can expect an increased number of visitors to the area with the implementation of two new signs marking the region. The new reflective white signs replace the older, green ones that previously signposted the area. They are located in Broke on the corner of Broke Road and Milbrodale Road and are clearly visible to passing motorists.
Muswellbrook bypass funding
Date: Fri 13-Aug-10
Author: Dayarne Smith (Muswellbrook Chronicle)
The Coalition has committed funding to the Muswell-brook bypass in 2014 if it wins government at the August 21 federal election.
Hunter Nationals candidate Michael Johnsen said under a Coalition government the Muswellbrook bypass would be included in the next round of the Auslink program.
Greens opposed to coal exports
Date: Fri 13-Aug-10
Author: Ian Kirkwood (The Herald)
Greens Senate candidate Lee Rhiannon will be in Newcastle today to highlight her party's opposition to continued coal exports.
Referring to the expansion of the Newcastle's third coal-loader, Ms Rhiannon said: ''How incongruous that in the same week the NSW government is spruiking a new climate change plan its badge of honour is a boom in Newcastle coal exports.
Landcare Newsletter August 2010
Date: Thu 12-Aug-10
Author: Graham Taylor
Please find attached a copy of the August issue of the Wollombi Valley Landcare Newsletter.
Singleton Community Forum
Date: Thu 12-Aug-10
Author: Singleton Council
Singleton Council is reviewing services and structure to ensure that it best meets the needs of the community it serves. As part of this, Council resolved to seek community feedback as to whether to hold a referendum on the Councillor structure. The referendum would determine how the Mayor is elected, how many Councillors would represent the community, and whether to retain the existing ward/divisions within the Local Government Area.
The Hunter coal rush
Date: Wed 11-Aug-10
Author: The Herald [Editorial]
NEWCASTLE'S place at the pointy end of the global surge in demand for energy has never been more obvious than now.
Frenzied efforts to push ever more coal through the port have led to the Newcastle Coal Infrastructure Group (NCIG) announcing plans for a massive expansion of its new coal-loader. This $900 million expansion will lift the loader's annual export capacity from 30 million to 55 million tonnes.
2010 Wollombi Valley Country Fair
Date: Tue 10-Aug-10
Author: Peter Firminger
On the 6th and 7th of November 2010, historic Wollombi village will come alive with the second Wollombi Valley Country Fair.
Gasland
Date: Tue 10-Aug-10
Author: Di Sneddon (Singleton Argus)
EXPLORATION is a word used freely in the Upper Hunter in the search of mineral resources. The residents of Broke have had coal seam gas exploration projects under their noses in recent times. There is growing concern about the potential for environmental damage and those concerned about coal seam gas will get one view when the movie Gasland comes to Majestic Cinema on Wednesday.
Department of Planning - Camberwell Cumulative Impact Review
Date: Tue 10-Aug-10
Author: Kate Morris (Singleton Argus)
THREE compliance officers to the coal mining industry are expected to be on the job within a matter of weeks. The positions funded by the New South Wales Department of Planning will mean local coal mines will need to be more vigilant than ever as the officers will monitor and enforce conditions of consent for major coal mining projects.
Is there an election in the seat of Hunter?
Date: Tue 10-Aug-10
Author: Russell Humble (Letters - Maitland Mercury)
I am curious to know that with all the television and newspaper articles about an election, I have not heard from my local memeber (who is it?) or any other respective alternatives seeking my vote.
This is my first election back in this electorate since being away for nearly 10 years and obviously the voters in Hunter don't matter.
I understand there are candidates running for Paterson, Newcastle and other electorates that bound Hunter but I have not heard hide nor hair from any prospective candidates for Hunter.
Who are they, what do they stand for and how will they help Hunter? Please explain?
Two more candidates for Hunter seat
Date: Mon 09-Aug-10
Author: Lyric Anderson (Hunter Valley News)
One Nation's Jennifer Leayr, a 19-year-old university student who works part time in Singleton has decided to throw her hat in the ring, while Bulga father of six, Wayne Riley, has also put his hand up for selection as the Christian Democratic Party candidate.
Greens in government
Date: Mon 09-Aug-10
Author: Jeff Corbett (Herald Blog)
Greens policies don't matter much, or at all, when we don't have to bear the consequences of them, but that is likely to change after the approaching federal election.
Mine applications prompt fear for future of agriculture
Date: Mon 09-Aug-10
Author: Greg Ray (The Herald)
A BATTLE is looming over the Hunter Valley's water resources and farming future, with coal companies seeking approval to mine riverlands previously regarded by many as off limits.
The Hunter Valley Water Users Association, the NSW Farmers Association and Hunter Minewatch are worried the government might approve potentially risky proposals without proper consideration.
At its state conference last month, the farmers association passed a resolution calling on the government to freeze consideration of any open-cut mining proposals on alluvial floodplains, and any longwall proposals within 150 metres of a creek.
The association wants the same limits to apply to coal seam gas extraction.
Water fight over rivers
Date: Mon 09-Aug-10
Author: The Herald [Editorial]
WHEN the NSW government refused the Bickham coalmine proposal this year it promised a new approach to mining approvals that would take proper account of competing land uses. The Minerals Council, which represents coal companies, welcomed the idea, saying its members would be pleased to work within fair and predictable guidelines.
Coal Seam Methane Update
Date: Sun 08-Aug-10
Author: Peter Firminger
Many of you may not be aware that AGL Energy has moved into the Hermitage Road area of Pokolbin as well as being very active in and around Broke.
While we seem to have scared the former Sydney Gas, now AGL Energy away from Paynes Crossing and Wollombi, the significant threat to the Hunter Valley exists and the Petroleum Exploration License (PEL 267) remains.
Donations can be kept secret
Date: Sat 07-Aug-10
Author: Damon Cronshaw (The Herald)
THE Hunter's federal MPs can keep political donations hidden under controversial campaign finance laws. A loophole in the law allows personal donations to be funnelled to parties, without the public knowing.
Singleton's rural villages
Date: Fri 06-Aug-10
Author: Singleton Argus
THE preservation of Singleton's rural villages is something many people are dedicated to, in particular those who live in them. Residents of Glennies Creek, Middle Falbrook, Camberwell and Bridgman Road are invited to attend a public meeting to discuss forming a local group to act on behalf of residents on various issues in the communities.
No more shed life
Date: Fri 06-Aug-10
Author: Rachel Oldknow (Singleton Argus)
SINGLETON land owners wishing to live on their property whilst building a new home will only be able to do so in a caravan.
Singleton Council has developed a new policy that allows property owners to live in a caravan only for a maximum period of six months while they are in the process of building a home on that property.
The only facilities allowed in an adjacent shed or garage is a bathroom and temporary laundry.
Atheist Julia not fit to lead: Riley
Date: Fri 06-Aug-10
Author: The Mudgee Guardian
First time candidate and Christian Democrats nominee for the seat of Hunter in the August 21 election Wayne Riley says Julia Gillard is unfit to be prime minister because she is an atheist.
Our Land, Our Water, Our Future - Coal Seam Gas protest in Brisbane
Date: Thu 05-Aug-10
Author: SixDegrees
On August 4th 2010, farmers, environmentalists, rural and urban folk from across the state gathered at Queensland Parliament House in protest of the state government's ongoing approvals of coal and coal seam gas wells on some of the countries most productive farming lands.
Hunter coal future 'can't last'
Date: Thu 05-Aug-10
Author: Tim Connell (The Herald)
THE Hunter has a chance to shed a legacy of pollution and be a "Silicon Valley" for green energy, an environmental scientist told a Newcastle City Hall audience last night. The professor told the Climate Action Newcastle's Beyond Coal forum that the Hunter was one of the worst contributors to Australia's greenhouse gas emissions, and that coal-fired power stations had to be phased out.
Country music festival moves to the Hunter
Date: Wed 04-Aug-10
Author: Amy Edwards (The Herald)
AUSTRALIAN roots and country music festival CMC Rocks The Snowys is moving from Thredbo to the Hunter Valley.
The Country Music Channel (CMC), Rob Potts Entertainment Edge and Chugg Entertainment announced yesterday that after three successful years in Thredbo the festival had grown and needed a larger site.
Next year the festival will be held in the Hunter Valley in March and will be renamed CMC Rocks The Hunter.
Fitzgibbon benefactor faces Chinese fraud probe
Date: Wed 04-Aug-10
Author: The Age
A MAJOR Labor Party donor and benefactor of former defence minister Joel Fitzgibbon is the subject of a formal complaint by a large Chinese state-owned-enterprise which alleges the businesswoman defrauded it of millions of dollars.
Ramsays Leap Recommendations
Date: Tue 03-Aug-10
Author: Peter Firminger
Extract from the Traffic Committee Report in the Agenda for the Council meeting this Wednesday
Reconcile Australia Party
Date: Tue 03-Aug-10
Author: Peter Firminger
Many of you will have met Jennifer Stefanac at gigs at Laguna Wine Bar or around the valley. Jennifer is running for the Senate in the 2010 elections.
Singleton by-pass
Date: Tue 03-Aug-10
Author: Singleton Argus
PLANNING for a Singleton by-pass will begin immediately if the coalition win the August 21 election. National candidate for Hunter Michael Johnsen gave the commitment during a morning tea on Saturday morning which also welcomed Senator Barnaby Joyce to Singleton.
2010 Federal Election candidates for Hunter
Date: Tue 03-Aug-10
Author: Sarah Lee (Singleton Argus)
TWO more candidates have put their hand up for the 2010 Federal Election bringing the candidates to five for the Hunter seat.
Wayne Riley from the Christian Democratic Party (Fred Nile Group) and Jennifer Leayr from the One Nation party have joined Labor's Joel Fitzgibbon, Greens candidate Chris Parker and The Nationals' Michael Johnsen.
Sudden Funding
Date: Tue 03-Aug-10
Author: Di Sneddon (Singleton Argus)
SINGLETON is being told enough times, there is no point wanting and wishing for infrastructure if there is nothing on the table to talk about. Member for Hunter Joel Fitzgibbon gave Singleton residents a little hint when explaining the mineral resources rent tax that projects should be up and running, ready to go, for them to be successful in getting a slice of the cash generated by the new tax.
Gallery launch to showcase indigenous artists
Date: Mon 02-Aug-10
Author: Rebecca Berry (Maitland Mercury)
Works of art by indigenous artists will be the centrepiece of a new art gallery at Blaxlands Inn, Pokolbin. A gallery launch will be held on Thursday at 6pm to showcase powerful contemporary pieces by established and emerging indigenous artists.
Helping hand from Joyce
Date: Mon 02-Aug-10
Author: Alison Branley (The Herald)
NATIONALS senate leader Barnaby Joyce added his own brand of political colour to the election campaign in the Hunter at the weekend. The Queensland senator joined the Nationals candidate for the seat of Hunter, Michael Johnsen, on the election trail in Singleton and Cessnock on Saturday.
Greens target swing voters in record ad campaign
Date: Sat 31-Jul-10
Author: ABC News
The Australian Greens Party is launching new television advertisements which will air nationwide tomorrow night.
It is the biggest election advertising campaign ever run by the Greens.
Greens leader Bob Brown says opinion polls indicate people are becoming disillusioned with the major parties.
Nationals bring in the big guns
Date: Sat 31-Jul-10
Author: NBN News
The National Party has brought out the big guns in hope of winning votes in one of Labor's strong holds.
Senator Barnaby Joyce today toured the Hunter Valley.
Cheryl Kernot to run for Senate
Date: Fri 30-Jul-10
Author: Brisbane Times via The Herald
Former Australian Democrats leader and Labor MP Cheryl Kernot will stand as an independent Senate candidate for NSW at the next federal election.
Ms Kernot, the former leader of the Australian Democrats who famously defected to the Labor Party, retired from politics after she lost the seat of Dickson at the 2001 election.
Federal election candidates declared
Date: Fri 30-Jul-10
Author: Ian Kirkwood (The Herald)
In Hunter, sitting member Joel Fitzgibbon has drawn third spot, with Green Chris Parker at the top of a five candidate ballot paper, with One Nation candidate Jennifer Leayr second, Christian Democrat (Fred Nile) Wayne Riley in fourth spot and National Party candidate in fifth spot.
Historical photographs project
Date: Fri 30-Jul-10
Author: Cessnock Library
In recent months, Cessnock City Library has been continuing its project to digitise the Library's collection of photographs which depict the local history of our area. Library staff are at a point in the project whereby they are calling for local people to assist them in expanding the collection of images.
NSW Greens team ready for Federal election
Date: Fri 30-Jul-10
Author: Lee Rhiannon
With the close of nominations yesterday, Greens lead Senate candidate Lee Rhiannon today announced that her party will run its biggest campaign to date, with local candidates in all 48 lower house seats.
Milbrodale Public School - Frog Pond
Date: Fri 30-Jul-10
Author: Sarah Lee (Singleton Argus)
THE importance of preserving the environment for future generations has taken a step forward with the opening of the Milbrodale Public School frog pond.
The environmental wonder will be an educational green haven that will be utilised for art, literacy, science and Human Society and its Environment subjects.
Kogan contamination last straw for UCG
Date: Fri 30-Jul-10
Author: Larissa Waters (The Greens)
Concerns by local Kogan farmers that Carbon Energy's underground coal gasification (UCG) plant is responsible for elevated mercury levels in local creeks exposes the state government's recklessness in approving a dangerous experimental industry, which has failed and should be banned, say the Greens.
Fracking With Food: How the Natural Gas Industry Poisons Cows and Crops
Date: Fri 30-Jul-10
Author: Byard Duncan (AlterNet)
Natural gas drilling operations have mucked up food from Colorado to Pennsylvania. So why is no one paying attention? On the morning of May 5, 2010, nobody could say for sure how much fluid had leaked from the 650,000-gallon disposal pit near a natural gas drill pad in Shippen Township, Penn. -- not the employees on site; not the farmers who own the property; not the DEP rep who came to investigate.
Gas Watch 91: AGL ENERGY awarded Green Globe Awards - by NSW Government
Date: Fri 30-Jul-10
Author: Hunter Valley Protection Alliance
The NSW Government should be ashamed to have bestowed these awards and the Minister for the Environment and Climate Change should revoke them.
$2m rail plan 'a drop in bucket'
Date: Fri 30-Jul-10
Author: The Herald
THE $2 million the federal government pledged to plan a Scone rail underpass was a drop in the bucket, NSW Minerals Council chief executive Nikki Williams said yesterday.
From the Mayors Desk - 30 July 2010
Date: Fri 30-Jul-10
Author: Alison Davey
We said goodbye to another Cessnock icon last week with the passing of John Hall. John is a well known businessman in Cessnock with both the TM & KTM motorcycle outlets...
Scone Rail Overpass
Date: Thu 29-Jul-10
Author: Chris Parker (Hunter Greens)
Mr. Joel Fitzgibbon has announced the allocation of $2 million Dollars of funding to plan an overpass for the rail crossing at Scone.
The residents of Scone have been heavily campaigning for an answer to their traffic woes for some time now. Our present Government has a history of ignoring the concerns of residents until election time and promise the world. As we have seen on several issues over their term in office, promises are made and quickly forgotten once the election is over.
Overpass victory
Date: Thu 29-Jul-10
Author: Caitlin Andrews (Scone Advocate)
The growing concerns of a level crossing on the New England Highway at the northern end of Scone have been put to rest with a $2 million Federal Government grant awarded yesterday.
And even though the federal election is just around the corner, the rail crossing will remain at the top of the agenda as the National Party also pledged its commitment to the issue this week.
Scone to get rail overpass as part of election promise
Date: Thu 29-Jul-10
Author: Julianne Strachan (The Herald)
THE new mining tax would be used to pay for an overpass for the rail crossing on the New England Highway at Scone, in a significant election sweetener rolled out by Labor yesterday.
Coal trains rumbling through Scone's level crossings regularly cut the town in two for periods of about eight minutes at a time, frustrating motorists and prompting safety concerns if there was an emergency in the town.
Scott receives promising CSG message from Garrett
Date: Wed 28-Jul-10
Author: Bruce Scott, MP (Nationals Website)
Federal LNP Member for Maranoa Bruce Scott has received a promising response from Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett after he wrote last month expressing grave concerns about the extraction of coal seam gas.
Mr Scott called on the Minister to withhold support for the CSG extraction process until science could conclusively confirm that the aquifers of the Great Artesian Basin would not be significantly impacted upon.
He said the Minister's response showed promise for federal intervention.
Cessnock City Council supports 2020 plan
Date: Wed 28-Jul-10
Author: The Advertiser
Cessnock City Council will adopt the draft Cessnock 2020 Community Plan. The draft plan will go on public exhibition from today after councillors unanimously supported it at last Wednesday night's meeting.
Huntlee back on the drawing board
Date: Wed 28-Jul-10
Author: The Advertiser
The NSW Department of Planning has received a new State Significant Site request for the Huntlee New Town site near Branxton.
The request follows a decision in the Land and Environment Court last year that overturned previous approvals on the site on technical legal grounds.
The former deed of agreement that applied to the site has been rescinded and the proponent has lodged plans for merit assessment under the framework of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act.
The government will now consider the site's potential as a State Significant Site.
Sweetwater Action Group Short-changed
Date: Tue 27-Jul-10
Author: Chris Parker (SWAG)
On October 19 2009 the Land and Environment Court quashed the approval of the massive Huntlee development.
Chris parker, President of the Sweetwater Action Group expressed his concern at the time of the decision that the failure of the Minister for Planning to defend the case meant the the residents group were denied the opportunity to have the Court hear all their arguments against the development.
NSW Farmers Association
Date: Tue 27-Jul-10
Author: Rachel Oldknow (Singleton Argus)
THE NSW Farmers Association has backed Hunter farmers who are concerned that mining is taking prime agricultural land in the region. At its conference in Sydney last week, Hunter farmers won the support of the peak farmer's body who will lobby the government for support on a key motion until a whole of government approach is given to coal mining.
Huntlee
Date: Tue 27-Jul-10
Author: Sarah Lee (Singleton Argus)
RESIDENTS of Branxton and Singleton Council expect better consultation with next months expected project application for Huntlee New Town.
The project was announced last week with preliminary rezoning to a State Significant Site being considered by the Department of Planning.
Sweetwater Action Group president Chris Parker is disappointed to see that the project has come back and early outlines of the project indicate little has changed.
The proposal is to create 7500 home lots on land between Branxton and North Rothbury.
Integra Coal Mine Blasting
Date: Tue 27-Jul-10
Author: Sarah Lee (Singleton Argus)
INTEGRA Coal has suspended mine blasts at its open cut north pit until adequate controls are in place to prevent more instances of orange plumes.
For the second time in less than a week, Vale's Integra Coal Camberwell mine has sent another orange plume of dust into the air above Camberwell.
Two different points of view unacceptable
Date: Tue 27-Jul-10
Author: Di Sneddon (Singleton Argus)
It is a massive worry when you have a coal company saying the orange fall out from coal mining is unacceptable and the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water saying it is to be expected. These were the two vastly different responses when The Singleton Argus made enquiries after yet another blast shed orange substances into the atmosphere. Local residents know it is not a rarity, the orange plumes are common.
Angry producers boo Bligh
Date: Mon 26-Jul-10
Author: Timothy Braban (The Western Star)
ANGRY protestors picketed Premier Anna Bligh's Community Cabinet session in Roma yesterday. Ms Bligh introduced the Community Cabinet meeting as an opportunity to "talk directly to government" and it was protestor Dayne "the frack man" Pratzky who took the Premier up on her offer when he shouted: "You're an embarrassment to Queensland and you should be ashamed."
Wollombi Valley Update - 23 July 2010
Date: Fri 23-Jul-10
Author: Peter Firminger
LEP/Conservation Zone
The Cessnock LEP 2010 is currently on exhibition - with submissions closing on 4 August 2010
Events for this weekend
Mining issues on election agenda
Date: Fri 23-Jul-10
Author: Jamie Fakes (Hunter Valley News)
The federal election is now just a month away and mining issues are set to be the major topic of debate for the Hunter region.
Greens name candidate for Hunter
Date: Fri 23-Jul-10
Author: Ashleigh Saunders (Mudgee Guardian)
Greens candidate for Parker Chris Hunter will be focussing on the environment and the people. Mr Parker is from Buchanan and has always been interested in environmental issues.
Gas Watch 90: Liberal/National or Labour? Who will protect the Upper Hunter?
Date: Fri 23-Jul-10
Author: Hunter Valley Protection Alliance
The Hunter Valley Protection Alliance, the Singleton Council, community groups, local doctors and the people of the Hunter Valley want to know the answer to this question.
We currently have next to no protection from the invasion of the fossil fuel industry in the Hunter Valley and the sacrifice by the Government of the beauty of the Hunter Valley to the fossil fuel industry.
Isabella Hardy - Annie - Muswellbrook Theatre Group
Date: Fri 23-Jul-10
Author: Singleton Argus
TWELVE-year-old Isabella Hardy knows all about Annie. It is a musical she has performed in before, but this time Isabella has landed the coveted role of Annie and she is beaming with excitement. The talented local youngster is ready to tread the boards for the Muswellbrook Theatre group's production when it opens this Friday night at the Worker's Club.
Memories of Warkworth
Date: Fri 23-Jul-10
Author: Singleton Argus
BILL Greenhalgh is a man on a mission, a mission to write about Warkworth the place he was born and bred. It has taken Mr Greenhalgh, a retired academic, 15 years so far and he still has more to do until he feels he will finally be able to close the book on the Warkworth he knew and loved.
Integra Coal Blasting
Date: Fri 23-Jul-10
Author: Singleton Argus
INTEGRA Coal has seven days to provide an incident report on a mine blast that covered the village of Middle Falbrook in a cloud of orange dust. The Department of Environment Climate Change and Water (DECCW) received two calls from residents about the blast from Integra Coal's Camberwell mine on Wednesday.
Mid-West Council calls for mine moratorium
Date: Fri 23-Jul-10
Author: Robyn Murray (Mudgee Guardian)
The Mid-Western Regional Council has called for a moratorium on approval of new coal mines or expansion of existing mines until the State Government has completed a study into how the region will cope with growth that the mines will generate.
Councillors also voted on Wednesday to ask the Prime Minister to declare the Mid-Western Region a "regional growth area" so that the it will be eligible for Federal Government funding for infrastructure, and to visit the region to see the effects of mining development.
Council pound ignores dog virus complaints
Date: Fri 23-Jul-10
Author: ABC News
A Newcastle animal rescue organisation says it is considering taking legal action to force Cessnock City Council to make improvements at its Kurri Kurri Pound.
Mine inspectors for Hunter
Date: Fri 23-Jul-10
Author: Dayarne Smith (Muswellbrook Chronicle)
Two new Upper Hunter mine compliance inspectors could be based in Muswellbrook, if an offer by the local council is accepted. The inspectors will be employed by the NSW Planning Department to monitor mines' compliance with their consent conditions.
Better tourists than ghost towns
Date: Fri 23-Jul-10
Author: Steve Sullivan (Letter to The Herald)
I REPLY to Warwick Biggs ("Rampant tourism may kill Wollombi" Letters 10/7). My wife and I run the Wollombi general store, a seven-day-a-week pleasure. We meet people from around the country and the globe.
Housing project given $500,000 discount: Greens
Date: Thu 22-Jul-10
Author: ABC News
The Greens say they have a document showing the developer behind a massive Hunter Valley housing project has been given a $500,000 discount for project processing fees.
Tourist site approved with conditions
Date: Thu 22-Jul-10
Author: Donna Sharpe (The Herald)
STRICT conditions relating to noise and hours have been placed on the controversial Wollombi Views tourist outlet at Wollombi.
Cessnock City Council granted development consent last night for the development, which has been operating illegally for five years without council approval.
No Fracking Way!
Date: Wed 21-Jul-10
Author: Peter Firminger
Pete Seeger at a News Conference on HydroFracking
Debating skills on show
Date: Wed 21-Jul-10
Author: The Advertiser
Cessnock's inaugural Mayoral Academic High School Debate will take place from tomorrow at Cessnock Performing Arts Centre. Year 9 and 10 students from the four high schools in the local government area will take part in the challenge. The promotion and celebration of the academic achievement of the young people of our LGA is vitally important to the future of our area, according to Mayor of Cessnock, Cr. Alison Davey.
NSW nurses push for better staffing, conditions
Date: Wed 21-Jul-10
Author: ABC News
There is a push escalating for the improvement of staffing across New South Wales hospitals, particularly in rural areas. Around 54,000 nurses and midwives across NSW are calling on the State Government to follow Victoria's lead and implement minimum nurse-to-patient ratios.
Fitzgibbon launches defamation case against newspapers
Date: Tue 20-Jul-10
Author: ABC News
Former defence minister Joel Fitzgibbon has launched legal action against four newspapers over reports about his alleged links with a Chinese-Australian businesswoman.
Hunter chamber prepares federal wish list
Date: Tue 20-Jul-10
Author: ABC Newcastle
The Hunter Business Chamber says funding for the inner-city expansion of Newcastle University and redevelopment of the law courts are high on its wish list for the federal election campaign.
Three in the running for Hunter seat
Date: Tue 20-Jul-10
Author: Singleton Argus
PLEASED that the campaign trail is underway, Federal Member for the Hunter Joel Fitzgibbon said the 2010 election presents a stark contrast between the leaders of the two major parties and he had plenty of faith in Julia Gillard.
Election is on
Date: Tue 20-Jul-10
Author: Singleton Argus
MINING issues will be key in the August 21 election with all three candidates for the Hunter keen to debate the issues. Three people have put their hand up to run for the seat of Hunter.
Joel Fitzgibbon has held the seat since 1996 and will again contest the seat.
Michael Johnsen is the Nationals candidate and revealed his intention to run about a month ago.
The Greens announced a candidate for the Hunter at the weekend in Chis Parker from Buchanan (near Kurri).
Operatic love tale
Date: Tue 20-Jul-10
Author: Amy Edwards (The Herald)
AUSTRALIA-born soprano Allegra Giagu doesn't have to look far to find the meaning in a love song. The performer will sing alongside her organist fiance Jonathan Hope at St John's Anglican Church, Wollombi, on Saturday. The couple, who also performed in Melbourne this week, are staying in Wollombi while Allegra visits her parents, Bruno and Victoria Giagu, and her grandmother, Rose.
WVAC Arts News July/August 2010
Date: Tue 20-Jul-10
Author: Bronnie Aliotti
Painting the Australian Iconic
August at the WCC with Fiona Bateman, Ron Royes and Julia Francis
Call for Entries - 5th Emerging Artists Awards
Cultural/Arts-related booking enquiries
Federal Election 2010
Date: Mon 19-Jul-10
Author: Hawker Britton - Occasional Papers
The Prime Minister, Julia Gillard, has called the Federal Election for 21st August 2010.
The writs for the election will be issued at 6pm today (Monday 19 July 2010). From that time the Caretaker Conventions will apply.
The race has begun: Candidates begin campaign across two electorates
Date: Mon 19-Jul-10
Author: Don Mahoney (Mudgee Guardian)
Federal election candidates for Parkes and Hunter had already begun campaigning across their electorates yesterday after Prime Minister Julia Gillard announced the August 21 election date on Saturday.
Five weeks to choose
Date: Mon 19-Jul-10
Author: The Herald [Editorial]
WITH Kevin Rudd's political blood still wet on her hands, Julia Gillard has taken the bold step of calling the federal election for Saturday, August 21.
More than once since seizing power less than four weeks ago, Ms Gillard has commented on the need to obtain a mandate from the people. To her credit, she has wasted little time in putting her leadership to the test. She has gone to the polls knowing Labor will have the hardest of fights to carry an election that should never have been the Coalition's to win.
No big spending in this campaign, warn Hunter candidates
Date: Mon 19-Jul-10
Author: Ben Smee (The Herald)
The Hunter's federal MPs have warned voters not to expect a "wish-list" election, as both major parties put forward plans to tighten the nation's purse strings. Hunter voters will go to the polls with the rest of Australia on August 21, but may have to make their choice without the typical promises of spending on local projects and infrastructure.
Labor, Greens close to preference deal
Date: Mon 19-Jul-10
Author: Phillip Coorey (The Herald)
Labor and the Greens are on the verge of a comprehensive preference deal that would boost the government's prospects of holding on to power while helping the Greens achieve the balance of power in the Senate.
Councils bid for slice of infrastructure pie
Date: Mon 19-Jul-10
Author: Damon Cronshaw (The Herald)
Newcastle Maitland and Cessnock councils have been invited to bid for $15million each in federal funding to boost affordable housing in their areas. Prime Minister Julia Gillard listed the three cities yesterday among 46 others in Australia that can bid for $200million for infrastructure to support new housing.
Vote redistribution not automatic
Date: Mon 19-Jul-10
Author: Damon Cronshaw (The Herald)
Hunter voters should not think a vote for The Greens would end up with Labor, The Greens' Newcastle candidate Michael Osborne said yesterday. Mr Osborne said it was "not a given" that Greens' preferences would flow to Labor. Mr Osborne said the Greens' Hunter candidates had held internal discussions about preferences but were yet to speak to other parties and candidates. "People can make up their own minds [about preferences]," he said.
Cessnock honours one of its finest
Date: Mon 19-Jul-10
Author: Martin Dineen (The Herald)
Harold Sternbeck - Born: September 12, 1929 - Died: July 6, 2010
THE life of Harold James Sternbeck, which was dedicated to the community of Cessnock for so many of his 80 years, was celebrated in a service at St John's Anglican Church last week.
Queensland coal seam gas, liquefied natural gas ventures under a cloud
Date: Mon 19-Jul-10
Author: John McCarthy (The Courier-Mail)
THE Bligh Government finds itself in a very bad political position over what is looming as a critical economic and environmental issue.
The ruling last week by federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett to stall a decision on two massive central Queensland coal seam-to-liquefied natural gas projects by three months was one of two things: blatant politics designed to earn Garrett some Green kudos or a rejection of the State Government's environmental standards.
Either way the State Government looks the loser and the public is less informed about the issue than it should be.
From the Mayors Desk - 19 July 2010
Date: Mon 19-Jul-10
Author: Alison Davey
It was a sad day of the passing of Harold Sternbeck AM. Harold gave a lifetime of extraordinary service and achievement and through his strength of character and his integrity became one of the City's most highly regarded and respected citizen attaining Freeman of the City in 2009.
Hunter Electorate Details
Date: Sun 18-Jul-10
Author: The Herald
Hunter covers an area of about 20,111 square kilometres from Maitland in the east to Cassilis in the west, Murrurundi in the north and south to Wollombi. Towns include: Branxton, Cessnock, Denman, Kurri Kurri, Maitland, Muswellbrook, and Singleton.
Natural Talent - Jodie Mobberley - Singleton Art Prize
Date: Fri 16-Jul-10
Author: Singleton Argus
JODIE Mobberley has always loved drawing. At school it was her passion and a skill that others recognised as a great talent. As a youngster though she never really divulged into the competition arena drawing only because it was what she liked to do. "I drew at school but when I look back at them they look like cartoon drawings," she laughs.
Camberwell village report - Anger at village report
Date: Fri 16-Jul-10
Author: Singleton Argus
THE Camberwell Cumulative Impact Review looking at the effects of the mining industry on Camberwell has major shortcomings according to local residents who have read the report.
Vote for mayor - Singleton
Date: Fri 16-Jul-10
Author: Rachel Oldknow (Singleton Argus)
COUNCILLORS will vote on Monday night whether to give the public the right to vote for its mayor.
The reduction in councillor numbers from 12 to nine is also on the agenda as well as the option to abolish the current ward system.
SMALL TALK in The Herald
Date: Thu 15-Jul-10
Author: Amy Edwards (The Herald)
THE Wollombi Valley Short Film Festival will be held on Saturday, October 2. Former winner Jason van Genderen will return to the festival this year as a judge and to present a youth award. Jason and his film partner Shane Emmett won first prize at the festival last year with their flick Mankind is No Island. Shot entirely on a mobile phone, the flick also won best film at Tropfest New York in 2008. The lads also claimed second prize with another film at the Wollombi festival and donated their $750 prize money to young filmmakers. For an entry form go to valleyartists.org. Entries close September 17.
Miner wants Camberwell Common
Date: Thu 15-Jul-10
Author: Michelle Harris (The Herald)
ASHTON Coal wants to buy and possibly mine part of the former Camberwell Common after saying it would be a "responsible tenant" when the government controversially handed it an access licence for the land earlier this year.
QLD Gas exploration - Go on fighting in the Hunter!
Date: Wed 14-Jul-10
Author: Brian Monk
Good day to all people in the Hunter, i have only been through your area on 2 occassions, it is beautiful. Today i write to you to encourage you to fight gas exploration, if you dont right now you will find yourself in the position that the Surat Basin where i live finds itself in now.
