Floods to drought: Just a year after devastating floods in the Hunter, some parts of the community are starting conversations about drought. The Department of Primary Industries says unseasonably dry weather has already affected about a third of the state's crops, and some farmers have begun buying feed. Merriwa farmer and One Day Closer to Rain Facebook group founder Cassandra McLaren (pictured above) says there was consistent rain and flooding until November last year, then it was like the tap turned off.
Channel dredging set to begin: Long-awaited dredging is set to begin soon in Swansea Channel, where boats have been getting stuck on sand for decades. While Lake Macquarie is Australia's biggest coastal lagoon, access has always been an issue. But the state government says the tide is turning with plans to dredge 30,000 cubic metres of sand annually.
Safety notices issued: SafeWork inspectors have issued 89 compliance notices at Newcastle construction sites since May. Of those, 21 were prohibition orders that stopped work at sites and seven were financial penalty notices, issued for serious breaches. Safe Work NSW launched a targeted safety blitz on July 19, just weeks after the death of a 20-year-old worker at a construction site at John Hunter Hospital.
Highway upgrades under way: Work has begun on widening the Pacific Highway at Hexham to better cater for heavy traffic. The dual carriageway will be widened from two to three lanes in each direction and works are expected to be completed by 2026.
House prices update: New data shows the median house price in Newcastle has dropped 3.6 per cent in the past 12 months. The Domain quarterly house price report reveals during the June quarter, the median house price was $850,000, down from $881,000 the same time last year. Lake Macquarie's median house price dropped 6.3 per cent to $820,000. Maitland's median was down to $710,000, while Muswellbrook experienced an increase in the past year, up to $470,000.
Assurances for coal mine workers: The operator of the Hunter's largest coal mine has reassured workers they won't be left in the lurch as it's wound down ahead of closure. BHP's Mount Arthur operation is due to close in 2026, but could operate until 2030 if the state government approves an extension to its operation. The company delivered a business update in Newcastle detailing suggestions on what the retiring mine could be used for, including renewable energy projects like pumped hydro.
House fire investigated: Investigations are under way into a house fire at Merewether last week, believed to have been sparked by a faulty lithium battery. Fire and Rescue NSW says the blaze in Macquarie Street began on the second level of a three-storey home where an e-scooter was being charged. It says one resident self-evacuated and paramedics treated him for smoke inhalation.
Last print: The final issue of the Hunter Valley News was published last week. The printed newspaper focused largely on Upper Hunter towns including Singleton, Muswellbrook and Scone. In a letter to readers, Australian Community Media said the decision to cancel the publication was the result of rising printing costs. The Singleton Argus is now Australian Community Media's only physical Upper Hunter paper, printing once a week.
Knights' men chasing top eight spot: Newcastle is one point outside the NRL top eight after winning its fourth consecutive game, downing the Canberra Raiders 28-6 last weekend. The Knights will head to Perth this weekend to take on the Dolphins. In the NRLW the Knights went down to the Cowboys 31-20 in their round two match.
