#midnorthcoast — Public Fediverse posts

Focus on Coffs Harbour and Nambucca Valley

"NSW modern slavery report calls for urgent reform to protect migrant workers."

"A NSW parliamentary report into modern slavery has detailed "harrowing stories of mistreatment and harm..The report asked the government to investigate allegations of systemic labour exploitation in Coffs Harbour and the Nambucca Valley."

"NSW Anti-slavery commissioner Dr James Cockayne said in a statement the report was "informed by evidence from almost 100 witnesses across NSW, including victim survivors of modern slavery, and 60 submissions"." >>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-06/nsw-anti-slavery-report-urgent-reform-to-protect-migrant-workers/107003130
#exploitation #PALM #MidNorthCoast #HorticulturalIndustry #blueberries #CoffsHarbour #NambuccaValley #food #harm #slavery #plantations #regulation

Focus on Coffs Harbour and Nambucca Valley

"NSW modern slavery report calls for urgent reform to protect migrant workers."

"A NSW parliamentary report into modern slavery has detailed "harrowing stories of mistreatment and harm..The report asked the government to investigate allegations of systemic labour exploitation in Coffs Harbour and the Nambucca Valley."

"NSW Anti-slavery commissioner Dr James Cockayne said in a statement the report was "informed by evidence from almost 100 witnesses across NSW, including victim survivors of modern slavery, and 60 submissions"." >>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-06/nsw-anti-slavery-report-urgent-reform-to-protect-migrant-workers/107003130
#exploitation #PALM #MidNorthCoast #HorticulturalIndustry #blueberries #CoffsHarbour #NambuccaValley #food #harm #slavery #plantations #regulation

Court fines Bucca blueberry farmers $100,000 for building an illegal dam

"The unauthorised dam construction disrupted a creek and removed native vegetation on a property in Bucca, north of Coffs Harbour."

"Two farmers have been fined $100,000 for building an unapproved dam on their property at Bucca, north of Coffs Harbour.The pair has now received regulatory approval for the dam and no orders for its removal or demolition were made." >>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-06/bucca-blueberry-farmers-fined-for-illegal-dam/107003136
#water #extractivism #rivers #artificialisation #harm #NSW #MidNorthCoast #blueberries #HorticulturalIndustry #regulation #CoffsHarbour #Bucca #LandClearing

Court fines Bucca blueberry farmers $100,000 for building an illegal dam

"The unauthorised dam construction disrupted a creek and removed native vegetation on a property in Bucca, north of Coffs Harbour."

"Two farmers have been fined $100,000 for building an unapproved dam on their property at Bucca, north of Coffs Harbour.The pair has now received regulatory approval for the dam and no orders for its removal or demolition were made." >>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-06/bucca-blueberry-farmers-fined-for-illegal-dam/107003136
#water #extractivism #rivers #artificialisation #harm #NSW #MidNorthCoast #blueberries #HorticulturalIndustry #regulation #CoffsHarbour #Bucca #LandClearing

Vulnerable workers bearing the cost of providing Australia with cheap food

"Across Australia's fruit and vegetable industry, Fair Work Ombudsman investigations have repeatedly uncovered widespread non-compliance...: systemic worker exploitation, forced labour, debt bondage and, in some cases, human trafficking and servitude."

"In Coffs Harbour, 61 per cent of growers and labour hire companies inspected were found to be breaching workplace laws, including underpaying workers. The figure rose to 72 per cent in the Riverina and 83 per cent in Victoria's Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley....Oz Group, a co-operative representing more than 140 berry growers across NSW's Mid North Coast, said in its 2020 statement it "does not accept any form of slavery-like practices within the co-operative or throughout its supply chain".However, in its 2025 statement, the co-operative said, "addressing modern slavery requires ongoing effort and collaboration" and it remained "committed to continuous improvement"." >>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-04/australias-hidden-modern-slave-labour-workforce-exposed/106968610
#exploitation #work #ForcedLabour #food #slavery #CoffsHarbour #HorticulturalIndustry #governance #regulation #ModernSlaveryAct #TokenisticLaw #NSW #MidNorthCoast #blueberries

Vulnerable workers bearing the cost of providing Australia with cheap food

"Across Australia's fruit and vegetable industry, Fair Work Ombudsman investigations have repeatedly uncovered widespread non-compliance...: systemic worker exploitation, forced labour, debt bondage and, in some cases, human trafficking and servitude."

"In Coffs Harbour, 61 per cent of growers and labour hire companies inspected were found to be breaching workplace laws, including underpaying workers. The figure rose to 72 per cent in the Riverina and 83 per cent in Victoria's Mornington Peninsula and Yarra Valley....Oz Group, a co-operative representing more than 140 berry growers across NSW's Mid North Coast, said in its 2020 statement it "does not accept any form of slavery-like practices within the co-operative or throughout its supply chain".However, in its 2025 statement, the co-operative said, "addressing modern slavery requires ongoing effort and collaboration" and it remained "committed to continuous improvement"." >>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-04/australias-hidden-modern-slave-labour-workforce-exposed/106968610
#exploitation #work #ForcedLabour #food #slavery #CoffsHarbour #HorticulturalIndustry #governance #regulation #ModernSlaveryAct #TokenisticLaw #NSW #MidNorthCoast #blueberries

Koala severely injured by logging action

"The koala was euthanised on welfare grounds the following day." >>
https://coffscoast.newsofthearea.com.au/locals-distressed-by-koala-death-at-pine-creek-state-forest
#koalas #LoggingIndustry #plantations #NSW #MidnorthCoast #mortalities #FCNSW #PineCreek #biodiversity #wildlife #conservation #CollateralHarm

Koala severely injured by logging action

"The koala was euthanised on welfare grounds the following day." >>
https://coffscoast.newsofthearea.com.au/locals-distressed-by-koala-death-at-pine-creek-state-forest
#koalas #LoggingIndustry #plantations #NSW #MidnorthCoast #mortalities #FCNSW #PineCreek #biodiversity #wildlife #conservation #CollateralHarm

Motorised bikes
First they put e-bikes on the market, then it is a long wait for regulation of illegal high-powered 'motorbikes' on shared pathways and beaches.