Moratorium on coal seam gas
Date: Wed 14-Jul-10
Author: The Greens
Australian Greens Lead Senate Candidate for Queensland Larissa Waters and Leader Senator Bob Brown have welcomed Federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett's request for further information on the groundwater and Great Barrier Reef impacts of proposed Queensland coal seam gas (CSG) projects.
Cessnock community mourns Harold Sternbeck
Date: Wed 14-Jul-10
Author: The Advertiser
Cessnock City has lost one of its most dedicated citizens with the passing of Harold Sternbeck AM. Mr. Sternbeck died on Tuesday, July 6 aged 80. Hundreds of people attended his funeral yesterday at St. John's Anglican Church, Cessnock.
Camberwell report released
Date: Wed 14-Jul-10
Author: Di Sneddon (Singleton Argus)
COAL mines in the vicinity of Camberwell must cut back noise and dust levels and two compliance officers will be based in the Upper Hunter by the end of August to monitor mine compliance with consent conditions.
In addition the NSW government has established a group of senior ministers to develop a strategic plan for coal mining in New South Wales by the end of the year.
Chamber opera at Sacred Spaces
Date: Tue 13-Jul-10
Author: Singleton Argus
SCOTT Blick is passionate about opera. This passion inspired a simple concept to bring opera to a broader audience and change the way the general public think about opera. "I want to create a situation for people who may not like opera, young kids, to see and enjoy," Mr Blick said this week.
Camberwell waits on coal report
Date: Tue 13-Jul-10
Author: Michelle Harris (The Herald)
The state government will announce today its strongest moves yet to rein in the impacts of Hunter coalmines, after experts warned of the need to take action on the exposure of Camberwell residents to dust limit breaches.
Beautiful bluestone Millthorpe village showcased online
Date: Mon 12-Jul-10
Author: Community Geographic Domain Names
Millthorpe in Central NSW is launching their CGDN website this week. Located in the heart of a dynamic food and wine region, Millthorpe is well known for its truffle production and home to many local artists.
Rampant tourism may kill Wollombi
Date: Sat 10-Jul-10
Author: Warwick Biggs in a letter to The Herald
THERE are deep and divisive concerns about tourist development in historic Wollombi ("DVD promotes village easy with its past and future" Herald 7/7)...
Mining tax 'acceptable'
Date: Fri 09-Jul-10
Author: Hunter Valley News
MINING companies with significant Upper Hunter coal operations have labelled the watered-down and newly-named Mineral Resources Rent Tax (MRRT) "acceptable" - and they are eager to work through the details.
Harold James Sternbeck AM
Date: Wed 07-Jul-10
Author: Mayor Alison Davey
It is with sadness that I acknowledge the passing of Harold Sternbeck AM. Harold gave a lifetime of extraordinary service and achievement... and through his strength of character... and his integrity became one of the City's most highly regarded and respected citizens, attaining Freeman of the City status in 2009.
Free drop-off for old electronics
Date: Wed 07-Jul-10
Author: Cessnock City Council
The new financial year has seen the introduction of another new recycling opportunity at Council's Waste and Reuse Centre.
To complement the success of the eWaste and Secondhand Saturday events targeting electronic waste such as old televisions and computers, a permanent free drop off facility has been unveiled at the Centre. The facility will be monitored and is provided for all residents of the Cessnock local government area and is for domestic use only.
DVD promotes Wollombi village
Date: Wed 07-Jul-10
Author: Peter Firminger
Story removed... I watched the "film"
Singleton's 28th Art Prize opening night Friday
Date: Tue 06-Jul-10
Author: Rachel Oldknow (Singleton Argus)
COME Friday the Civic Centre will be filled with artwork and paintings for opening night of Singleton's 28th Art Prize. Yesterday saw the first batch of works couriered from Sydney and the Central Coast with more set to arrive today and tomorrow.
Gas Watch 89 - AGL Energy - Access to your property
Date: Mon 05-Jul-10
Author: Hunter Valley Protection Alliance
AGL Energy has a Petroleum Exploration Lease over land surrounding Broke and Bulga (except the coal mining leases), including over the Broke and Bulga villages.
AGL will knock on your door, tell you they have the lease and that they want onto your land.
During their exploration phase, AGL cannot come onto your land without your written consent in the form of an Access Agreement.
Gas Watch 88 - AGL Energy - Noise Complaints
Date: Mon 05-Jul-10
Author: Hunter Valley Protection Alliance
The noise from the generators used by AGL on their property next to the Broke village is now affecting the village of Broke. And this is only exploration. Many residents of Nelson Street, Broke, which is adjacent to the first well in what AGL would hope to be a methane gas field, are being affected by noise from AGL Generators, inside their own homes, to the extent that the noise at night is able to be heard over the television.
Hunter's coal comfort in tax pact
Date: Sat 03-Jul-10
Author: Ian Kirkwood (The Herald)
THE new 30 per cent minerals rent tax Prime Minister Julia Gillard hammered out with Australia's big three mining companies is already having an impact in the Hunter.
Mining company Xstrata said yesterday that certainty over the mining tax had lifted a shadow from its planned Ravensworth North mine between Singleton and Muswellbrook.
From the Mayors Desk - 2 July 2010
Date: Fri 02-Jul-10
Author: Alison Davey
In times of economic difficulty I am pleased to advise that Cessnock City Council has delivered a balanced budget for 2010-2011 financial year and has maintained its level of service across all facets of Council's operations, in some cases increasing its funding commitment in high priority areas such as roads with the total budget for next year $81 million.
Cessnock draft LEP back on exhibition
Date: Wed 30-Jun-10
Author: The Advertiser
Cessnock City Council will re-exhibit its draft Local Environment Plan in July for a four-week period.
Councillors considered a report on the draft LEP at last week's council meeting and resolved to seek further public comment because there have been several amendments to the original draft.
'Our Nigel' stars in West Side Story
Date: Wed 30-Jun-10
Author: Krystal Sellars (The Advertiser)
Ten years ago, Nigel Turner-Carroll was preparing for his HSC exams at Mount View High School and gearing up for the performance of a lifetime at the Sydney Olympics. Fast forward to 2010 and the former Lovedale resident has made a name for himself in the Sydney theatre scene.
Big heart, ace hand helps all
Date: Mon 28-Jun-10
Author: Matt Carr (The Herald)
IT may be a bit trite to claim all the world's a stage, but Wayne Van Keren is doing his best to expand his performance space. The 58-year-old Newcastle man has taken techniques learnt as a professional entertainer around the region, volunteering his skills through the Hunter Volunteer Centre for more than 20 years.
ICAC told of plan to remove Cessnock boss
Date: Sat 26-Jun-10
Author: Joanne McCarthy (The Herald)
THREE Cessnock City councillors have complained to the Independent Commission Against Corruption over a bizarre plan revealed in NSW Parliament to "appease" Planning Minister Tony Kelly by removing general manager Bernie Mortomore. The NSW Upper House was told businessman Michael Hope of the Hope Estate phoned Liberal councillor Dale Troy about a plan in which Mr Mortomore would become a "sacrificial lamb" to "appease" Mr Kelly and stop government moves to take the council's planning powers.
Update 25 June 2010
Date: Fri 25-Jun-10
Author: Peter Firminger
Cessnock LEP 2010 Exhibition, coming events, Ramsay's Leap and Warkworth Sands Woodland.
Short films fest is free
Date: Fri 25-Jun-10
Author: Cessnock City Council
A second short films fest is coming to Cessnock Performing Arts Centre and, like the first, it is free to attend.
There will be two screenings of the films - the first on Tuesday 6 July at 6.30pm and the second on Wednesday 14 July at 2pm and entry is free, however seats must be booked by phoning the Performing Arts Centre on 4990 7134.
A balanced budget for Cessnock
Date: Fri 25-Jun-10
Author: Cessnock City Council
Cessnock City Council has delivered a balanced budget for next financial year and has maintained its level of service across all facets of Council's operations, in some cases increasing its funding commitment in high priority areas such as roads. The total budget for next year is $81 million.
Greens' bill abolishes Game Council, ends hunting in State Forests, National Parks
Date: Thu 24-Jun-10
Author: Lee Rhiannon
Greens MP Lee Rhiannon was last night given urgent leave by the NSW Upper House to introduce her private members bill to abolish the NSW Game Council and prohibit recreational hunting in national parks, state forests and public land.
Draft LEP to be re-exhibited
Date: Thu 24-Jun-10
Author: Cessnock City Council
Cessnock City Council will re-exhibit its draft Local Environment Plan in July for a four week period. Councillors considered a report on the draft LEP at last night's Council meeting and resolved to seek further public comment because there have been several amendments to the original draft.
Govt, Nile, Shooters unite against Greens bill protecting prime farming land from mining
Date: Wed 23-Jun-10
Author: The Greens
Government MPs, the Shooters Party and Rev Fred Nile today indicated they will vote against a Greens bill in the NSW Upper House designed to protect prime agricultural land from mining. Greens MP Lee Rhiannon said farming communities from the Gloucester and Liverpool Plains regions would be understandably disappointed at the outcome.
Warkworth Expansion Minutes
Date: Wed 23-Jun-10
Author: Peter Firminger
Singleton Council meeting on Monday, 21 June, 2010 unanimously resolved to support local communities in their opposition against the expansion of the Warkworth Open Cut Mine towards the Bulga village.
ALP and Shooters stifle debate on Minister's misleading of Parliament
Date: Tue 22-Jun-10
Author: Sylvia Hale MLC
The Labor Party, Shooters and Fred Nile today combined to gag debate on a motion censuring the Minister for Planning for misleading Parliament in relation to his attempts to remove Cessnock Council's planning powers.
"By stifling debate, the Government clearly wanted to avoid being held accountable for what the Greens believe is a serious abuse of the Minister's powers," said Sylvia Hale MLC, Greens spokesperson for Planning.
Video clip shot in Broke
Date: Tue 22-Jun-10
Author: Sue Gleave
A few of you have asked to see the final video clip of my niece's song that was filmed in and around Broke (the old servo, Nightingales, McNamara Park etc).
Aboriginal Art - Denise Hedges - NAIDOC Week
Date: Tue 22-Jun-10
Author: Singleton Argus
AN unsung hero is not how Denise Hedges would describe herself. However the quiet achiever fits the title more than she believes. An accomplished Aboriginal artist, mother and proud Wanaruah woman, Denise has used art to inspire and educate both the Indigenous and non-Indigenous community. This year's NAIDOC week theme recognises those in the Indigenous community who take their own paths and in doing so, help others set their own direction for the future. This is what Denise does.
Warkworth Mine Extension
Date: Tue 22-Jun-10
Author: Di Sneddon (Singleton Argus)
RIO Tinto Coal has approached the Department of Planning to give Singleton Council an extension for their submission to the Warkworth Mine Extension.
A report written by council's director planning and regulations Mark Ihlein was presented at last night's council meeting with councillors given two options, to consider the report or withdraw it.
Cool school holiday fun
Date: Mon 21-Jun-10
Author: Cessnock City Council
It's the time of year for long nights and blustery wintry days -but some great activities have been planned at Cessnock and Kurri Kurri Libraries to brighten up the July school holidays for your child! There's activities to cater for all ages, from toddlers through to young adults.
WVAC Arts News June/July 2010
Date: Sun 20-Jun-10
Author: Bronnie Aliotti
UNTIL NOW - Janelle McCloy
Iconic Paintings at the Wollombi Cultural Centre
Call for entries for the 5th EMERGING ARTISTS AWARDS 1st-10th October 2010
Stuck in a rut
Date: Sat 19-Jun-10
Author: Debra Jopson (SMH Traveller)
Debra Jopson finds herself on the edge of wine country and in the middle of deer mating season.
The first stag you come across at Cedar Creek Cottages is dead. His gigantic head, mounted on the wall of the cellar door at the entrance to this Wollombi Valley vineyard and farm, imperiously oversees wine sales.
Tony Kelly unable to back Cessnock statement
Date: Thu 17-Jun-10
Author: The Herald
PLANNING Minister Tony Kelly is unable to provide figures to back his statement to NSW Parliament that "more than half the complaints I have received since becoming the Minister for Planning relate to Cessnock City Council".
Although he stood by the statement, Mr Kelly said yesterday that "a lot of those [complaints] were verbal ones as I moved around, so they're not things I have a record of".
Letter 'links Premier to Huntlee development'
Date: Wed 16-Jun-10
Author: Joanne McCarthy (The Herald)
CESSNOCK MP Kerry Hickey blasted former planning minister Kristina Keneally on behalf of developer Duncan Hardie in an extraordinary letter linking her alleged "inaction" with "stop[ping] any development in this area".
Cessnock Council puts case to minister
Date: Wed 16-Jun-10
Author: The Herald
PLANNING Minister Tony Kelly should consult the Local Government Department before moving to strip Cessnock City Council's planning powers, the council has urged in its formal response to be considered tonight.
Re-exhibition of Cessnock Draft LEP 2010
Date: Tue 15-Jun-10
Author: Peter Firminger
The following are excerpts from the agenda for the extraordinary meeting of Cessnock Council to be held at 6:30pm on Wednesday 16 June 2010
Tourism meeting
Date: Sat 12-Jun-10
Author: Mike Wilson
This meeting will be held on Tuesday 20th July at 4pm in the Barrel Hall at Tempus Two winery at the corner of Broke & McDonalds Roads, Pokolbin. The invitation is not just for Broke but for all tourism operators in the Hunter.
Catchment News - Issue 30 - June 2010
Date: Fri 11-Jun-10
Author: Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority
Welcome to the June edition of Catchment News, the newsletter of the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA).
Samaritans Neighbourhood News - June-July 2010
Date: Fri 11-Jun-10
Author: Samaritans
Includes details about Samaritans Services including the Hunter Region No Interest Loans Scheme and Legal Aid and the Fundraiser with Jon English
Landcare Newsletter June 2010
Date: Fri 11-Jun-10
Author: Graham Taylor
Please find attached a copy of the June issue of the Wollombi Valley Landcare Newsletter.
Cessnock Council powers
Date: Fri 11-Jun-10
Author: The Herald
STATE Planning Minister Tony Kelly moved to strip Cessnock City Council of its planning powers despite advice from his department that the council's performance was broadly satisfactory.
Cessnock Council Replies to Planning Minister
Date: Thu 10-Jun-10
Author: Cessnock Kurri Greens
Cessnock Councillors unanimously voted to send a strong submission to the Planning Minister last night.
The Planning Minister had written to Council on May 7th asking Council to show cause why he shouldn't take the Councils planning power away.
Letter to Singleton Argus Editor
Date: Tue 08-Jun-10
Author: Stewart Ewen OAM
Dirty air has been in the news both at Lithgow and in the Hunter Valley. But dirty air entering our lungs is only one of the impacts of the fossil fuel industry in the Hunter.
Update 4 June 2010
Date: Fri 04-Jun-10
Author: Peter Firminger
Event list and news for this weekend around Wollombi Valley
Coal halt
Date: Fri 04-Jun-10
Author: Sarah Lee (Singleton Argus)
THE Department of Planning has put four mining projects 'on hold' pending further information on their air quality modelling.
The projects include two from Integra with one being underground, Xstrata's Ravensworth project, and Ashton's South East open cut and modification 5.
The decision puts almost $900 million worth of investment and over 1730 construction and operational jobs in uncertainty.
Waiting for review
Date: Fri 04-Jun-10
Author: Bronwyn Farr (Muswellbrook Chronicle)
Thoroughbred breeders and Muswellbrook Shire Council are anxiously awaiting the announcement of a comprehensive review of land use in the region in the wake of the state government's landmark decision to halt the proposed Bickham coal mine last month.
Cessnock councillor wants MP out
Date: Fri 04-Jun-10
Author: Donna Sharpe (The Herald)
CESSNOCK Greens councillor James Ryan has told member for Cessnock Kerry Hickey to put up or shut up over the council's planning debacle and has called for his resignation.
Councillors will be asked at a meeting next Wednesday night to back Cr Ryan, who said Mr Hickey should resign on the grounds that he was politically motivated and unable to have an objective view on issues relating to the council.
From the Mayors Desk - 3 June 2010
Date: Thu 03-Jun-10
Author: Alison Davey
As you would be aware I have received a letter from the Minister for Planning the Hon. Tony Kelly requesting Council provide reasons why you're elected Councillors should not be stripped of voting rights on local planning matters.
Cessnock City Council confirms support for art gallery
Date: Wed 02-Jun-10
Author: The Advertiser
Cessnock City Council confirmed its support for the city's art gallery voting $60,000 over the next 12 months to help with running costs.
Cessnock District Cricket Association awards
Date: Wed 02-Jun-10
Author: The Advertiser
Fourth grade: Minor premiers, Paxton (Laguna), major premiers, Railway Hotel. Player of the year, Jack Bailey (Paxton).
Greens welcome O'Farrell's commitment to return planning powers to local councils
Date: Mon 31-May-10
Author: Sylvia Hale MLC
Greens MP and planning spokesperson Sylvia Hale has welcomed Opposition Leader Barry O'Farrell's statement that, if elected in March 2011, he will return planning powers to local councils.
Gas Watch 87 - AGL Energy - anticipated industrial complex on prime agricultural land in Hunter Valley
Date: Mon 31-May-10
Author: Hunter Valley Protection Alliance
AGL has no intention of placing a restrictive covenant over any freehold land owned by AGL, nor do we have any intention to do so voluntarily either now or in the future
Living hell for family next to Gloucester coalmine
Date: Mon 31-May-10
Author: Michelle Harris (The Herald)
ABOUT seven years ago Jan Tresidder and husband Bernie bought their dream home in the hills of Forbesdale, on the southern fringe of Gloucester, and moved from Newcastle for a quieter life.
But now they are packing their belongings, after selling to Gloucester Resources to end what they say has been a living hell brought about by potential mining on the town's doorstep and the coal exploration company's acquisition of surrounding properties.
Wollombi Cupcakes for Cancer
Date: Sun 30-May-10
Author: Kerry Lannoy
Despite the rain, generous Wollombi Valley-ites turned out to support the Cup Cakes for Cancer fund raiser on Saturday 29 May (our version of this year's Biggest Morning Tea), raising $1,070 which will all be banked directly into the Cancer Council's NAB account this week.
Sunday Afternoon Drinks
Date: Sat 29-May-10
Author: Mike Wilson
Following the success of the Barry Smith send off at Mount Broke Wines / Cow Cafe the other week, a number of people have lamented that there are no regular get-togethers these days. Well, we can fix that. See event details...
Gas Watch 86 - AGL extends core business to compete with local farmers
Date: Thu 27-May-10
Author: Hunter Valley Protection Alliance
One would have thought that the core business of AGL Energy was, in fact, energy. But no.
Food Drive for the Samaritans
Date: Thu 27-May-10
Author: Lesley Radnidge
Curves at Cessnock are doing a food drive for the Samaritans starting on the 1st June to the 19th June.
if you donate a bag of groceries during this time you can join Curves for FREE saving $199!
Update 27 May 2010
Date: Thu 27-May-10
Author: Peter Firminger
Events and update on Planning Minister Tony Kelly stealing democracy from a non-Labor council
Call for ruling on Hunter coalmining areas
Date: Thu 27-May-10
Author: Julianne Strachan (The Herald)
A PEAK mining lobby has asked the NSW Government to decide which parts of the Hunter are fair game for coalmining companies and which parts are off limits.
The Government rejected plans for the Bickham coalmine this month, estimated by proponents to be worth $150 million to the area's economy, to protect the horse breeding industry.
Community meeting opposes minister's threat to strip Cessnock Council's planning powers
Date: Wed 26-May-10
Author: The Advertiser
A community meeting in Cessnock on Monday night overwhelmingly endorsed five motions opposing Planning Minister Tony Kelly's threat to strip Cessnock City Council of its planning powers.
About 70 people attended the gathering in the Cessnock Community Performing Arts Centre seniors room chaired by Deputy Mayor, Cr, Ian Olsen.
Undermined - 60 Minutes
Date: Tue 25-May-10
Author: Peter Firminger
For those that missed the 60 Minutes feature on Coal Seam Methane in the Surat Basin... here is is.
Hunter Valley coalmines breach dust rules
Date: Tue 25-May-10
Author: Melissa Lyons (The Herald)
HUNTER Valley coalmines made continuous breaches of dust emittance guidelines in the five years to 2009, with air-quality monitors recording particle concentrations up to 43 times national standards.
SAVE CESSNOCK RALLY
Date: Fri 21-May-10
Author: James Ryan
Save Cessnock Rally, Monday 24th May, 6-30PM Cessnock Performing Arts Centre.
A coalition of political parties and community members are joining forces to stage a rally in support of the local community of Cessnock retaining its planning powers.
Wollombi update - 21 May 2010
Date: Fri 21-May-10
Author: Peter Firminger
Lots of stuff happening around the place (and Wollombi Valley Online has 349 members! Thanks for your support).
From the Mayors Desk - 21 May 2010
Date: Fri 21-May-10
Author: Alison Davey
Mrs Vicki Noble has advised that her son Jake was 4th in Australia in the category of IT Applications Software at the Worldskills National Competition in QLD recently. Congratulations Jake and well done on a magnificent win...
Farmers protest at Cecil Plains
Date: Thu 20-May-10
Author: Doug Parrington (Toowoomba Chronicle)
FARMERS turned out in force at Cecil Plains yesterday to demand an immediate Queensland Government moratorium on coal seam gas exploration and production in the area.
About 400 people and the massing of 54 cotton and grain harvesters and tractors created a strong show of farm power to protest against the intrusion of mining companies on prime agricultural land.
No New Coal Mine in Gloucester
Date: Thu 20-May-10
Author: Rebecca Hrobat and Tashi Martel
A documentary by Rebecca Hrobat and Tashi Martel
Country cooking with kids
Date: Thu 20-May-10
Author: Sandy Thomas
An innovative group of preschool parents determined to put an end to fussy eating habits have combined to produce an essential kitchen resource for the whole family.
The Blessing of the Bikes
Date: Thu 20-May-10
Author: Graham Jackson
There's a small group of people who are trying to look at the ways in which we can improve the safety of our own people and the safety of those who ride motorbikes in our area.
Cessnock Council complaints may be revealed
Date: Thu 20-May-10
Author: Julianne Strachan (The Herald)
THE NSW Government could be forced to reveal all of the complaints it has collected against Cessnock Council, following a call for papers by the Greens in Parliament.
WVAC Arts News May/June 2010
Date: Thu 20-May-10
Author: Bronnie Aliotti
Fun With Fibre - Opening June long weekend
Until Now - Janelle McCloy
2010 Emerging Artists Awards
Cessnock City Council progress report
Date: Wed 19-May-10
Author: The Advertiser
It's now just over 18 months since the current Cessnock City Council took office. The council has had a period of settling in and The Advertiser is today presenting a special feature outlining what the councillors believe they have achieved in meeting commitment and promises made in the lead up to the election.
Have your say on Cessnock Council draft management plan
Date: Wed 19-May-10
Author: The Advertiser
Cessnock City Council's draft Management Plan is now on public display and council is seeking community feedback about the draft.
"Each year council adopts an annual management plan which sets our direction for the next three years and provides detail about the council's works and activities for the coming year," said General Manager, Bernie Mortomore.
Pressure on NSW to release Hunter health report
Date: Wed 19-May-10
Author: The Herald
THE State Government is under pressure to release an overdue NSW Health report about the Hunter Region. Greens MLC Lee Rhiannon put a motion to Parliament yesterday calling for its urgent release.
What does the Minister have to hide?
Date: Tue 18-May-10
Author: The Greens
Parliament forces Government to release Cessnock Council documents. The Upper House of the State Government today passed a Greens motion requiring the Government to release information about the complaints Planning Minister Kelly had relied on when he wrote to Cessnock Council on 7 May demanding that the Council show cause why its planning powers should not be removed.
Planning panels strike the same delays
Date: Tue 18-May-10
Author: Harvey Grennan (SMH)
ARE the joint regional planning panels that were established in July last year to decide development applications worth more than $10 million speeding up the planning system as intended?
The Minister for Planning, Tony Kelly, told Parliament last week the panels had processed 63 applications in an average time of 121 days. The Greens say some applications before planning panels have taken more than 240 days and that this blowout in the time taken to make assessments is expected to increase.
Bickham Coal Mine win: more needed
Date: Fri 14-May-10
Author: The Greens
Greens MP and mining spokesperson today welcomed the Premier's rejection of the Bickham Coal Company's open cut coal mine in the Upper Hunter, congratulated the community and local horse breeding industry for their win and expressed hope it signals a more sustainable direction in government policy.
Land Access Bill - Greens to move for committee review
Date: Wed 12-May-10
Author: The Greens
Following a series of meetings with farmers groups Greens MP and mining spokesperson Lee Rhiannon has said the Greens will move for the Land Access Bill to be sent to a committee to review the impact on the agriculture and mining industries.
Congewai artist Kristy Holt's works to be auctioned on Pacific Dawn
Date: Wed 12-May-10
Author: Krystal Sellars (The Advertiser)
The Congewai-based artist boards the P&O cruise ship Pacific Dawn today as the artist-in-residence, with 100 pieces of her work to be auctioned on the cruise.
The collection includes portraiture and still life coffee cups and wine glasses, inspired by her former career in the wine industry, and well-suited to the food and wine-themed cruise.
Cessnock Council to buy Art Gallery building
Date: Wed 12-May-10
Author: The Advertiser
Cessnock City councillors have voted 10-1 to buy the building that houses the Cessnock Regional Art Gallery.
It has also called for a report on ongoing funding on the justification on what money will be needed and what it would be spent on.
Why strip planning powers from Cessnock Council if the intention is not to do favours for Labor mates?
Date: Tue 11-May-10
Author: Sylvia Hale MLC
Cessnock Greens Councillor James Ryan has accused Planning Minister Tony Kelly of adopting a 'double standard' in threatening to remove planning powers from Cessnock Council.
"Minister Tony Kelly has given vague and ill-founded reasons for threatening to remove Council's planning powers, " said Councillor Ryan.
State threatens to cut Cessnock powers
Date: Tue 11-May-10
Author: Julianne Strachan and Matthew Moore (The Herald)
A FURIOUS State Government has threatened to strip Cessnock City Council of its planning powers and replace it with an independent panel.
NSW Planning Minister Tony Kelly has told the council it has just 21 days to show cause why it should be allowed to keep its decision-making functions.
Calling All Artists! Calling All Artists!
Date: Mon 10-May-10
Author: Veronica Chambers
It is coming up to that time of year when the Laguna Public School Art Show committee send out entry forms to all of the Wollombi Valley's talented artists. The Art Show is now in its 19th year and we are always greatly impressed and delighted with calibre of work that gets submitted.
Gas Watch 85 - Minister Macdonald says and offers nothing for the Hunter Valley communities
Date: Mon 10-May-10
Author: Hunter Valley Protection Alliance
On 3rd May 2010, Minister Macdonald addressed the NSW Minerals Councils OH & S Conference at Pokolbin.
We've been trying to get him to Broke for two years. He has said he would come on a couple of occasions, but became too busy. Maybe it wouldn't have been too hard to come another 20 minutes on 3rd May!
Draft Management Plan on display
Date: Mon 10-May-10
Author: Cessnock City Council
Cessnock City Council's draft Management Plan is now on public display and the Council is seeking community feedback about the draft.
"Each year Council adopts an annual Management Plan which sets our direction for the next three years and provides detail about the Council's works and activities for the coming year," General Manager Bernie Mortomore explained. "In conjunction with the draft Management Plan, Council's draft Budget and Fees and Charges for 2010 - 2011 are also on public exhibition."
Catchment News - Issue 29 - May 2010
Date: Sat 08-May-10
Author: Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority
Welcome to the May edition of Catchment News, the newsletter of the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA).
Camberwell common fight not over yet
Date: Fri 07-May-10
Author: Singleton Argus
THE fight for the Camberwell common is not over with residents still hoping the Environmental Defender's Office will come to their aid after the community management of the village common was revoked.
Bike rally
Date: Fri 07-May-10
Author: Richard Helm, President SCMCC (via Singleton Argus)
A morning tea stop was held at the rest area at Pokolbin overlooking the surrounding vineyards, before travelling over Mount View to Wollombi and on to Broke Village Hall for lunch catered by the Broke Rural Fire Service.
Paddy Pallin Foundation Private Lands Conservation Grants
Date: Fri 07-May-10
Author: Don White
The Paddy Pallin Foundation is pleased to announce that the Private Lands Conservation Grants program for 2010 is now open. There is $75,000 available for grants to owners of land in NSW that has a permanent conservation agreement.
Brief report on Council meeting
Date: Thu 06-May-10
Author: Peter Firminger
The meeting last night was an interesting one, with an agreement to purchase the Cessnock Regional Art Gallery building, replace what seems to be 4 local timber bridges and to write to the state government about Coal and Power related health issues...
From the Mayors Desk - 6 May 2010
Date: Thu 06-May-10
Author: Alison Davey
The Inspectors from the Investigations and Review Division of Local Government met with myself, the General Manager, Directors, staff and Councillors last week to see how Council has implemented recommendations in the Section 430 Report, which was the result of the Inquiry in early 2008. A report on this visit will be forwarded to Council in due course and it will be made publicly available.
Cessnock considers tax for vineyard concerts
Date: Thu 06-May-10
Author: Donna Sharpe (The Herald)
A LEVY could soon be imposed on concerts held at vineyards within the Cessnock local government area. Cessnock council last night voted in favour of looking into the feasibility of a levy as part of the $65,000 Vineyards Visioning plan.
Unanimous decision by Cessnock Council calls for mining and power station health monitoring
Date: Thu 06-May-10
Author: Cessnock Kurri Greens
Cessnock Council last night unanimously adopted a Greens proposal to write to the Premier, Health Minister, Planning Minister and Environment Minister...
New manager at Hunter Valley Wine Country Tourism
Date: Wed 05-May-10
Author: The Advertiser
Hunter Valley Wine Country Tourism board of directors, management and staff have welcomed a new executive manager to lead the organisation through an exciting and challenging period in wine tourism in the region. Dean Gorddard has accepted the appointment to the highly-regarded wine tourism organisation.
Coal and Allied Warkworth Mine extension
Date: Tue 04-May-10
Author: Kate Morris (Singleton Argus)
The current proposed extension would involve mining in areas previously part of the Warkworth Mine 2003 Green Offsets areas, that were to be precluded from open-cut mining and agriculture to protect their ecological value.
The rationale behind the company's change of heart and their decision to pursue mining in the protected areas is in response to the resources boom.
Barry and Di Smith clearance Sale and Farewell
Date: Tue 04-May-10
Author: Mike Wilson
This is the last reminder about the clearance sale that Barry & Di
will be holding at their property Redibar in Hill Street this
Saturday - all sorts of stuff going under the hammer. Ring Barry on
6579 1177 for details or a sneak preview.
Gas Watch 84 - Local AGL employees treat community and CCC with contempt
Date: Sat 01-May-10
Author: Hunter Valley Protection Alliance
On 13th March, 2010, and on many occasions since, Siobhan Barry, a local employee of AGL Energy, has been asked this question: Please advise the reasons why your company considers the representations made by your Company in relation to S. 30 (in relation to the required abandonment of part of PEL 4) as commercial in confidence. I would have thought that the community had a right to know why some of the PEL was being continued and other areas of it abandoned.
Hunter lodges more than 3000 telecommunications complaints
Date: Sat 01-May-10
Author: Donna Sharpe (The Herald)
HUNTER residents have logged more than 3000 problems with the telecommunications watchdog in the first three months of this year as complaints about poor service, overcharging and faults surge in the region.
Hour-long phone queues, internet connections that drop out and non-existent mobile phone coverage are just some of the issues raised.
A long walk to the Cremorne coalface
Date: Fri 30-Apr-10
Author: The Greens
For most of us, the idea of large-scale mining operations at Cremorne or Balmain is practically beyond imagination.120 years ago, however, the push was on to do just that.
In the late 19th Century, the Sydney Morning Herald carried regular reports detailing the development of the coal industry. The articles on the rush to issue mining licences and the government's generosity with public money to assist coal companies could have been written today.
Bid to save Camberwell Common
Date: Fri 30-Apr-10
Author: Singleton Argus
TWO weeks ago the people of Camberwell village lost a bit more ground, literally, when state bureaucrats announced the management of the 90-hectare community common was passed to the adjacent Ashton Coal.
The order from the Land and Property Management Authority that the licence for access to the common was rescinded was another blow to Camberwell residents who are not giving up without a fight.
Health Study
Date: Fri 30-Apr-10
Author: Di Sneddon (Singleton Argus)
IN a major breakthrough in the dust and health debate, a team of medical experts came to Singleton on Wednesday to see, talk and listen.
