Councils slam developer levy delay
Labor says letting developers pay later will get homes built faster. Councils say it’s a handout that will leave regional towns short of roads, parks, and drainage.
Eighteen Gunnedah groups share almost $70,000 in council grants
Almost $70,000 is heading to 18 Gunnedah Shire groups, from Mullaley to Emerald Hill. Is your club, school, or charity on the list?
Moree locals wanted to help steer Taylor Oval aquatic centre
Ever managed a pool or worked in construction? Moree’s new Taylor Oval Aquatic Centre needs your expertise, but only three spots are up for grabs and time is running out.
Tamworth hits 50 million containers as New England joins the cycle for National Recycling Week
Tamworth residents have returned 50 million drink containers through the town’s Return and Earn depot, and the milestone will be marked with a community celebration during National Recycling Week.
Local News
Liberals weigh New England run as Senator makes first Armidale visit
Could the Liberals throw their hat into the ring in New England? On his first Armidale visit, Senator Dave Sharma talks rail, water, Bondi, gun laws, and why he wants your vote.
Local talent among 27 picked for Tamworth’s country music Academy
Four New England musicians have landed a spot in one of country music’s most sought-after courses, and they’ll finish on stage in front of thousands at Tamworth’s festival opening. Are they your neighbours?
Tamworth’s Sanctuary Inn to become 90-room Holiday Inn
A well-known Tamworth hotel is about to get a new name, a full refurb, and 30 extra rooms.
NarraBRIGHT 2027 to light up Narrabri Creek with nature theme
Maitland Street stays open and the creek takes centre stage. NarraBRIGHT 2027 has a brand-new layout and a theme inspired by the natural world.
What's On
LONG READ >
Camps in the paddock: the REZ housing legacy that isn’t
WEEKEND LONG READ: New England was promised worker housing that would stay behind as homes. The REZ EIS delivers 2,060 beds in five temporary camps on paddocks a long way from anywhere.
Events
Twilight Tales at Calala Cottage Museum – Garden Picnic and Museum ToursEnds: November 7, 2026
Twilight Tales at Calala Cottage Museum – Garden Picnic and Museum ToursEnds: November 7, 2026
Sapphire City MarketsEnds: November 15, 2026
Tenterfield Job ExpoEnds: November 20, 2026
Sounds of the SessonEnds: November 28, 2026
Stained Glass WorkshopEnds: November 29, 2026
Politics
Democrats, Trump face off after blue tsunami splits US
Democrats and Republicans are squaring up for what could be two years of deadlock in Washington, with the resurgent Democrats vowing to use their resounding midterm election victory to rein in President Donald Trump
Stamp duty relief pledged for family trusts
Thousands of family businesses run through trusts have been left wondering if a federal tax change would trigger a state stamp duty bill. Labor says, if re-elected, it won’t.
By-elections loom for Walcha and Tenterfield after councillors resign
Two New England councils are down a councillor. Walcha has locked in a January by-election, while Tenterfield waits on advice about how to fill its empty A Ward seat.
Nationals blast buyback starting before the rules
The firearms buyback starts 2 November, and Grafton Police Station is one of the first collection points. The Nationals say the rules aren’t even written yet, and Tamworth’s music festival is in the way.
Chaffey urges kindness after Haines attack
Parkes MP Jamie Chaffey says words can hurt and words can heal, as parliament pays tribute to Dr Helen Haines. His message to Australians after the attack: “Let’s continue with kindness.”
Farmers call for simpler environment laws
Follow every NSW rule and you could still fall foul of federal law. Farmers say the system is broken, and they have built their own tool to help.
Phosphine rules delayed until 2028
Harvest is here and grain growers have dodged a curveball. New phosphine exposure rules won’t kick in until 2028, giving the industry time to find practical answers.
Crop margins stay tight, but yields help
Rabobank says crop margins stay squeezed into 2027. Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia are cushioned by strong yields, but dry Queensland and northern NSW growers are more exposed.
Energy and Environment
Tamworth Return and Earn depot hits 50 million containers
Three in four people seeking help from Vinnies in Tamworth needed food. Now locals’ bottles and cans have hit a 50 million milestone, and every one has helped.
Don’t take our water: Barwon MP fights Tamworth’s Keepit Dam pipeline plan
Tamworth wants a pipeline to Keepit Dam to drought-proof the city. Barwon MP Roy Butler says downstream farmers would pay the price, and he reckons there’s a better answer already in the ground.
Tenterfield Dam full, water restrictions lifted
The rain has done its job. Tenterfield Dam is full to the brim and Level 2 water restrictions are gone, but Council has one request before you turn on the hose.
BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT >
Primary Health Network continues to support and invest in the Glen Innes community
Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN) has reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to Glen Innes through continued investment in local healthcare services, community programs and innovative models of…
Have your say on the future name of Killean
New owners of McLean Care want your help in naming the main home, and have put up $5000 to make it worth your while to have your say. Vote now!
BUSINESS
Armidale’s only 4.5-star hotel hits the market as mining and REZ demand builds
Armidale’s only 4.5-star hotel is up for sale, with agents pitching Rydges Armidale as a ready-made base for the miners, renewable energy workers, and corporate visitors expected to fill the city’s beds in coming years.
INDIGENOUS
Gunnedah’s Rainbow Serpent restoration wins state award
Crafted by Kamilaroi women, eroded by the western sun, and pieced back together tile by tile. Gunnedah’s Rainbow Serpent has just won a state award, and the judges couldn’t stop praising it.
SPORT
Six national titles up for grabs at Gunnedah flat track finale
Six national titles, eight Pro 450 races, and a points leader who says he’s not nervous at all. The Aussie Flat Track Nationals finale hits Gunnedah’s Balcary Park this weekend.
On engage now
Engage is our hub for opinion, letters, comments and ideas.
- Letter: Peel River levee welcomed
The $10.5 million to upgrade Tamworth’s Peel River CBD levee is welcome news for our community has been welcomed by Tamworth Labor. The post Letter: Peel River levee welcomed appeared first on New England Times Engage.
> Submit your own opinion, letter or comment to New England Times Engage
Good News
Moree Plains Shire Council names new general manager
Moree Plains Shire Council has found its new general manager. Meet the man who says the shire has “enormous potential”.
SBM26: Road-ready support, inclusive opportunities and a helping hand
Today for Small Business Month, we’re celebrating three businesses and organisations making life easier for their communities: a Tamworth towing and caravan specialist offering personal service from purchase to repairs, an Inverell not-for-profit creating opportunities and independence for people with disability, and a Coffs Coast family business helping households and businesses clear clutter, move furniture…