There has been "...alleged antisocial and criminal behaviour involving a group of youths riding e-bikes in the Moonee and North Sapphire Beach areas."

"The claims echo concerns being raised in communities right across the state. For many locals, the issue isn’t just legality. It’s safety on shared pathways residents once felt confident using every day." >>
https://coffscoast.newsofthearea.com.au/technology-outpaces-the-law-on-e-bikes
#pedestrians #motorists #Ebike #safety #regulation #beaches #MooneeBeach #NorthSapphireBeach #Sawtell #CoffsHarbour #NSW #MotorVehicles #MobilityDesign #ActiveTansportInfrastructure
#MidNorthCoast #SapphireBeach #NorthSapphireBeachPlayground #parenting #AntisocialBehaviour #DissocialBehaviours #crime

Motorised bikes
First they put e-bikes on the market, then it is a long wait for regulation of illegal high-powered 'motorbikes' on shared pathways and beaches.

There has been "...alleged antisocial and criminal behaviour involving a group of youths riding e-bikes in the Moonee and North Sapphire Beach areas."

"The claims echo concerns being raised in communities right across the state. For many locals, the issue isn’t just legality. It’s safety on shared pathways residents once felt confident using every day." >>
https://coffscoast.newsofthearea.com.au/technology-outpaces-the-law-on-e-bikes
#pedestrians #motorists #Ebike #safety #regulation #beaches #MooneeBeach #NorthSapphireBeach #Sawtell #CoffsHarbour #NSW #MotorVehicles #MobilityDesign #ActiveTansportInfrastructure
#MidNorthCoast #SapphireBeach #NorthSapphireBeachPlayground #parenting #AntisocialBehaviour #DissocialBehaviours #crime

Passing on language and culture
Bamay Possum’s Party (Gumbaynggirr)

"Bamay Possum’s Party is an educational children’s story featuring Gumbaynggirr words that has been enjoyed by readers since 1994. This improved 2025 edition features colourful illustrations by Frank McLeod and includes notes for teachers and a guide to the sounds of the Gumbaynggirr words used throughout the book." >>
https://muurrbay.org.au/resources/bamay-possum-party-gumbaynggirr/

Bamay Possum's Party >>
https://muurrbay.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Bamay-Possums-Party-Sheet-Music_Gumbaynggirr.pdf

Reclaiming our Aboriginal languages
Published by the Muurrbay Aboriginal Language and Culture Co-operative, based in Nambucca Heads, New South Wales. >>
https://muurrbay.org.au/
#Gumbaynggirr #book #possum #Dunggiirr #children #koala #AboriginalLanguages #Nambucca #MidNorthCoast #NSW
Image: Possum startled by roaming cats, Bellingen

Passing on language and culture
Bamay Possum’s Party (Gumbaynggirr)

"Bamay Possum’s Party is an educational children’s story featuring Gumbaynggirr words that has been enjoyed by readers since 1994. This improved 2025 edition features colourful illustrations by Frank McLeod and includes notes for teachers and a guide to the sounds of the Gumbaynggirr words used throughout the book." >>
https://muurrbay.org.au/resources/bamay-possum-party-gumbaynggirr/

Bamay Possum's Party >>
https://muurrbay.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Bamay-Possums-Party-Sheet-Music_Gumbaynggirr.pdf

Reclaiming our Aboriginal languages
Published by the Muurrbay Aboriginal Language and Culture Co-operative, based in Nambucca Heads, New South Wales. >>
https://muurrbay.org.au/
#Gumbaynggirr #book #possum #Dunggiirr #children #koala #AboriginalLanguages #Nambucca #MidNorthCoast #NSW
Image: Possum startled by roaming cats, Bellingen

Large flock of critically endangered swift parrots seen near Port Macquarie

"Having the intact forests around the NSW Mid North Coast is a very important thing for migrants and nomadic nectar feeding birds like swift parrots."
>>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-01/critically-endangered-swift-parrots-sighted-in-northern-nsw-surp/106742056
#birds #MidNorthCoast #parrots #NSWLogging #wildlife #biodiversity

Large flock of critically endangered swift parrots seen near Port Macquarie

"Having the intact forests around the NSW Mid North Coast is a very important thing for migrants and nomadic nectar feeding birds like swift parrots."
>>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-01/critically-endangered-swift-parrots-sighted-in-northern-nsw-surp/106742056
#birds #MidNorthCoast #parrots #NSWLogging #wildlife #biodiversity

Logging the Promised Land, Bellingen/ Gleniffer

Promised Land Forest! Tuckers Nob, 250 ha, 130ha clearfall, 120 ha thinning.