New South Wales Public Health Officer Dr Kerry Chant, NSW Health Director of Environmental Health branch Dr Wayne Smith, Hunter New England Health Director of Population Health John Wiggers and Hunter New England Health Director of Health Protection Dr David Durrheim spent Wednesday in Singleton and Muswellbrook, finishing the tour with a three-hour meeting with the Singleton Shire Healthy Environment Group.
...and the 2010 election gets rolling...
Date: Wed 28-Apr-10
Author: Peter Firminger
This is a blog by Ben Raue - The Hunter Electorate page appeared in a feed a few days ago.
Star-studded line up for Cessnock City Country Music Festival
Date: Wed 28-Apr-10
Author: The Advertiser
The countdown to the fourth annual L. J. Hooker 2010 Cessnock City Country Music Festival is on, and there's not long to go.
Former principal undergoes radical treatment for Parkinson's disease
Date: Wed 28-Apr-10
Author: The Advertiser
Former Mount View High School principal, Phil Papworth wants the world to share in the medical journey that brought him back from the brink of despair.
Mr. Papworth had been looking forward to a well-earned retirement after a lifetime of teaching but all this fell apart when he was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease just over nine years ago.
Warkworth extension plan on display Friday
Date: Tue 27-Apr-10
Author: Sarah Lee (Singleton Argus)
THE Environmental Assessment (EA) of the proposed extension to Warkworth Mine will go on public exhibition on Friday.
Since the original application was lodged in October 2009, residents, members of the Bulga Milbrodale Progress Association and members of the Community Consultation Committee have raised a number of issues with Coal & Allied about the application.
One of these includes the affect the extension will have on Warkworth Sands Woodland.
Community paints a picture of Keneally dam destruction
Date: Sat 24-Apr-10
Author: The Greens
Hunter Valley residents brought their campaign to stop the Tillegra Dam proposal to the streets of Sydney today.
Greens NSW MP Dr John Kaye, who joined 150 community members and dairy cows Bess and Marty in Martin Place, said: "The Hunter Water management team is leading the Premier and her Water Minister into a political and economic dead end.
Operation Go Slow
Date: Sat 24-Apr-10
Author: NSW Police
WOLLOMBI: About 6.20pm yesterday, a 47-year-old female was driving a Toyota Yaris on Wollombi Road when police saw the vehicle allegedly cross the centre line and onto the roadway's left shoulder on a number of occasions. The vehicle was stopped and the driver underwent a roadside breath test which allegedly returned a positive result of 0.165. She was taken to Cessnock Police Station and charged with High Range PCA.
Broke news update
Date: Sat 24-Apr-10
Author: Mike Wilson
This is just a quick update on a few things you might like to know about.
Tom Jackson has informed me that there is not going to be an edition of The Cockfighter published in May due to a lack of advertising support.
From the Mayors Desk - 23 April 2010
Date: Fri 23-Apr-10
Author: Alison Davey
I recently attended the inaugural Anzac Memorial Church Service which was held at St Paul's Anglican Church in Kurri Kurri on Sunday evening 18 April...
Bridge Replacement
Date: Thu 22-Apr-10
Author: Hunter Valley Newsroom (2NM)
Tenders have opened up for the replacement of another three of the upper hunters wooden bridges. Upper hunter shire council has made it a mission to upgrade all of the existing wooden bridges across the shire.
Minister to speak up for mining access rights
Date: Wed 21-Apr-10
Author: ABC News
The New South Wales Minister for Mineral Resources, Ian Macdonald, has confirmed he will ask Parliament to protect miners' access rights to farmland.
Govt backs BHP Billiton, overturns court decision on Caroona coal exploration
Date: Tue 20-Apr-10
Author: The Greens
Greens MP and mining spokesperson Lee Rhiannon today condemned the government for introducing a new bill that reverses a March Supreme Court decision that found in favour of Liverpool Plain farmers challenging the right of BHP Billiton to explore for coal on their farms.
Report clears council over HEZ receivership
Date: Tue 20-Apr-10
Author: ABC News
A consultant's report on the problems plaguing a major industrial park in the Hunter Valley has found Cessnock council did not contribute to the venture going into receivership.
The HEZ site near Kurri Kurri failed to live up to expectations it would create hundreds of new jobs and is now in the hands of receivers, who are trying to attract new industries.
Air quality on agenda at parliament this week
Date: Tue 20-Apr-10
Author: Singleton Argus
QUESTIONS about the air quality in Singleton and the potential impact on public health will be put to parliament this week.
The Singleton Shire Healthy Environment Group met with local State member for Upper Hunter George Souris on Friday.
Bid to save Common Trust land at Camberwell
Date: Tue 20-Apr-10
Author: Sarah Lee (Singleton Argus)
THE State Government's decision to revoke the management of the Camberwell Common from the local community could be reported to the Independent Commission Against Corruption. Members of the Common Trust were told on Thursday they no longer had control of the common.
WVAC Arts News April/May 2010
Date: Tue 20-Apr-10
Author: Bronnie Aliotti
Autumn Exhibition
Fun with Fibre
Emerging Artists Awards
Other towns could follow camberwell
Date: Mon 19-Apr-10
Author: Hunter Valley Newsroom (2NM)
Other towns public land could be lost to coal mines according to Upper hunter mp George Souris
Mr Souris said that the sudden handing over of Camberwell's common to Ashton coal set a dangerous precedent that other towns in the upper hunter should be mindful of.
Mr Souris said people had a right to be fearful.
Coal company's warning on Camberwell Common
Date: Fri 16-Apr-10
Author: Michelle Harris (The Herald)
THE coal company granted access to the Camberwell Common told the State Government more than a year ago the site would need to be closed or relocated to pave the way for a new nearby mine that would generate about $99 million in royalties.
CSG water crackdown too late to impress landholders
Date: Fri 16-Apr-10
Author: James Nason (Qld Country Life)
CSG extraction in regions like the Surat Basin is dependent on removing large amounts of water from aquifers, often the only water source for farms.
Mr Burnett said the introduction of the trigger thresholds to protect aquifers went only a small way towards closing "a massive policy gap which has been glaringly apparent for over five years".
Villagers fuming after their common is handed to mine
Date: Fri 16-Apr-10
Author: Nick O'Malley (SMH)
CAMBERWELL has had a village common since the state governor granted the little stretch of flood plain around Glennies Creek to the people in 1890s. Since then villagers have kept their horses and dairy cows on the plot and their children have used the land for fishing, swimming and riding.
Warkworth Mine
Date: Fri 16-Apr-10
Author: Sarah Lee (Singleton Argus)
The issue of the deed of agreement has completely squashed any faith the Bulga Milbrodale Progress Association had in the word of the mining company.
President of the association Stewart Mitchell said a Non Disturbance Area (NDA) states that development such as agricultural and surface mining is prohibited.
Camberwell Common
Date: Fri 16-Apr-10
Author: Di Sneddon (Singleton Argus)
The Singleton Argus understands that for some yet to be explained reason, the LPMA decided to revoke the 200 acre area as common land and make it crown land.
Keep Camberwell Common in public hands and investigate Ashton
Date: Fri 16-Apr-10
Author: Braidwood Greens
Greens MP and mining spokesperson Lee Rhiannon has called on the Minister for Lands Tony Kelly to reverse his decision to hand the Camberwell Common over to coal company Ashton Coal.
"This unholy deal between Ashton Coal and the government, transferring the Camberwell Common from the people to the company, is designed to cover up the extensive damage caused to the natural environment by mining operations," Ms Rhiannon said.
Row over 'Texas oilfield' deep in the heart of Scenic Hills
Date: Fri 16-Apr-10
Author: Matthew Moore (SMH)
AN APPLICATION by the power company AGL to build gas wells and a processing plant risked transforming hills north-west of Campbelltown into a "Texas oilfield", the mayor has warned.
"My concern is that I don't want my Scenic Hills turning into a Texas oilfield," the Labor mayor, Aaron Rule, said. "The image I'm getting is of a lot of little gas wells all over the place feeding into a gas extraction plant to feed into Sydney gas supply."
After 120 years, Camberwell village common turned over to coalmine next door
Date: Fri 16-Apr-10
Author: Matthew Kelly and Michelle Harris (The Herald)
A FEW minutes was all it took yesterday to end 120 years of Camberwell history to make way for the relentless expansion of the Hunter's coal industry. Department of Lands bureaucrats arrived at the village at 11am to announce that community management of the village common was being revoked.
A licence for access and grazing was being passed to Ashton Coal.
Samaritans Neighbourhood News - April-May 2010
Date: Thu 15-Apr-10
Author: Samaritans
Includes details about Samaritans Services including the Hunter Region No Interest Loans Scheme and Legal Aid
Gas Watch 83 - Minister Ian Macdonald hides behind the Minister for Planning
Date: Wed 14-Apr-10
Author: Hunter Valley Protection Alliance
Refuses Environmental study in Hunter - Minister Macdonald claims that our allegation that he has aided and abetted the sacrifice of the agriculture, horticulture, viticulture and beauty of the Hunter Valley to the fossil fuel industry is "over the top and inappropriate."
Labor MPs 'study' plan
Date: Wed 14-Apr-10
Author: Campbelltown - Macarthur Advertiser
LONG-SERVING Labor Campbelltown councillor Meg Oates has called on "Team Macarthur" to stop AGL's proposed gas-extraction plant.
The four local Labor MPs say they are still trying to find out what is planned.
The importance of regional environmental impact statements
Date: Wed 14-Apr-10
Author: Jim Belshaw
Jim Belshaw writes: I have spoken before about the environmental wars raging across New England. I have also discussed the way in which they create patterns of winners and losers, without adequate compensation being paid to those adversely affected. Mining royalties, for example, have recently been the only revenue growth area for the Sydney Government, yielding it revenue while many of the costs are bourne locally.
More mining approved for Singleton despite cancer cluster fears
Date: Wed 14-Apr-10
Author: Julianne Strachan (The Herald)
Another eight expansions are awaiting approval under the State Government's controversial Part 3A planning laws, which bypass council approval.
Greens upper house MLC Lee Rhiannon said the health study should include the entire Hunter.
"Focusing on just one suspected cancer cluster is akin to a GP examining a person's finger when a person presents complaining of feeling ill," Ms Rhiannon said.
Gas plan fuels study plea
Date: Wed 14-Apr-10
Author: Melissa Lyons (The Herald)
HUNTER Valley Protection Alliance has taken its plea for a full environmental study of the Broke-Bulga region to Lands Minister Tony Kelly, following its rejection from Mineral Resources Minister Ian MacDonald.
The group has proposed the State Government conduct an extensive study of all current, future and cumulative effects of industry across the region ahead of further development.
Brain tumour cases to be investigated a day after publicity
Date: Tue 13-Apr-10
Author: Nick O'Malley (SMH)
KRISTINA KENEALLY has ordered an investigation into the apparent cancer cluster in Singleton Heights, revealed by the Herald yesterday.
Five neighbours near the junction of two suburban streets have been struck with brain tumours, with some fearing pollution from the nearby coalmines and power stations many have contributed to their conditions.
Gas Watch 82 - Queensland Government embarrasses NSW Government with $3.8 million water study
Date: Tue 13-Apr-10
Author: Hunter Valley Protection Alliance
What is wrong with our Minister for Mineral Resources, Ian Macdonald. He refuses to initiate a cumulative environmental assessment of the many impacts on agriculture, the environment and the people in the Hunter Valley, of coal mining, power station emissions, dust, toxic airborne chemicals, coal seam gas exploration, hot rock power station development, and Defence Forces noise and light.
Buskers
Date: Tue 13-Apr-10
Author: Singleton Argus
Despite some nerves, Singleton's newest buskers overcame their fears and took part in Singleton Youth Venue's inaugural Buskit.
On Saturday, 11 local youths hit John Street providing background music while shoppers went about their weekend rituals.
According to Singleton Youth Venue's youth programs coordinator Carey Duggan the Buskit was the perfect start to local Youth Week activities and this year's 'Live It Now' theme.
Little bit of Italy at Broke
Date: Tue 13-Apr-10
Author: Singleton Argus
Nine cellar doors proudly flew Italian flags at the weekend with visitors travelling from Sydney, the Central Coast, Port Stephens and the Hunter to experience the food, the wine, the music, the olives and the fun.
Visitor numbers to the area were up. Some came just because they love Broke and the cellar doors and others knew A Little Bit of Italy was on and couldn't wait to breathe in the atmoshphere.
Coal - A special Report
Date: Tue 13-Apr-10
Author: Di Sneddon (Singleton Argus)
Much has changed on the Hunter Valley coal front over the past few years, the figures speak for themselves.
The New South Wales Government earned $1.227 billion in coal royalties paid by Hunter Valley coal companies in the 2008/09 financial year. Ten years ago that figure was a mere $197.03million.
In 2000 67 million tonnes of coal was produced from Hunter Valley Coal Mines. In 2007/08 that figure almost doubled to 112 million tonnes...
Gas Watch 81 - The rape of the Hunter Valley
Date: Tue 13-Apr-10
Author: Hunter Valley Protection Alliance
NSW GOVERNMENT Sacrifices the Hunter Valley to the fossil fuel industry; Perpetuates the resource rape of the Hunter Valley; Ignores the health and well-being of the families of the Hunter Valley
Councillor is Nats' Hunter candidate
Date: Tue 13-Apr-10
Author: Northern Daily Leader
UPPER Hunter Shire councillor Michael Johnsen has been selected as The Nationals' best chance to win the seat of Hunter in the upcoming federal election. Cr Johnsen formerly stood for the seat in 1996, at the age of 32, on the retirement of former Hunter member Eric Fitzgibbon.
Varroville AGL gas project will proceed unless we make a stand
Date: Mon 12-Apr-10
Author: Mandy Perrin (Macarthur Chronicle)
THE scenic hills at Ingleburn are some of the Macarthur region's most precious green spaces - but also the most vulnerable.
The buffer between Campbelltown and Liverpool is one of Campbelltown's last remaining green tracts of land which has not been gobbled up by suburbia.
This scenic protection area is the lungs of our city, a priceless green asset.
But despite the importance of this land to Campbelltown, it is under attack yet again.
The Hills are alive with the sound of activists
Date: Mon 12-Apr-10
Author: Ben Pike (Macarthur Chronicle)
A GROUP of residents and landowners in the Varroville, St Andrews and Raby areas have formed an action group to preserve Campbelltown's Scenic Hills.
The Scenic Hills Association is fighting the proposed gas extraction plant on St Andrews Rd, and the planned truck stop on the city-bound side of the F5.
AGL gas plant at Varroville sparks protests
Date: Mon 12-Apr-10
Author: Ben Pike (Macarthur Chronicle)
CAMPBELLTOWN'S drinking water and air quality could be severely compromised if the State Government approves a proposed gas extraction plant at Varroville, Campbelltown Mayor Aaron Rule said.
Residents, a Catholic retreat centre and Campbelltown Council have reacted angrily to gas giant AGL's proposal to build a gas extraction plant on Sydney Catchment Authority land at the western end of St Andrews Rd, Varroville.
Gas Watch 80 - Danger to ground water in Hunter Valley
Date: Sat 10-Apr-10
Author: Graeme Gibson
AGL Energy - unable to provide proof - Danger to ground water in Hunter Valley
Gas Watch 79 - Hunter Valley Sacrificed by NSW Government
Date: Fri 09-Apr-10
Author: Graeme Gibson
Minister Ian Macdonald rejects win/win proposal to save the Hunter Valley.
Wollombi Valley Update - 9 April 2010
Date: Fri 09-Apr-10
Author: Peter Firminger
School holiday and National Youth Week events are listed below for those interested along with other events this weekend and coming Arts attractions
Landcare Newsletter April 2010
Date: Thu 08-Apr-10
Author: Graham Taylor
Please find attached a copy of the April issue of the Wollombi Valley Landcare Newsletter.
Mine impacts should be determined first
Date: Thu 08-Apr-10
Author: George Souris MP in The Herald
HOW often have you heard one of these sayings? "Woke up one morning and found out I had a coal exploration licence as a neighbour. I had no idea I was in for 10 years of anxiety and uncertainty." Or: "I've never heard of a coal exploration licence ever not becoming a mining lease. The planning process is really an approvals process."
Second-Hand Saturday collection day at Kurri
Date: Wed 07-Apr-10
Author: The Advertiser
The next Secondhand Saturday in the Cessnock LGA will be held in Kurri on Saturday, April 10. Residents who wish to clear out unwanted household items and electronic waste can visit Kurri Central Park on the corner of Allworth and Coronation Streets between 9am and noon.
"This might be a great school holiday project for your household," said Cessnock City Council's Environment Manager, Michael Alexander.
Cessnock study fund a trade-off
Date: Wed 07-Apr-10
Author: The Herald
ROAD maintenance and a proposed study to determine the future for vineyard tourism could be in jeopardy if Cessnock City Council decides to divert funding to a consultancy report on the future of the Hunter Economic Zone.
A council report tonight will determine the best way to allocate an estimated $50,000 for the report on the controversial industrial estate, now touted as a "white elephant".
BHP 'buying time' with court action
Date: Tue 06-Apr-10
Author: Wendy Spooner (Northern Daily Leader)
BHP BILLITON'S decision to lodge an intention to appeal against a recent Supreme Court decision was lambasted yesterday by the local federal member and the Caroona Coal Action Group (CCAG).
On March 5, the court handed down a decision relating to access agreements for exploration activities. This means all parties with an interest in land that a minerals company intends to explore must be notified - not merely the landholder.
Coal industry makes region a major polluter
Date: Sat 03-Apr-10
Author: Jennie Curtin (The Herald)
THE price Australia pays for its reliance on coal-fired electricity is highlighted by the release of the National Pollutants Inventory.
Coalmines and coal-fired power stations again featured among the big polluters, emitting millions of kilograms of pollutants into the atmosphere, with the potential to be a hazard to both health and the environment.
In NSW, the Hunter Valley and the Lithgow regions rated as the state's most polluted areas because of the number of coal-based activities there.
Dedication of refurbished Gate and Lamp at St John's Church, Wollombi
Date: Fri 02-Apr-10
Author: Kerry Lannoy
On Sunday 28th March, the Wollombi Valley Anglican Community dedicated the refurbished gate and lamp at the entry to St John's Church, Wollombi. The gate is now complemented by two hand crafted sandstone pillars created by local stone mason, Albert Kraan.
Taste of Italy
Date: Thu 01-Apr-10
Author: Singleton Argus
Pulsing from a central location in the heart of Broke, you can collect your passport to travel to a collection of some of the finest produce, wine and food creators in the Hunter Valley.
The Broke wine region will be alive with music, cooking and activity, so come and join in the fun for a fantastic weekend to please all.
Rural councils join in on fight for air quality
Date: Thu 01-Apr-10
Author: Singleton Argus
The Shires Association of NSW held meetings across rural councils throughout the State to identify key issues for the year ahead.
Mayor of Singleton Sue Moore and Councillor John Martin attended the division D meeting in Scone on Tuesday where a number of mining issues were raised.
Dust
Date: Thu 01-Apr-10
Author: Kate Morris (Singleton Argus)
AIR quality was under scrutiny when the Singleton Shire Healthy Environment Group met with Minister for Hunter Jody McKay in Newcastle this week.
Cricket Final Report
Date: Wed 31-Mar-10
Author: Mark Bercini (The Advertiser)
In fourth grade Railway Hotel are the premiers after a 45-run victory over Paxton (Laguna) in a low scoring affair at Baddeley 6.
After winning the toss and batting the Eagles were all out for 89, with Anthony Simon and Darren Read caressing 24-apiece. Jason Reid was next best with 12, while for Paxton T. Williams (3-23), G. Kelso (3-22) and Brendan Stats (3-13) all collected a treble.
In reply the Wombats were skittled for just 44, with Steve Sullivan the only batsman to show any sort of resistance with 13. For the Eagles Scott Vanveldhuizen (3-5), Anthony Simon (3-10), Scott Simon (2-12) and Darren Read (2-16) did all the damage.
Wollombi Valley Scarecrow Festival back for its fourth year
Date: Wed 31-Mar-10
Author: The Advertiser
The Wollombi Valley will be brought to life throughout the next month with more than 100 scarecrows lining the main road.
Set along the Convict Trail, the annual Wollombi Valley Scarecrow Festival aims to bring the communities of the historic local villages together for a fun-filled event.
Fears of bias over Huntlee development
Date: Wed 31-Mar-10
Author: Donna Sharpe (The Herald)
ANGRY Branxton residents are calling on NSW Planning Minister Tony Kelly to step aside and not have any involvement in the consideration of the Huntlee development.
Sweet Water Action Group president Chris Parker said Mr Kelly had several meetings with the site's developers but would not answer his group's correspondence.
Warkworth Sands Woodland threatened by expansion of Mount Thorley's Warkworth Mine
Date: Wed 31-Mar-10
Author: Melissa Lyons (The Herald)
SIXTY-EIGHT hectares of the endangered Warkworth Sands Woodland could be destroyed under a proposal to expand Mount Thorley's Warkworth Mine. The endangered ecological community is among 678 hectares of vegetation, identified in an environmental assessment report, that would be affected if the Coal & Allied expansion goes ahead.
Hunter wants coal royalties share
Date: Tue 30-Mar-10
Author: ABC News
Former mineworkers have challenged the New South Wales Government to explain why Hunter communities cannot have a share of coal royalties.
The state council of the Retired Mineworkers Association has backed the push by Singleton and Muswellbrook councils for some return of the mining revenue generated in their shires.
From the Mayors Desk - 30 March 2010
Date: Tue 30-Mar-10
Author: Alison Davey
Our night of nights, the Mayoral Academic Scholarship Presentation ceremony, was very successful and enjoyed by all who attended. Congratulations to all the students who applied and congratulations to our winners on the night...
The Village People Cricket Club Laguna - Grand Final
Date: Fri 26-Mar-10
Author: Tim Williams and Wojt Kowaluk
The Village People Cricket Club Laguna are in the Final to be played at Baddeley Park on Saturday from 12:30pm. Bring a chair and refreshements and cheer on your local team.
It's been 120 years since we last had a team in the comp and we are one step from winning the comp!
Survey reveals Hunter mining concerns
Date: Thu 25-Mar-10
Author: ABC News
A New South Wales Government survey has found Hunter residents rate mining as one of the biggest environment issues facing the state.
The Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water has released the results of the survey at a seminar in Maitland.
The survey found 78 per cent of people in NSW believe in climate change and 69 per cent of those support urgent action.
Caroona blockade to be lifted today
Date: Wed 24-Mar-10
Author: Phil Thompson (The Land)
AFTER 20 months, 4000 visitors, a Four Corners program and countless newspaper stories, the Caroona blockade will finally be lifted today.
The Caroona Coal Action group will move away from "Rossmar Park" at 12.30pm where members have been sitting since July, 2008, to stop BHP accessing fertile Liverpool Plains farming country.
Rescue - Autumn 2010
Date: Tue 23-Mar-10
Author: WRHS
The newsletter of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service - In this issue: The longest mission - New Visitors Centre opens - Tamworth Base in track - Bell 412 engine overhaul - Winch training for medical staff - Rescue Club members visit base
Wollombi Music Festival
Date: Tue 23-Mar-10
Author: Wollombi Music Festival
Coming September 2010 is the funky, definitely groovy, high energy Wollombi Music Festival. Located at Yarnteen, 10 minutes into the mountains outside of the beautiful village of Wollombi, just 1.5 hrs from Sydney, 45 mins from Newcastle - be there!
Bulga Coal mine new Enterprise Agreement
Date: Tue 23-Mar-10
Author: Singleton Argus
The mine workers endorsed the agreement yesterday following negotiations between the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) and Xstrata Coal. The new agreement includes paid union meetings and payroll deductions for union membership.
Laguna through to Cricket Final
Date: Sun 21-Mar-10
Author: Wojt Kowaluk
Laguna Village People Cricket Club (aka Paxton 4th Grade) defeat Supporters by 31 runs in their semi final encounter on Saturday 20th March. They will now play the Railway Hotel in next weeks final.
TAFE courses lifting Hunter green skills
Date: Sun 21-Mar-10
Author: Melissa Lyons (The Herald)
A NEW range of short courses focused on sustainability are set to have the Hunter well prepared for transition to a low-carbon economy. Carbon accounting and climate change courses have been added to Hunter TAFE's syllabus this year to expand "green skills" in the region.
WVAC Arts News March/April 2010
Date: Sat 20-Mar-10
Author: Bronnie Aliotti
Inside Art
Traditional Valley Art
Marek Zayler Painter
Emerging Artists Awards
Another packed weekend...
Date: Fri 19-Mar-10
Author: Peter Firminger
Cricket, The Arts, Laguna Jam and Markets, Sabrina Panarotto Dinner and a Law Seminar...
Wollombi scarecrow festival begins
Date: Fri 19-Mar-10
Author: Matt Carr (The Herald)
THEY might keep birds off crops, but Wollombi is hoping they do not scare away tourists.
A rare pleasure
Date: Thu 18-Mar-10
Author: Peter Firminger
Rarely would an evening in Cessnock Council Chambers be described as a pleasurable experience...
RAAF Training Exercises
Date: Thu 18-Mar-10
Author: Helen Horn (RAAF)
I would like to give you a notification advice on RAAF training exercises about to commence at the Singleton Training Area. RAAF aircraft will be dropping ordnance onto the Range over the period 17th to 26 March 2010.
Lifeline to keep art centre afloat
Date: Thu 18-Mar-10
Author: Matt Carr (The Herald)
CESSNOCK Regional Art Gallery has been thrown a lifeline, with councillors last night deciding to offer funding to keep it afloat. The council will provide almost $40,000 to keep the gallery running beyond the end of March and will also support attempts to secure funding from state and federal governments, councillors resolved last night.
Laguna Minor Cricket Premiers
Date: Wed 17-Mar-10
Author: Wojt Kowaluk
Laguna Village People Cricket Club (aka Paxton) have been declared minor premiers of the 4th grade Cessnock District Cricket Competition.
Song Room brings sounds of music to Paxton Public School
Date: Wed 17-Mar-10
Author: Krystal Sellars (The Advertiser)
Fridays are extra fun at Paxton Public School this year with the arrival of teaching artist Alex Emeljanow.
Alex has been placed at the school through the Song Room program, a national initiative that provides creative and performing arts learning opportunities for schools in rural, remote and disadvantaged areas.
Cessnock District Cricket report - 12 March 2010
Date: Wed 17-Mar-10
Author: Mark Bercini (The Advertiser)
4th Grade: Paxton (Laguna) 6/142 (D. Jackson 40, T. Reeks 34no, W. Kowaluk 20, A. Taylor 17no, A. Farrell 5-32 off 7) defeated Bellbird 116 (J. Hlad 29, B. Skinner 21, J. Millington 14, S. O'Hearn 13, J. Bailey 3-34 off 9.2, G. Kelso 3-25 off 10, S. Sullivan 2-27 off 10).
Gas Watch 78 - AGL ENERGY - 'There is no requirement for us to listen to anybody'
Date: Tue 16-Mar-10
Author: Hunter Valley Protection Alliance
That was the answer given by the AGL local representative Siobhan Barry at the Community Consultative Committee meeting on 10th March, this year, when asked why the community wasn't able to have some input into the area of Petroleum Exploration Licence 4 which is required to be abandoned upon the renewal of that Licence on 17th February, 2010
Last-ditch plea for art
Date: Tue 16-Mar-10
Author: Matt Carr (The Herald)
CESSNOCK Regional Art Gallery could close before Easter unless it receives emergency funding. Cessnock City Council has been asked to put up at least $39,244 immediately to keep the not-for-profit organisation running, with gallery director Virginia Mitchell claiming the gallery cannot otherwise support itself beyond the end of the month.
Hadyn Wilson Talk at Cessnock Regional Art Gallery
Date: Sun 14-Mar-10
Author: Peter Firminger
About 20 people were in attendance for a very interesting talk by Wollombi Valley Artist Hadyn Wilson at Cessnock Regional Art Gallery
Laguna end season on a high
Date: Sun 14-Mar-10
Author: Wojt Kowaluk
The Laguna Village People have ended their regular season on a high with 26 run victory against Bellbird at the Laguna Cricket Ground on Saturday 13th March.
From the Mayors Desk - 13 March 2010
Date: Sat 13-Mar-10
Author: Alison Davey
The Cessnock 2020 Community Workshops have generated many ideas and I encourage residents to attend the last of the 2020 Community Workshops being held at Mulbring on Wednesday 17 March at the Mulbring Community Hall and at Millfield on Thursday 18 March at Millfield Community Hall.
Wollombi Planning
Date: Thu 11-Mar-10
Author: Peter Firminger
Cessnock 2020 Community Plan Workshop
Sydney Balalaika Orchestra
Arts, Crafts and Produce Competition and Exhibition
Clause 10 (CLEP 1989) issue in the Draft LEP
LEP Working Party meeting
Community Planning
Meeting March 10, 2010 - Wollombi Valley Working Party (draft LEP)
Date: Wed 10-Mar-10
Author: Frederic Aubineau
Response from Frederic Aubineau after the first Wollombi Valley Working Party (draft LEP)
Cricket at Laguna
Date: Wed 10-Mar-10
Author: Wojt Kowaluk
This correspondent has been somewhat lax in reporting the progress of our own cricket team to date, so here's the season in a nutshell.
16 games won
2 games lost
2 games washed out
Cessnock Council not interested in amalgamation
Date: Wed 10-Mar-10
Author: The Advertiser
Cessnock City Council wants no part of any proposed council that would amalgamate it with Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Maitland and Port Stephens.
Singleton's first Oscar winner
Date: Tue 09-Mar-10
Author: Rachel Oldknow (Singleton Argus)
Former Singleton High student Martin Tlaskal has been awarded the famed statue for excellence in film technology. Mr Tlaskal, who grew up living at Broke, collected his Academy Award on February 20 making him Singleton's one and only home grown Oscar star.
Review Paper - Clause 10
Date: Mon 08-Mar-10
Author: Paul Flemming
Review paper on Clause 10 and correspondence on the Wollombi Valley Working Party (Draft LEP) from Paul Flemming
Addition of Clause 10 to the new LEP
Date: Mon 08-Mar-10
Author: Paul and Priscilla Flemming
Paul and Priscilla Flemming to Bo Moshage on 25 February, the day after the presentation to Council by WVAC
The Coming Week
Date: Sun 07-Mar-10
Author: Peter Firminger
Cessnock Regional Art Gallery - Hadyn Wilson and Penny Walton
Council LEP Presentations
Catchment News - Issue 27 - March 2010
Date: Sat 06-Mar-10
Author: CMA
The newsletter of the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA) for March 2010
Caroona strikes back in Supreme Court
Date: Fri 05-Mar-10
Author: Phil Thompson (The Land)
A WIN by Liverpool Plains farmers struck a blow against large coal miners this morning in the NSW Supreme Court. The decision handed down in the State's highest court could threaten a large number of coal exploration access agreements in NSW.
Kurri Animal Shelter to have longer operating hours
Date: Thu 04-Mar-10
Author: Cessnock Kurri Greens
Cessnock Greens Councillor Chris Parker successfully moved that the operating hours of the Kurri Animal Shelter are to be increased to five hours per day.
Aircraft Noise Now A Problem in Cessnock
Date: Thu 04-Mar-10
Author: Cessnock Kurri Greens
Problems with aircraft noise over Nulkaba are a direct result of a poor decision by a majority of Cessnock Councillors to allow parachute drops in a nearby winery.
BooBook Declaration Action
Date: Wed 03-Mar-10
Author: Meg Switzer
More than 60 groups have already signed the Boobook Declaration marking the International Year of Biodiversity.
Cessnock community debate leads to the future
Date: Wed 03-Mar-10
Author: The Advertiser
Cessnock City Council rolled out the first instalment of its future planning exercise with a debate aimed to get the community talking about where we want to be at the end of this decade.
Cessnock District Cricket report - 27 February 2010
Date: Wed 03-Mar-10
Author: Mark Bercini (The Advertiser)
4th Grade: Paxton (Laguna) 7/153 (E. Smith 38no, Craig Howe 37, J. Minchen 2-32 off 10, S. Wilkinson 2-16 off 6) defeated Greta/Branxton 57 (A. Partridge 19, K. Wilkinson 13, S. Sullivan 4-18 off 8.3, T. Williams 4-15 off 4, J. Bailey 2-21 off 5)
E-waste Collection Day
Date: Wed 03-Mar-10
Author: Mike Wilson
As you may be aware Singleton Council has organised an e-waste collection day for Saturday 6 March - this coming Saturday.
AGL to drill eight new core holes exploring for gas at Broke and Bulga
Date: Tue 02-Mar-10
Author: Singleton Argus
AGL will undertake further coal seam exploration in the Broke and Bulga areas despite constant objection by the local community of any coal seam exploration in their village.
