Douglas Connor

Douglas Connor is a journalist and editor based in South West Rocks.

Even if Port Macquarie’s ocean pool is approved, there is no money to build it

Hopes depend on Cowper Nationals MP Pat Conaghan convincing the federal Labor government to splash the cash.

Port Macquarie

$20 million and a lot of promises: Oxley Highway upgrade edges forward

Lyne MP Alison Penfold backed the pledge, but only if it was a “genuine commitment that comes with a clear and immediate timetable for work”.

Parking enforcement goes high-tech in Port Macquarie

Would a tax on holiday homes release more permanent rentals on the Mid North Coast?

Power-saving “BESS” proposed for Karangi. What is it, and how does it work?

The system could “mop up” unused daytime energy and “release it again when the sun's gone down”.

Gurmesh Singh claims blueberry picker exploitation down to “a few bad apples”

NSW’s Anti-slavery Commissioner says the issue is exacerbated by a “culture of silence”.

Nambucca Heads

Without a hydrotherapy pool, Kempsey locals face a long trek for rehab

One physiotherapist says he has to take a 100km roundtrip to get clients to Macksville.

Health

Port Macquarie parking rangers ditch the walk’n’chalk for mounted cameras

Time limits and conditions are unchanged.

Port Macquarie

Short-term rentals earning “double”, as homelessness group calls for MNC holiday tax

Property managers say a levy could drive up the cost of family getaways.

Forster

More delays on the cards for Wingham bridge rebuild as council readies for government review

If predictions are correct, the bridge will be out of action until late 2028.

Wingham

Scientist says shark numbers aren’t booming but they do love an international roadtrip

“If there were just way more sharks and they just had blood on their mind, there'd be people getting bit every day. But there's not.”

Mid North Coast

Green power agreement set to help Coffs Harbour’s council meet extended emissions target

The City’s current energy contracts are set to expire next June.

Coffs Harbour

Why traffic lights could mean an extra two-year wait for the redesign of Coffs Harbour’s Jetty Strip

The mayor says “half a billion dollars worth of investment” is ready for the precinct.

Bello filmmaker’s journey from network TV to exploring alternatives to capitalism

The documentary is on a 40-city tour of Australia and New Zealand.

Bellingen

Faecal contamination on Coffs Coast risking health and sending “terrible message” about tourism

A 2024 report says a waterway north of Coffs Harbour is “unsafe for all cultural and recreational activities”.

woolgoolga

Limited council support for MNC charity despite saving not-for-profits thousands

A Wauchope funeral provider says it is almost $3,000 better off in six months.

Port Macquarie-Hastings

Briefing ban: Mid North Coast councillors blocked by state from meeting with council staff

A rule change, aimed at improving transparency, came into effect in June.

Mid North Coast

"Death by a thousand cuts": South West Rocks grapples with fast-tracked new builds

One councillor says koalas have been spotted up palm trees in local backyards as they scramble to avoid construction.

Housing

MidCoast Council willing to share land to ramp up EV charging stations

There are 24 public locations for tourists and travellers to boost the battery, but will it be enough over summer?

MidCoast

Coffs loses middle peg, as Sydney Sixers ditch the coast

The Big Bash League attracted sell-out crowds of around 10,000.

Sport

Pump it up: Hydro plan for Stratford mine could power 120,000 MNC homes

A development at the site, near Gloucester, could generate hundreds of short-term construction jobs.

Councillors demand state action after 17-month delay on MidCoast environment plan

The delay is impacting housing construction, council staff say.