$100m apartment tower in Newy CBD in limbo

St Hilliers is placed into voluntary administration as work halts on its developments around Australia, including major projects in Newcastle, the Central Coast and Brisbane.

The $590 million Bowmans Creek Wind Farm has been given the tick of approval, but the developer must wind back the number of planned turbines.

Stacey Klimovitch was murdered in 2021 by Jason Paul Hawkins, who was driven from the scene by Stephen John Garland. As both men await sentencing, Ms Klimovitch's daughters have delivered powerful statements in a NSW court.

The Minns government will introduce a bill to stop a permit that allows the exploration and extraction of gas in NSW state waters.

A man has pleaded not guilty to allegedly removing a live silky bantam chicken, called Betty White, from a wildlife park enclosure and throwing it into a nearby alligator enclosure.

After months of protests against offshore wind farm projects, people have gathered in support of turbines being developed off Australia's east coast, hopeful of more work and job security.

One business owner had his water pipes blow out because he was unable to monitor the pressure of his 140-kilometre-long system.

Majestic Cinemas says a slump in film releases has forced it to enter voluntary administration this week despite record-grossing films last year.

The desserts manufacturer is in administration, but the company will not repay a "shocking amount of money" to its creditors.

Thirteen-year-old Loghan Sculthorpe has made the Australian squad for the World Cheerleading Championships where he'll compete with a male teammate for the first time.

It was a bright idea at the time but the introduction of the prickly pear has been an environmental disaster for the Australian landscape.

Tokyo's Governor tours Newcastle: The University of Newcastle was on show at a global scale this week, with Tokyo's Governor Yuriko Koike visiting to tour the Institute for Energy and Resources. Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky (pictured left) and other experts showed Her Excellency the latest in hydrogen and oxygen generation technology. As part of her visit she also took a helicopter tour over the Port of Newcastle.

Bulk-billing increase: The rate of bulk-billed doctor visits in the Hunter has risen 3.4 per cent, according to new federal government data. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese tripled the bulk billing incentive in November, with the aim to have more GP visits bulk billed for children, concession card holders and pensioners. The change has saved Hunter residents an estimated $450,000 in gap fees.

Water bills to rise: Hunter Water says customer bills could increase by up to six per cent in coming years because of the rising cost of providing services. The company has released its pricing proposal for bills between 2025 and 2030, which it will submit to the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal. A community panel met with Hunter Water on Saturday to discuss the proposal, which estimates a $170 increase to bills before inflation. Managing director Darren Cleary says some increases are inevitable because of rising costs and the need to undertake projects like the construction of the Belmont desalination plant.

Thousands more workers needed: New research has found an another 5,000 workers will be needed in the Hunter by 2030 as the region transitions to renewable energy. The Committee for the Hunter released the Hunter Hydrogen Infrastructure Masterplan last week, outlining progress and priorities on several hydrogen projects either proposed or being built across the region. The organisation's chief executive Alice Thompson says she'd like to see the region have a smooth transition away from coal, but more skilled workers are needed to do so.

Drop in port trade value: The Port of Newcastle has reported a 32 per cent decrease in trade value in 2023. The port recorded a total trade value of $48 billion last year and attributes the drop in value to the weather — the El Niño. It's the first time wheat exports have been under 2 million tonnes since 2021. Total trade volumes were up six per cent though, thanks to the return of China to the Australia coal market. Port chief executive Craig Carmody says that boosted its overall trade and stressed the need to accelerate diversification.

Water quality investigated: WaterNSW is investigating levels of a toxic algae at the Glennies Creek Recreation Area and Dam Wall. It says blue-green algae may be multiplying in the waterway, and the water may have a green tinge and musty odour. Some between the Glennies Creek Dam and the Obanvale Water Treatment Plant are connected to the raw water supply, using the water for irrigation and stock supply. Singleton Council says the water must not be used for any domestic purposes such as drinking and washing or for stock consumption.

Road upgrade agreement: An Upper Hunter road will be widened and sealed under a new planning agreement with the owners of the Goulburn River Solar Farm Project. The Upper Hunter Shire Council has endorsed the agreement with the Goulburn River Fund, owned by Lightsource bp. It includes putting money towards a community enhancement fund and a road maintenance fund. The company will spend $4.4 million to upgrade a 4.7 kilometres stretch of the Wollara Road in Merriwa.

Investigation into illegal tree removal: The Lake Macquarie City Council is investigating the illegal removal of four coastal banksia trees from dunes at Swansea Heads. Council says the trees are thought to be up to 100 years old and were likely cut down with a chainsaw some time in the past two weeks. Council is investigating whether the trees were removed to open up coastal views for nearby residents.

Sharks sighted: Surf Life Saving New South Wales says warm water temperatures across the Hunter Coast could be the reason several sharks have been spotted near Newcastle recently. Three local beaches were closed last week after a bull shark was spotted at Dixon Park Beach. It follows two snap closures at Nobbys Beach after a drone spotted a shark near swimmers a few days earlier. Surf Life Saving Hunter president Henry Scruton says bull sharks like warmer waters.

New deal for Best: The Newcastle Knights hope to announce the signing of star centre Bradman Best in coming weeks, with the club waiting on the final stamp of approval on an extension deal. The ABC understands paperwork to extend the 22-year-old's contract with Newcastle has been prepared and should be cleared by the NRL soon. The deal is reportedly worth more than $700,000 a season until the end of 2027. Newcastle Knights director of football Peter Parr says the club is waiting on formal approval before making an announcement.