Hunter development calls in receivers
Date: Tue 02-Mar-10
Author: Matthew Moore (SMH)
RECEIVERS have moved in to take control of the Hunter Economic Zone, which the state government once predicted would be the biggest employment lands development in the state, providing more than 10,000 jobs and attracting $2 billion in investment.
White Elephant Industrial Zone should become a National Park
Date: Tue 02-Mar-10
Author: Cessnock Kurri Greens
Cessnock Greens Councillor James Ryan is calling on the NSW Government the convert the Hunter Employment Zone into National Park after its parent company, HEZ P/L, was placed in receivership.
Foggy Mountain Jam 2010
Date: Sun 28-Feb-10
Author: Peter Firminger
Photos from Foggy Mountain Jam 2010
WVAC Aboriginal Arts & Culture sub-committee LEP Presentation
Date: Fri 26-Feb-10
Author: Claude Aliotti
The Aboriginal Arts & Culture sub committee of the WVAC lodged a submission with Cessnock Council supporting Heritage conservation of sites in Wollombi - Feb 24 2010
From the Mayors Desk - 26 February 2010
Date: Fri 26-Feb-10
Author: Alison Davey
More than 100 people attended what was an extraordinarily interesting and lively debate at the Performing Arts Centre last week. My thanks to our outstanding public speakers who took the topic, "We should let the future of Cessnock look after itself" and mounted very persuading arguments for and against.
Council moves to protect wine region
Date: Wed 24-Feb-10
Author: ABC News
Cessnock council is developing a long-term strategy to protect wine growing areas in response to concerns about an increased number of housing developments.
Cessnock District Cricket report - 20 February 2010
Date: Wed 24-Feb-10
Author: Mark Bercini (The Advertiser)
4th Grade: Paxton (Laguna) 4/114 (D. Jackson 52, W. Kowaluk 15, D. Burgess 13no) defeated Greta/Branxton 112 (K. Wilkinson 47, S. Wilkinson 39, D. Jackson 5-9 off 8, A. Taylor 3-20 off 6, J. Bailey 2-26 off 7).
Birds in Backyards returns to Wollombi
Date: Tue 23-Feb-10
Author: Peter Firminger
Having built the Birds in Backyards website for Birds Australia (in partnership with the Australian Museum) in 2005, I am happy to announce that the website is back in the Webboy family of "Online Community" websites, being hosted on Webboy servers again.
Folk will flock to Broke
Date: Tue 23-Feb-10
Author: Singleton Argus
THE deadline for performer applications for this year's Folk in Broke festival has now passed and according to the event's artistic director Maureen O'Brien, 2010 has seen a record number of entries.
Paynes Crossing Road Closures
Date: Mon 22-Feb-10
Author: Cessnock City Council
Due to roadworks, Paynes Crossing Road, between Cunneens Bridge and Williams Bridge will be closed between the hours of 9:30am and 2:30pm Monday to Friday
Questions Without Notice - Cessnock Council 17 February 2010
Date: Sun 21-Feb-10
Author: Peter Firminger
Questions regarding the Wollombi Valley Working Party (Draft LEP) - "Councillor Olsen then asked how you get a fair and balanced group from Wollombi?"
WVAC Arts News February/March 2010
Date: Sat 20-Feb-10
Author: Bronnie Aliotti
Reflections - Harly Tait
Inside Art 2010
Poetry Afternoon Sunday 28th Feb (deferred)
Wollombi Valley Arts Council AGM
New OON Coordinator WANTED
Date: Fri 19-Feb-10
Author: Sandy Thomas
The local monthly newsletter OON is looking for a new Coordinator.
Kincumber showcases Community Eco Garden on new site
Date: Fri 19-Feb-10
Author: auCD
The Kincumber community on the Central Coast of NSW is the latest to launch a CGDN website.
Greetings from Broke Fordwich Wine Tourism Association!
Date: Fri 19-Feb-10
Author: Mike Wilson
A couple of weeks ago I attended a meeting of the Wollombi Chamber of Commerce where the subject of better co-operation between the two communities was discussed.
ICAC finds council incompetence, not corruption, over Hunter hotel plan
Date: Fri 19-Feb-10
Author: Joanne McCarthy (The Herald)
THE Independent Commission Against Corruption has supported developer Duncan Hardie's claims that Cessnock City Council lacked "competence" in its handling of a hotel proposal at Pokolbin, but rejected allegations of corrupt conduct.
Horse breeders issue warning on mines
Date: Wed 17-Feb-10
Author: Jeannette McMahon (ABC)
Coal-mining and horse-breeding are the two biggest industries in the Upper Hunter, but they're struggling to co-exist, with warnings the multi-billion-dollar thoroughbred industry could "fall apart" in the region if action isn't taken.
Development of Cessnock Community Plan
Date: Wed 17-Feb-10
Author: Alison Davey
Cessnock City Council is now embarking on a comprehensive program of community consultation and engagement activities in the development of Cessnock's Community Plan.
Folk in Broke Newsletter
Date: Wed 17-Feb-10
Author: Maureen O'Brien
Applications are completed, selections are made, grant applications are done, we're on our way!
Cessnock District Cricket report - 12 February 2010
Date: Wed 17-Feb-10
Author: Mark Bercini (The Advertiser)
Forth Grade: Paxton (Laguna) 2/89 (Denis Jackson 48no, Steve Sullivan 23no, D. Lambkin 2-24 off 7) defeated Supporters 84 (J. Lindner 29no, I. Wilson 17, T. Williams 4-19 off 9.2, S. Sullivan 2-18 off 7, G. Kelso 2-19 off 8).
Broke apology
Date: Tue 16-Feb-10
Author: Singleton Argus
GUESTS at Broke Public School showed their commitment to reconciliation while marking the second anniversary of the national apology on Friday. The school opened its doors to the local community welcoming both indigenous and non-indigenous visitors who paused to remember the stolen generation and who came to celebrate indigenous culture.
Bulga Coal Noise Education and Consultation
Date: Sat 13-Feb-10
Author: Stewart Ewen
The attached letter from Xstrata is very important as we have had a dramatic increase of noise from the mines over the last 2 years
From the Mayors Desk - 12 February 2010
Date: Fri 12-Feb-10
Author: Alison Davey
Come along and enjoy a night of stimulating entertainment and ideas for the future of Cessnock City on Tuesday 23 February at the Community Performing Arts Centre commencing at 7 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend and entry is free.
Landcare Newsletter February 2010
Date: Thu 11-Feb-10
Author: Graham Taylor
Please find attached the Wollombi Valley Landcare Newsletter for February 2010 in Adobe PDF format.
Mayoral Scholarships
Date: Thu 11-Feb-10
Author: Pauline Ross
Council has on offer 16 scholarships for students from the Cessnock LGA - please let your family and friends know of this opportunity to possibly gain $2,500 for one year to assist them with their finances during their studies.
Cessnock District Cricket Competition pointscore
Date: Wed 10-Feb-10
Author: The Advertiser
Fourth Grade: Railway Hotel 102, Paxton 98, Supporters 79, Supporters Gold 78, Greta/Branxton 68, Peden's Hotel 63#, Bellbird 61*, Wentworth 49.
55 since '55
Date: Mon 08-Feb-10
Author: Peter Firminger
Jim Belshaw in Armidale commented on the Catchment News story about the 1955 flood in Maitland...
Planning Exemptions Harm Communities and the Environment
Date: Mon 08-Feb-10
Author: Cessnock Kurri Greens
'The announcement today by Premier Keneally that the exemption from planning laws of stimulus package projects could be extended to private developments including residential developments shows a lack of regard for local communities and the environment.' said Cessnock Greens Councillor James Ryan.
GAS WATCH 77 - AGL ENERGY - to drill more holes at Broke and Bulga
Date: Sun 07-Feb-10
Author: Hunter Valley Protection Alliance
AGL Energy has just received approval from the Department of Industry & Investment, Minerals to drill a further 8 core holes and stratigraphic holes on the properties it has bought at Spring Mountain, Broke, and Windermere at Bulga.
Catchment News - Issue 26 - February 2010
Date: Sun 07-Feb-10
Author: CMA
The newsletter of the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA) for February 2010
AGL Broke and Bulga exploration Approval and Notice of Drilling
Date: Sat 06-Feb-10
Author: Graeme Gibson
AGL now have approval to drill 8 core holes and stratigraphic holes on the properties owned by them at Broke (Spring Mountain) and Bulga (Windermere).
Geodynamics Presentation
Date: Sat 06-Feb-10
Author: Graeme Gibson
Attached is a presentation by Geodynamics in relation to its proposed Hot Rocks exploration in the Bulga area.
Samaritans Neighbourhood News - February 2010
Date: Sat 06-Feb-10
Author: Samaritans
Includes details about Samaritans Services and Menopause the Musical on March 17
GWCA Supports Boobook Declaration
Date: Thu 04-Feb-10
Author: Peter Firminger
Biodiversity is life. Biodiversity is our life. 2010 is the International year of Biodiversity and GWCA joins with many other organisations in supporting the Boobook Declaration.
Animal Liberation says no to duck farm
Date: Tue 02-Feb-10
Author: Singleton Argus
AN animal liberation group has fears that the proposed Howes Valley Duck farm has the potential to increase the outbreak risk of bird flu in Australia.
Vines removed amid grape glut
Date: Tue 02-Feb-10
Author: ABC News
Hunter Valley wine grape producers have reacted to the industry glut by pulling out vines or leaving some fruit to rot.
AJ Lucas Will Have First Half Loss
Date: Tue 02-Feb-10
Author: Australasian Investment Review via Yahoo!7
Shares in AJ Lucas Group fell more than 10% after the company told shareholders to brace themselves for disappointing half-year results.
New England's environmental wars - introduction
Date: Tue 02-Feb-10
Author: Jim Belshaw
In the Wollombi Valley in New England's south, the draft decision by Cessnock City Council to change the zoning of 2500 hectares of Hunter farmland now under existing Rural 1A zoning to Environmental 3 to create a "buffer" for the Watagans National Park has created local outrage.
Miner up-beat about cutting carbon footprint
Date: Mon 01-Feb-10
Author: ABC News
Coal & Allied says a trial of its coal bed gas project has proved so successful it will be rolled out across other mines in the Hunter Valley within eight weeks.
In the restriction zone
Date: Sat 30-Jan-10
Author: Phil Thompson (The Land)
A proposal to rezone thousands of hectares of Hunter Valley farmland to make it more "environmental" could provide a precedent that would affect farmers throughout the State. Because of the move, the strip of private properties, which stretches from Mulbring to Wollombi, has been dragged into the NSW Government's efforts to establish a uniform set of land zones across the State.
Hunter grape season a scorcher
Date: Fri 29-Jan-10
Author: ABC News
Weather records for a Hunter Valley vineyard have revealed the current growing season has been one of the hottest for more than 50 years.
Extension of Garry Jones' Exhibition
Date: Thu 28-Jan-10
Author: Bronnie Aliotti
The Wollombi Valley Arts Council is happy to announce that the culminating exhibition of Garry Jones' residency at the Wollombi Cultural Centre has been extended "by popular demand".
Cessnock District Cricket Report - 23 January 2010
Date: Wed 27-Jan-10
Author: Mark Bercini (The Advertiser)
4th Grade: Railway Hotel 5/206 (M. Livingstone 59, A. Simon 48, D. Read 34no, S. Simon 25, B. Teasdale 15, G. Kelso 2-37 off 10) defeated Paxton (Laguna) 173 (T. Reeks 46, D. Jackson 44, S. Gibson 36, A. Taylor 18, S. Simon 5-28 off 9, D. Read 2-33 off 9, A. Simon 2-44 off 10).
From the Mayors Desk - 26 January 2010
Date: Tue 26-Jan-10
Author: Alison Davey
Welcome to 2010. Council has moved into the 2010 year with renewed spirit. In the coming months community input will be sought for the Strategic Plan for direction for Cessnock for the next 10 years. All Councils have been charged with developing these plans by 2012. Our Council embarked on the task early in 2009 and we hope to have the task completed this year for initial implementation in 2011-2012.
Drownings claim lives at Blueys Beach and Wollombi
Date: Tue 26-Jan-10
Author: Tess Campbell and Ben Smee (The Herald)
The dead man, who has not been identified but was known to locals as Darrell, was found face down in a communal swimming pool at Burralong Valley, about 25 kilometres south of Wollombi, early yesterday morning.
Geodynamics... BROKE VALLEY... Hunter Valley Protection Alliance
Date: Sun 24-Jan-10
Author: Stewart Ewen
There is a HVPA Committee meeting on Tuesday 2 February at 5.30pm at the Broke Hall that some people may wish to attend as observers.
As background Geodynamics have a grant from the Federal Government to explore the Bulga area to build a possible power station that "if" built would be the size of 2 football fields in area...
Push is on for uniform hotel trading hours in Lower Hunter
Date: Sat 23-Jan-10
Author: Donna Sharpe (The Herald)
Cessnock councillor Chris Parker and Maitland councillor Ray Fairweather have raised questions at council meetings this week about the feasibility of uniform operating hours for hotels in their local government areas.
New Online Emergency System Helps Mangrove Mountain
Date: Fri 22-Jan-10
Author: auCD
A group of volunteers in the Mangrove Mountain area in the hinterland of the Central Coast of New South Wales have pioneered a new online system to alert the community to potential threats, such as bushfires and severe weather.
Work if you want it
Date: Fri 22-Jan-10
Author: Kate Morris (Singleton Argus)
THE job market in Singleton is growing and unlike many regional communities the outlook is good.
Jobs advertised in The Singleton Argus almost doubled in number from December 2007 to the same month in 2009, with 115 positions vacant.
The Wybong action group has called for more enquiries following this months Mangoola fatality
Date: Thu 21-Jan-10
Author: 2NM Hunter Valley Newsroom
President of the Wybong action group John Shewin addressed council at its extraordinary meeting claiming that the community has not been consulted during the process...
Calling for nominations for a Wollombi Valley Working Party (Draft LEP)
Date: Wed 20-Jan-10
Author: Bernie Mortimore (CCC)
Cessnock Council invites interested community members to nominate to participate in a review of the land use capability, zoning and zone boundaries proposed for the Wollombi Valley in the draft Local Environmental Plan 2010.
Cessnock District Cricket Report - 16 January 2010
Date: Wed 20-Jan-10
Author: Mark Bercini (The Advertiser)
Paxton (Laguna) 104 (W. Kowaluk 22, T. Reekes 17, E. Smith 16, D. Fletcher 3-30 off 10, S. Price 3-12 off 8, L. Miller 2-16 off 8) defeated Peden's Hotel 96 (S. Price 24, C. Gray 23, D. Freebairn 20, S. Sullivan 5-30 off 10, T. Williams 3-34 off 10).
Rain a concern, but early harvest shows promise
Date: Wed 20-Jan-10
Author: Ben O'Neill (The Advertiser)
Two of the Hunter Valley's premier winemakers have shared their views with The Advertiser on the 2010 harvest currently taking place throughout the region.
Neil McGuigan of McGuigan Wines and Lindsay Whaling from Sandalyn Estate both believe recent rain will have a telling affect on the quality of wine produced in the area this year, with both hopeful the wet weather will now yield.
WVAC Arts News January/February 2010
Date: Wed 20-Jan-10
Author: Bronnie Aliotti
GARRY JONES Artist in Residence
Poetry Afternoon Sunday 28th Feb
Wollombi Valley Arts Council AGM
2010 WCC Booking Enquiries
Singleton Community Website
Date: Tue 19-Jan-10
Author: 2NM Newsroom
Local groups in Singleton are being asked to get involved with the community website.
The Singleton Chamber of Commerce, which is developing a website for the Singleton community, are asking for local groups and organisations to make sure their information gets onto the site.
Rural Valley Comparisons
Date: Tue 19-Jan-10
Author: Paul Flemming
Comparison of recently rural-zoned valleys in the Muswellbrook and Goulburn-Mulwarra LGA's from Paul Flemming
Cessnock curfew sought to limit crimes
Date: Tue 19-Jan-10
Author: Donna Sharpe (The Herald)
CESSNOCK hotels could be the next to have late-night trading curfews if councillor Chris Parker's quest to curb alcohol-fuelled antisocial violence receives support.
Cr Parker will ask a council meeting tomorrow night if the same conditions of hotel trading in Newcastle can be introduced in the Cessnock Local Government Area.
Catherine Hill Bay battle pushes on
Date: Tue 19-Jan-10
Author: Damon Cronshaw (The Herald)
THE battle for Catherine Hill Bay has entered its ninth year, with residents pushing for the number of new houses planned for the seaside heritage town to be cut from 822 to 300.
Buoyed by a court victory last September, residents will seek to renegotiate development plans.
Xstrata to lock out striking Newcastle workers
Date: Tue 19-Jan-10
Author: Martin Dinneen (The Herald)
THE dispute between coal giant Xstrata and workers at the Bulga open-cut mine appears set to escalate with the company planning to lock out workers for 24 hours from 7am today.
About 250 workers returned from a 49-hour strike at 8pm yesterday but will be locked out this morning.
LEP Interviews on 2GB
Date: Mon 18-Jan-10
Author: LEP Action Group
Ben Fordham (filling in for Ray Hadley) conducted 2 interviews on 15-Jan-2010 regarding the Cessnock LEP. One with Steve Annis-Brown and the other with Darryl Fitzgerald.
Hunter air quality monitoring criticised
Date: Mon 18-Jan-10
Author: Michelle Harris (The Herald)
MOST air-quality monitoring sites in a new network planned for the Upper Hunter will not identify levels of potentially harmful very fine dust particles because there is no national measuring standard, the State Government says.
Cricket Report - Saturday 16th January 2010
Date: Sun 17-Jan-10
Author: Wojt Kowaluk
Laguna Village People managed to hold out and defeat Pedens Hotel in a nail biting finish at the Basin Ground in Cessnock. At the drinks break Pedens were 3 down for 64 runs chasing Laguna's 104 /10. Requiring 41 runs for victory, 7 wickets in hand and 20 overs to be bowled, it would take something of a miracle to save the game for Laguna.
Catchment News - Issue 25 - January 2010
Date: Sat 16-Jan-10
Author: CMA
The January edition of Catchment News, the newsletter of the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA).
Hunter's coal industry ravages landscape
Date: Sat 16-Jan-10
Author: Matthew Kelly and Melissa Lyons (The Herald)
THE shocking environmental effect of the region's multibillion-dollar coal industry can only be fully appreciated from the air. A satellite image taken from GoogleMaps shows the extent of the scarring between Singleton and Muswellbrook in the wake of insatiable demand for the region's coal.
Hunter coal leads to moon and back
Date: Sat 16-Jan-10
Author: Melissa Lyons (The Herald)
MORE than one billion tonnes of raw coal have been stripped from the Hunter in the past decade, handing the State Government a $3.1 billion silver lining. Stacked in cubic metres, that's enough coal to wrap around the Earth's equator 27.7 times.
Submissions for duck farm at Howes Valley close Monday
Date: Fri 15-Jan-10
Author: Sarah Lee (Singleton Argus)
SUBMISSIONS for the proposed Howes Valley duck farm close on Monday.
The Singleton Argus yesterday understands several submissions have been received by council objecting to the live duck egg production site proposed for lot 1254, 5756 Putty Road.
Cockfighter Country now has community website
Date: Fri 15-Jan-10
Author: auCD
The new Broke "Cockfigher Country" community website is now online : www.broke.nsw.au
After the success of the Wollombi community website within the region, Broke locals have decided to jump onto the CGDN bandwagon.
The Foggy Mountain Jam is back for 2010!
Date: Thu 14-Jan-10
Author: Veronica Chambers
To all our friends and music fans! We hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and here's to a good year ahead.
Website for Singleton
Date: Wed 13-Jan-10
Author: 2NM Hunter Valley Newsroom
The Singleton Chamber of Commerce recently announced they had secured a domain name for a Gateway to Singleton website. The group has also secured help from Singleton high school students to help construct the website.
Weekend cricket teams - 16 January 2010
Date: Wed 13-Jan-10
Author: The Advertiser
No details given for Paxton (Laguna)...
Cessnock District Cricket Report - 9 January 2010
Date: Wed 13-Jan-10
Author: Mark Bercini (The Advertiser)
4th Grade: Paxton (Laguna) 5/249 (G. Kelso 61, D. Jackson 61, B. Stats 52, J. Bailey 23no, S. Gibson 21, P. Stacey 2-37 off 7) defeated Supporters Gold (85 (S. Knott 22, R. Stapleford 20no, J. Bailey 3-21 off 10, B. Craig 2-12 off 3).
Bid to open 12,000-bird Singleton duck farm
Date: Wed 13-Jan-10
Author: Donna Sharpe (The Herald)
A DUCK farm with more than 12,000 birds and believed to be the first of its kind for the region, could soon be built near Singleton.
Singleton Shire Council will consider an application by Sydney man Ray Shepherd for the farm that would focus on fertile egg production on a 188 hectare property at Howes Valley.
Hunter Valley calls for a Northern NSW New State
Date: Tue 12-Jan-10
Author: Jim Belshaw
Peter Firminger wrote in a comment on New England Story - new states, archives and the preservation of our past...
Cessnock City councillor to stay on despite fines
Date: Tue 12-Jan-10
Author: Julieanne Strachan (The Herald)
CESSNOCK City Council has taken one of its own councillors to court, hitting him and his company with $205,900 in penalties.
Cr Allan McCudden has vowed to stay on as a councillor, despite being prosecuted by the council at the Land and Environment Court for not complying with an asbestos clean-up notice and an order to supply information.
St Huberts Island community website
Date: Mon 11-Jan-10
Author: auCD
The St Huberts Island community on the Central Coast is the latest to launch their community website: sthubertsisland.nsw.au
Hunter farmers welcome jump in cattle prices
Date: Mon 11-Jan-10
Author: Tess Campbell (The Herald)
HUNTER cattle farmers have been rewarded for their stoic perseverance with a jump in prices by up to 50 cents a kilogram at Maitland's first cattle auction of the year. For an industry in dire straits less than a month ago, there is a new optimism thanks to some much-needed rain.
Media Release - Broke Community Website Launches
Date: Sun 10-Jan-10
Author: Peter Firminger
The new Broke NSW Community Website "Cockfighter Country" (broke.nsw.au) was recently launched without ceremony.
Pick of the bunch
Date: Fri 08-Jan-10
Author: Singleton Argus
HARVEST has not started this early since 1981. Margan Wines winemaker and managing director Andrew Margan said the last time he remembers starting to pick grapes within the first week of a year was over 29 years ago. The weather is the reason. "We are ruled by the weather," he explained.
Court blow to farmers fighting Caroona coal exploration
Date: Thu 07-Jan-10
Author: Clancy Yeates (The Land)
FARMERS trying to block BHP Billiton from exploring for coal in some of the most fertile land in NSW have lost the latest leg in their legal battle, but have promised to keep challenging.
Weekend cricket teams - 9 January 2010
Date: Wed 06-Jan-10
Author: The Advertiser
Supporters Gold Fourth Grade to play Paxton (Laguna) at Baddeley 6 on January 9.
Green start to 2010
Date: Tue 05-Jan-10
Author: Rachel Oldknow (Singleton Argus)
Over the past seven days, Singleton has had 39 mm, Jerrys Plains 51 mm, Broke 39.8mm and Reedy Creek recording 39 mm. Elderslie has had 63.2mm with a whopping 45 mm falling on Sunday while Milbrodale has had 62.2 mm of rain, 34 mm also falling on Sunday, according to the Bureau.
Spencer's resolve 'stronger than ever'
Date: Tue 05-Jan-10
Author: Farm Online
THE resolve of hunger-striking farmer Peter Spencer is stronger than ever this morning, following yesterday's show of support by hundreds of land holders at a protest at Parliament House.
Spencer hunger strike drives wedge into Coalition
Date: Tue 05-Jan-10
Author: Dan Harrison & Ben Cubby (The Land)
NSW farmer Peter Spencer hunger strike in protest against land-clearing laws has renewed tensions between Liberal and National parties. Protesters cheered the Nationals senator Barnaby Joyce and heckled the Liberal senator Bill Heffernan yesterday as they gathered outside Parliament House in support of the farmer. [Video]
Region soaking up the good news
Date: Mon 04-Jan-10
Author: Martin Dinneen (The Herald)
HUNTER holidaymakers may have cursed it but many farmers across the region are blessing the consistent rain that has fallen this past week, particularly over the weekend. The coast and the valley received heavy falls on Saturday night and yesterday morning with Singleton soaking up 22 millimetres and Scone 27.2 millimetres in the 24 hours to 9am yesterday.
Peter Spencer - Attempts to stop Cooee March by NSW Govt
Date: Sun 03-Jan-10
Author: Peter McCloy
People are planning to get to Canberra behind Old Parliament House on Monday at 10.30am to march in support of Peter Spencers protest saying Australia is not a free country any more and we want a royal commission into the injustices concerning the Kyoto protocol & property rights.
Peter Spencer
Date: Thu 31-Dec-09
Author: Peter McCloy
Having read as many of the facts as seem to be available regarding the hunger strike of Peter Spencer, I agree totally with the following statement contained in an article by Justin Jefferson...
Jets urged to move to Cessnock
Date: Thu 31-Dec-09
Author: Tess Campbell (The Herald)
AN AUDACIOUS bid to move the Newcastle Jets to Cessnock's Baddeley Park has gained momentum despite getting a bucket of cold water from the football club and A-League officials.
Cessnock councillor Bob Pynsent said the Jets should make Cessnock sportsground their new home ground before EnergyAustralia Stadium's controversial playing surface caused more injury.
Broke and Wollombi Update
Date: Wed 30-Dec-09
Author: Peter Firminger
A new website for Broke
Romeo and Juliet at Laguna
Fireworks at Wollombi
Beyond Broke harvest hurt by hail
Date: Wed 30-Dec-09
Author: Tess Campbell (The Herald)
BRUISED fruit and tattered foliage is all that remains of a Broke vineyard's once bulging vines after a hailstorm ripped through the region last week.
Robert Kennedy, of Beyond Broke vineyard, is assessing the fallout of last Tuesday's hailstorm with the full extent of the damage to his $300,000 crop not known until the January harvest begins.
Cessnock District Cricket Report - 19 December 2009
Date: Wed 30-Dec-09
Author: Mark Bercini (The Advertiser)
4th Grade: Paxton (Laguna) 7/113 (D. Jackson 31, C. Howe 25, A. Taylor 23no, G. Kelso 16, N. Seirs 3-17 off 10, P. McDonald 2-36 off 9) defeated Bellbird 7/101 (S. O'Hearn 28, J. Hlad 19, N. Seirs 16, J. Millington 15, T. Williams 4-26 off 10, E. Smith 2-23 off 5).
No safe place
Date: Thu 24-Dec-09
Author: Rachel Oldknow (Singleton Argus)
RESIDENTS living in five of Singleton's rural districts have no safe place under the Neighbourhood Safe Place (NSP) program to escape a bush fire. A concept evolved out of the "Black Saturday" bush fire in Victoria, the NSP program aims to protect human life during the immediate threat of a bush fire.
Hunter coal - huge cost to the community
Date: Wed 23-Dec-09
Author: 2NM Newsroom
The greens have claimed that the Government's big benefit from Hunter coal comes at a huge cost to the community
Mannering Park hope their new site will encourage a more inclusive community
Date: Tue 22-Dec-09
Author: auCD
Mannering Park is a small township located on an isolated peninsular on the southern shores of Lake Macquarie.
Gas Watch 76
Date: Tue 22-Dec-09
Author: Hunter Valley Protection Alliance
AGL ENERGY - necessary corrections to recent media releases in Cockfighter news.
Watching out for salvinia over summer
Date: Mon 21-Dec-09
Author: Phoebe Trongchittham
If you think you have Salvinia on your dam or in your local waterway please contact your local Council weeds officer immediately.
WVAC Arts News December 2009/January 2010
Date: Sun 20-Dec-09
Author: Bronnie Aliotti
Merry Christmas
Artist in Residence - Garry Jones
Cessnock District Cricket Report - 12 December 2009
Date: Wed 16-Dec-09
Author: Mark Bercini (The Advertiser)
4th Grade: Paxton (Laguna) 3/119 (G. Kelso 35, D. Jackson 23, E. Smith 18no, A. Taylor 17no, D. Burgess 15) defeated Bellbird 8/112 (S. O'Hearn 52, N. Seirs 16, J. Wadi 15, E. Smith 3-23 off 10, A. Taylor 2-17 off 5).
Christmas present for Wollombi
Date: Wed 16-Dec-09
Author: Peter Firminger
Paul Adams from the Wollombi Valley Progress Association - Cunneens Bridge Action Group called me this morning with some very good news.
AGL Hunter Activities
Date: Mon 14-Dec-09
Author: Jenny Thompson & Amanda Albury
RE: Major Development AGL Gas Part 3A, taking The Bucketts Way Valley Area, and removing this beautiful valley area as we know it, destroying aquifers, creeks, rivers etc.
Cessnock turbines put wind up old energy providers
Date: Mon 14-Dec-09
Author: Tess Campbell (The Herald)
CESSNOCK residents could earn thousands of dollars by switching to green power and the city council is helping to ease the way. Cessnock City Council has abolished the need to submit a development application before installing a wind turbine on a rural property.
From the Far End of the Council Table - 13 December 2009
Date: Sun 13-Dec-09
Author: Councillor James Ryan
Supermarkets all over the place - What was supposed to be the last meeting of the year was also one of the longest - going from 6-30pm till 10-30.
From the Mayor's Desk - Friday 11 December 2009
Date: Fri 11-Dec-09
Author: Alison Davey
Brian and I wish one and all a very blessed festive season and a healthy and safe New Year.
Claytons Environmental Protection Under E3
Date: Thu 10-Dec-09
Author: Paul Flemming
It wasn't till I browsed a Department of Planning document headed LEP practice note PN 09-002. Environment Protection Zones, issued in April 2009, that the penny dropped. We'd all so far missed the "bleedin' obvious"
Catchment News - Issue 24 - December 2009
Date: Thu 10-Dec-09
Author: CMA
The December edition of Catchment News, the newsletter of the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA).
The Wanaruah Nation
Date: Wed 09-Dec-09
Author: 2NM Newsroom
The Wanuruah nation has called together a meeting of all aboriginal stakeholders to discuss what they have called a lack of respect shown to them in regard to planning matters.
Civil wedding ceremonies on the rise
Date: Wed 09-Dec-09
Author: Krystal Sellars (The Advertiser)
Canon Sonia Roulston, of the Anglican Parish of Cessnock/Wollombi said three-quarters of its weddings in 2009 were non-local couples. And, of these 40 weddings, 21 were held off-site at vineyard venues or chapels, with the remainder at the Cessnock, Wollombi and Ellalong churches.
Weekend cricket teams: 12 December 2009
Date: Wed 09-Dec-09
Author: The Advertiser
4th Grade: Paxton (Laguna) V Bellbird Workers at Carmichael 2 (not mentioned in the story)
Cessnock District Cricket Report - 5 December 2009
Date: Wed 09-Dec-09
Author: Mark Bercini (The Advertiser)
4th Grade: Paxton (Laguna) 6/162 (Tim Weeks 58, Craig Howe 39no, Steve Sullivan 22, Sam Apthorpe 2-22 off 8, Jamie Spence 2-21 off 10) defeated Wentworth 3/157 (Sam Apthorpe 79, D. Bailey 56, Brendan Stats 3-22 off 10).
Hard decisions must be made if they want the big bucks
Date: Mon 07-Dec-09
Author: Adele Ferguson (SMH)
For the past three years the coal seam gas industry has been the new god of energy, promising big profits, green power and a gateway to aligning Australian gas prices with the more lucrative global market... But now the clock is ticking for the industry to turn rhetoric into reality and start making some financial investment decisions (FIDs).
Greetings from Mount Broke Wines
Date: Sat 05-Dec-09
Author: Mike Wilson
On Sunday 13th December Mount Broke Wines in Adams Peak Road, Broke will be hosting a get-together and very informal barbecue from about 4pm for locals to have a bite to eat, a drink and a chat. I would love some of our near neighbours in Wollombi to join us.
Greens Information Sessions on Draft Cessnock LEP (Local Environment Plan)
Date: Fri 04-Dec-09
Author: Tim Plater
Cessnock-Kurri Greens will hold two information sessions on the Draft LEP for the Cessnock Local Government Area.
Wollombi Valley Update - 3 December 2009
Date: Thu 03-Dec-09
Author: Peter Firminger
Rather than lead with the comments, I'll give you the event list first and flag that there are responses from Paul Flemming and Bronwyn Duncan to my Cunneens Bridge post at the end of this email - along with some Wollombi Valley Christmas Specials and a team photo...