Stakeholder Consultation - Remnant Forest Protection & Tuckers Nob Forestry Operations Compartments 8, 10, 11, 12, 17 18 >>
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TuckersRemnantsSurvey-Residents

How NSW Forestry converts native forest to plantations , Dr Tim Cadman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wY9HzWwEvs

Unfortunately most residents and Friends groups use (closed) proprietary social media platforms, owned by the parent company of Meta Platforms
#SaveTuckersNob #FriendsOfTuckersNob #BellingenLogging #NSWLogging #NSWForestry #loggingIndustry #loggingIndustry #loggingImpacts #biodiversity #remnants #wildlife #koalas #harm #Gleniffer #Bellingen #PromisedLand #NSW #MIdNorthCoast #SaveChristmasHoles

Logging the Promised Land, Bellingen/ Gleniffer

Promised Land Forest! Tuckers Nob, 250 ha, 130ha clearfall, 120 ha thinning.

Stakeholder Consultation - Remnant Forest Protection & Tuckers Nob Forestry Operations Compartments 8, 10, 11, 12, 17 18 >>
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TuckersRemnantsSurvey-Residents

How NSW Forestry converts native forest to plantations , Dr Tim Cadman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4wY9HzWwEvs

Unfortunately most residents and Friends groups use (closed) proprietary social media platforms, owned by the parent company of Meta Platforms
#SaveTuckersNob #FriendsOfTuckersNob #BellingenLogging #NSWLogging #NSWForestry #loggingIndustry #loggingIndustry #loggingImpacts #biodiversity #remnants #wildlife #koalas #harm #Gleniffer #Bellingen #PromisedLand #NSW #MIdNorthCoast #SaveChristmasHoles

Malnourished and sick kangaroos, isolated by urban sprawl on New South Wales's Mid North Coast

"...The kangaroos were chronically malnourished because they could not find enough to eat in an area bordered by ocean, the nearby Emerald Beach settlement, and the Pacific Highway. Our theory is that ongoing development … the M1 being upgraded and an increase in suburban dwellings, that this population is isolated." >>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04-24/sick-kangaroos-coffs-coast-look-at-me-now-headland/106597450

First the thylacine, the others a bit later...

#biodiversity #wildlife #EasternGreyKangaroos #habitat #kangaroos #marsupials #CoffsCoast #CoffsHarbour #LookAtMeNowHeadland #EmeraldBeach #sprawl #tourism #PacificHighway #roads #harm #MidnorthCoast #StarvingWildlife

Image: Coastal sprawl - No place for endemic wildlife on the Mid North Coast of NSW

Malnourished and sick kangaroos, isolated by urban sprawl on New South Wales's Mid North Coast

"...The kangaroos were chronically malnourished because they could not find enough to eat in an area bordered by ocean, the nearby Emerald Beach settlement, and the Pacific Highway. Our theory is that ongoing development … the M1 being upgraded and an increase in suburban dwellings, that this population is isolated." >>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04-24/sick-kangaroos-coffs-coast-look-at-me-now-headland/106597450

First the thylacine, the others a bit later...

#biodiversity #wildlife #EasternGreyKangaroos #habitat #kangaroos #marsupials #CoffsCoast #CoffsHarbour #LookAtMeNowHeadland #EmeraldBeach #sprawl #tourism #PacificHighway #roads #harm #MidnorthCoast #StarvingWildlife

Image: Coastal sprawl - No place for endemic wildlife on the Mid North Coast of NSW

The NSW blueberry industry

"Almost 80 per cent of Australia's blueberries are grown on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, where the industry has grown rapidly.The NSW Environment Protection Authority polices the rules and since 2020 its inspections in berry-growing areas around Coffs Harbour and Nambucca have increased by 180 per cent, finding "occasional transgressions"."

"A recent meeting of the Nambucca Environment Network at Macksville, locals raised concerns about the berry industry's use of chemicals, water, protective plastic tunnels and bird netting. The... laws haven't kept pace with the industry." >>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-28/blueberry-boom-regulation-nsw-mid-north-coast/106490330

Let's cover the Mid North Coast of NSW in plastic..>>
https://mastodon.au/@Bellingen/115991755455133375
#BerryIndustry #blueberries #pollution #NSW #MidNorthCoast #water #spraydrift #plastic #HorticultureIndustry #DA #FoodSafety #food #pesticides #dimethoate #harm #negativeexternalities

The NSW blueberry industry

"Almost 80 per cent of Australia's blueberries are grown on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, where the industry has grown rapidly.The NSW Environment Protection Authority polices the rules and since 2020 its inspections in berry-growing areas around Coffs Harbour and Nambucca have increased by 180 per cent, finding "occasional transgressions"."

"A recent meeting of the Nambucca Environment Network at Macksville, locals raised concerns about the berry industry's use of chemicals, water, protective plastic tunnels and bird netting. The... laws haven't kept pace with the industry." >>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-28/blueberry-boom-regulation-nsw-mid-north-coast/106490330

Let's cover the Mid North Coast of NSW in plastic..>>
https://mastodon.au/@Bellingen/115991755455133375
#BerryIndustry #blueberries #pollution #NSW #MidNorthCoast #water #spraydrift #plastic #HorticultureIndustry #DA #FoodSafety #food #pesticides #dimethoate #harm #negativeexternalities

Most neighbours on the NSW Mid North Coast reject the local environment and have three dogs and a cat, but this one had 38 snakes including a cobra, 19 lizards, a crocodile, three hedgehogs and 28 dogs and nine cats in the home. >>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-05/police-discover-snakes-crocodile-during-kempsey-drug-raid/106307800
#NSW #MidnorthCoast #CITES #Biosecurity #ExoticAnimals #pets #dogs #biodiversity #neighbourhoods

Most neighbours on the NSW Mid North Coast reject the local environment and have three dogs and a cat, but this one had 38 snakes including a cobra, 19 lizards, a crocodile, three hedgehogs and 28 dogs and nine cats in the home. >>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-02-05/police-discover-snakes-crocodile-during-kempsey-drug-raid/106307800
#NSW #MidnorthCoast #CITES #Biosecurity #ExoticAnimals #pets #dogs #biodiversity #neighbourhoods

Let's cover the Mid North Coast of NSW in plastic..

