ABC Illawarra

20/08/2025

There are concerns high numbers of small hive beetle could decimate already weakened hives on the NSW mid north coast.

Subscribe to the ABC Rural News newsletter: https://ab.co/RuralNewsletter.

There are concerns high numbers of small hive beetle could decimate already weakened hives on the NSW mid north coast.

20/08/2025

Kiama Council has moved to get ahead of the expected deluge of corflutes used during the by-election by banning electoral signage on public land.

In a report to Tuesday night's council meeting, the CEO urged all candidates to follow signage regulations and limit the amount of signage in the electorate.

It said council staff have previously had to remove excess signs, respond to complaints, and cover disposal costs.

Signs placed without permission can result in fines under NSW law.

The report said the move aims to reduce waste, avoid misuse of public resources, and keep the council apolitical.

Official letters will be sent to all candidates advising them of these rules ahead of the by-election.

The ABC is not suggesting any wrongdoing by previous federal election candidates - image is archival.

20/08/2025

Independent Wollondilly MP Judy Hannan says Tahmoor Coal should be placed into administration or sold after the mine was hit with a wind-up notice over unpaid debts.

Coal Services - the state government's mandated workers compensation insurer for the coal industry - has lodged legal action due to significant and prolonged unpaid liabilities.

Around 500 workers have been stood down on pay without penalties since December, with a small number remaining on site for maintenance and safety roles.

Ms Hannan said the ongoing uncertainty is putting pressure on workers and local contractors.

"We're hoping it'll either move forward into perhaps administration and they may, in fact, start the mine back up or buy the very viable mine," she said.

"We're [the state government] watching very carefully. The government is standing by, ready to step in and help in any way it can but we've got to wait for that process to occur."

GFG says it is working with Coal Services to resolve outstanding issues and exploring funding options to resume production at the mine.

19/08/2025

Police are appealing for information after a man was critically injured in a stabbing at a Wollongong unit on Crown Street early Sunday morning.

At about 3:20 paramedics treated the 28-year-old for a chest wound, took him to Wollongong Hospital before he was taken to St George Hospital.

Police are urging anyone with information, dashcam footage, or CCTV from Crown Street between Parkside Avenue and Harbour Street to contact Wollongong Police or Crime Stoppers.

19/08/2025

Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer has confirmed the former Chief Executive Officer will receive up to 38 weeks' pay after being terminated by Council.

Last week, councillors voted to end Mike Archer's employment following a confidential extraordinary meeting.

Mr Archer was appointed to the role in 2022 to oversee a restructure and had been on extended leave since earlier this year.

When questioned at a press conference yesterday, Mr Homer said both the reasons for the termination and the size of the payout remain confidential.

"We've always maintained transparency. That's always been one of goals ever since I've been in government but obviously confidential processes are there for a reason," he said.

SafeWork NSW has told the ABC it's continuing its enquiries with the Council regarding work health and safety issues, including alleged psychosocial hazards and has issued improvement notices and is monitoring compliance.

Mr Homer would not reveal details of Safe Work's review and said he is confident in Council's performance.

"I've seen the report and it hasn't really found that much to be honest," he said.

"The culture at Shellharbour City Council is 'top notch' in my opinion. And we are still moving forward. We are always working on our culture but we've got a good workforce there and I've got a lot of faith in staff."

Mr Homer also said Council is moving forward to recruit a new CEO.

"We are starting the process to acquire a new CEO for Shellharbour City Council. And we'll continue to maintain our integrity and transparency at Shellharbour City Council," he said.

19/08/2025

The Corrimal Cougars have secured a place in the Illawarra Rugby League First Grade finals for the first time since 2009 after a 40-12 win over De La Salle Caringbah in Woolooware on Saturday afternoon.

The Cougars ran in seven tries to two to secure a crucial victory that elevated them above the Thirroul Butchers into fifth position and their first postseason campaign since 2009.

Corrimal's qualification comes after the introduction of a five-team finals series this year, a change Illawarra Rugby League Operations manager Carlo Napolitano said meant that all teams were a live chance until the final day.

"It was a bit of a close competition, it did come [down] to the last weekend, that means the competition is working and the excitement is there, so I think everyone is looking forward to the finals series," he said.

Meanwhile, Cougars President Grant Plecas described the finals berth as "huge for the club."

The Cougars will face De La Salle again this weekend in the Elimination Final, while Wests will host Dapto in the other first week match-up.