Wollombi LEP Meeting Video
Date: Thu 03-Dec-09
Author: Peter Firminger
The video of the meeting at Wollombi Hall on 12 November 2009 with Darryl Fitzgerald
Landcare Newsletter December 2009
Date: Thu 03-Dec-09
Author: Graham Taylor
Please find attached the Wollombi Valley Landcare Newsletter for December 2009 in Adobe PDF format.
Multi-million dollar boost for Cessnock City schools off and running
Date: Wed 02-Dec-09
Author: The Advertiser
The projects and the schools where the work will take place include:
Laguna, new library, $250,000.
Millfield, new library, $870,000.
Wollombi, new COLA, $140,000 and administration upgrade, $110,000.
Weekend cricket teams 5 and 6 December 2009
Date: Wed 02-Dec-09
Author: The Advertiser
Fourth grade: Wentworth Hotel to play Paxton (Laguna) at Kearsley on Saturday.
Cessnock District Cricket Report - 28-29 November 2009
Date: Wed 02-Dec-09
Author: Mark Bercini (The Advertiser)
4th Grade: Wentworth 7/200 (S. Morley 102, S. Apthorpe 29, S. Parkinson 15no, J. Bailey 3-32 off 10, T. Williams 2-64 off 10) defeated Paxton (Laguna) 7/193 (E. Smith 63, W. Kowaluk 39, T. Williams 26, K. Barnett 20no, D. Bailey 2-51 off 8, S. Parkinson 2-34 off 7).
Gas Watch 75 - AGL has nowhere to go, unless we let them in
Date: Wed 02-Dec-09
Author: Hunter Valley Protection Alliance
A map has been produced by the Broke Bulga Community Consultative Committee. The map is of the Broke and Bulga areas which AGL Energy wants to turn into a gas field.
Upgrade to Paxton Waste Water Treatment Works
Date: Sun 29-Nov-09
Author: Steve Meadows - COCCI
Below is a notice that will be distributed to residents adjoining Congewai Creek/ Wollombi Brook on the Wollombi Rd up to Cedar Creek and along Mt View Rd/Lewis Lane.
Kind regards
Greg Lewis
From the Mayor's Desk - Friday 27 November 2009
Date: Fri 27-Nov-09
Author: Alison Davey
As always it was a pleasure to take in the natural setting that the residents of Wollombi enjoy all year round. Guest Speaker Mr Michael Noyce enthralled the audience of nearly 50 guests with a presentation on the History of Wollombi.
Cessnock cricket competition produces close results in extreme heat
Date: Wed 25-Nov-09
Author: The Advertiser
Paxton 4th Grade (Laguna): 3/100 (W. Kowaluk 25no, A. Taylor 19, S. Gibson 16, K. Barnett 13no, T. Hart 2-28 off 7) defeated Greta/Branxton 88 (S. Wilkinson 27, K. Wilkinson 16, T. Priest 15, J. Bailey 6-28 off 10, T. Williams 2-16 off 9).
Wollombi Valley update - 20 November 2009
Date: Fri 20-Nov-09
Author: Peter Firminger
LEP
Cuneens Bridge
WVAC Arts News November/December 2009
Date: Fri 20-Nov-09
Author: Bronnie Aliotti
Flora & Fauna
Fiona Bateman's Summer Exhibition
Artist in Residence - Garry Jones
Fifth century of the Cessnock cricket season
Date: Wed 18-Nov-09
Author: The Advertiser
4th Grade: Paxton (Laguna) 1/45 (K. Reilly 25, A. Taylor 20) defeated Supporters 39 (S. Hooker-Connell 18, J. Bailey 3-18 off 5, K. Reilly 3-11 off 6).
From the Mayor's Desk - Friday 13 November 2009
Date: Fri 13-Nov-09
Author: Alison Davey
Our Tidy Town Committees who participated in the recent Tidy Towns Awards were very successful taking out seven awards.
Cricket returns to Laguna
Date: Wed 11-Nov-09
Author: The Advertiser
Cricket returned to one of the city's furtherest boundaries last weekend when Paxton played Railway Hotel at Laguna. The Paxton fourth grade side is made up mostly of players from Laguna and Wollombi and the ground is situated on privately-owned land.
Local communities clean up at NSW Tidy Towns Awards
Date: Wed 11-Nov-09
Author: The Advertiser
The Cessnock Local Government Area (LGA) collected a number of awards at the recent NSW Annual Tidy Towns Awards Presentation held in Tamworth. The city was represented by 17 proud Tidy Towns Committee representatives from Cessnock, Kurri Kurri, Greta and Wollombi Tidy Town Committees.
Catchment News - Issue 23 - November 2009
Date: Tue 10-Nov-09
Author: CMA
The November edition of Catchment News, the newsletter of the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA).
Rescue - Spring 2009
Date: Mon 09-Nov-09
Author: WRHS
The newsletter of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service - In this issue: Sam and Milo's adventure - It's ball season - Helping to save babies - Fisherman overboard - Riding for Rescue and Research
Cessnock seeks new strategy after Huntlee failure
Date: Thu 05-Nov-09
Author: Matt Carr (The Herald)
CESSNOCK Council will revisit a citywide planning strategy after the Huntlee development stalled. Cr Neil Gorman said that by rushing the citywide plan the council ran the risk of the "whole LEP falling over". Cr James Ryan, who lodged last night's rescission motion, said the problem would affect the entire Cessnock area.
Free Range Egg Policy for Cessnock Council
Date: Wed 04-Nov-09
Author: Cessnock-Kurri Greens
Greens Councillor Chris Parker successfully moved at tonight's Council meeting, that Cessnock Council move to a policy of sourcing free range eggs in any future Council catering contracts. Councillor Parker showed a video of some of the appalling conditions that caged chickens suffer from to support his motion.
Council in a flap over eggs
Date: Wed 04-Nov-09
Author: Briony Snedden (Maitland Mercury)
Cessnock City Council has become broody about eggs. Chris Parker will put a free ranging idea to tonight's meeting that the council outlaw caged eggs in its catering, and encourage other businesses to do the same.
Cessnock District Cricket report
Date: Wed 04-Nov-09
Author: The Advertiser
Paxton 4/60 (Brendan Stats 38no, A. Sadler 2-13 off 6, D. Fletcher 2-30 off 8) defeated Peden's Hotel 56 (D. Fletcher 20, B. Stats 4-14 off 6, J. Bailey 2-15 off 5, K. Reilly 2-17 off 4.2, B. Craig 2-7 off 3).
Eighty riders vie for top trophies
Date: Fri 30-Oct-09
Author: Singleton Argus
THE Singleton Pony Club Show Jumping Championships were contested under hot conditions at Singleton Showground at the weekend.
Eighty riders competed over the two days in five different events.
Clubs in the competition were Singleton, Scone, Denman, Aberdeen, Murrurundi, Merriwa, Mt Sugarloaf, Mangrove Mountain, Paterson River, Maitland, Camden Haven, Tall Timbers, Toronto, Oxley Island, Cooranbong and Wollombi Valley.
From the Mayor's Desk - Friday 30 October 2009
Date: Fri 30-Oct-09
Author: Alison Davey
Cessnock Community Performing Arts Centre won top honours in the 2009 Lower Hunter Urban Design Awards, announced on Friday 23 October during a gala dinner at the Mercure Resort, Hunter Valley Gardens.
Cessnock District Cricket report
Date: Wed 28-Oct-09
Author: The Advertiser
4th Grade: Paxton (Laguna) 8/147 (Jack Bailey 26no, Ken Barnett 24no, Stuart Gibson 20, W. Kowaluk 16, Denis Jackson 14, Steve Tyne 4-26 off 10, Alan Sadler 2-38 off 9, Craig Grey 2-31 off 8) defeated Peden's Hotel 142 (Steve Tyne 37no, Dean Freebairn 23, Ben Reed 17, Mick Bullen 17, Dane Fletcher 14, Jack Bailey 4-35 off 10, Alan Taylor 2-15 off 4, W. Kowaluk 2-8 off 1.5)
Game and Feral Animal Control Amendment Bill
Date: Wed 28-Oct-09
Author: Peter Firminger
A letter to Nathan Rees, John Robertson, Ian Macdonald and Kerry Hickey
Please phone and email in the next 12 hours to stop the Shooters
Date: Wed 28-Oct-09
Author: Nature Conservation Council of NSW
Email from the Nature Conservation Council of NSW
Major heritage grants for Cessnock City projects
Date: Wed 28-Oct-09
Author: The Advertiser
Cessnock Local Government area projects will receive about $800,000 of the Australian Government investment of $1,293,759 for conservation projects in and around the Hunter Electorate. Wollombi Courthouse will receive $31,250 and the Great North Road Conservation, Ramsay's Leap and Thompson's Bridge at Bucketty/Laguna will receive $779,000.
Sculpture in the Vineyards launch
Date: Wed 28-Oct-09
Author: The Advertiser
The Wollombi Valley Wine Trail landscape will soon start to take on its now unique look at this time of the year with the launch of Sculpture in the Vineyards.
Voiceless takes aim at Shooters' Party
Date: Tue 27-Oct-09
Author: Voicless: the animal protection institute
Brian Sherman AM, Director of Voiceless, the animal protection institute, today called upon the NSW Government to reject a deal with the Shooters' Party which would open up 13 national parks to recreational hunters in return for ongoing support in the upper house.
Union orders rangers to defy hunting in parks
Date: Mon 26-Oct-09
Author: Louise Hall (SMH)
UNION bosses have pledged to fight any deal the Rees Government negotiates with the Shooters' Party that would allow the hunting of feral animals in national parks.
Small axe fells big timber
Date: Sat 24-Oct-09
Author: Matthew Moore (SMH)
When grassroots activism knocks over a deal at the top end of town, others look over their shoulders, writes Matthew Moore.
Wollombi Valley Country Fair - Media Release
Date: Thu 22-Oct-09
Author: Peter Firminger
Taste the History as Wollombi Valley comes alive on the 7th and 8th of November with the inaugural Wollombi Valley Country Fair.
Government deal to open national parks to shooters
Date: Wed 21-Oct-09
Author: Erik Jensen (SMH)
Negotiations on the bill had broken down with the Premier's chief of staff, Graeme Wedderburn - who Mr Brown described as ''tits on a bull'' - but resumed in September, less than a week after John Robertson took over the environment portfolio. The Treasurer, Eric Roozendaal, one of Mr Robertson's factional allies, took part in negotiations.
Weekend cricket teams
Date: Wed 21-Oct-09
Author: The Advertiser
Teams lists
More Hunter land deals in jeopardy
Date: Wed 21-Oct-09
Author: Julieanne Strachan (The Herald)
THE NSW Government's planning nightmare has deepened, with revelations that four more large-scale Hunter developments could be jeopardised by land swap deals with developers.
New website at the Copa - Copacabana NSW
Date: Tue 20-Oct-09
Author: auCD
The Copacabana community celebrated the launch of their new community website last week, with Chris Holstein, Mayor of the City of Gosford inaugurating the new site
WVAC Arts News Oct/Nov 2009
Date: Tue 20-Oct-09
Author: Bronnie Aliotti
WHERE TWO ARTS MEET Sue Linton & Shane Lennard
PAINTINGS & MOSAICS by Kaye Lovie & Mary Francis
FLORA & FAUNA by Catherine Craig, Michelle Loadsman. Penny Walton, Juliet Ackery and Carolyn Peddie
2009 EMERGING ARTISTS AWARDS
Heritage funding announced
Date: Fri 16-Oct-09
Author: Newcastle on Hunter
The Sandstone Wall Restoration Project at Merriwa will receive $53,823, The Singleton Showground Pavilion Project will receive $56,591, St Mary's Building Stabilisation Project in Maitland will receive $183,095, Wollombi Courthouse will receive $31,250, Maitland Gaol will receive $190,000 and the Great North Road Conservation - Ramsay's Leap and Thompson's Bridge at Bucketty/Laguna will receive $779,000.
From the Mayor's Desk - Friday 16 May 2009
Date: Fri 16-Oct-09
Author: Alison Davey
Congratulations to the Tidy Town Committees from Cessnock, Kurri Kurri and Wollombi as finalists for the Keep Australia Beautiful Tidy Towns Communities Awards... On Thursday 1 October I attended and presented to Laguna Public School Certificates and Lapel Pins...
Cessnock cricket season underway
Date: Thu 15-Oct-09
Author: The Advertiser
Paxton Wombats 4/130 (S. Sullivan 35, D. Jackson 20, S. Gibson 16 ret hurt, A. Taylor 14no, T. Goldman 3-19 off 9) defeated Supporters Gold 121 (J. McCord 42, T. Goldman 36, C. Goldman 13, T. Williams 4-25 off 8, K. Riley 3-45 off 10, T. Jackson 2-17 off 5).
Community FireWise meeting presentation and links
Date: Sun 11-Oct-09
Author: Peter Firminger
Presentation documents and links mentioned in the Community FireWise meeting held at Laguna Hall on 11 October 2009.
Catchment News - Issue 22 - October 2009
Date: Sat 10-Oct-09
Author: CMA
The October edition of Catchment News, the newsletter of the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA).
Schedule for the Mangrove Mountain Country Fair
Date: Wed 07-Oct-09
Author: On Mangrove Mountain
The competition schedule for the 2009 fair
A perfect end to a great weekend in Wollombi
Date: Mon 05-Oct-09
Author: Peter Firminger
Double rainbow over St John's at the end of the Labour Day long weekend
Two years of Wollombi Valley Online
Date: Sun 04-Oct-09
Author: Peter Firminger
And they (Wollombi Chamber Executive) said it wouldn't last...
2009 Emerging Artists Awards presented last night
Date: Sat 03-Oct-09
Author: Peter Firminger
The awards were judged and presented by Lisa Slade and Bridget Nicholson at the Old Fire Shed Gallery - Wollombi Cultural Centre
New Coalition of Hunter Community Groups Launches
Date: Fri 02-Oct-09
Author: The Fair Go Coalition
A Fair Go for the Hunter Community Coalition consists of community groups whose objective is to halt the wave of bad planning by this NSW Government in order to get the best results for the Hunter community.
From the Mayor's Desk - Friday 2 October 2009
Date: Fri 02-Oct-09
Author: Alison Davey
Congratulations to John Albury APM, John is the retired Chief Inspector of Cessnock, and he recently received the NSW Police Medal with a 40 year clasp.
Save the Net... and democracy as we know it
Date: Wed 23-Sep-09
Author: Peter Firminger
Did you know the Government is proposing an internet censorship scheme that goes further than any other democracy in the world? That's why I'm one of over 100,000 Australians who have signed the petition to Save the Net. Will you join me?
Chamber embarking on new marketing plan
Date: Wed 23-Sep-09
Author: The Advertiser
Cessnock Wine Country Chamber of Commerce will soon launch the new Cessnock Business and Marketing Plan. Developed by the chamber in partnership with Cessnock City Council the plan will drive the chamber's activities over the next three years.
From the Far End of the Council Table - 20 September 2009
Date: Sun 20-Sep-09
Author: Councillor James Ryan
Development and Rugby league
Well what a mix of things was last weeks Council meeting. After a lot of complaints from residents Councillor Smith and I lodged a motion calling for Council to communicate more effectively with residents who put in a Development Application.
From the Mayor's Desk - Friday 18 September 2009
Date: Fri 18-Sep-09
Author: Alison Davey
Congratulations to 10 year old Luca Hawkins from Wollombi Public School who received a brand new iPod. Students from around the country entered the competition every time they completed a schoolwork tutoring session using YourTutor.
When it comes to printer cartridge recycling, Australians have an inkling!
Date: Wed 16-Sep-09
Author: Michelle Cook (Planet Ark)
'Cartridges 4 Planet Ark' celebrates 10 million returns
Resident's Survey
Date: Wed 16-Sep-09
Author: Sandy Thomas
The Wollombi Valley Chamber of Commerce is conducting its first Annual Resident's Survey to gain a greater understanding of community views and to help identify opportunities for improvement to make Wollombi Valley an even better place to live and work. The survey results will be presented to the community at the November Wollombi Progress Association meeting.
Mangrove Mountain Country Fair art category theme
Date: Sat 12-Sep-09
Author: On Mangrove Mountain
'Dear me', is the theme for the Special Open Art category for the Country Fair in 2009. (Potholes last year)
Catchment News - Issue 21 - September 2009
Date: Thu 10-Sep-09
Author: CMA
The September edition of Catchment News, the newsletter of the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA).
Gas Watch 74 - AGL fails regulatory obligations.
Date: Wed 09-Sep-09
Author: Hunter Valley Protection Alliance
AGL 'forced electricity prices higher' - says SMH.
AGL accused of "price gouging" by the ACCC - says the ABC.
Most needy residents have been the victims of appalling bungling by AGL - says the Herald Sun.
Laguna Public School wins Mayoral Academic Challenge
Date: Wed 09-Sep-09
Author: Krystal Sellars (The Advertiser)
For the first time in its four-year history, one of Cessnock City's smaller schools has taken out the Mayoral Academic Challenge.
Wollombi icon in the crosshairs
Date: Tue 08-Sep-09
Author: Peter Firminger
The Shooters party introduced the Game and Feral Animal Control Amendment Bill to NSW Parliament in June which proposes to open up National Parks to recreational shooters and will list 26 native species to the animals licensed shooters can kill for kicks including Wollombi's iconic Purple Swamphen and other frequent local birds such as the Australian White Ibis and Black Swan.
Stop the Shooters Games - Rally
Date: Tue 08-Sep-09
Author: Peter Firminger
- there's no such thing as conservation hunting -
Cessnock Draft LEP Feedback
Date: Mon 07-Sep-09
Author: Peter Firminger
To assist in the preparation of a group submission to the exhibition of the Draft LEP 2009 Wollombi Valley Progress Association would appreciate your feedback to basic issues of concern contained in the Draft Plan.
From the Far End of the Council Table - 6 September 2009
Date: Sun 06-Sep-09
Author: Councillor James Ryan
What do Catherine Hill Bay and Cessnock have in common? I'll get to that question in a minute. There is a very interesting public debate happening at the moment. You can't help but think the Labor Party is conducting a concerted campaign to get rid of Cessnock Council.
From the Mayor's Desk - Friday 4 September 2009
Date: Fri 04-Sep-09
Author: Alison Davey
Congratulations to the winners of the 2009 Mayoral Academic Challenge. The academic brilliance of our students is amazing. I congratulate every school who participated and to the schools who were unable to participate due to other commitments for their contribution to education our young people.
Taste the History in Wollombi Village
Date: Thu 03-Sep-09
Author: Peter Firminger
On the 7th and 8th of November, historic Wollombi village will come alive with the inaugural Wollombi Valley Country Fair.
Hickey slams Cessnock council
Date: Thu 03-Sep-09
Author: Julieanne Strachan (The Herald)
CESSNOCK MP Kerry Hickey has taken aim at his local council in NSW Parliament, accusing it of being the second slowest in the state at assessing projects valued between $5 million and $20 million.
Animal campaigners want Cessnock rodeo ban
Date: Thu 03-Sep-09
Author: Gabriel Wingate-Pearce (Herald)
Animal rights campaigners will lobby Cessnock City Council to become the first local council in NSW to ban rodeos.
Animal Liberation NSW executive director Mark Pearson will present footage of Australian rodeos, including images he says have led to prosecutions, to councillors.
FIRE PERMITS REQUIRED
Date: Tue 01-Sep-09
Author: RFS
1 September 2009 to 31 March 2010
Who do you call?
Your local BFB Fire Permit Officer...
Crunch time for internet censorship
Date: Fri 28-Aug-09
Author: Get Up!
A decision on the Government's internet censorship filter could be just weeks away. It's crunch time for our campaign.
From the Far End of the Council Table - 23 August 2009
Date: Sun 23-Aug-09
Author: Councillor James Ryan
Disneyland In Cessnock?
The issue of what is good development in the Vineyards took another step forwards or backwards, depending on your point of view, at last weeks Council meeting.
Fleetwood Mac Unleashed in the Hunter Valley
Date: Fri 21-Aug-09
Author: Peter Firminger
Fleetwood Mac will be at Hope Estate in the Hunter Valley on December 5 2009.
From the Mayor's Desk - Friday 21 August 2009
Date: Fri 21-Aug-09
Author: Alison Davey
Congratulations to the winners of the Hunter Tourism Awards 2009 which was held at Crowne Plaza. Winners include:-Boutique Wine Tours, Bimbadgen Estate who enters the Hall of Fame, Hunter Valley Gardens who enters the Hall of Fame and Tower Lodge who enters the Hall of Fame, Christmas Lights Spectacular Hunter Valley Gardens, Esca Bimbadgen, Somewhere Unique and The Vintry Country House & Vineyard.
art.mail - August 2009 e-Newsletter
Date: Thu 20-Aug-09
Author: Art Gallery of New South Wales
News from the Art Gallery of New South Wales - August 2009:
A rare opportunity to see works by William Blake, J M W Turner, Gericault, Delacroix and Corot.
Silk Ikats of Central Asia
Intensely Dutch (Closes 23 Aug)
The Dreamers
Sydney Long: Pan
ET AL maintenance of social solidarity
Nicholas Mangan: Between a Rock and a Hard Place
WVAC Arts News August/Sept 2009
Date: Thu 20-Aug-09
Author: Bronnie Aliotti
Aprons with Attitude - Stitch and Bitch
Wollombi Art - Peter Williams
Emerging Artists - DEADLINE
Finchley Vandals Return
Date: Mon 17-Aug-09
Author: Peter Firminger
Having already defaced the interpretive plinth at Finchley Aboriginal Area once before (and subsequently returned the stone sign, apparently after a stern talking to) the vandals have returned to Finchley Aboriginal Area to repeat the crime.
Awards for Sponsorship - Wild Ride
Date: Fri 14-Aug-09
Author: Paul Humphreys
Our local Hunter based sports event business has chosen Wollombi as a suitable venue to host a new annual Mountain Bike event for the Hunter. The event is to be called Wollombi Wild Ride and will be held on Saturday 5 September 2009.
A new wine club here in Wollombi Valley
Date: Fri 14-Aug-09
Author: Peter Firminger
The Sawman Wine Club is the exclusive wine club of Noyce Brothers Wines.
CultureHunter E-Newsletter August 2009
Date: Wed 12-Aug-09
Author: CultureHunter
Membership Drive
Online Photography Competition
News
Welcome to the August issue of CultureHunter's e-newsletter!:
Events
Featured Directory Entry
Job opportunities
Community Newsletter
Date: Tue 11-Aug-09
Author: Hunter Valley Protection Alliance
A newsletter from the Hunter Valley Protection Alliance - Methane Gas Situation in the Broke Valley
WVAC Arts News August/Sept 2009
Date: Mon 10-Aug-09
Author: Bronnie Aliotti
Aprons with Attitude - Stitch and Bitch
Wollombi Art - Peter Williams
Emerging Artists - DEADLINE
From the Mayor's Desk - Friday 7 August 2009
Date: Fri 07-Aug-09
Author: Alison Davey
Council has formed an Environment Committee and the inaugural meeting of the Committee will be on Thursday 20 August. The goal of the Committee is to establish how to progress the aims of the Committee and to develop a framework for future direction in planning for sustainability because ecologically sustainable development is a pathway for change, not a goal or end state in itself.
Catchment News - Issue 20 - August 2009
Date: Fri 07-Aug-09
Author: Phoebe Trongchittham
The August edition of Catchment News, the newsletter of the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA).
Cessnock council to boycott planning panel
Date: Fri 07-Aug-09
Author: Donna Sharpe (The Herald)
CESSNOCK City Council is the first council in the Hunter Region, and believed to be the first in NSW, to boycott the State Government's joint regional planning panels.
The council voted unanimously at a meeting on Wednesday night to snub its nose at a scheme that would lead to select groups of representatives approving multimillion-dollar developments in local government areas in NSW.
Premier offers RFS compromise
Date: Thu 06-Aug-09
Author: The Land
The RFSA (Rural Fire Service Association) today has accepted Premier Nathan Rees' clarification and concessions in relation to his Super Ministry reforms following lengthy negotiations this week, but notes the Association's preferred position remains 'no Super Ministry'.
Cessnock Council Stands Up to State Government
Date: Thu 06-Aug-09
Author: James Ryan
Cessnock Greens Councillor James Ryan said the unanimous decision of Cessnock Council last night not to appoint representatives to the Joint Regional Panels set up by the NSW Government was a first in the Hunter Valley.
Landcare Newsletter August 2009
Date: Wed 05-Aug-09
Author: Graham Taylor
Further to the newsletter forwarded to you earlier today, there are three other news items we wish to advise you of.
Organic Fruit and Veg at Dolphin Healing Centre Cessnock
Date: Wed 05-Aug-09
Author: Imago Forest
Organic Fruit and Veg will be available from the Dolphin Healing Centre Thursdays 4 - 6:30pm. from 13th August 2009
Centenary of Singleton's Sisters of Mercy convent marked in fine style
Date: Tue 04-Aug-09
Author: Donna Sharpe (The Herald)
ONE of Singleton's landmark buildings will celebrate its centenary in grand style on Saturday. The convent of the Sisters of Mercy took 16 years to build and opened on August 8, 1909, with an afternoon tea and performances from the town band.
Singleton GP slams ambulance service
Date: Mon 03-Aug-09
Author: Kylie Williams (The Herald)
A SINGLETON GP has slammed the NSW Ambulance service, saying her critically ill 81-year-old patient almost died waiting for more than three hours to be rushed to John Hunter Hospital for life-saving surgery.
Call for Actors from Valley Artists
Date: Tue 28-Jul-09
Author: Bob Philippe
Valley Artists are calling for EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST from anyone in the community who would like to be involved in our first production for 2010 - David Williamson's hit comedy MONEY AND FRIENDS
Wollombi Valley Country Fair - fun for everyone
Date: Mon 27-Jul-09
Author: Michael Noyce
Following a recent public meeting plans are progressing very well for a weekend of fun on 7 and 8 November. At the meeting the Wollombi Valley community were given the opportunity to provide feedback on the initial plans for the Fair and give ideas to make the Fair a really fun time for everyone. Its great that so many different groups in the community will be involved in the Fair; a real community effort.
Valley Artists Newsletter - July 2009
Date: Sat 25-Jul-09
Author: Peter McCloy
Not the Programme Notes: Being sundry items of interest about our upcoming productions and the arts in general - July 2009
From the Mayor's Desk - Friday 24 July 2009
Date: Fri 24-Jul-09
Author: Alison Davey
Last Friday 24 July the honour of Freeman of the City was conferred upon Marie Theresa Davies and Harold James Sternbeck AM for their lifetime of outstanding service to the community.
Fox baiting raises concern among Wollombi/Laguna dog owners
Date: Wed 22-Jul-09
Author: Lucie Robson (The Advertiser / UTS)
A group of Wollombi and Laguna residents is opposed to a plan to bait foxes in the area.
A plan by Wollombi Valley Landcare Group to have the Livestock Health and Pest Authority plant sodium monofluoroacetate, known as 1080, has prompted a group to circulate a petition against what they see as unnecessary harm to domestic dogs and wildlife.
Cessnock council needs a 'reality check', court told
Date: Wed 22-Jul-09
Author: The Advertiser
AN asbestos expert told the Land and Environment Court yesterday there was "no evidence of wholesale dumping" on land at Sawyers Gully owned by Cessnock councillor Allan McCudden's company Quintaz.
Occupational hygienist Dr Jim Orr gave evidence during the second day of hearing in a case brought by the Cessnock City Council against the councillor.
Cessnock takes councillor to court
Date: Tue 21-Jul-09
Author: Julieanne Strachan (The Herald)
CESSNOCK City Council has taken one of its own councillors to court over allegations he failed to clean up asbestos on a property owned by his company.
The Land and Environment Court was told yesterday that Cr Allan McCudden was the sole director of Quintaz Pty Ltd, which ran a number of businesses, including asbestos removal and demolition services.
WVAC Arts News July/August 2009
Date: Mon 20-Jul-09
Author: Bronnie Aliotti
Lorna Wall
Mason Williams
Aprons with Attitude
Emerging Artists
From the Far End of the Council Table - 19 July 2009
Date: Sun 19-Jul-09
Author: Councillor James Ryan
I copped plenty of flack last week because I brought up the issue of crowd behavior at our sports grounds. As most people would know there was a widely publicized issue of verbal abuse of a female touch judge at a Cessnock rugby league match a couple of weeks ago. The Newcastle Herald made big headlines out of it and it reflected badly on the whole community.
Biggest show yet
Date: Fri 17-Jul-09
Author: Singleton Argus
THE 27th Singleton Art Prize will be getting off to great start tonight, when the doors open at 7pm.
There will be wine, nibbles and more than 600 quality art works on show, and the exhibition will continue throughout the weekend.
An estimated 1000 hours of volunteer hours were needed to get the art exhibition up and running and while there will be some sighs of relief come Tuesday morning, the excitement of tonight's grand opening overshadows the past months of work.
WVAC Arts News July/August 2009
Date: Wed 15-Jul-09
Author: Bronnie Aliotti
Lorna Wall - Chasing the Moon
Mason Williams
Aprons with Attitude
Sylvia Hale to visit Cessnock-Kurri Greens meeting on Monday
Date: Wed 15-Jul-09
Author: The Advertiser
Greens MP and planning spokesperson Sylvia Hale will be a guest speaker at the Cessnock-Kurri Greens public meeting on Monday night.
The meeting will discuss overdevelopment in the Hunter Region and the environmental, social and traffic problems that come with it.
Cessnock MP slams council's development assessment process
Date: Wed 15-Jul-09
Author: Julieanne Strachan (The Herald)
NSW Planning Minister Kristina Keneally has been asked to urgently investigate a Hunter council's planning controls because developers are allegedly "leaving in droves".
In a letter obtained by The Herald, state member for Cessnock Kerry Hickey pleads with the minister to intervene in Cessnock City Council's assessment processes, which he believes are strangling growth.
Bush Fire Bulletin (2009) Volume 31 No.2
Date: Tue 14-Jul-09
Author: NSW RFS
Time for Recovery
Reflections on the Victorian deployment
Bush Fire Research Task Force
How the Royal Commission works
LIFT-OUT on new Standard Design Fire Control Centres
Santos fires up coal seam gas in Gunnedah Basin
Date: Fri 10-Jul-09
Author: Ian Kirkwood (The Herald)
MAJOR Australian gas provider Santos is investing $476 million to buy coal seam methane gas resources in the Gunnedah Basin.
Together with the planned $850 million Queensland Hunter Gas Pipeline and the State Government's apparent preference for gas to fire a new baseload power station at Bayswater near Muswellbrook, the Santos investment represents a major step forward for the gas industry in NSW.
From the Mayor's Desk - Friday 10 July 2009
Date: Fri 10-Jul-09
Author: Alison Davey
Council has joined a growing number of local councils which have introduced no smoking policies near children's playgrounds. In 2007 Cessnock Council introduced a no smoking policy at each of its aquatics facilities.
Broke & Milbrodale Schools not open for everyone in the community
Date: Wed 08-Jul-09
Author: Danielle Hanson
Living in an area located near two (2) small country schools one would think that having your children attend either one of these schools would be easy. We thought we lived in a supportive community.
Council unveils its new plan for Cessnock City
Date: Wed 08-Jul-09
Author: The Advertiser
Cessnock City Council's draft Local Environment Plan will be placed on public exhibition on Monday, July 27 and Council is inviting residents to have their say on this very important planning document.
The Other Side of 1080 Baiting
Date: Wed 08-Jul-09
Author: Jacqueline Millar
When Oon was first published, those many years ago now, it was a platform for the locals to have their say on all topics. I was told not to send this, that you won't publish it, because you are 'One of Landcare.' If our local newspaper has come to this, it doesn't say much for freedom of the press. Please print it.
art.mail - July 2009 e-Newsletter
Date: Tue 07-Jul-09
Author: Art Gallery of New South Wales
News from the Art Gallery of New South Wales - July 2009:
Silk Ikats of Central Asia
Intensely Dutch (Closes 23 Aug)
Double Take: Anne Landa award for Video and New Media Arts
The Dreamers
Sydney Long: Pan
ET AL maintenance of social solidarity
Nicholas Mangan: Between a Rock and a Hard Place
The Cockfighter - July 2009
Date: Mon 06-Jul-09
Author: The Cockfighter
Volume 7 - Issue 7 - Linking the comunities of Broke, Fordwich, Bulga and Milbrodale
A fun day for the Wollombi Valley
Date: Mon 06-Jul-09
Author: Michael Noyce
An initial 'seeding' committee is meeting to take these ideas further but community input into the plans is very important. So that everyone has the opportunity to voice their ideas, concerns, and criticism, a meeting open to all the community will take place at 4pm on Saturday 11 July in the Wollombi Hall. Everyone is welcome.