Image:
"Surrounding the town of El Ejido, Almeria Province, southern Spain is a sea of greenhouses, stretching for tens of kilometers. Millions of tons of vegetables are exported to other European countries and other parts of the world. The image covers an area of 19 x 30.5 km, was acquired July 20, 2008, and is located at 36.75 degrees north latitude, 2.75 degrees west longitude."
https://science.nasa.gov/photojournal/almeria-spain/

NSW - Traumatic landscapes of plastic, pollution and exploitation
https://mastodon.au/@Bellingen/115991606657243814
#NSW #industrialisation #SeaOfPlastic #plastic #MidNorthCoast #blueberries #agribusiness #plantations #externalities #EcologicalViolence

Let's cover the Mid North Coast of NSW in plastic..

Image:
"Surrounding the town of El Ejido, Almeria Province, southern Spain is a sea of greenhouses, stretching for tens of kilometers. Millions of tons of vegetables are exported to other European countries and other parts of the world. The image covers an area of 19 x 30.5 km, was acquired July 20, 2008, and is located at 36.75 degrees north latitude, 2.75 degrees west longitude."
https://science.nasa.gov/photojournal/almeria-spain/

NSW - Traumatic landscapes of plastic, pollution and exploitation
https://mastodon.au/@Bellingen/115991606657243814
#NSW #industrialisation #SeaOfPlastic #plastic #MidNorthCoast #blueberries #agribusiness #plantations #externalities #EcologicalViolence

Traumatic landscapes of plastic, pollution and exploitation

The coastline of Spain is known as the ‘Sea of Plastic’ ("Mar de Plástico”) It is the world’s largest plastic greenhouse complex with 350 square km of fruit and vegetables grown by immigrant labour for the horticultural industry. >>
https://www.behance.net/gallery/22272681/Mar-del-Plastico#

Could we do the same thing to the coast of NSW?
NSW Greens to move bill to let councils better regulate berry industry as it continues rapid expansion

“People move into these beautiful valleys for the lifestyle and the environment but then wake up one day and within months they are looking at an industrial-scale blueberry farm."

"Faehrmann’s bill will call for mandated buffers between intensive horticulture farms and homes and waterways, as well as strict controls on spraying, runoff and irrigation and greater monitoring of produce for pesticides."

"Blueberry farming is rapidly expanding beyond Coffs Harbour, where it began several decades ago, into the Nambucca Valley and the Kempsey area to the south, and west toward Grafton and Bellingen."
>>
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jan/31/australia-berry-industry-bill-nsw-greens
#rivers #water #extractivism #pesticides #MidNorthCoast #ChinasOrchard #horticulturalIndustry #regulation #runoff #pollution #plastic #PALM #blueberries #SeaOfPlastics #TraumaticLandscapes #NSWCoast #NSW #CoffsHarbour #Nambucca #Kempsey #Grafton #Bellingen #residents #habitability #NSWLogging

Traumatic landscapes of plastic, pollution and exploitation

The coastline of Spain is known as the ‘Sea of Plastic’ ("Mar de Plástico”) It is the world’s largest plastic greenhouse complex with 350 square km of fruit and vegetables grown by immigrant labour for the horticultural industry. >>
https://www.behance.net/gallery/22272681/Mar-del-Plastico#

Could we do the same thing to the coast of NSW?
NSW Greens to move bill to let councils better regulate berry industry as it continues rapid expansion

“People move into these beautiful valleys for the lifestyle and the environment but then wake up one day and within months they are looking at an industrial-scale blueberry farm."

"Faehrmann’s bill will call for mandated buffers between intensive horticulture farms and homes and waterways, as well as strict controls on spraying, runoff and irrigation and greater monitoring of produce for pesticides."

"Blueberry farming is rapidly expanding beyond Coffs Harbour, where it began several decades ago, into the Nambucca Valley and the Kempsey area to the south, and west toward Grafton and Bellingen."
>>
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jan/31/australia-berry-industry-bill-nsw-greens
#rivers #water #extractivism #pesticides #MidNorthCoast #ChinasOrchard #horticulturalIndustry #regulation #runoff #pollution #plastic #PALM #blueberries #SeaOfPlastics #TraumaticLandscapes #NSWCoast #NSW #CoffsHarbour #Nambucca #Kempsey #Grafton #Bellingen #residents #habitability #NSWLogging

The mountain is falling off on Waterfall! Way due to traffic overloading

"The road is a key tourism and agricultural route between north-west NSW and the coast, vital for the transport of livestock, dairy and produce over the Great Dividing Range...We've had 150 tonnes coming down over the initial 50 tonnes of material that fell."
>>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-29/farmers-call-long-term-solution-waterfall-way-landslide/106257220

Landslide susceptibility near highways is increased by 1 order of magnitude in the Andes of southern Ecuador, Loja province
"Mountain roads in developing countries are known to increase landslide occurrence due to often inadequate drainage systems and mechanical destabilization of hillslopes by undercutting and overloading." >>
https://nhess.copernicus.org/articles/15/45/2015/nhess-15-45-2015.html

#roads #landslides #slopes #traffic #trucks #waterfalls #mountains #Dorrigo #MidNorthCoast #NSW #tourism #FossilFuels #climate #WaterFallWay

The mountain is falling off on Waterfall! Way due to traffic overloading

"The road is a key tourism and agricultural route between north-west NSW and the coast, vital for the transport of livestock, dairy and produce over the Great Dividing Range...We've had 150 tonnes coming down over the initial 50 tonnes of material that fell."
>>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-29/farmers-call-long-term-solution-waterfall-way-landslide/106257220

Landslide susceptibility near highways is increased by 1 order of magnitude in the Andes of southern Ecuador, Loja province
"Mountain roads in developing countries are known to increase landslide occurrence due to often inadequate drainage systems and mechanical destabilization of hillslopes by undercutting and overloading." >>
https://nhess.copernicus.org/articles/15/45/2015/nhess-15-45-2015.html

#roads #landslides #slopes #traffic #trucks #waterfalls #mountains #Dorrigo #MidNorthCoast #NSW #tourism #FossilFuels #climate #WaterFallWay

Two men have drowned in the Never Never River on the NSW Mid North Coast.