19/08/2025

Josh Heins and Manu Bohn have been issued an eviction notice for their tiny home on wheels in the Bega Valley. It comes as the local council calls on the NSW government to clarify definitions and approval pathways for moveable dwellings.

Get the news that matters to you straight from the source. Download the ABC NEWS app: https://ab.co/abcnewsapp

Josh Heins and Manu Bohn believe their tiny home on wheels does not need approval, but their local council does not agree.

19/08/2025

Premier Chris Minns visited Albion Park this morning to announce an extra $20-million to deliver the Tripoli Way Extension by the end of 2027.

The project aims to ease congestion on the Illawarra Highway by creating a new link from Terry Street in the east to Broughton Avenue in the west, diverting traffic away from the town centre.

Standing alongside candidate Katelin McInerney and Shellharbour Mayor Chris Homer, it was the Labor government's third visit to the region since the Kiama by-election was called.

Mr Minns said he understood a degree of skepticism about promises during by-elections, but said this project addressed a genuine problem.

"[To] allow the council to revitalise the main street and most importantly reduce traffic time and congestion by we estimate 48 percent," he said.

"I know Tongarra Road because I was late to this press conference because I was caught on it this morning, and I don't have to drive every single day - so Tongarra Road is a car park."

Today's funding announcement brings the state government's spend on the project to $40-million, with Shellharbour City Council adding an extra $34-million including developer contributions.

Liberal by-election candidate, Serena Copley said locals shouldn't reward Labor for their for last-minute promise.

"This piece of infrastructure is critical for that community and they have talked about it before - two years ago - they ignored it," Ms Copley said.

"They have just completely abandoned that community and now before this next by-election these promises are materialising again the community can see right through those promises."

19/08/2025

A first-year engineering student at the University of Wollongong, who allegedly made two fi****ms using a 3D printer, has pleaded not guilty.

Eighteen-year-old Charlie Raymond Miotti is on conditional bail, charged with multiple offences including possession of unregistered fi****ms and digital blueprints for manufacturing guns.

His lawyers told court the items found in his student accommodation earlier this month were obvious imitations, made as a hobby

He entered not guilty pleas to all five charges at Wollongong Local Court this morning, with the matter to be heard again in October.

19/08/2025

TUESDAY UPDATE: Bailey has been found safe and well!

HAVE YOU SEEN BAILEY?

The family of missing Wollongong man Bailey Lawson say his disappearance is strange, out of character and deeply concerning.

The 23-year-old was last seen at Wollongong Train Station on July 23 wearing a jumper, light blue pants, black sneakers.

He's described as being of Caucasian appearance, 170-centimetres tall, medium build with blonde hair.

Bailey's aunty, Sheree Lawson, said he had recently moved to Sanctuary Point for work and had last contacted his brother 3 weeks ago.

Ms Lawson said she has no idea where he is or what may have had happened.

"Police have pinged his phone, but his phone was turned off," she said.

"They are now looking at his bank accounts to find out if he has touched his accounts.

"So if anyone hears or see's him or sights him, can they please let us know straight away.

"Our family is completely devastated and concerned for his welfare."

18/08/2025

Skyrocketing electricity and gas prices are pushing domestic manufacturing to a tipping point, BlueScope warns, as its full-year profit drops 90 per cent.

Get the news that matters to you straight from the source. Download the ABC NEWS app: https://ab.co/abcnewsapp.

Skyrocketing electricity and gas prices are pushing domestic manufacturing to a tipping point, BlueScope warns, as its full-year profit drops 90 per cent.

18/08/2025

Greens candidate for Kiama's upcoming by-election, Tonia Gray, has pledged to fight to electrify the train line from Kiama to Bomaderry if elected.

Professor Gray made the announcement during her campaign launch at Minnamurra's James Oates Reserve on Monday alongside Greens MLC's Sue Higginson and Abigail Boyd.

She previously ran in the 2023 election, winning 11 per cent of the primary vote and is set to join a field that already includes Labor, Liberal, and Community Independent candidates.

Professor Gray said bold leadership needs great ideas.

"We believe that a battery powered electric train is the answer for Kiama to Bomaderry," she said.

"It's been proven in the Netherlands, it works. You transfer from diesel to these electric powered trains and its just like a electric powered car - you do not need anything. The infrastructure is simple."