Catchment News - Issue 19 - July 2009
Date: Sat 04-Jul-09
Author: Phoebe Trongchittham
The July edition of Catchment News, the newsletter of the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA).
From the Far End of the Council Table - 4 July 2009
Date: Sat 04-Jul-09
Author: Councillor James Ryan
You can feel there is a State Election around the corner and certain people are jostling for position. Even though the actual election won't occur until March 2011, the hopeful and the ambitious need to get their party endorsement as candidate before they are in the race. But more of that in a moment.
Sweetmans Creek house destroyed in fire
Date: Wed 01-Jul-09
Author: The Herald
WITNESSES told police they saw a car speed away from a home west of Cessnock last night before the house was destroyed by fire.
The Rural Fire Service was called to the Wollombi Road, Sweetmans Creek, property at 6.30pm yesterday.
From the Mayor's Desk - Friday 26 June 2009
Date: Fri 26-Jun-09
Author: Alison Davey
Recently I welcomed students from the Epping Boys High School accompanied by their Deputy Principal to Council. The students were keen to learn about the planning issues in the Vineyard precinct.
From the Far End of the Council Table - 21 June 2009
Date: Sun 21-Jun-09
Author: Councillor James Ryan
More big Issues than you can poke a stick at! Last weeks Council meeting was one of our longest, finishing at about 10-30pm there were so many big issues on the agenda.
Gas Watch 73
Date: Sat 20-Jun-09
Author: Hunter Valley Protection Alliance
AGL Energy buys wind farms in SA - but threatens the Hunter Valley with release of another fossil fuel and loss of groundwater.
Inspirational art
Date: Fri 19-Jun-09
Author: Singleton Argus
LOCAL Indigenous artists have been helping Singleton High School students with their artworks for the celebrations for the 2009 NAIDOC Week art show.
With the theme for 2009 NAIDOC week being Honouring our Elders, Nurturing our Children, students were gaining inspiration from their heritage, the Wanaruah tribe, and were incorporating their totem animal the Eagle into their artworks.
Cessnock jail guard who fought privatisation suspended as MP accuses department
Date: Fri 19-Jun-09
Author: Melissa Lyons (The Herald)
THE suspension of a Cessnock Correctional Service officer has been branded part of a "payback campaign" by the Department of Corrective Services, and is now subject to an independent investigation.
Wollombi Valley Arts Council - Arts News - June/July 2009
Date: Thu 18-Jun-09
Author: Bronnie Aliotti
Ross Fletcher's 437 Divine Gesture Opening | An Exhibition of Paintings by Julia Francis | MAREK ZAYLER Painter | 2009 Emerging Artists Awards
Gas Watch 72
Date: Wed 17-Jun-09
Author: Hunter Valley Protection Alliance
AGL ENERGY Fails to deny intention to build a gas processing plant on its Hunter Valley properties.
Gas Watch 71
Date: Sun 14-Jun-09
Author: Hunter Valley Protection Alliance
AGL ENERGY, has purchased two further properties in the Broke and Bulga areas. It has bought the property known as Spring Mountain on the Cessnock Road/Oakley Lane at Broke; it has bought the sand mining property at Bulga.
From the Mayor's Desk - Friday 12 June 2009
Date: Fri 12-Jun-09
Author: Alison Davey
Congratulations to Mr Brian Andrews OAM and Mrs Beth Masterman OAM both honoured with an Order of Australia Medal from the Queens Birthday Honours List
Landcare Newsletter June 2009
Date: Fri 12-Jun-09
Author: Graham Taylor
Please find attached a copy of the Landcare newsletter for June in PDF format.
It's no from AGL
Date: Fri 12-Jun-09
Author: Singleton Argus
THE company behind the methane gas exploration in the Broke Valley, AGL Energy, has rejected calls for a full environmental assessment to be carried out before they commence drilling activities.
Wollombi Country Fair Meeting POSTPONED
Date: Thu 11-Jun-09
Author: Peter Firminger
The public meeting that was to be held on Saturday afternoon has been postponed to a date to be decided due to Bernard's funeral arrangements.
UPDATE 110609
Date: Thu 11-Jun-09
Author: Graham Jackson
There are three items of update. Bernard Guy, Ann Adams, CD from Warkworth
Huge land deals 'illegal'
Date: Tue 09-Jun-09
Author: Linton Besser and Matthew Moore (SMH)
MULTIBILLION-DOLLAR land deals the State Government signed with two big Labor Party donors are likely to be ruled illegal by the Land and Environment Court, secret advice to the Planning Minister, Kristina Keneally, says. Ms Keneally has been told she is likely to lose a court case that begins today over the massive redevelopment of Catherine Hill Bay and Gwandalan, backed by Mr Rose (as well as a subsequent challenge over Mr Hardie's 7200-home Huntlee development at Branxton).
Catchment News - Issue 18 - June 2009
Date: Tue 09-Jun-09
Author: Phoebe Trongchittham
The June edition of Catchment News, the newsletter of the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA).
From the Far End of the Council Table - 8 June 2009
Date: Mon 08-Jun-09
Author: Councillor James Ryan
There was less than the usual thrills and spills at the Council meeting this week because of the State of Origin match. Funny how the number of issues on the Agenda gets less and everyone keeps their speeches shorter when the footy is on. Wasn't a very good result though - the footy I mean.
AGL drilling to go on in Hunter
Date: Fri 05-Jun-09
Author: Debra Jopson, Regional Reporter SMH
BOB KENNEDY'S five-bedroom house dropped 1.8 metres over six days when mining company Xstrata Coal moved into a seam under his 40-hectare vineyard near Broke in the Hunter Valley, but he is more worried about whether the nearby brook will keep bubbling.
Cessnock Regional Art Gallery opens this Saturday
Date: Wed 03-Jun-09
Author: The Advertiser
Cessnock Regional Art Galley's new director, Virginia Mitchell's has invited the community to a fun-filled afternoon at the gallery's opening on Saturday.
Amazon Heart Thunder rides into Wollombi
Date: Wed 03-Jun-09
Author: Krystal Sellars (The Advertiser)
Friendship, hope and a sense of adventure was in the air at Wollombi Tavern last Wednesday when the Amazon Heart Thunder motorcycle ride for breast cancer made a pit stop in the town.
Rescue - Winter 2009
Date: Tue 02-Jun-09
Author: WRHS
The newsletter of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service - In this issue: 10,000 Paramedic missions - New Tamworth facilities - Crew and Pilot sposnors welcomed - New faces in team - Angel bits improve safety - Wests Cycle Classic raises record amount
art.mail - June 2009 Long Weekend
Date: Tue 02-Jun-09
Author: Art Gallery of New South Wales
Visit us this long weekend and enjoy a range of exhibitions and special events.
Great North Road protected
Date: Mon 01-Jun-09
Author: Newcastle on Hunter
HISTORICAL CONVICT ROAD GETS STATE HERITAGE PROTECTION - NSW Planning Minister, Kristina Keneally, today announced a further 30 kilometres of the 180-year old Great North Road would be listed on the State Heritage Register.
From the Mayor's Desk - Friday 29 May 2009
Date: Fri 29-May-09
Author: Alison Davey
Sustainable Cessnock is a joint partnership of Cessnock Wine Country Chamber of Commerce and Cessnock City Council Economic Development function to look at a range of initiatives to foster sustainable business development...
Hunter protesters vent fury in Newcastle state ministers meeting
Date: Fri 29-May-09
Author: Michelle Harris (The Herald)
NSW PREMIER Nathan Rees and senior ministers were jeered by interest groups and condemned in explosive comments from Milton Orkopoulos whistleblower Gillian Sneddon at a tense Hunter community meeting last night.
St. John's (Cessnock) centenary celebrations
Date: Wed 27-May-09
Author: The Advertiser
The Parish of Cessnock/Wollombi will be celebrating the Centenary of St. John's Church, Westcott Street, Cessnock, from September to March next year.
From the Far End of the Council Table - 24 May 2009
Date: Sun 24-May-09
Author: Councillor James Ryan
There was plenty going on a Council last week. Probably the biggest issue is the development around Heddon Greta. There are two proposals for development and add to that the funding announced for the F3 which will make that area a traffic jam...
Landcare Australia News: Free Land Management Presentations
Date: Sat 23-May-09
Author: Graham Taylor
We have received the email below from Landcare Australia about free Land Management Presentations.
If this sounds of interest to you I encourage you to look at the ALM website or call Julia Telford - contact details are in the email below.
Vines from nowhere at Rothbury
Date: Sat 23-May-09
Author: Gabriel Wingate-Pearce (Herald)
Despite Rothbury having a postcode and appearing on maps as a geographical location, the word can no longer be used on wine labels by anyone but Foster's, a spokesman for the beverage giant confirmed yesterday.
"Our trademark is for the word 'Rothbury' used in certain contexts and for certain things... no one can use the word 'Rothbury' by itself, or 'Rothbury Estate'," he said.
Minister Macdonald snubs meeting
Date: Fri 22-May-09
Author: Singleton Argus
Some of the issues that Singleton Council had requested be put to the Minister included the excise of Broke Fordwich from petroleum exploration leases, increased community consultation by the mining companies and a shortening in the period of time between exploration and approval for mining.
Fosters grabs right to Rothbury name
Date: Fri 22-May-09
Author: Olivia Collings (Hospitality Magazine)
Wine growers in the Hunter Valley region of Rothbury will not be able to use the name to identify their wine's origins.
Fosters has successfully won the right to continue controlling the use of the name Rothbury, not only for wine but anything else such as clothing, materials, non alcoholic beverages and foods.
Safeguarding Agricultural Land and Water from mining
Date: Wed 20-May-09
Author: Peter Firminger
Greens MP and mining spokesperson Lee Rhiannon is set to introduce a Greens bill into the NSW Parliament to protect prime agricultural land and water in NSW from damage cause by mining and exploration - the Mining (Safeguarding Agricultural Land and Water From Mining) Amendment Bill 2009.
Farewell Bud Tingwell
Date: Wed 20-May-09
Author: Peter Firminger
As we remember Bud Tingwell today, take a moment to look at Mr Bear and Mr Rabbit, in which he starred, the winning entry in the 2008 Wollombi Valley Short Film Festival
Public Notice - Explosive Ordnance Operations - Singleton
Date: Wed 20-May-09
Author: Department of Defence
The public are advised that 'A' Field Battery will be conducting artillery firing excersises involving High Explosive (HE) and illumination ammunition at Singleton Army Training Area during the period 27 May to 13 June 2009 between the hours of 0700 and 2300.
Cessnock rates to rise
Date: Wed 20-May-09
Author: Donna Sharpe (The Herald)
CESSNOCK residents will pay an additional 3.5 per cent in rates, assisting the council to raise an estimated $33.2 million in revenue next financial year
Hunter Valley Wine Industry Awards - finalists announced for 2009
Date: Tue 19-May-09
Author: Winebiz
The Hunter Valley Wine Industry Association is proud to announce the finalists in this year's much anticipated Hunter Valley Wine Industry Awards. Now in its third year, the awards recognise and honour those who have made major contributions and excelled within the Hunter Valley Winemaking Industry.
From the Far End of the Council Table - 17 May 2009
Date: Sun 17-May-09
Author: Councillor James Ryan
What do you want Cessnock to be like in ten years time? Cessnock is at the crossroads. Everyone will have heard of the F3 Seahampton to Branxton link receiving $1.5bn funding from the Federal Rudd Government which seemed desperate to fund anything in NSW except a public transport project in Sydney...
COAG agrees on national alert system for major emergencies
Date: Fri 15-May-09
Author: MEPCC
The MEPCC welcomes the agreement reached by COAG to establish a National Alert System for Emergencies. The MEPCC acknowledges that the while the detail of the proposed National Alert System is yet to be released it would appear that such a National Alert System has the potential to supersede our local Telephone Tree.
From the Mayor's Desk - Friday 15 May 2009
Date: Fri 15-May-09
Author: Alison Davey
Through my column I will keep you abreast on what is occurring within our Council and City events.
Your Planet Needs You
Date: Thu 14-May-09
Author: Graham Taylor
Budgets come and go, but the planet needs your help - now! Please see below an important message from Landcare Australia and see what you can do. Every little bit helps
Wollombi Valley Arts Council - Arts News - May/June 2009
Date: Wed 13-May-09
Author: Bronnie Aliotti
437 The Divine Gesture, Julia Francis Exhibition and Emerging Artists 2009
art.mail - May 2009 e-Newsletter
Date: Tue 12-May-09
Author: Art Gallery of New South Wales
News from the Art Gallery of New South Wales - May 2009
Start a tree-planting revolution
Date: Tue 12-May-09
Author: Michelle Cook
Planet Ark is calling on Australians to help it start a tree planting revolution by registering as volunteer Site Coordinators for National Tree Day. Volunteers that take part have the opportunity to teach future generations how to care for and preserve Australia's native environment.
The Cockfighter - May 2009
Date: Tue 12-May-09
Author: The Cockfighter
Volume 7 - Issue 5 - Linking the comunities of Broke, Fordwich, Bulga and Milbrodale
Gas Watch 70
Date: Tue 12-May-09
Author: Hunter Valley Protection Alliance
A response to the Letter to Cockfighter from local resident
Catchment News - Issue 17 - May 2009
Date: Mon 11-May-09
Author: Phoebe Trongchittham
The May edition of Catchment News, the newsletter of the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA).
Wollombi Victory
Date: Mon 11-May-09
Author: Sean Gough
Here is a photo of our proud Captain receiving the magnificent trophy on behalf of the victorious Wollombi team after a tight finish. Laguna's Kiwi Jason was caught just on the boundary when striking out for a 6 on the last ball!
Cessnock Country Music Festival
Date: Sun 10-May-09
Author: Cessnock Country Music Festival
A tribute to Reg Lindsay, who passed away in '08 will launch this years pfi/net Cessnock Country Music Festival
Spiritual inspiration
Date: Fri 08-May-09
Author: Singleton Argus
INSPIRED and passionate about their art, a group of graduated TAFE art students is getting together once a week at the Mercy Convent. The seven artists are from various areas, as far as Kurri and Wollombi and Singleton.
Boost to brigades
Date: Fri 08-May-09
Author: Singleton Argus
SINGLETON Council plans to provide the Rural Fire Service with two new home bases in the 2009/10 financial year. Council's draft management plan now on public exhibition also includes the purchase of two new fire trucks and a bulk water carrier to replace outdated vehicles...
Upcoming events - Got kids (or not fully grown-up yourself?)
Date: Mon 04-May-09
Author: Peter Firminger
For those with kids, there are some under-advertised things happening in the region, along with cricket, music, the arts and agriculture
Wildlife have had a gutful of plastic bags
Date: Sun 03-May-09
Author: Michelle Cook
"South Australia will lead the nation in banning plastic checkout bags starting on Monday (May 4)," says Anne-Marie Byrne of Planet Ark, " This is a very positive step. Other States can show their commitment to our environment and wildlife by following the South Australian lead."
Cessnock jail backflip
Date: Sat 02-May-09
Author: Julieanne Strachan (The Herald)
CESSNOCK jail will stay in public hands after the State Government abandoned plans to privatise the prison. Corrective Services Minister John Robertson announced the backflip yesterday after the powerful Labor Party Administrative Committee refused to overrule Labor policy that forbade private contract management of prisons.
From the Mayor's Desk - Friday 1 May 2009
Date: Fri 01-May-09
Author: Alison Davey
The fortnightly report from Alison Davey for Friday 1 May 2009
COAG backs national bushfire warning
Date: Thu 30-Apr-09
Author: Andrew Derby
Australian leaders have agreed to build a national telephone emergency warning system by the next bushfire season. Prime Minister Kevin Rudd said his Government would give $15 million to help states and territories set up the system, which will send messages to landlines and mobile phones.
What future for rural voters?
Date: Wed 29-Apr-09
Author: Lucy Skuthorp (The Land)
IN our free and fair democracy, the time to re-examine fair and equitable political representation is now, or else successive electoral boundary redistributions will continually disadvantage rural communities in the "the people's house".
Ornate Hunter B&B for sale
Date: Tue 28-Apr-09
Author: The Land
The converted CBC Bed and Breakfast in Paterson in the Hunter Valley is to be sold. The former Paterson Branch of the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney has high ornate ceilings, Australian cedar and American redwood timbers, original floors and five guestrooms.
Around the New England press - week ending 24 April 2009
Date: Mon 27-Apr-09
Author: Jim Belshaw
News from New England and the Hunter from the New England Blog
Gas Watch 69
Date: Mon 27-Apr-09
Author: Hunter Valley Protection Alliance
It appears that it is now impossible to receive a response, if you write to AGL ENERGY, from anybody other the Land and Approvals Manager. You know, the staff level of the former Hind Kourouche of SGL.
Gas Watch 68
Date: Mon 27-Apr-09
Author: Hunter Valley Protection Alliance
Does this company have an environmental and social conscience, or is it just Sydney Gas all over again?
Day to remember your mates
Date: Sat 25-Apr-09
Author: Rachel Oldknow (Singleton Argus)
AT age 18 he enlisted to serve his country, at 20 he was a soldier serving with the Australian 2/12 commandos squadron in the jungles of Borneo.
Once Four Thousand Diggers
Date: Sat 25-Apr-09
Author: Graham Jackson
As sung by the Wollombi Combined Churches Choir at the Dawn Service this morning ANZAC Day 2009
'Greenethorpe needs you'
Date: Sat 25-Apr-09
Author: Cassandra Hough (The Land)
'GREENETHORPE needs you' is the slogan for the latest rural community wanting to attract new families with the lure of $1 a week rent. The main aim is to boost numbers at the school.
Hunter discovers it's finally OK to be a real twit
Date: Sat 25-Apr-09
Author: Tess Campbell (The Herald)
SOCIAL networking in the Hunter has been reborn. Twitter has everyone talking writes Tess Campbell.
Australians honour the brave fallen
Date: Sat 25-Apr-09
Author: Tyron Butson (The Herald)
TODAY, as veterans dust off medals in preparation for Anzac Day services in the Hunter, they know that half a world away diggers on active service in locations such as war-torn Afghanistan, East Timor and the troubled Solomon Islands will briefly join them in honouring the fallen.
Community Websites on a roll
Date: Fri 24-Apr-09
Author: Peter Firminger
Two Community websites were launched this week, one in Tasmania (the first in that state) and one (with two names) in NSW
NSW wine sales surge
Date: Fri 24-Apr-09
Author: DPI
Retail sales of NSW bottled wine increased 12.6% within the State last year, pumping an extra $6.6 million into the rapidly growing local wine industry, Minister for Primary Industries, Ian Macdonald, said today.
Cunneens Bridge Closure
Date: Wed 22-Apr-09
Author: Darren McKimm
There has been a need to change the dates for closure of Cunneens Bridge Wollombi to allow the load capacity testing to be undertaken.
Monument on Wollombi's history
Date: Wed 22-Apr-09
Author: The Advertiser
Many years of planning culminated recently in the unveiling of a stone monument at Wollombi. The monument was unveiled by Member for Cessnock, Kerry Hickey. This was followed by the launch of the Wollombi Cemetery booklet by Mayor of Cessnock, Cr. Alison Davey at a function at the Wollombi Cultural Centre.
Wollombi Valley News - 20 April
Date: Mon 20-Apr-09
Author: Peter Firminger
As posted to the Wollombi Valley Online Announce List
From the Far End of the Council Table - 20 April
Date: Mon 20-Apr-09
Author: Councillor James Ryan
Cessnock Councillors made an important decision last week. We voted to not include Kurri Golf Club and Heddon Greta Drive-In a plan to rezone land for residential development...
Valley Artists Newsletter - April (2) 2009
Date: Sun 19-Apr-09
Author: Peter McCloy
The morning after: Notes from the first weekend of "Little Voice". Tickets selling fast!
Wollombi Valley Arts Council - Arts News - April 2009
Date: Sun 19-Apr-09
Author: Bronnie Aliotti
Inside Art, 437 The Divine Gesture, Cultural Centre Bookings
From the Mayor's Desk - Friday 17 April 2009
Date: Fri 17-Apr-09
Author: Alison Davey
The fortnightly report from Alison Davey for Friday 17 April 2009
Wisemans Ferry in Top 100
Date: Thu 16-Apr-09
Author: Cassi Tonkin
Ask a local and you would expect to get a biased answer "Wisemans Ferry is one of the best places to visit in Australia." But now its official - the historic hamlets claim to fame has just been formerly recognised by the Australian Traveller magazine.
Conroy's bad bush broadband connection
Date: Wed 15-Apr-09
Author: Lucy Skuthorp (The Land)
ONE thing sadly missing from this big, beefy broadband debate is the lack of any mention of a rock-solid guarantee to ensure decent broadband services to rural and remote areas in the Government's $43 billion fibre to the home plan.
Valley Artists Newsletter - April 2009
Date: Wed 15-Apr-09
Author: Peter McCloy
Not the Programme Notes: Being sundry items of interest about our upcoming productions and the arts in general - April 2009
A 'Fair' Showing in Gosford
Date: Tue 14-Apr-09
Author: On Mangrove Mountain
There will be echoes of the past at this year's Gosford Show. In earlier times, well remembered by many present residents, the various Agricultural Bureau branches (Mangrove Mountain, Peat's Ridge, Kulnura) made district displays of farm and orchard produce in competition at the Gosford Show.
art.mail - April 2009 e-Newsletter
Date: Sun 12-Apr-09
Author: Art Gallery of New South Wales
News from the Art Gallery of New South Wales - April 2009
Hunter jail art lost (Inside Art)
Date: Sat 11-Apr-09
Author: Michelle Harris (The Herald)
AN exhibition of artworks by Hunter prisoners that officially opened last night was almost cancelled after pieces were lost or left behind in the recent late-night removal of inmates from Cessnock jail.
Landcare Newsletter April 2009
Date: Thu 09-Apr-09
Author: Graham Taylor
Please find attached a copy of the Landcare newsletter for April in PDF format.
The Cockfighter - April 2009
Date: Thu 09-Apr-09
Author: The Cockfighter
Volume 7 - Issue 4 - Linking the communities of Broke, Fordwich, Bulga and Milbrodale
Gas Watch 67 AGL! Methane Gas could Kill the Hunter Valley.
Date: Wed 08-Apr-09
Author: Hunter Valley Protection Alliance
On 6th and 7th April we had a couple of people outside AGL Energy Headquarters at 101 Miller Street, North Sydney. They were there for a couple of hours as the employees arrived, and for a couple of hours at lunch time each day. One with signs and handing out pamphlets. The other as the Grim Reaper, which is how we see AGL ENERGY in respect of its actions at Broke in regard to the water tables and in relation to the risk of methane gas explosion and migration. We intend to make random appearances at the AGL ENERGY offices.
Catchment News - Issue 16 - April 2009
Date: Wed 08-Apr-09
Author: Phoebe Trongchittham
The April edition of Catchment News, the newsletter of the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA).
Rescue - Autumn 2009
Date: Wed 08-Apr-09
Author: WRHS
The newsletter of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service - In this issue: Your Rescue Helicopter, Laura Davies supports the Service, OneSteel Waratah becomes sponsor, Ducks4Dollars raises $75K, Wests Cycle Classic hits road, Wingham Beef Imports great gift, Harleys' Turkey Run, Ritchie's IGA donation
Cyanide insanity
Date: Wed 08-Apr-09
Author: Sharyn Munro
In my book 'The Woman on the Mountain', I expressed my disbelief that the National Heritage listed wetlands of Lake Cowal - and all the waters downstream - had been put under great threat from Canadian giant Barrick Gold's open-cut cyanide leach goldmining right next to it...
Region's rubbish at recycling
Date: Tue 07-Apr-09
Author: Damon Cronshaw (The Herald)
CESSNOCK, Maitland and Lake Macquarie residents are among the worst recyclers in the state, according to NSW Government figures. The three areas rank in the bottom four of 51 areas from the south coast to the Hunter for household waste recycling rates.
Shea's at Wollombi doing it for the dogs...
Date: Mon 06-Apr-09
Author: Peter Firminger
Congratulations to all the staff at Shea's for contributing their tips to the RSPCA's Tips for Tails campaign on March 27-29
The wonders of Wollombi
Date: Sun 05-Apr-09
Author: Sally Macmillan (Sunday Telegraph)
The Wollombi feature by Sally Macmillan in the Sunday Telegraph on April 5 2009 (a free subscription is required to view the full story).
Fighting floods or living with them?
Date: Sat 04-Apr-09
Author: CMA
A new book, produced by the CMA and written by Chas Keys, details the major floods that have occurred in the Lower Hunter over the past 200 years, and provides an account of heroic rescues, tragic losses, and the beginning of an integrated approach to flood management as a consequence of the 1955 flood.
Wendoree Park NSW Community Website
Date: Fri 03-Apr-09
Author: auCD
Wendoree Park has launched their community website at www.wendoreepark.nsw.au and has immediately experienced the benefits of making this initiative.
From the Mayor's Desk - Friday 3 April 2009
Date: Fri 03-Apr-09
Author: Alison Davey
It was a great pleasure to open the Nostalgia Festival recently. I believe the crowd attendance was well above previous years. The Kurri Kurri Towns with Heart Committee should be congratulated on a magnificent job in again showcasing the township of Kurri Kurri as a great tourist venue.
Extension approved
Date: Fri 03-Apr-09
Author: Singleton Argus
THE NSW Planning Minister, Kristina Keneally, has announced the approval for an extension to the Hunter Valley Operations mining complex with stringent management conditions that will guide its operations until 2030.
Chooks Revenge - Methane on Mangrove Mountain
Date: Thu 02-Apr-09
Author: Neil (On Mangrove Mountain Editor)
Many will be aware of the situation where a local family has been forced to leave their home due to toxic levels of methane rising from a burial pit dug on their property during the 1999 Newcastle Disease eradication campaign.
Cuneens Bridge Limit and Closure Notices
Date: Mon 30-Mar-09
Author: Kevin Dillon (CCC)
During a recent inspection of Cunneens Bridge it became apparent that several timber components have deteriorated significantly since the last structural testing undertaken in March 2007 which led to imposition of the current 9 tonne load limit.
Valley Artists Newsletter - March 2009
Date: Fri 27-Mar-09
Author: Peter McCloy
Not the Programme Notes: Being sundry items of interest about our upcoming productions and the arts in general - March 2009
Countryfest is coming
Date: Fri 27-Mar-09
Author: Singleton Argus
THE countdown to Countryfest has begun with Australia's best wife-carriers ready and rearing to take the Singleton Showground stage in hopes of being crowned Australia's best for 2009.
The PBR rodeo is no longer and the Muay Thai boxing didn't eventuate, but heck who cares because wife-carrying is back and the date set for this year's showdown is Saturday, May 2.
With only six weeks until the hilarity hits Singleton, the competition is already building momentum with Countryfest organisers already in receipt of a record number of entries for Australia's wife carrying titles.
Drilling must stop
Date: Fri 27-Mar-09
Author: Singleton Argus
A DELEGATION will be sent to Minister for Primary Industries, Ian Macdonald, seeking to stop any drilling in the Broke Valley by Sydney Gas.
The delegation will be seeking that the Broke Fordwich winegrowing region be excised from the petroleum exploration leases held by Sydney Gas.
In addition to this, it will be seeking that no further activities be undertaken on the two wells adjacent to the village of Broke currently owned by Sydney Gas until a full environmental assessment is undertaken on the wells, and terms of reference on a water study to be undertaken is agreed to by the project's community consultative committee.
Wollombi ranks 94 in the top 100 towns in Australia
Date: Thu 26-Mar-09
Author: Australian Traveller Magazine
Tucked into the lower fringes of the NSW Hunter Valley wine region, the 20th Century - let alone the 21st - barely left a mark on Wollombi.
Wollombi (population 300) makes our Top 100 for two fundamental reasons: unadulterated old-world charm, and the 100 percent quirk factor of the triple alliteration-scoring Dr Jurd's Jungle Juice.
Fuel storage tanks blamed for water contamination
Date: Thu 26-Mar-09
Author: Peter Firminger
ABC News reports: The New South Wales Department of Environment and Climate Change says groundwater in Scone has been contaminated by fuel storage tanks at a local service station.
Forums on Mental Health
Date: Wed 25-Mar-09
Author: Cessnock Area Mental Health Support Group
Cessnock Area Mental Health Support Group will be holding six public awareness forums on mental health starting Monday April 6.
Hold them to account - Conroy on Q&A This Thursday
Date: Wed 25-Mar-09
Author: GetUp Via WIPA
This is our chance to ask Senator Conroy to explain his plans to censor the internet. The architect of the Government's net censorship plans, Communications Minister Stephen Conroy, has refused interviews on the topic for months. But at 9.30pm this Thursday night we have an opportunity to put him on the spot.
Singleton council goes for Broke on gas
Date: Wed 25-Mar-09
Author: Hunter Valley Protection Alliance
Methane gas drilling opposed by Hunter Valley council
Sydney Gas methane drilling threatens Hunter Valley primary schoolchildren and local water supply. Singleton Council resolved yesterday to lead a delegation to Minister McDonald to have this small but sensitive area saved from methane exploration.
Call For Environmental Trust Applications
Date: Wed 25-Mar-09
Author: Amy Nancarrow
The Environmental Trust is an independent statutory body established by the NSW government to support exceptional environmental projects that do not receive funds from the usual government sources.
100 Best Towns in Australia
Date: Wed 25-Mar-09
Author: Australian Traveller
From wine-growing hubs to beachside hideaways and remote outback communities, Australian Traveller has searched high and low to determine which are Australia's Best Towns. But before you get to the list, here's how we made our decisions...
...the wheels are falling off Senator Conroy's billy cart...
Date: Mon 23-Mar-09
Author: Asher Moses (SMH)
iiNet pulls out of net censorship trials.
Australia's third largest internet provider, iiNet, has withdrawn from the Government's internet censorship trials, saying it could not 'reconcile participation in the trial with our corporate social responsibility'.
Calling for applications for sustainable farming grants
Date: Mon 23-Mar-09
Author: Carolyn Jenkinson (NSW DPI)
Rural landholders, land managers, rural industries and groups in the Central Coast Plateau (and surrounding LGAs) are being encouraged to apply for grants to implement on-ground works that have a sustainable agriculture focus.
From the Far End of the Council Table - 22 March
Date: Sun 22-Mar-09
Author: Councillor James Ryan
Another long Council meeting finishing just before 10pm was the result of actual debate happening at Cessnock Council. I know some people have criticized the longer Council meetings but to me,after the experience of the old Council, it is a breath of fresh air that the Councillors are actually discussing stuff.
From the Mayor's Desk - Friday 20 March 2009
Date: Fri 20-Mar-09
Author: Alison Davey
The fortnightly report from Alison Davey for Friday 20 March 2009
Firearm Amnesty
Date: Thu 19-Mar-09
Author: 2NM Newsroom
Hunter Valley Police are calling for people to hand in any firearms they may have under the latest gun amnesty.
Youth Week 2009
Date: Wed 18-Mar-09
Author: Peter Firminger
We have added a section to the Wollombi Valley Events Calendar for Youth Week 2009.
This page covers events in both Cessnock and Singleton areas.
Manly wins the annual Cricket match
Date: Wed 18-Mar-09
Author: Sally Sullivan
In the annual cricket match between Laguna Village people Cricket Club and Manly, Manly Steyne won 117 to 63.
Cessnock councillors urge Pacific Brands boycott
Date: Mon 16-Mar-09
Author: Michelle Harris (The Herald)
CESSNOCK City Council will be asked to lead a statewide council boycott of Pacific Brands products in response to the company's decision to cut its Australian manufacturing workforce, including 83 jobs at Cessnock. The council will also be asked to write to Sarah Murdoch, Pat Rafter and Michael Clarke, who have helped promote Pacific Brands products, asking them to sever ties with the company.
Raffle Winners drawn by Fr Graham
Date: Sun 15-Mar-09
Author: Peter Firminger
The raffle for the Victorian Bushfire Appeal was drawn this afternoon at Wollombi Tavern by Father Graham Jackson
Anger over test wells
Date: Fri 13-Mar-09
Author: Singleton Argus
SYDNEY Gas has started a water monitoring study in test wells on land at Broke this week, sparking renewed protests by the Hunter Bulga Gas Action Group. The group wants solid proof that the water aquifers in the gas exploration area will not be impacted by any of Sydney Gas' activities...
art.mail - March 2009 e-Newsletter
Date: Thu 12-Mar-09
Author: Art Gallery of New South Wales
News from the Art Gallery of New South Wales - March 2009
Wollombi Valley Arts Council - Arts News
Date: Wed 11-Mar-09
Author: Bronnie Aliotti
The March/April 2009 newsletter from WVAC: Heritage of the Wollombi, Inside Art and the WVAC AGM
Noyce Brothers Wine Outlet soon to Open in Wollombi Village
Date: Wed 11-Mar-09
Author: Peter Firminger
Prior to the development work on Wollombi Cottage, Noyce Brothers will open their Wine Retail Outlet in Gray's Inn on March 20
The Cockfighter - March 2009
Date: Wed 11-Mar-09
Author: The Cockfighter
Volume 7 - Issue 3 - Linking the communities of Broke, Fordwich, Bulga and Milbrodale
More unattributed SPIN from AGL Energy (Sydney Gas)
Date: Mon 09-Mar-09
Author: Drill & Blast - Australia's premier drill & blast news website
What a crock! Talk about spinning up a story.