"Emergency services were called to John Locke Place at Gleniffer, north of Bellingen, at about 6:45pm on Sunday following reports of people struggling in the water. Police were told three men, all believed to be aged in their 30's, began to struggle soon after entering the river."

"The two men were pulled from the water but were unable to be revived and died at the scene. A crime scene has been established and a report will be prepared for the coroner."
>>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-26/two-men-dead-bellingen-drowning/106269014

AUDIO: Two die in drowning on NSW Mid North Coast >>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-26/two-die-in-drowning-on-nsw-mid-north-coast/106269500

#Gleniffer #Bellingen #drowning #NeverNever #JohnLockePlace #NSW #rivers #NeverNeverCatchment #MidNorthCoast #tourism #CPRChart #swimming #heatwaves #crime

Two men have drowned in the Never Never River on the NSW Mid North Coast.

"Emergency services were called to John Locke Place at Gleniffer, north of Bellingen, at about 6:45pm on Sunday following reports of people struggling in the water. Police were told three men, all believed to be aged in their 30's, began to struggle soon after entering the river."

"The two men were pulled from the water but were unable to be revived and died at the scene. A crime scene has been established and a report will be prepared for the coroner."
>>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-26/two-men-dead-bellingen-drowning/106269014

AUDIO: Two die in drowning on NSW Mid North Coast >>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-26/two-die-in-drowning-on-nsw-mid-north-coast/106269500

#Gleniffer #Bellingen #drowning #NeverNever #JohnLockePlace #NSW #rivers #NeverNeverCatchment #MidNorthCoast #tourism #CPRChart #swimming #heatwaves #crime

Black necked stork
(Jabiru/ Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) sighting in the Bellingen freshwater wetlands.

"In the past the species was found in much of eastern New South Wales, but is now extinct throughout much of this area. The range of the Black-necked Stork has been reduced with the modification of floodplains and tall reed beds for agriculture, mining and human settlement." >>
https://australian.museum/learn/animals/birds/black-necked-stork/

Image: Black necked stork (Jabiru)
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Black_necked_stork_%28Jabiru%29_-_Fogg_Dam_-_Northern_Territory_-_Australia.jpg

#birds #BellingenShire #WaterBirds #MidNorthCoast

Black necked stork
(Jabiru/ Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) sighting in the Bellingen freshwater wetlands.

"In the past the species was found in much of eastern New South Wales, but is now extinct throughout much of this area. The range of the Black-necked Stork has been reduced with the modification of floodplains and tall reed beds for agriculture, mining and human settlement." >>
https://australian.museum/learn/animals/birds/black-necked-stork/

Image: Black necked stork (Jabiru)
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Black_necked_stork_%28Jabiru%29_-_Fogg_Dam_-_Northern_Territory_-_Australia.jpg

#birds #BellingenShire #WaterBirds #MidNorthCoast

In an upside down world

this masked lapwing couple (Vanellus miles)
was chased away by joggers at the beach repeatedly.

Feeding sooty oystercatchers (Haematopus fuliginosus)
had to vacate the coastline to make way for footballs.

No one seemed take notice of the native wildlife or was willing to 'Share the Shore' in this 'more-than-human world.'

#birds #shorebirds #beach #ShareTheShore #SchoolHolidays #wildlife #MidNorthCoast #NSW #biodiversity

Image: The masked lapwing couple fleeing - again

In an upside down world

this masked lapwing couple (Vanellus miles)
was chased away by joggers at the beach repeatedly.

Feeding sooty oystercatchers (Haematopus fuliginosus)
had to vacate the coastline to make way for footballs.

No one seemed take notice of the native wildlife or was willing to 'Share the Shore' in this 'more-than-human world.'

#birds #shorebirds #beach #ShareTheShore #SchoolHolidays #wildlife #MidNorthCoast #NSW #biodiversity

Image: The masked lapwing couple fleeing - again

Bored fossil fuel enthusiasts are burning rubber, microplastics and toxic chemicals on the Mid North Coast.
#Cars #CarMinds #PetroMasculinity #pollution #noise #toxins #stormwater #BellingerRiver #roads #SchoolHolidays #climate #Bellingen #CoffsHarbour #MidNorthCoast #governance #antisocial #UnsafeBehaviour

Bored fossil fuel enthusiasts are burning rubber, microplastics and toxic chemicals on the Mid North Coast.
#Cars #CarMinds #PetroMasculinity #pollution #noise #toxins #stormwater #BellingerRiver #roads #SchoolHolidays #climate #Bellingen #CoffsHarbour #MidNorthCoast #governance #antisocial #UnsafeBehaviour

A koala unfriendly infrastructure

"The sixth koala killed between Bonville and Repton."

