E-Petition Launched For Link Road Forest to Be Labelled National Park

BY MARLEY RAE

An environmentalist group have launched an e-petition calling for the State Government to recognise the Link Road Forest as a national park.

On Saturday, members of the Save Link Road Forest campaign met and cycled with Greens MP and spokesperson for the Environment, Sue Higginson at the Glendale Wallsend Tramway Track where the petition was launched.

Members of the campaign presented Ms Higginson with questions to ask Environment Minister Penny Sharpe, as well as inviting the Minister to meet with campaigners and experience the forest. 

Spokesperson for the Save Link Road Campaign Ian McKenzie said it's time politicians take notice.

"It is vital that our elected representatives listen to what the community is saying about Link Forest Road," he said. 

Last year, the State Government announced the rezoning of the 574-hectare bushland to be fast-tracked for the Eden Estate Housing project, where an estimated 4200 dwellings would be developed.

Buildings would include a mix of housing types with a focus on affordable housing, employment and supporting community facilities. 

The project, which is one of the largest Hunter land rezonings in decades, straddles the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie council areas and is bound by Wallsend, Cameron Park, Elermore Vale and Glendale.

Mr McKenzie said the loss of the bushland, if rezoned, would have a negative impact on the area.

"It's real value for wildlife and community will be lost forever," he said.

"Sue Higginson's interest in and support for Link Road Forest is commendable. 

"It is time for other NSW politicians to step up and get involved with this issue." 

Information about the campaign can be found on the group's website, with the e-petition requiring 20,000 signatures to be considered in parliament. 

Picture: Save Link Road Forest Campaign

Appeal Launched To Find Missing Carrington Man

 BY IAN CROUCH

A search is underway for a man who's gone missing from the Newcastle suburb of Carrington.

57-year-old Adam Hinks was last seen on Thornton Street on Friday May 29.

There are concerns for his welfare as he requires regular medication.

Adam's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 180cm tall with a thin build, grey hair and green/hazel eyes.

He was last seen wearing a white t-shirt and brown pants and it's understood his right arm is in a sling.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

 

 

Missing man Adam Hinks

 

Graves Desecrated At Hunter Valley Cemetery

 BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter Valley police are searching for those responsible for the desecration of several graves at the Sedgefield Cemetery near Singleton.

It's believed sometime between 11.00am last Tuesday May 26 and the following day seven headstones were smashed, some beyond repair.

The crime has caused distress to the families of the deceased and the local community.

Police are asking anyone who may have information which could assist their investigation to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. 

 

Woman Killed In Pedestrian Crash At Wyee

 BY IAN CROUCH

Lake Macquarie police are investigating a fatal pedestrian crash at Wyee overnight.

Just after 7.00pm on Sunday 31 May, emergency services were called to Wyee Road near Bethshan Street to reports a pedestrian had been struck by a black sedan.

Paramedics treated a 45-year-old woman but she couldn't be revived - she is yet to be formally identified.

The driver of the car, a woman in her 40's, was taken to Wyong Hospital for mandatory drug and alcohol testing

A report is being prepared for the Coroner.

 

Broke Crowned Best Tiny Town In NSW

BY BRONWYN VERWEY

A small town in Singleton has been awarded as the best 'tiny town' in the state. 

Broke in the Upper Hunter landed the top spot in the Tiny Town Tourism category at the NSW Tourism Industry Council awards this week. 

The category is reserved for communities with a population of less than 1,500, with Broke currently only hosting 557 residents. 

"It's a village brimming with reasons to visit - history and heritage, arts and culture, incredible food and wine experiences, and plenty of country charm," Says Singleton Mayor Sue Moore. 

Broke has consistently performed well in the competition, walking away with silver for the past two years in the Tiny Town Tourism category.

It comes off the back of the town seeing an eight per cent increase in visitation in the past 12 months, boosting the local economy by 10 per cent. 

Popular activities in the region include art galleries, wineries and alpaca interactions. 

"As regional nature-based tourism continues to grow, Broke has everything people are looking for," Mayor Moore said.

After two years of being awarded silver in the category, the recent gold prize comes following strong public support for the region. 

Mayor Moore accepted the award on Wednesday. 

"We're incredibly proud of Broke's silver results over recent years, but now it's time for the village to have its moment in the spotlight and take out gold," she said. 

"To be acknowledged in these awards is a testament to the passion, authenticity and love that our local businesses, makers and community share with visitors to Broke."

Picture: Singleton Council

Man Goes Missing From Upper Hunter Camping Grounds

 BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter Valley police are asking for help to find a man who's missing in the Upper Hunter.

42-year-old Jamie White was last seen at the Allyn River camping grounds at about 11.00pm on Monday night.

He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 175cm tall with a thin build, black hair and black facial hair and was last seen wearing black winter clothing.

Jamie is known to frequent the Branxton area.

Missing man Jamie White

 

State Government Cracks Down On Local Fuel Price Gouging

BY CAMERON TARAGEL

New legislation has been passed by the state government ensuring Hunter motorists aren't being ripped off at the bowser.

The Fair Trading Amendment Bill 2026 will extend NSW Fair Trading's prosecution power by making it illegal for service stations or fuel retailers to incorrectly report prices. 

It also will make it illegal if retailers fail to notify customers if a type of fuel becomes unavailable.

Service stations which fail to uphold the new guidelines could receive on-the-spot penalties up to $3,300 with the fine rising to $11,000 if caught re-offending within 12 months.

The courts have also been given the power to impose stronger penalties of up to $110,000.

Better Regulation and Fair Trading Minister Anoulack Chanthivong said current fuel price gouging is not acceptable. 

"The compliance rate is about 95 per cent, but I say clearly to the remaining five per cent if you're thinking of doing the wrong thing by price gouging, my message is: don't," he said. 

"Motorists should never accept a situation where they're being ripped off or where the price at the bowser is different to the one on FuelCheck." 

NSW Fair Trading has now conducted nearly 5,000 inspections with over 290 fines being issued at a total value of more than $315,000. 

Minister Chanthivong added the new power allows NSW Fair Trading to leave no stone unturned. 

"You'll be caught and you will be fined, and we'll continue to crack down on servos doing the wrong thing," he said. 

Hunter residents can find accurate fuel prices and report price mismatches by visiting FuelCheck.