The article is titled 'Sydney Gas says it knows the drill'... WHO exactly said that and what the hell does that headline mean in relation to the story under it? Reads like the expected low-quality spin from an amateur Scone-based publicity outfit!
Sydney Gas has no voice (they're too embarrassed to sign their work)! AGL Energy (ASX:AGK - 100% owners of NSW Labor Party Contributors Sydney Gas Ltd.) have a lot to answer for...
AGL must sack these amateurs NOW!
Date: Mon 09-Mar-09
Author: Peter Firminger
Following in the footsteps of Mark 'Fart Joke' Harper, Colin Stace has belittled the Broke and wider Wollombi Valley Community with a flippant and apparently funny (to him) remark, allegedly saying 'I'm The Enemy' (twice - in case no-one heard him - in front on an NBN TV crew) while overseeing the environmental and economic destruction of a beautiful and vibrant rural village in the Hunter Valley.
Yengo Country - a source of cultural & spiritual awakening
Date: Mon 09-Mar-09
Author: Garry Jones
For those that attended the WVAC's very informative 'Aboriginal History of the Wollombi' seminar in Laguna last month, here is Garry Jones' updated document.
Gas Watch 64 - 'I'm the Enemy' says AGL's Colin Stace
Date: Mon 09-Mar-09
Author: HBGAG
Whilst we were sitting talking to NBN television in the Broke village today, this spokesman for Sydney Gas walked past and said: "I'm the enemy." Twice.
Valley Artists Newsletter - February 2009
Date: Mon 09-Mar-09
Author: Peter McCloy
Not the Programme Notes: Being sundry items of interest about our upcoming productions and the arts in general - February 2009
From the Far End of the Council Table
Date: Sun 08-Mar-09
Author: Councillor James Ryan
The last Council meeting produced a whole mix of decisions. A good decision was the one in which there was no attempt to support the Skydiving at Hope Estate...
Drill for Natural Gas, Pollute Water
Date: Sat 07-Mar-09
Author: Abrahm Lustgarten and ProPublica (Scientific American)
The natural gas industry refuses to reveal what is in the mixture of chemicals used to drill for the fossil fuel. Published 17 November 2008
George Souris Private Members Statement on Upper Hunter Gas Exploration
Date: Sat 07-Mar-09
Author: HANSARD - NSW Legislative Assembly
Legislative Assembly, 5 March 2009
Upper Hunter Gas Exploration (Proof) Speakers - Souris Mr George
Business - Private Members Statements, PRIV
From the Mayor's Desk - Friday 6 March 2009
Date: Fri 06-Mar-09
Author: Alison Davey
The fortnightly report from Alison Davey
Catchment News - Issue 15 - March 2009
Date: Wed 04-Mar-09
Author: Phoebe Trongchittham
The March edition of Catchment News, the newsletter of the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA).
Foggy Mountain Jam - Jamtastic!
Date: Sun 01-Mar-09
Author: Peter Firminger
A simply wonderful evening on Murrays Run
VIC bushfire affected communities given a voice online
Date: Fri 27-Feb-09
Author: auCD
auCD have temporarily* provided community websites for the recent Victorian (February, 2009) bushfire affected communities to help with the rebuilding of their communities as a potential focus point...
Volunteers rush to relieve fire fighting crews
Date: Fri 27-Feb-09
Author: Singleton Argus
THERE was no trouble finding local volunteers ready to battle the Victorian bush fires. Eighteen members of the Hunter Valley Rural Fire Service left last Saturday for a five-day stint in the ravaged region. They returned on Wednesday but not before another contingent of 18 rural fire fighters were sent to relieve fire crews on Tuesday.
Bonds broken in Cessnock factory closure
Date: Fri 27-Feb-09
Author: Greg Wendt (The Herald)
IT has seen marriages, family bonds and long friendships. The ties that bind the textile workers at Cessnock have been as strong as the threads on their sewing machines. Now the Bonds factory workers have become the human faces of Australia's collapsing economy.
Sydney Gas will be suspended from trading on March 4
Date: Thu 26-Feb-09
Author: Peter Firminger
Sydney Gas will be suspended from trading on March 4, following the despatch of compulsory acquisition notices by AGL Energy.
This news comes as AGL acquires 97% in target Sydney Gas.
Bonds maker Pacific Brands closes Cessnock clothing factory
Date: Thu 26-Feb-09
Author: Greg Wendt (The Herald)
THE global economic slump cast its shadow over Cessnock yesterday as the company that owns iconic Australian brand Bonds announced the closure of its factory with at least 80 jobs to be axed. Cessnock MP Kerry Hickey said he was shocked and disappointed at the big loss of jobs.
Mangrove Mountain Markets
Date: Sun 22-Feb-09
Author: On The Mountain
The organisers of the first of the market days must be very pleased with the number of people attending and the support of stall holders.
It could have been us...
Date: Sat 21-Feb-09
Author: Peter Firminger
A raffle for the Victorian Bushfires Appeal - Tickets Available from Wollombi Tavern, Wollombi General Store and The Old Northern Trading Post Laguna - $2 each or 3 for $5
Special Hunter services to mourn victims
Date: Sat 21-Feb-09
Author: Lisa Barritt-Eyles (The Herald)
THE Victorian Bushfire National Day of Mourning will be observed by churches throughout the Hunter Region tomorrow. The majority of churches will include memorial prayers and reflection in their regular Sunday services.
Special memorial services will be held at Adamstown Uniting Church at 9am, St John's Anglican Church, Wollombi, at 10am and Newcastle Salvation Army, the Monastery, Woodstock Street, Mayfield, at 1.30pm.
Aprons with Attitude
Date: Fri 20-Feb-09
Author: Stitch 'n' Bitch
Wollombi Valley Stitch 'n' Bitch are seeking expressions of interest for an exhibition of handcrafted and vintage aprons.
From the Mayor's Desk
Date: Fri 20-Feb-09
Author: Alison Davey
The fortnightly report from Mayor Alison Davey: As you are aware the Local Government Section 430 Report is available to the general public. Copies are available for viewing from Cessnock and Kurri Kurri Libraries.
Support for those under threat of mines
Date: Fri 20-Feb-09
Author: Singleton Argus
SINGLETON Council and fellow members of the D Division of the Shires Association have thrown their support behind communities that are under threat from encroaching mining operations.
At a meeting on Tuesday, the member councils of D Division voted unanimously to support a motion that no exploration licences be granted or mining permitted within scenic protection zones, village zones, urban zones and rural residential zones of any local environment plan of any council.
Gloucester Residents in Partnership
Date: Fri 20-Feb-09
Author: Peter Firminger
The GRIP website has been launched! GRIP is a group of ordinary residents of the Gloucester Shire. GRIP has no political affiliations or agenda. Some members are directly affected by GRL's coal exploration. Others are not but share concern for the welfare of friends and the defence of Gloucester and its environment.
Cessnock council slammed as 'dysfunctional'
Date: Thu 19-Feb-09
Author: Joanne McCarthy (The Herald)
Cessnock City Council has been slammed as "dysfunctional", at risk of corruption, lacking in leadership and with evidence of an "inappropriate culture" involving gifts and benefits, a damning Local Government Department report has found...
National Day of Mourning
Date: Wed 18-Feb-09
Author: Peter Firminger
This Sunday, Father Graham Jackson will conduct an Ecumenical Service at St John's Wollombi, commencing at 10.00am in respect of the National Day of Mourning for those who have lost so much in the Victorian bushfires.
Wollombi Markets Australia Day 2009
Date: Wed 18-Feb-09
Author: Caroline Maul
The Australia Day Wollombi Markets 2009 were once again a very successful day, mainly due to our large group of volunteers!
This is a fine example of how our community really can pull together and work side by side for the good of Wollombi and Laguna.
Gas Watch 63
Date: Wed 18-Feb-09
Author: HBGAG
Sydney Gas says it is about to start using their Broke Village METHANE gas wells to see if the underground water supplying Broke "drains into the coal seams" under Broke.
It is what is missing from their front page story in the Singleton Argus on 17th February, 2009 which is of most concern, not what is in that story.
Controversial Gas Mining Company threatens village
Date: Wed 18-Feb-09
Author: HBGAG
Methane gas explorer, Sydney Gas, currently being taken over by AGL Energy, threatens the vineyard village of Broke in the Hunter Valley.
Sydney Gas has just announced it is about to drill a test well and draw water from coal seams, which extend under the village of Broke, to see if the water tables under Broke, used by the village for domestic use, "drain away into the coal seam".
Kulnura Community Arts & Entertainment Program
Date: Sun 15-Feb-09
Author: Sue Douglas
One more interesting year has passed and another is ready to be planned. In 2008, we enjoyed a delightful Pantomime, made some clever Sculptures, and Belly danced, with regular classes, performances at festivals, a Hafla and Christmas party...
Greens secure $60m for National Heritage
Date: Fri 13-Feb-09
Author: The Australian Greens
Great timing for a number of Heritage Projects in Wollombi Valley
Landcare Newsletter February 2009
Date: Thu 12-Feb-09
Author: Graham Taylor
Please find attached a copy of the Landcare newsletter for February in PDF format.
Hmmm, no comment!
Date: Thu 12-Feb-09
Author: Peter Firminger
Labor (and National) Party Contributions by Sydney Gas Operations Pty. Ltd.
Follow up letter to Ian McDonald MLC
Date: Thu 12-Feb-09
Author: Peter Firminger
Minister, I'm sorry if my previous question was too difficult for you to answer (or even acknowledge receipt) in a timely manner. So let's simplify it.
AGL Energy up to 92.5% in target Sydney Gas
Date: Thu 12-Feb-09
Author: Peter Firminger
It is now clear that AGL Energy will force the aquisition of the remaining shares to take over Sydney Gas
Gas Watch 62
Date: Thu 12-Feb-09
Author: HBGAG
Sydney Gas back to old ways - breaching undertaking made to the community; threatening our underground water supply; risking exploding methane gas near the Broke public school
Gas Watch 61
Date: Thu 12-Feb-09
Author: HBGAG
Sydney Gas/AGL assure community - no further action on Broke Village wells until independent water study completed.
Choose Wisely - an initiative of the RSPCA Australia to get hens out of cages
Date: Wed 11-Feb-09
Author: RSPCA
Today in Australia there are around 11.6 million hens living and laying eggs in cages. They suffer chronically throughout their short lives.
Whether you're a business owner or a consumer, by choosing your eggs wisely you can make a difference to the welfare of these animals and help the RSPCA get hens out of cages.
Hunter Bushfire Risk Management plan
Date: Tue 10-Feb-09
Author: Graham Taylor
With the tragic consequences of the bushfires in Victoria still unfolding, it is worth reminding everyone that there is a draft Bushfire Risk Management Plan for the Lower Hunter in the process of being formulated. Details and copies of the draft can be downloaded off the Maitland Council website.
Bucketty Bushfire Brigade are conducting a question and answer session on the proposed Risk management Plan followed by a sausage sizzle on Sunday 15th February to which you are cordially invited.
Peats Ridge Road (Gosford) Fire Update
Date: Mon 09-Feb-09
Author: NSW RFS
Firefighters are working to contain a bush fire, which is burning uncontained at Peats Ridge on the Central Coast.
This post is updated frequently
3 Ways (Singleton) Fire Update
Date: Mon 09-Feb-09
Author: NSW RFS
Firefighters are continuing to work on a fire which is burning in the Wollemi National Park, approximately 25 kilometres northwest of Putty and 44km south of Denman.
This post is updated frequently
From the Far End of the Council Table
Date: Sun 08-Feb-09
Author: Councillor James Ryan
How the system works - and doesn't work. Last week I received a letter from the Planning Minister telling me she was declining to put the land around Pitt Lane in Sawyers Gully into the Draft LEP. In everyday language that means the Minister won't consider rezoning the land from farmland to residential.
Foggy Mountain Jam SOLD OUT
Date: Fri 06-Feb-09
Author: Peter Firminger
All tickets for Foggy Mountain Jam have now been sold!
Call for Rail Services for NSW's Biggest Residential Development
Date: Thu 05-Feb-09
Author: Councillor James Ryan
Cessnock council unanimously moved to request the NSW Government provide increased passenger rail services if it approves any development in the massive Huntlee proposal at Branxton.
From the Mayor's Desk
Date: Thu 05-Feb-09
Author: Alison Davey
The fortnightly report from Mayor Alison Davey: I recently came across a poem which I wanted to share with you, I believe, written by an unknown author. I know that you will enjoy reading this poem with pride as I did.
The Central Coast Plateau Sustainable Farming Project
Date: Wed 04-Feb-09
Author: Carolyn Jenkinson (NSW DPI)
The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries with funding from the Commonwealth Government's National Landcare Program, is offering grants to landholders to implements on-ground works targeting weeds and pests...
Catchment News - Issue 14 - February 2009
Date: Wed 04-Feb-09
Author: Phoebe Trongchittham
The February edition of Catchment News, the newsletter of the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA).
Letter to Ian McDonald - NSW Minister for Primary Industries
Date: Wed 04-Feb-09
Author: Peter Firminger
Letter sent on 28-Jan-2009 to The Hon Ian McDonald which so far remains unanswered
ACCC Letters from HBGAG
Date: Wed 04-Feb-09
Author: Graham Gibson (HBGAG)
Attached is a copy of letters we sent to the ACCC regarding the "green" claims of Sydney Gas.
Letter to Council
Date: Tue 03-Feb-09
Author: Peter Firminger
A letter to Cessnock Council on the continuing Cunneens Bridge Issue
The Water Watcher - Autumn 2009
Date: Sun 01-Feb-09
Author: CMA
Newsletter of Hunter-Central Rivers Waterwatch - In this edition:
Upcoming Catchment Projects: Tilligerry Creek Projects
Champions of the Catchments Awards
Autumn Water Bug Surveys - March 2009
Phosphorus Awareness Week - 2008 Results
Spotlight on: Large-Footed Myotis
NSW Envirothon 2008 Winners - Dungog High School
Waterwatch Laminates Available
The Back Page: Dates, Funding, Trivia, Frog Survey
Increase in bird attack blamed on gas gun spike
Date: Fri 30-Jan-09
Author: The Singleton Argus
THE use of gas guns on vineyards has caused lively debate in the Broke and Bulga areas with an increase in bird attack igniting the guns far more regularly than some would like. Bulga couple Jurgen and Garby Seiffhart live opposite vineyards and say the guns are making their life unbearable.
Doorknocking Scam
Date: Wed 28-Jan-09
Author: 2NM Newsroom
The Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) is alerting the community of a possible door knocking scam in the hunter region.
Foggy Mountain Jam website now completed
Date: Tue 27-Jan-09
Author: Peter Firminger
The website for Foggy Mountain Jam has been completed with full details of the event on 28 February
Wollombi Markets Australia Day 2009
Date: Tue 27-Jan-09
Author: Caroline Maul
Wollombi once again celebrated Australia Day in true country style at the Wollombi Markets. There were plenty of stalls with produce and bric and brac. Hot food and ice creams, plants and clothing. The volunteers did a great job! From the allocations of stall sites, serving the teas and coffee, cooking at the barbeque, baking cakes, cleaning up the grounds afterwards and standing at the gate with the donation bucket!
From the Far End of the Council Table
Date: Sun 25-Jan-09
Author: Councillor James Ryan
Was it a record? The longest Cessnock Council meeting ever? Last week the Council meeting went till 10-45pm - after starting at 6-30pm that is 4 hours and 15 minutes. Is that a bad thing? Probably not. It indicates that the Councillors are debating the issues - in contrast to what used to happen.
Disney's Beauty and the Beast - Auditions
Date: Wed 21-Jan-09
Author: Singleton Theatrical Society
2009 will see Singleton Theatrical Society launch into preparation and production of the Walt Disney Classic; Beauty and the Beast. Auditions are being held on Tuesday 20 January and Thursday 22 January at 7:30pm at 74 George Street. Auditions for 'Chip' are on Sunday 25 January at 2:00pm.
Sydney Gas shareholders urged to accept takeover
Date: Wed 21-Jan-09
Author: ABC News
Sydney Gas is advising shareholders to accept a takeover offer from AGL Energy, saying that company is better placed to develop a $10 billion methane gas field in the Hunter Valley.
Foggy Mountain Jam
Date: Tue 20-Jan-09
Author: Peter Firminger
A Family Music Day With Kasey Chambers & Shane Nicholson, Troy Cassar-Daley, Shane Howard (Goanna), Bill Chambers & Jim Moginie (Midnight Oil) plus special guests...
Newcastle churches combine on professional standards
Date: Mon 19-Jan-09
Author: Christian Today via CathNews
In an historic move, the Anglican diocese of Newcastle and the Catholic diocese of Maitland-Newcastle are embarking upon a joint approach to the management of professional standards in the Hunter Valley.
Sydney Gas backs AGL bid
Date: Mon 19-Jan-09
Author: AAP - Yahoo Finance
Sydney Gas Ltd says shareholders are unlikely to achieve a better return on their investment than the $171 million AGL Energy Ltd takeover offer given the company's future capital requirements.
Drawing The Line
Date: Mon 19-Jan-09
Author: Frances Thompson (The Herald)
From the Herald's H2 Feature: As companies gear up to chase the wealth of natural resources around Gloucester, residents are preparing to fight them to maintain their rural lifestyle. Frances Thompson reports.
Birds in Backyards Members Competition
Date: Mon 19-Jan-09
Author: Holly Parsons (Birds Australia)
I wanted to remind you all that the Birds in Backyards Member Competition is closing soon. You have until the 30th of January to get your entries in.
$750m Hunter power station plans shelved
Date: Thu 15-Jan-09
Author: ABC News
The recent takeover of a company planning to build a $750 million gas-fired power station in the New South Wales Hunter Valley may have contributed to the project's demise.
Wollombi Valley Online Case Study
Date: Wed 14-Jan-09
Author: auCD
A case study of this website on the .au Community Domains Trust (.auCD) Website
Hunter tech college campuses merge
Date: Wed 14-Jan-09
Author: ABC News
The Hunter region's three Australian Technical College (ATC) campuses have been merged into one in order to secure the financial future of the training facility. The Singleton and Newcastle campuses have closed and the purpose-built facility at Maitland will now handle all enrolments.
Rescue - Summer 2009
Date: Wed 14-Jan-09
Author: WRHS
The newsletter of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service - In this issue: New Building opened with support of local community and building sector; CountryLink partners; Ritchies IGA - new crew sponsor; Mission Report; From the stretcher...
The Cockfighter - January 2009
Date: Sat 10-Jan-09
Author: The Cockfighter
Volume 7 - Issue 1 - Linking the communities of Broke, Fordwich, Bulga and Milbrodale
Boomi showcases its vibrant and energetic community
Date: Fri 09-Jan-09
Author: .au Community Domains
Although a small town, Boomi showcases its vibrant and energetic community at their new home on the net
Fire service hopes to extinguish Howes Valley blaze
Date: Fri 09-Jan-09
Author: ABC News
Firefighters today hope to extinguish a bushfire that has burnt out almost 3,000 hectares of national park south of Singleton.
Rural Fire Service struggles to contain NSW fires
Date: Thu 08-Jan-09
Author: ABC News
The New South Wales Rural Fire Service is still struggling to control two fires in remote bushland. Hot, windy weather has fire crews struggling to contain a fire that has burnt out around 600 hectares at Wingacaribee, in the Southern Highlands. They are also attempting to contain another blaze at Yengo National Park in the upper Hunter.
Ducks 4 Dollars
Date: Wed 07-Jan-09
Author: Ducks 4 Dollars
Since 2004 the EnergyAustralia Ducks 4 Dollars Australia Day event has raised more than $100,000 for the Hunter's Surf Clubs and the community's own Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. The cooperative fundraising event is held annually from 10.30am at Queens Wharf in Newcastle on Australia Day (26 January).
Catchment News - Issue 13 - January 2009
Date: Wed 07-Jan-09
Author: Phoebe Trongchittham
The January edition of Catchment News, the newsletter of the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA).
Hot and windy: No relief for NSW firefighters
Date: Wed 07-Jan-09
Author: ABC News
Firefighters in New South Wales are continuing to battle two large bushfires, one of which has been declared an emergency situation.
AGL Energy raises stake to take control of Sydney Gas
Date: Wed 07-Jan-09
Author: Matt Chambers (Australian)
AGL Energy has taken just over a week to secure control of Sydney Gas in its $187 million cash takeover bid. With chances of a higher bidder emerging dwindling, AGL yesterday revealed it had moved to a 54 per cent stake in Sydney Gas (SGL).
NSW firefighters battle three bushfires
Date: Tue 06-Jan-09
Author: ABC News
Nine helicopters and planes are water bombing three bushfires around New South Wales. Remote area firefighters are attacking a fire in the Yengo National Park, near Howes Valley in the Hunter Valley, on foot...
Firefighter collapses in Howes Valley blaze
Date: Tue 06-Jan-09
Author: ABC News
The Rural Fire Service (RFS) in New South Wales says the collapse of a volunteer while fighting a blaze in the Hunter Valley yesterday, indicates the arduous conditions facing fire crews on very hot days.
Save Cunneens Bridge - Your community needs you
Date: Tue 06-Jan-09
Author: Paul Budde
A media release from Paul Budde for the Cunneens Bridge Group regarding the three Cessnock Council options (as published in OON)
Tennis & Croquet Club White Elephant Stall
Date: Mon 05-Jan-09
Author: WTCC
Wollombi Tennis & Croquet Club's White Elephant Stall Monday 26 Jan - Donations appreciated
New Years Eve
Date: Sat 03-Jan-09
Author: Sally Sullivan
Wollombi Tavern was the place to be as '09 loomed under the light of the Black Jack Moon.
Carols at The Bucketty Wall 2008
Date: Wed 24-Dec-08
Author: Caroline Maul
We once again had a great fundraiser for the Rural Bush Fire Brigade in the spirit of Christmas.
Planet Ark launches Aluminium Can Recycling Campaign
Date: Tue 23-Dec-08
Author: Amy Nancarrow (Planet Ark)
The Aluminium Can Group and Planet Ark are pleased to announce the launch of the Aluminium Can Recycling Campaign, encouraging Australians to consider the positive environmental benefits of recycling. Join Layne Beachley, Planet Ark and millions of other Australians in combating climate change.
Sydney Gas, AGL statements pending - Trading Halted
Date: Tue 23-Dec-08
Author: LiveNews - AAP
AGL Energy Ltd has requested a trading halt on its shares pending an announcement about a material transaction. Earlier on Tuesday, Sydney Gas Ltd has requested a trading halt on its shares pending an announcement about a takeover bid.
Merry Christmas from Birds in Backyards
Date: Mon 22-Dec-08
Author: Holly Parsons (Birds Australia)
All of us from Birds in Backyards would like to wish all our members a very merry and safe Christmas. Our December e-newsletter is now available for you to download
Christmas Special Offer from Noyce Bros. Wines
Date: Fri 19-Dec-08
Author: Peter Firminger
Stock Clearance: 1 red and 3 lovely whites - all under $10
Early Christmas present for Millfield residents
Date: Fri 19-Dec-08
Author: Peter Firminger
The Sydney Gas Investor Update December 2008 by Andy Lukas - CEO indicates a "proposed corehole" in Millfield.
WAGE Tee Shirts
Date: Thu 18-Dec-08
Author: Peter Firminger
Tee Shirts are now available for $20 from Wollombi General Store and The Old Northern Trading Post at Laguna.
Be green on the go this festive season!
Date: Wed 17-Dec-08
Author: Michelle Cook (Planet Ark)
With all the shopping, cooking, decorating and preparations that take place prior to Christmas there doesn't leave much time for anything else. It's important to remember the environment when planning your Christmas and holidays and now with Planet Ark's first ever podcast, you can learn how to be environmentally responsible while you're on the go.
Public Exhibition of 3 Cunneens Bridge Alignment Options
Date: Mon 15-Dec-08
Author: Darren McKimm (Cessnock Council)
Cessnock City Council has three possible bridge alignments on public exhibition from the 12 December 2008 to 19 January 2009 (extended to 4 Feb). This will enable the public to view and comment on their preferred replacement option.
Nine Christmas Readings and Carols at St Johns 2008
Date: Sun 14-Dec-08
Author: Caroline Maul
Christmas Carols at St Johns is always special, this year the church was full and the we were very privileged to have Allegra Francesca Giagu sing.
Estimated Carbon Footprint of Sydney Gas and AGL in the Hunter
Date: Sun 14-Dec-08
Author: Peter Firminger
The estimates being spun by Sydney Gas for their predicted output of Methane from the Hunter Valley show an Ugh Boot shaped carbon footprint...
Which is true Mr Lukas?
Date: Sat 13-Dec-08
Author: Peter Firminger
In the initial Wollombi Hall meeting, the chair of the meeting stated that the people of Wollombi were confused by mis-information in the community and that the meeting was to sort out the confusion.
Cunneens Bridge Action
Date: Thu 11-Dec-08
Author: Newcastle on Hunter
The Wollombi community will organise a bliz campaign to save one of the last remaining timber bridges along the Great North Road. People are asked to send their support for the upstream option to the Cessnock Councillors
Wollombi Valley Arts Council - Arts News
Date: Wed 10-Dec-08
Author: Bronnie Aliotti
The December/January Newsletter from WVAC: The WVAC is pleased to invite members of our community to an informative seminar on the aboriginal history of the Wollombi @ Laguna Hall @ 4.00pm on 14 February 2009.
The Country Woman - December 2008
Date: Wed 10-Dec-08
Author: CWA of NSW
Official Publication of the Country Women's Association of New South Wales - December 2008/January 2009 Volume 49 No 06
The Fault Line 5
Date: Wed 10-Dec-08
Author: Sean Gough
Issue No. 5 December 2008 - Acting on behalf of WAGE, the Environmental Defender's Office has written to the Minister of Primary Industries identifying various defects and omissions found in the Review of Environmental Factors that was submitted by Sydney Gas with their application to drill in the Wollombi Valley and elsewhere.
You're the 'tops' SGL- spinning nothing into a web of myths
Date: Wed 10-Dec-08
Author: Peter Firminger
Sydney Gas is spinning a beautiful web of myths to the industry to try and look like they are going places...
Catchment News - Issue 12 - December 2008
Date: Thu 04-Dec-08
Author: Phoebe Trongchittham
The December edition of Catchment News, the newsletter of the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA).
Condobolin Community Website
Date: Tue 02-Dec-08
Author: auCD
Condobolin now has its geographical home on the internet
Coal Seam Gas In The Hunter Valley
Date: Sun 30-Nov-08
Author: Big Gav
While most of the coal seam gas action is taking place up in Queensland it is likely that there are significant amounts in NSW as well. Quoll Tracks points to a local media report about Sydney Gas' exploration success - Poor fellow my valley!
Valley's $10bn methane gas find
Date: Sat 29-Nov-08
Author: Matthew Kelly (The Herald)
AN estimated $10 billion worth of coal-seam methane gas or enough gas to supply Sydney for the next 150 years has been found beneath the Hunter.
Wollombi Business Breakfast Meeting
Date: Wed 26-Nov-08
Author: Caroline Maul
The Business Breakfast Meeting was held at Capers Guesthouse Wollombi.
Landcare newsletter for December 2008
Date: Tue 25-Nov-08
Author: Graham Taylor
Please find attached a copy of the Landcare newsletter for December in PDF format.
Miss Cessnock Quest 2008
Date: Sat 22-Nov-08
Author: Caroline Maul
Miss Cessnock Quest 2008, Our local Emma Sullivan was a great entrant.
State Tourism Awards 2008
Date: Sat 22-Nov-08
Author: Caroline Maul
Regional NSW Tourism Award Winners 2008, with a Silver Award going to Somewhere Unique of Wollombi.
Yet another SGL Board Change...
Date: Thu 20-Nov-08
Author: Peter Firminger
Sydney Gas announces new Chairman and Board renewal Thursday, 20 November 2008
Opportunity for Aboriginal community to work more closely with the wider Casino community
Date: Wed 19-Nov-08
Author: auCD
The new Casino community website has been launched this week at casino.nsw.au to encourage greater cooperation and act as an all-encompassing voice of the NSW town.
Wollombi Tidy Valley's Project Update
Date: Tue 11-Nov-08
Author: Caroline Maul
Wollombi Tidy Valley's Project Update on Anzac Reserve Banksia.
Raising The Flag on Remeberance Day 2008
Date: Tue 11-Nov-08
Author: Caroline Maul
Wollombi Tidy Valley Team raised The Flag at Anzac Reserve Wollombi today.
Birds in Backyards Research Projects
Date: Tue 11-Nov-08
Author: Holly Parsons (Birds Australia)
As spring draws to a close, we hope you have been or will be sending us some surveys telling us about the birds that are making your garden their homes this year. We also have a special request for extra assistance with two research projects being conducted by students in biology at the University of Sydney.
The Blessing of the Fleet
Date: Mon 10-Nov-08
Author: Graham Jackson
The first Blessing of the Fire Fleet of the Cessnock area occurred in January 1997.
Temporary road closure options for Paynes Crossing Rd - Community Consultation
Date: Wed 05-Nov-08
Author: Darren McKimm (Cessnock Council)
Temporary road closure options for Paynes Crossing Road from Williams Bridge to 700m south (towards Wollombi) for road construction works
Catchment News - Issue 11 - November 2008
Date: Tue 04-Nov-08
Author: Phoebe Trongchittham
The November edition of Catchment News, the newsletter of the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA).
Valley's choice: Gas or the GP
Date: Sun 02-Nov-08
Author: Clair Weaver (Sunday Telegraph)
An article from the Sunday Telegraph on 2 October
From the Far End of the Council Table
Date: Tue 28-Oct-08
Author: Councillor James Ryan
It was a mixed grill at the Cessnock Council meeting last week. There was lots of argy bargy over a proposal to develop a put-put golf course in the vineyards.
Wollombi Valley Short Film Festival on YouTube
Date: Tue 28-Oct-08
Author: Peter Firminger
Most of the films from the 2008 Wollombi Valley Short Film Festival are now available online...
So near and yet so far
Date: Sat 25-Oct-08
Author: Louise Southerden (SMH)
It doesn't take long before you feel like a local in this friendly country town, writes Louise Southerden.
Rescue - Spring 2008
Date: Wed 22-Oct-08
Author: WRHS
The newsletter of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service (2.56MB PDF)
Gas Watch 53
Date: Fri 17-Oct-08
Author: HBGAG
News from the Hunter-Bulga Gas Action Group
Cartoon
Date: Fri 17-Oct-08
Author: A Non
In response to comments from Sydney Gas and AGL
The Fault Line 4
Date: Fri 17-Oct-08
Author: Sean Gough
October update regarding Sydney Gas and AGL and their continuing efforts to drill for METHANE GAS in the Wollombi Valley
Fight fails to protect bush water from mines
Date: Thu 16-Oct-08
Author: Stock Journal (SA)
Independent Federal MP Tony Windsor has blamed "irresponsible party solidarity" by Labor members for the defeat of an amendment he had introduced in a bid to protect rural groundwater supplies from mining developments.
Statements in stained steel
Date: Thu 16-Oct-08
Author: Rosalie Higson (The Australian)
PAUL Selwood's sculptures are constructed from a single sheet of steel: cut, folded and twisted into itself. His work can appear to have the fragility of paper or the monumental dignity of a sandstone escarpment.
Sydney Gas AGL Core Hole Update
Date: Tue 14-Oct-08
Author: Peter Firminger
A Sydney Gas propaganda sheet showing maps of the immanent further invasion on Wollombi
WVPA Recreation and Open Space Priorities Survey
Date: Mon 13-Oct-08
Author: Wollombi Valley Progress Association
Progress is conducting this survey to help identify the priorities for children and adults in the Wollombi Valley to safely enjoy a more active lifestyle.
GAS WATCH 52
Date: Mon 13-Oct-08
Author: HBGAG
On its website, this controversial player in the release of METHANE gas from coal seams has placed on its website, finally, "Some actions and answers", a copy of a presentation made to the last meeting of the Community Consultative Committee.