No virtual fencing, no AI sensors, no speed restrictions
>>
https://coffscoast.newsofthearea.com.au/koala-highway-death-raises-questions-over-wait-for-signage

"Signs are litter on a stick
Signs are white noise motorists ignore
Signs are a cheap option"
>>
Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping The Future of Our Planet with Ben Goldfarb
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVkw0fOslck
#koalas #wildlife #Biodiversity #conservation #roads #highways #NegativeExternalities #Infrastructure #cars #vehicles #crashes #ExtinctionCrisis #RoadEcology #RoadKill #signage #fencing #MidNorthCoast #ThegreatkoalaNationalPark #Bellingen #Repton #Bonville #Coffs #WildlifeSafety

Koala signage (litter on a stick) erected and then vandalised by motorists. Bellingen/ Gleniffer

A koala unfriendly infrastructure

"The sixth koala killed between Bonville and Repton."

No virtual fencing, no AI sensors, no speed restrictions
>>
https://coffscoast.newsofthearea.com.au/koala-highway-death-raises-questions-over-wait-for-signage

"Signs are litter on a stick
Signs are white noise motorists ignore
Signs are a cheap option"
>>
Crossings: How Road Ecology Is Shaping The Future of Our Planet with Ben Goldfarb
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVkw0fOslck
#koalas #wildlife #Biodiversity #conservation #roads #highways #NegativeExternalities #Infrastructure #cars #vehicles #crashes #ExtinctionCrisis #RoadEcology #RoadKill #signage #fencing #MidNorthCoast #ThegreatkoalaNationalPark #Bellingen #Repton #Bonville #Coffs #WildlifeSafety

Koala signage (litter on a stick) erected and then vandalised by motorists. Bellingen/ Gleniffer

NSW Forestry born-again as eco-forestry looking for new markets

"The forestry industry in northern NSW is considering new financial opportunities in eco-forestry and environmental markets."
>>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-16/great-koala-national-park-forestry-future-carbon-market/105954932
#Biodiversity #wildlife #NSWLogging #TheGreatKoalaNationalPark #LoggingIndustry #MidNorthCoast #GKNP #KoalaTouristPark #firebreaks #LoggingAndLandclearing #extractivism #MinisterialDiscretion #EPBCAct

Image: The Bongil Bongil National Park has been included in the new Great Koala National Park, but the logging monster is always lurking... (Art by 'Danka')

NSW Forestry born-again as eco-forestry looking for new markets

"The forestry industry in northern NSW is considering new financial opportunities in eco-forestry and environmental markets."
>>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-16/great-koala-national-park-forestry-future-carbon-market/105954932
#Biodiversity #wildlife #NSWLogging #TheGreatKoalaNationalPark #LoggingIndustry #MidNorthCoast #GKNP #KoalaTouristPark #firebreaks #LoggingAndLandclearing #extractivism #MinisterialDiscretion #EPBCAct

Image: The Bongil Bongil National Park has been included in the new Great Koala National Park, but the logging monster is always lurking... (Art by 'Danka')

Restoring rainforest habitat for the Pink Underwing Moth

"The rainforest that once covered the Maleny plateau near Mount Mellum, between 5% and 10% remains. First came the loggers for the prized timber of giant red cedars and hoop pines. Then the dairy farmers for the rich, red volcanic soil... About 20 tiny islands of rainforest remain on the Maleny plateau. Some as small as a hectare, almost all are on private property. Highly fragmented, they are vulnerable to invasive species, fire, disease and climate change."
>>
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/oct/26/southern-pink-underwing-moth-man-search-for-giant-australian-insect

Carronia and the Pink Underwing Moth >>
https://www.lfwseq.org.au/carronia-and-the-pink-underwing-moth/
#rainforest #restoration #destruction #moths #flora #Carronia #vines #MidNorthCoast #BellingenShire #SunshineCoast #extractivism #NSWLogging #industry

Restoring rainforest habitat for the Pink Underwing Moth

"The rainforest that once covered the Maleny plateau near Mount Mellum, between 5% and 10% remains. First came the loggers for the prized timber of giant red cedars and hoop pines. Then the dairy farmers for the rich, red volcanic soil... About 20 tiny islands of rainforest remain on the Maleny plateau. Some as small as a hectare, almost all are on private property. Highly fragmented, they are vulnerable to invasive species, fire, disease and climate change."
>>
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/oct/26/southern-pink-underwing-moth-man-search-for-giant-australian-insect

Carronia and the Pink Underwing Moth >>
https://www.lfwseq.org.au/carronia-and-the-pink-underwing-moth/
#rainforest #restoration #destruction #moths #flora #Carronia #vines #MidNorthCoast #BellingenShire #SunshineCoast #extractivism #NSWLogging #industry

Dolphin calf rescued after spending weeks tangled in fishing line

"Marine rescuers are calling for the responsible disposal of fishing lines, with an estimated 1,500 animals entangled each year."

"It was a sad sight to see the injuries that a single strand of fishing line had caused to this individual, but it was the best feeling in the world to know we had removed it and given this little one a second chance at life."
>>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-13/dolphin-calf-rescued-from-fishing-line-at-forster/105884112
#fishing #FishingGear #rubbish #Careless #MarineLife #mammals #entanglements #traps #MidNorthCoast

Dolphin calf rescued after spending weeks tangled in fishing line

"Marine rescuers are calling for the responsible disposal of fishing lines, with an estimated 1,500 animals entangled each year."

"It was a sad sight to see the injuries that a single strand of fishing line had caused to this individual, but it was the best feeling in the world to know we had removed it and given this little one a second chance at life."
>>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-13/dolphin-calf-rescued-from-fishing-line-at-forster/105884112
#fishing #FishingGear #rubbish #Careless #MarineLife #mammals #entanglements #traps #MidNorthCoast

Pesticide spray drift from intensive horticulture on the the mid-north coast NSW -
Discontent in the region.