The Country Woman - October 2008
Date: Fri 10-Oct-08
Author: CWA of NSW
Official Publication of the Country Women's Association of New South Wales - October/November 2008 Volume 49 No 05
HBGAG Response to 'raising few complaints'
Date: Thu 09-Oct-08
Author: Graeme Gibson
"This claim by controversial methane explorer, Sydney Gas Ltd, is far from the truth. It appears that Sydney Gas will say anything to try and justify its drilling program right next to the vineyard village of Broke" says spokesman for the Hunter Bulga Gas Action Group, Graeme Gibson.
Hunter drilling 'raising few complaints'
Date: Wed 08-Oct-08
Author: ABC News
Sydney Gas says it has had very few complaints about its exploratory gas drilling in the Hunter Valley, even though vandals have sprayed graffiti at the site of one drilling rig.
Recycle glasses for good cause
Date: Tue 07-Oct-08
Author: eyesmart.com.au
Hunter Resource Recovery has joined forces with the Lions Recycle for Sight Australia to recycle eye glasses from homes in the Council areas of Cessnock, Lake Macquarie and Maitland.
Catchment News - Issue 10 - October 2008
Date: Sat 04-Oct-08
Author: Phoebe Trongchittham
Organisation: CMA
The October edition of Catchment News, the newsletter of the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA).
Includes 'Waging war on weeds in Wollombi'
A good year
Date: Sat 04-Oct-08
Author: Peter Firminger
wollombi.nsw.au and wage.org.au stats for the first twelve months since we went live
Bush Telegraph Magazine - Spring 2008
Date: Wed 01-Oct-08
Author: Bush Telegraph
Stories from the Spring 2008 edition of Bush Telegraph Magazine - NSW Department of Primary Industries.
Archaelogical Dig is in process at Cunneens Bridge
Date: Wed 01-Oct-08
Author: Caroline Maul
Archaelogical Dig is in process at Cunneens Bridge
Landcare Newsletter October 2008
Date: Wed 01-Oct-08
Author: Graham Taylor
Please find attached a copy of the Landcare newsletter for October in PDF format.
Female mayor for Singleton
Date: Tue 30-Sep-08
Author: ABC News
History has been made in Singleton overnight with the election of the shire's first female mayor.
Bishop's Mass 2008
Date: Sat 27-Sep-08
Author: Francisca Maul
Saint Michael's had their annual visit from Bishop Michael Malone.
Sydney Gas Director sells out as price plummets
Date: Fri 26-Sep-08
Author: Peter Firminger
Sydney Gas Director Warren David Murphy sold his entire holding of 500,000 shares for $156,523.72 on 19 September 2008.
Sanctuary Villages Now Up for Public Comment
Date: Wed 24-Sep-08
Author: Tim Plater
Greens call for objections to 700 house subdivision at Paxton-Millfield
Upcoming EnergyAustralia Helicopter Patrol
Date: Wed 24-Sep-08
Author: Jo Bailey
Livestock Warning
Council Elections Finalised
Date: Mon 22-Sep-08
Author: Peter Firminger
The Cessnock Council Election has finally been counted and posted by the Electoral Commission and the Singleton positions were declared on 18 Sept.
Birds in Backyards e-Newsletter
Date: Thu 18-Sep-08
Author: Holly Parsons (Birds Australia)
Well we are thrilled to announce that Birds in Backyards was the winner of the 2008 Alan
Strom Eureka Prize for Environmental and Well spring has sprung, birds are busy collecting nesting materials and it is time for your new e-Newsletter.
Cessnock rally part of Hupmobile centenary
Date: Wed 17-Sep-08
Author: The Advertiser
Cessnock will be the venue next week for the National Hupmobile Rally featuring beautifully restored vehicles made between 1908 and 1941. On Monday, September 22 2008 the vehicles will travel along Vincent Street, through to Kitchener and Quorrobolong, finishing at historic Wollombi for lunch and an inspection of the museum.
Independent wins Cessnock mayoral seat
Date: Wed 17-Sep-08
Author: Paul Maguire (The Herald)
LONG-STANDING independent in Cessnock Alison Davey has won the city's mayoral seat from the Labor Party. The final vote count was released last night, leaving Mrs Davey with a total of 10,844 votes, ahead of Labor candidate Bob Pynsent by 393 votes. Greens candidate James Ryan was 3579 votes further behind, and Liberal candidate Dale Troy behind again by 1542.
Alison Davey elected Mayor of Cessnock
Date: Tue 16-Sep-08
Author: Peter Firminger
With a total of 10844 votes after allocation of preferences, Independent candidate Alison Davey has been elected Mayor of Cessnock.
Bowraville Community Website
Date: Tue 16-Sep-08
Author: .au Community Domains
The Bowraville Technology Centre is launching Bowraville's new community home on the net today.
Catchment News - Issue 9 - September 2008
Date: Wed 10-Sep-08
Author: Phoebe Trongchittham via Graham Taylor
Organisation: CMA
The September edition of Catchment News, the newsletter of the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA).
Fears Qld gas project will destroy arable land
Date: Tue 09-Sep-08
Author: Nicole Bond (ABC Radio - PM)
Queensland's resources boom has taken another giant leap forward, but there are fears that it's at the expense of the state's food bowl. The state's gas industry has welcomed a multi-billion dollar investment to extract more gas from underground coal seams.
Plan to mine coal gas off Newcastle coast
Date: Tue 09-Sep-08
Author: Paul Maguire (The Herald)
A MAJOR conservation fight is looming over an energy company's plan to use seismic tests to explore almost 6000 square kilometres of ocean along the Newcastle to Sydney coast in search of coal under the seabed.
Danger signs at Broke drilling
Date: Sun 07-Sep-08
Author: Paul Maguire (The Herald)
HARPER: ...I'd say there is more methane gas coming from cows in the next paddock, or even leaking from the children in the school playground, than coming from our wells.
Charming Mark!
What a weekend!
Date: Sun 07-Sep-08
Author: Peter Firminger
The collapse of Iemma/Costa/Sartor and the access to the Sydney Gas Wollombi 01 Drill Site flooded yet again...
Michael Costa: the free radical
Date: Fri 05-Sep-08
Author: Imre Salusinszky (The Australian)
His hero is Ronald Reagan. He's a champion of privatisation. And don't even get him started on climate change. Labor's great eccentric, NSW Treasurer Michael Costa, talked to Imre Salusinszky in the Magazine in April this year...
In answer to the latest bit of PR released by Sydney Gas
Date: Wed 03-Sep-08
Author: Sean Gough
In answer to the latest bit of PR released by Sydney Gas about the concerns of residents in Broke, it must be said they completely ignore the issues we are most concerned about.
Sydney Gas Test Well Update
Date: Mon 01-Sep-08
Author: Sydney Gas
Broke Presentation On-line, Well proximity and Milbrodale Property purchase
Culture feast at Wollombi
Date: Wed 27-Aug-08
Author: The Advertiser
Wollombi Cultural Centre (WCC) will be hosting some exciting exhibitions over the next few weeks.
Laguna artists Penny Walton and Hadyn Wilson will be holding an exhibition to celebrate the coming of spring.
Wollombi Tidy Valleys host Judges for the 2008 Awards
Date: Tue 26-Aug-08
Author: Caroline Maul
Laguna water sheme Wollombi Valley, Keep Australia Awards 2008. Facilitated by Tidy Valleys and suported by Wollombi Valley Progress Association.
Hunter residents outraged over methane gas exploration
Date: Fri 22-Aug-08
Author: ABC PM
Residents in the New South Wales Hunter Valley are furious about work that's begun in a National Trust conservation area to look for methane gas in coal seams.
So... who was that unmoderated moderator?
Date: Fri 22-Aug-08
Author: Peter Firminger
At the Sydney Gas meeting in Broke on Wednesday evening, the audience was immediately accosted by an aggressive moderator...
Gas Watch 43 - Sydney Gas simply doesn't care!
Date: Wed 20-Aug-08
Author: HBGAG
Controversial methane gas explorer, Sydney Gas, has declared that it will drill on land it has bought right next to the vineyard village of Broke.
Boutique group bands together
Date: Wed 20-Aug-08
Author: The Advertiser
In a move thought to be relatively unique in the Australian tourism industry, the Hunter Valley's finest, luxury, boutique accommodators have joined forces to battle the area's ever expanding resorts and hotels.
Lee Rhiannon Video
Date: Tue 19-Aug-08
Author: Peter Firminger
We have added the first of a number of video feeds from our events and meetings regarding the Sydney Gas invasion of Wollombi Valley and surrounds.
Lee Rhiannon MLC (NSW Greens) speaks at the Laguna Meeting "Why we say NO to Sydney Gas".
Residents to fight Wollombi gas project
Date: Tue 19-Aug-08
Author: Jessica Minshall (2SER)
In a meeting of residents effected by the drilling, Greens MP Lee Rhiannon expressed her support for farmers to take action against the drilling. Sean Gough, from the local campaign group: Wollombi Valley Against Gas Extraction, has encouraged people not to let Sydney Gas onto their properties, and is starting to meet with surrounding communities. He spoke with 2ser's Jessica Minshall.
Flare-up over gas test well near Broke
Date: Sun 17-Aug-08
Author: Paul Maguire (The Herald)
Sydney Gas and AGL will erect a coal seam methane test well on a controversial block of land it has bought on the edge of the village of Broke, near Singleton.
$300 million exploration licence to be granted near Gunnedah
Date: Fri 15-Aug-08
Author: DPI
The NSW Government will grant an exploration licence for the Watermark area near Gunnedah for a period of five years following a rigorous tender process, Minister for Mineral Resources Ian Macdonald said today.
Who's lying?
Date: Wed 13-Aug-08
Author: Peter Firminger
A Sydney Gas update hand delivered the night before the WAGE meeting at Laguna is either calling me or Mark Harper a liar...
Wollombi residents get drill on gas project
Date: Tue 12-Aug-08
Author: Frances Thompson (The Herald)
CIVIL disobedience, such as blockades, should not be ruled out in public protests over the Sydney Gas Lower Hunter gas exploration, residents were told on the weekend.
Upper House Greens MP Lee Rhiannon told a meeting of more than 100 people that laws covering gas and oil searches "lock out" the community and individual property owners.
"One way we can have an impact is when your voice, the public voice, is strong..." she said.
Farewell Reg Lindsay
Date: Tue 12-Aug-08
Author: Donna Sharpe (The Herald)
IT was a fitting send-off for one of the world's leading legends of country music. In a ceremony filled with life stories, applause, tears and song, Golden Guitar and Logie Award winner Reg Lindsay OAM was farewelled in style...
Gas Watch 42
Date: Tue 12-Aug-08
Author: HBGAG
'RIGHT IN YOUR FACE, BROKE'
SYDNEY GAS attitude to picturesque Hunter
Valley Community
Wollombi coal seam methane gas exploration
Date: Sat 09-Aug-08
Author: Lee Rhiannon
NSW Greens MP Lee Rhiannon to speak at public meeting opposing Coal Seam Gas extraction by Sydney Gas in the Wollombi Valley.
Miners to light protest fuse
Date: Fri 08-Aug-08
Author: Bruce McDougall - Daily Telegraph
A MASS protest movement is mobilising to oppose plans to explore for coal-seam methane gas in one of the state's most pristine valleys.
Gas Watch 41
Date: Fri 08-Aug-08
Author: HBGAG
Sydney Gas has bought land in Broke adjacent to the residential area of the village.
Residents unhappy with gas search
Date: Thu 07-Aug-08
Author: ABC News
Residents of the Hunter's Wollombi Valley say the New South Wales Government should never have allowed Sydney Gas to look for coal seam gas deposits in the area.
Response to Mark Harper
Date: Tue 05-Aug-08
Author: Sean Gough
A response to the letter from Mark Harper (General Manager - Sydney Gas) from Sean Gough
Letter from Mark Harper (General Manager Sydney Gas)
Date: Tue 05-Aug-08
Author: Hayley Moffitt (SGL)
A letter in which Mark Harper from Sydney Gas states - 'I must stress that we are not proposing gas production in the Wollombi Valley'
Catchment News - Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority
Date: Tue 05-Aug-08
Author: Phoebe Johnson via Graham Taylor
Organisation: CMA
Welcome to the August edition of Catchment News, the newsletter of the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA).
Gas Watch 39
Date: Tue 05-Aug-08
Author: Peter Firminger
The publication from Hunter-Bulga Gas Action Group.
Sydney Gas Update on Gas Exploration - 31 July 2008
Date: Thu 31-Jul-08
Author: Dana Hollis (SGL)
From Dana Hollis at Sydney Gas (ASX:SGL): We are pleased to inform you that the drill rig for the core hole at Paynes Crossing was delivered to site today.
Total Environmment Centre on Sydney Gas in Wollombi
Date: Thu 31-Jul-08
Author: Peter Firminger
In relation to Sydney Gas drilling in the Wollombi Valley, the Total Environment Centre says: The Wollombi Valley is an inappropriate location for CSM extraction and therefore exploration...
Gas Watch 38 - There is Always a Risk
Date: Wed 30-Jul-08
Author: HBGAG
The publication from Hunter-Bulga Gas Action Group. Refers to the document Sydney Gas Exploration News July 2008 - also listed
Wyong hydrogeological report by Tim Jones as referred to on ACA
Date: Tue 29-Jul-08
Author: Sean Gough
A report by Northern Geoscience submitted to the Australian Gas Alliance about Sydney Gas drilling in the Wyong area
Replies from Kerry Hickey and Joel Fitzgibbon
Date: Tue 29-Jul-08
Author: Sean Gough
Two replies from invitations to attend the meeting on August 9
Three Sydney Gas Documents
Date: Thu 24-Jul-08
Author: Peter Firminger
Organisation: WAGE
3 documents either supplied by Sydney Gas or downloaded from the ASX Website
Similar issues for Liverpool Plains
Date: Thu 24-Jul-08
Author: A Current Affair - Channel Nine
Organisation: WAGE
A report from A Current Affair on BHP Billiton drilling for coal and Gas around Liverpool Plains
Wollombi film festival celebrates 10 years
Date: Wed 23-Jul-08
Author: Cessnock Advertiser
The Wollombi Valley Short Film Festival is celebrating 10 years of showcasing the work of Hunter filmmakers.
Letter to Verity Firth
Date: Wed 23-Jul-08
Author: Sean Gough
Organisation: WAGE
A letter to the NSW Minister for Climate Change and the Environment
Letter to Peter Garrett
Date: Wed 23-Jul-08
Author: Sean Gough
Organisation: WAGE
A letter to the Federal Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts
Gas Watch 37
Date: Wed 16-Jul-08
Author: HBGAG
Organisation: HBGAG
The publication from Hunter-Bulga Gas Action Group - Quoting the Wollombi Sydney Gas Meeting on July 14 2008
Gas Bonanza
Date: Wed 16-Jul-08
Author: Jamie Freed (SMH)
Organisation: WAGE
Long the Cinderella of the energy sector, coal-seam gas has suddenly emerged as the hot industry every big global player wants to be in - and NSW is the next frontier of the great gas rush. Jamie Freed reports...
Minutes from the second Wollombi Sydney Gas Meeting
Date: Tue 15-Jul-08
Author: Peter Firminger
Organisation: WAGE
These are independant minutes from the Wollombi Valley Chamber of Commerce Meeting with Sydney Gas
Sydney Gas Update
Date: Fri 11-Jul-08
Author: Dana Hollis
Organisation: WAGE
Update for Wollombi and Paynes Crossing Residents
LEP Action Group Letters
Date: Fri 11-Jul-08
Author: Steve Annis-Brown
Organisation: Progress
Two letters have been sent by the LEP Action Group, to Cessnock Council and Frank Sartor.
Catchment News - Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority
Date: Wed 09-Jul-08
Author: Phoebe Johnson via Graham Taylor
Organisation: CMA
Welcome to the July edition of Catchment News, the newsletter of the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA).
GAS WATCH 36
Date: Sun 06-Jul-08
Author: HBGAG
Organisation: HBGAG
Sydney Gas Exploration threatens water in the Hunter...
Mineral exploration - vital to the future of NSW
Date: Wed 02-Jul-08
Author: DPI
Organisation: WAGE
More than 120 mineral explorers from across Australia will gather at NSW Parliament House today to hear the latest information from geoscience surveys about opportunities in under-explored parts of NSW, Minister for Mineral Resources Ian Macdonald said today.
Response to my email to Dana Hollis
Date: Tue 01-Jul-08
Author: Caroline Maul
Organisation: WAGE
Response to my email to Dana Hollis of Sydney Gas
Mangrove Mountain Community Website
Date: Tue 01-Jul-08
Author: .au Community Domains
Today Mangrove Mountain launched it's Community Website. The facility is managed and operated by the Mangrove Mountain Computer Club, a small group of volunteers who will be continuing to develop the website for their community.
Rescue - Winter 2008
Date: Mon 30-Jun-08
Author: WRHS
The newsletter of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service (2.06MB PDF)
Frogs and firefighting benefit from dams
Date: Mon 30-Jun-08
Author: Howard Spencer - Public Affairs & Media - Forests NSW
A practical need to provide firefighting water in a string of dams across State forests in the Watagan forest area west of Newcastle is still delivering results years after they were established.
Cunneens Bridge Replacement Project & Paynes Crossing Rd Upgrading Project, June Update
Date: Sun 29-Jun-08
Author: Darren McKimm (CCC)
Organisation: Progress
Here is an update on the progress of Cunneens Bridge Replacement and Paynes Crossing Road gravel section upgrade.
Upper House Questions without Notice
Date: Fri 27-Jun-08
Author: Graeme Gibson (HBGAG)
Organisation: WAGE
The following question and "answer" occurred in the Upper House yesterday. I have downloaded it from Hansard.
National Tree Day
Date: Fri 27-Jun-08
Author: Planet Ark Tree Day Team
With only one month to go until National Tree Day on Sunday July 27, Planet Ark is encouraging all Australians to get growing!
Response to a question at Cessnock Council re Sydney Gas
Date: Thu 26-Jun-08
Author: James Ryan
Organisation: WAGE
From L Oldfield
Director Infrastructure & Services
Racing spotlight on Jungle Juice Cup
Date: Wed 25-Jun-08
Author: The Advertiser
The racing spotlight will be firmly fixed on Cessnock next Tuesday for the running of the 28th Jungle Juice Cup.
This now time-honoured event has continued to grow in statue and officials are predicting another crowd in the order of five to six thousand to pack the Wine Country Race Club venue for some great racing.
Stop Importation of Savannah Cats
Date: Sun 22-Jun-08
Author: Graham Taylor
You may have seen recent reports on television news programs and other media concerning the proposal to allow 'Savannah Cats' to be imported into Australia without any risk assessment for their potential 'feralness'.
Other newspaper reports
Date: Sat 21-Jun-08
Author: Peter Firminger
Organisation: WAGE
There are other newspaper reports available from the Fairfax News Store for $2.20 each
Cessnock Council - Questions Without Notice - Majors Lane / Cuneens Bridge
Date: Sat 21-Jun-08
Author: CCC Minutes
Following (un-minuted) questions at the Council Meeting on 4 June, Cr Ryan followed up on the effect of Cunnens Bridge funding going to Majors lane repairs
GAS WATCH 33.
Date: Thu 19-Jun-08
Author: Hunter-Bulga Gas Action Group
Organisation: HBGAG
Sydney Gas has failed in community consultation in relation to its recent corehole approvals.
Response to Graeme Gibson from Mark Harper (Acting CEO SGL)
Date: Tue 17-Jun-08
Author: HBGAG
Organisation: WAGE
Mr. Mark Harper, Acting Chief Executive Officer, provides a detailed response to the HBGAG June 6 letter from Graeme Gibson
Gas article in The Herald
Date: Mon 16-Jun-08
Author: Peter Firminger
Organisation: WAGE
Includes quotes from Graham Gibson about the Wollombi meeting
Gas Exploration Update
Date: Sun 15-Jun-08
Author: Dana Hollis (SGL)
Organisation: WAGE
A letter from Sydney Gas
A few questions
Date: Sat 14-Jun-08
Author: Peter Firminger
Organisation: WAGE
I have a few questions to ask of people with interests in the valley.
Business FloodSafe Toolkit from the SES
Date: Thu 12-Jun-08
Author: NSW State Emergency Service
Organisation: SES
Flooding is a real threat to your business. This free online toolkit has been designed by the SES to assist businesses manage the potential impact of floods.
Gas Watch 32 (HBGAG) and a response to Andy Lucas (CEO SGL)
Date: Wed 11-Jun-08
Author: HBGAG (George)
Organisation: HBGAG
The Hunter-Bulga Gas Action Group website has been updated with two new documents
Cessnock Council - Questions Without Notice - Gas Drilling
Date: Wed 11-Jun-08
Author: Cessnock City Council Minutes
Organisation: WAGE
Questions from Cr Davey, Cr Troy and Cr Ryan to Council during the Ordinary Meeting on June 4
Catchment News - Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority
Date: Wed 11-Jun-08
Author: Phoebe Johnson via Graham Taylor
Organisation: CMA
Welcome to the June edition of Catchment News, the newsletter of the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA).
Village of Hall (ACT) Community Website
Date: Tue 10-Jun-08
Author: .au Community Domains
Village of Hall and District Progress Association in the ACT launches Community Website
Gas Meeting
Date: Sun 08-Jun-08
Author: Peter Firminger
Organisation: WAGE
The Public Information Meeting held yesterday was well attended
More Useful Documents
Date: Sun 08-Jun-08
Author: Dave Burgess
Organisation: WAGE
Three documents supplied by Dave Burgess
Gas Watch No 31 (HBGAG) and other documents - UPDATED
Date: Tue 03-Jun-08
Author: Peter Firminger
Organisation: HBGAG
This document is published by the Hunter Bulga Gas Action Group. It contains some details about the Wollombi and Paynes Crossing sites that will help form required questions for the meeting on Saturday.
Sydney Gas Fact Sheet Extract
Date: Tue 03-Jun-08
Author: Bronwyn Duncan
Organisation: WAGE
The following comes from a paper on the web and parts of it may be pertinent to our community's approach to this issue.
A quote on Drilling
Date: Tue 03-Jun-08
Author: Peter Firminger quoting Ellen Cavalli
Organisation: WAGE
A quote from a blog in the US
Cunneens Bridge Replacement Project & Paynes Crossing Rd Upgrading Project
Date: Sun 01-Jun-08
Author: Kevin Dillon (CCC)
Organisation: Progress
As sent to Progress
Sydney Gas to start drilling near Wollombi and Paynes Crossing
Date: Sun 01-Jun-08
Author: Peter Firminger
Organisation: WAGE
At the May Wollombi Valley Progress Association meeting yesterday, it was mentioned that Sydney Gas are to start drilling near Wollombi and Paynes Crossing...
Bundanoon launch Community Website
Date: Wed 28-May-08
Author: .au Community Domains
Our hopes for the community site at the new CGDN address is to further promote the activities of the community groups currently using the Bundanoon Community Web.
Drought taking toll on Hunter water catchments: research
Date: Fri 23-May-08
Author: ABC News
New research has found climate change and land management practices could be affecting the total amount of ground and surface water in the Hunter.
Water, salinity levels in Hunter linked to climate
Date: Thu 22-May-08
Author: Dr Ben Macdonald - ANU
Climate change and land management practices could be affecting the total amount of groundwater and surface water in the Hunter Valley, and also increasing levels of salinity.
This is the view of researchers from The Australian National University and Southern Cross University who are currently researching the interaction between surface water, groundwater and salinity in the Wybong and Wollombi catchments.
Rescue - Autumn 2008
Date: Fri 16-May-08
Author: WRHS
The newsletter of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service (3.42MB PDF)
Convict Trail Working bees
Date: Fri 16-May-08
Author: Elizabeth Roberts
Organisation: Convict Trail
As the end of the financial year approaches I need to hold some working bees to provide, through voluntary labour, our matching dollars for the dollar for dollar grant I have had.
Avoca (Vic) Community Website Launched
Date: Mon 28-Apr-08
Author: .au Community Domains
Another Victorian town has joined the Australian Community Website family...
Why not RU2 Zoning for Wollombi Valley?
Date: Tue 15-Apr-08
Author: Steve Annis-Brown, Paul and Priscilla Flemming
Organisation: Progress
This table summarises some of the many radical differences in permissible land use and activities between RU2 and E3 zones, as so far defined.
Local councils launch grass roots campaign against the state's pro-developer laws
Date: Sun 13-Apr-08
Author: Peter Firminger
Organisation: Progress
Communities could be stripped of as much as $4 million each per year for essential services such as childcare centres, playgrounds and local roads by the State Government's proposed pro-developer laws.
What should new zonings for our district provide for?
Date: Fri 11-Apr-08
Author: Carl Hoipo
Organisation: Progress
Rather than critiquing the draft LEP, I am putting forward my ideas as to what new zonings should allow.
Roadworks information
Date: Thu 10-Apr-08
Author: Peter Firminger
Cessnock Council is now publishing details of maintainance on their website.
Cessnock Draft LEP 2008 - E3 (Environmental Management) Zoning and Heritage Conservation Area
Date: Tue 08-Apr-08
Author: Ray Annis-Brown
Organisation: Progress
These comments are not meant to be taken as professional advice. Rather they are observations by a person of, I hope, average intelligence, with over 50 years experience in the business of Real Estate.
Gum Ball Decision
Date: Tue 08-Apr-08
Author: Cessnock City Council
From the minutes of the Cessnock City Council Meeting 2 April
Gumball Festival canned by council - ABC News
Date: Fri 04-Apr-08
Author: Peter Firminger
Cessnock City Council has defended its decision to refuse an application for a large music festival in the village of Wollombi, just two weeks out from the event.
Local 2020 Summit
Date: Fri 04-Apr-08
Author: Joel Fitzgibbon
The Federal Member for Hunter, Joel Fitzgibbon, would like to invite individuals and community organisations to be part of our local summit to share ideas of how we can make our electorate a better place to live.
Bushfire Danger Period Ends
Date: Fri 28-Mar-08
Author: Cessnock City Council
Fire permits will no longer be required for burning activities after 31 March...
Mayoral Minute No. 4/2008
Date: Mon 24-Mar-08
Author: CCC
Organisation: Progress
The draft Cessnock Local Environmental Plan 2008 which is currently with the Department of Planning (DoP) for consideration prior to going on public exhibition dispenses with the "existing holdings" provisions which have been in existence for many years which in turn removes the right to build a dwelling on those lots affected by these provisions...
CCC - Questions Without Notice - Draft LEP etc.
Date: Sun 16-Mar-08
Author: CCC Minutes
Organisation: Progress
Councillor Besoff advised he had received complaints regarding the new LEP and the potential loss of existing landholder rights and the financial hardships that will cause ratepayers.
CCC Questions without Notice - Yango Creek Road
Date: Sun 16-Mar-08
Author: CCC Minutes
Councillor Besoff advised he had received complaints from residents of Yango Creek Road in regard to the Council work that was done in the area, between Yango Creek Bridge and Dry Arm.
LEP 2008 - March - A Time for Action
Date: Fri 14-Mar-08
Author: Stephen Annis-Brown
Organisation: Progress
Well, you've attended the meeting, you've heard the arguments, you've registered on the web site to be kept up to date with developments and digested all the relevant information, now it's time to take some action!
Steady growth in visitation of Wollombi Valley Online
Date: Sun 02-Mar-08
Author: Peter Firminger
A graphical depiction of the weekly statistics since the Official Wollombi Valley Community Website went live
Wollombi Valley Business Directory Released
Date: Thu 28-Feb-08
Author: Peter Firminger
The first paper edition of the Wollombi Valley Business Directory is now available
Heritage Review Alert!
Date: Wed 27-Feb-08
Author: Elizabeth Roberts (Convict Trail)
Organisation: Convict Trail
You will have heard via the press and radio the Heritage Office is being heavily restructured such that the important role it performs will be severely compromised. Below is a document which the Royal Australian Historical Society is currently sending out to its affiliates by email.
Cessnock LEP 2008 Update
Date: Sun 24-Feb-08
Author: Stephen Annis-Brown
Organisation: Progress
As reported to the Wollombi Valley Progress Association at the meeting on 23 Feb in writing from Stephen Annis-Brown
Amended E3 Zone and Heritage Conservation Area
Date: Sun 24-Feb-08
Author: Ray Annis Brown
Organisation: Progress
When city folk rediscovered Wollombi Valley in the 1960's the wheel had turned full circle...
Post your own comments
Date: Sun 24-Feb-08
Author: Peter Firminger
Many pages, news stories and Snapshot Galley photos now have a Comments form so you can have your say.
Vandalism at Finchley Aboriginal Area
Date: Wed 20-Feb-08
Author: Peter Firminger
The recently added interpretive materials at Finchley Aboriginal Area have been vandalised.
Buninyong Launches Community Website
Date: Mon 18-Feb-08
Author: Peter Firminger
The pretty Victorian township of Buninyong launched its new home on the net yesterday at their Gold King Festival.
Development Proposal - The Gum Ball 2008
Date: Sun 17-Feb-08
Author: Cessnock City Council
The notice from Cessnock City Council
Gum Ball question from Cr Davey to the CCC Meeting, 6 Feb 2008
Date: Thu 14-Feb-08
Author: Peter Firminger
Excerpt from Minutes of the ordinary meeting of the Cessnock City Council on 6 February 2008
Anti-Sartor sentiment grows
Date: Thu 14-Feb-08
Author: Peter Firminger
The Hunters Hill Community website carries an article Courtesy of Northern District Times about Section 94.
"Council reacted angrily to Mr Sartor's plan to swipe this cash, with him being lampooned as the Sheriff of Nottingham and his victims are the forgotten suburbs of Sydney."
Wollombi Australia Day Holiday Markets
Date: Tue 05-Feb-08
Author: Gillian James
This Australia Day market was the best and biggest ever.
Wollombi Village Floodplain Risk Management Study and Plan
Date: Sat 02-Feb-08
Author: Cessnock City Council
Council is seeking the community's input in the second phase of a Floodplain Risk Management Study for Wollombi Village.
Narromine launches Community Website
Date: Thu 31-Jan-08
Author: Peter Firminger
Narromine's new home on the net was launched at their Australia Day Activities at their local Showgrounds
Gum Ball Meeting (rough) Notes
Date: Sat 19-Jan-08
Author: Peter Firminger
The Gum Ball Meeting was attended by only eight locals and seemed to be frank and productive.
Dissapearing Building Entitlements, who would lose?
Date: Sat 19-Jan-08
Author: Paul Flemming
Organisation: Progress
As Steve Annis Brown advised in last month's OON, the removal of "existing holding" status would cause major devaluation of some, possibly many, properties in the Valley
Local Environmental Plan Action Group (LEPAGroup)
Date: Thu 17-Jan-08
Author: Peter Firminger
Organisation: Progress
We have added some information about the draft Cessnock 2008 LEP and it's implications to the Wollombi Valley Community
Wollombi goes off with a bang
Date: Thu 03-Jan-08
Author: Peter Firminger
New Years Eve in Wollombi
Wollombi Tidy Valleys at Volunteers Day Celebrations
Date: Wed 05-Dec-07
Author: Caroline Maul
Organisation: Tidy Valleys
Wollombi Tidy Valleys at Volunteers Day Celebrations
Wollombi Business Network Breakfast
Date: Wed 28-Nov-07
Author: Caroline Maul
Elizabeth Roberts spoke on the benefits of marketing Wollombi as a Heritage destination and Carl Hoipo spoke on Museum developments.
Wollombi Museum's Heritage Day
Date: Thu 18-Oct-07
Author: Paul Flemming
Seeing as how we're open every day (or pretty close), we've taken the bold managerial decision to name our traditional open day more appropriately. It's now Wollombi Museum's HERITAGE DAY.
Meeting on Sunday 28 October
Date: Wed 17-Oct-07
Author: Peter Firminger
We are pleased to announce that both the sitting member Joel Fitzgibbon and Greens Candidate Jan Davis have accepted our invitation to speak at the open meeting this Sunday from 5-7pm at Wollombi Community Hall.
Cross Country Golf Day
Date: Wed 10-Oct-07
Author: Caroline Maul
The Stonehurst Cross Country Golf Day event at Cedar Creek raised $4500.00 for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter.
Wollombi Valley Online (Beta) Released
Date: Mon 24-Sep-07
Author: Peter Firminger
Wollombi Valley Online's holding page was removed allowing the site that is in development to be viewed by the public.
Burning Bridges
Date: Fri 16-Sep-05
Author: ABC 7:30 Report
SARAH SCHOFIELD: Locals say they've learned from the Millfield Bridge experience and are now fighting to preserve a smaller wooden bridge near Wollombi.