Home owners, dairy and beef producers among those concerned about how pesticide use affects their land as well as water quality on the mid-north coast

“Between 2001 and 2016 blueberry farming expanded 400% – mainly around the Coffs Harbour region.”

“This monitoring showed the continued detection of pesticides in most waterways sampled, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring in the region.”

“Monitoring in the Nambucca valley by the EPA has detected three different pesticides in low levels in three creeks, suggesting water quality in the area is not being impacted by excessive amounts of pesticides.”
>>
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/oct/09/blueberry-farms-nsw-north-coast-rapid-expansion-development-pesticides
#Pesticides #food #beef #diary #prawns #blueberries #plantations #monoculture #rivers #water #export #runoff #pollution #neonicotinoids #imidacloprid #dimethoate #SprayDrift #CoffsHarbour #Macksville #Nambucca #Woolgoolga #conflict #violence #EPA #regulation #horticulture #industry #tourism #PeoplesHomes #TankWater #governance #MidNorthCoast #NSW #biodiversity #wildlife #extractivism

Pesticide spray drift from intensive horticulture on the the mid-north coast NSW -
Discontent in the region.

Home owners, dairy and beef producers among those concerned about how pesticide use affects their land as well as water quality on the mid-north coast

“Between 2001 and 2016 blueberry farming expanded 400% – mainly around the Coffs Harbour region.”

“This monitoring showed the continued detection of pesticides in most waterways sampled, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring in the region.”

“Monitoring in the Nambucca valley by the EPA has detected three different pesticides in low levels in three creeks, suggesting water quality in the area is not being impacted by excessive amounts of pesticides.”
>>
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/oct/09/blueberry-farms-nsw-north-coast-rapid-expansion-development-pesticides
#Pesticides #food #beef #diary #prawns #blueberries #plantations #monoculture #rivers #water #export #runoff #pollution #neonicotinoids #imidacloprid #dimethoate #SprayDrift #CoffsHarbour #Macksville #Nambucca #Woolgoolga #conflict #violence #EPA #regulation #horticulture #industry #tourism #PeoplesHomes #TankWater #governance #MidNorthCoast #NSW #biodiversity #wildlife #extractivism

The Blueberries of Wrath on the mid-north coast of NSW
Bitter fruit: the dark underside of the booming NSW blueberry industry

"Blueberry farms have become an increasingly common sight across the rolling hills of the NSW mid-north coast...The number of people in need of ... support points to a dark underbelly of exploitation in the blueberry industry that authorities appear incapable of dealing with...It’s semi-organised crime, that is how I would describe it. "

"A NSW parliamentary inquiry into modern slavery is currently investigating worker conditions."
>>
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/oct/04/nsw-blueberry-industry-farm-labour-loopholes-dark-underside
#food #workers #slavery #plantations #exploitation #AgriculturalIndustry #plantations #CoffsHarbour #MidNorthCoast #NSW #LabourLaw #regulation #PALM #Pacific

The Blueberries of Wrath on the mid-north coast of NSW
Bitter fruit: the dark underside of the booming NSW blueberry industry

"Blueberry farms have become an increasingly common sight across the rolling hills of the NSW mid-north coast...The number of people in need of ... support points to a dark underbelly of exploitation in the blueberry industry that authorities appear incapable of dealing with...It’s semi-organised crime, that is how I would describe it. "

"A NSW parliamentary inquiry into modern slavery is currently investigating worker conditions."
>>
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/oct/04/nsw-blueberry-industry-farm-labour-loopholes-dark-underside
#food #workers #slavery #plantations #exploitation #AgriculturalIndustry #plantations #CoffsHarbour #MidNorthCoast #NSW #LabourLaw #regulation #PALM #Pacific

Will the 'koala tourist park' save the endangered species?

"Habitat loss and fragmentation is the number one threat to koalas. Others include climate change, bushfires, disease, vehicle strikes and dog attacks."

"The NSW government says logging must immediately cease in areas to be brought into the park’s boundary. However, logging pressures can remain, even after national parks are declared. Forestry activities must cease completely, and forever, if the park is to truly protect koalas."

"What’s more, recreational activities, if allowed in the national park, may negatively impact koalas. For example, cutting tracks or building tourist facilities may fragment koala habitat and disturb shy wildlife."
>>
https://theconversation.com/koalas-are-running-out-of-time-will-a-140-million-national-park-save-them-264789
#biodiversity #wildlife #conservation #HabitatDestruction #roads #dogs #pets #NSWLogging #LoggingImpacts #FossilFuels #MidNorthCoast #KoalaTouristPark #TheGreatKoalaNationalPark #encroachment #deforestation #nature #commodification #values #touristification #TouristPark

Will the 'koala tourist park' save the endangered species?

"Habitat loss and fragmentation is the number one threat to koalas. Others include climate change, bushfires, disease, vehicle strikes and dog attacks."

"The NSW government says logging must immediately cease in areas to be brought into the park’s boundary. However, logging pressures can remain, even after national parks are declared. Forestry activities must cease completely, and forever, if the park is to truly protect koalas."

"What’s more, recreational activities, if allowed in the national park, may negatively impact koalas. For example, cutting tracks or building tourist facilities may fragment koala habitat and disturb shy wildlife."
>>
https://theconversation.com/koalas-are-running-out-of-time-will-a-140-million-national-park-save-them-264789
#biodiversity #wildlife #conservation #HabitatDestruction #roads #dogs #pets #NSWLogging #LoggingImpacts #FossilFuels #MidNorthCoast #KoalaTouristPark #TheGreatKoalaNationalPark #encroachment #deforestation #nature #commodification #values #touristification #TouristPark

Monetising the great koala national park

"The government estimates the park’s value as a tourism destination will generate an extra $163m for the state’s economy over two decades. The native logging division of NSW Forestry Corporation has run at a loss for several years...The Minns government on Sunday revealed the proposed outlines of the park, fulfilling its 2023 election commitment...A moratorium on logging within its boundaries begins on Monday."
End native forest logging across NSW. Recognise remnant flora and fauna in 'plantations'.
>>
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/sep/08/minns-140m-great-koala-national-park-regional-towns-coalition-nsw
#biodiversity #wildlife #koalas #TheGreatKoalaNationalPark #ecosystems #value #nature #commodification #NSWLogging #FailedAssets #FCNSW #StrandedAssets #MidNorthCoast #deforestation #plantations #extractivism #CashCow #ExtinctionCrisis

Image: Anthropomorphic image of a koala unboxing the cornucopia of a tourist park.

Monetising the great koala national park

"The government estimates the park’s value as a tourism destination will generate an extra $163m for the state’s economy over two decades. The native logging division of NSW Forestry Corporation has run at a loss for several years...The Minns government on Sunday revealed the proposed outlines of the park, fulfilling its 2023 election commitment...A moratorium on logging within its boundaries begins on Monday."
End native forest logging across NSW. Recognise remnant flora and fauna in 'plantations'.
>>
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/sep/08/minns-140m-great-koala-national-park-regional-towns-coalition-nsw
#biodiversity #wildlife #koalas #TheGreatKoalaNationalPark #ecosystems #value #nature #commodification #NSWLogging #FailedAssets #FCNSW #StrandedAssets #MidNorthCoast #deforestation #plantations #extractivism #CashCow #ExtinctionCrisis

Image: Anthropomorphic image of a koala unboxing the cornucopia of a tourist park.

"... Poor pesticide spraying practices in the Nambucca Valley and Coffs Harbour regions...Chemical banned by European Union still used in Australia."

When you drive from Nambucca Valley to the Coffs Harbour regions you can see giant white plastic nets enclosing blueberries, raspberries and blackberries plantations. There are toxic chemicals on some berries, the water and the area.

"Banned chemical thiometon detected in berries sold at supermarkets."

"Blueberry farming has boomed in NSW, including in the Nambucca Valley, as minimal red tape is required to set up. Blueberry farms can be started without formal registration or oversight, making it hard for authorities to track pesticide use. Since January 2022, the EPA has prosecuted 21 pesticide-related incidents across a range of crops in local courts across NSW... The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) announced a review into the use of dimethoate on blueberries, raspberries and blackberries."
>>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-07/pesticide-review-thiometon-dimethoate-blueberries-raspberries/105701674
#food #regulation #toxins #pesticide #water #BerryIndustry #EPA #APVMA #governance #fruits #blueberries #NSW #plantations #MidNorthCoast #nambucca #CoffsHarbour #pollution #sprayDrift #dimethoate #thiometon #neurotoxins

"... Poor pesticide spraying practices in the Nambucca Valley and Coffs Harbour regions...Chemical banned by European Union still used in Australia."

When you drive from Nambucca Valley to the Coffs Harbour regions you can see giant white plastic nets enclosing blueberries, raspberries and blackberries plantations. There are toxic chemicals on some berries, the water and the area.

"Banned chemical thiometon detected in berries sold at supermarkets."

"Blueberry farming has boomed in NSW, including in the Nambucca Valley, as minimal red tape is required to set up. Blueberry farms can be started without formal registration or oversight, making it hard for authorities to track pesticide use. Since January 2022, the EPA has prosecuted 21 pesticide-related incidents across a range of crops in local courts across NSW... The Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) announced a review into the use of dimethoate on blueberries, raspberries and blackberries."
>>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-07/pesticide-review-thiometon-dimethoate-blueberries-raspberries/105701674
#food #regulation #toxins #pesticide #water #BerryIndustry #EPA #APVMA #governance #fruits #blueberries #NSW #plantations #MidNorthCoast #nambucca #CoffsHarbour #pollution #sprayDrift #dimethoate #thiometon #neurotoxins

Logging NSW mid-north coast biodiversity in the plantationocene ( The Great Koala National Park )

'The NSW government has imposed a temporary moratorium on timber harvesting within the boundary from Monday, but harvesting in plantations will continue."

"Koalas on track to be extinct in the wild across NSW by 2050."
>>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-07/great-koala-national-park-to-go-ahead-on-nsw-mid-north-coast/105743430
#biodiversity #Plantationocene #TheGreatKoalaNationalPark #MidNorthCoast #LoggingImpacts #FCNSW #koalas #gliders #Gumbaynggirr #Dunghutti #NSWLogging #GaggingSci #plantations

Logging NSW mid-north coast biodiversity in the plantationocene ( The Great Koala National Park )

'The NSW government has imposed a temporary moratorium on timber harvesting within the boundary from Monday, but harvesting in plantations will continue."

"Koalas on track to be extinct in the wild across NSW by 2050."
>>
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-09-07/great-koala-national-park-to-go-ahead-on-nsw-mid-north-coast/105743430
#biodiversity #Plantationocene #TheGreatKoalaNationalPark #MidNorthCoast #LoggingImpacts #FCNSW #koalas #gliders #Gumbaynggirr #Dunghutti #NSWLogging #GaggingSci #plantations