New data from insurer GIO has found eight out of Australia’s top 10 high-risk bushfire postcodes are in New South Wales, raising the alarm for households to get ready ahead of summer.

Batemans Bay on the South Coast (postcode 2536), along with Gosford (postcode 2250) and Wyong on the Central Coast (postcode 2259), and Shoalhaven (postcode 2540) made the top four national high-risk hot spots.

North-Western Sydney, including Blacktown, The Hills Shire, and Penrith (postcode 2155), the Hunter Valley (postcode 2325), and the Blue Mountains (postcode 2777) were also postcodes that made it into GIO Haven’s top 10 national list.

GIO Haven is an innovative digital tool designed to help homeowners understand their properties’ vulnerability to extreme weather and learn how to take proactive steps to protect it. 

Haven uses property, location, weather, and GIO’s own natural peril risk data, allowing any homeowner in Australia to enter their address, see their risks, and receive a tailored video and downloadable resilience report for their home. ​ 

GIO’s Severe Weather Meteorologist Andrew Bufalino said this summer has the potential to be one of the hottest on record, with the El Niño heightening bushfire risk.

“There is the potential for a very hot summer across Australia, with an increased risk of extreme fire danger across parts of eastern Australia,” Mr Bufalino said.  

“Should rainfall deficiencies return to areas that have recently experienced wetter conditions, fuel drying could accelerate rapidly under hot conditions, substantially increasing the risk of bushfire.

“Even in seasons where widespread bushfire activity is not expected, a single period of hot, dry and windy weather can still create significant localised impacts.”

GIO Head of Home Insurance Josh Kelland said households could gain a better understanding of their risk this bushfire season through GIO Haven.

“Each individual property has unique risks and unique insurance pricing based on those risks, so it’s important households understand these risks and what they can do to reduce them,” Mr Kelland said.

 “Haven’s resilience tips are tailored to each property, meaning each individual household is provided a list of practical and effective steps to stay prepared this bushfire season.”

Mr Kelland said early household preparation was vital.  

“Disaster seasons can be stressful for those living in high-risk regions, but if you prepare your home and your family before disaster strikes, you can lessen the impact, both to the home and to your family’s wellbeing,” Mr Kelland said.

“Preventative measures such as clearing out your gutters, trimming trees and packing a ‘grab and go’ kit ensures you’re prepped and ready, providing peace of mind ahead of an unpredictable El Niño cycle around the corner.

“Ticking off those little chores around the house could make a world of difference this summer.”

NSW Rural Fire Service Deputy Commissioner Ben Millington said preparation is the first line of defence against bush fires.

“Regardless of where you live in NSW, if your property is in or near bushland, it’s important to understand your risk and take steps to prepare for bush fires,” says Deputy Commissioner Millington. 

“While our firefighters do a tremendous job, there isn’t a fire truck for every house during an emergency. The free, simple things you do around your home today can make all the difference during a fire.

“The most important thing every household can do is have a conversation about what you will do if a fire threatens your home, making those critical decisions about when to leave, what to take and where you will go.”

The Biodiversity Council is calling on federal, state and territory governments to publicly report estimates of wildlife deaths from H5 bird flu, including total deaths for each species and location impacted.

H5 bird flu is spreading rapidly across Australia. More than 68,000 hotline reports have been received since the first detection in June 2026. Mass deaths are being reported in some areas.

But as the disease has spread, in August the Australian Government switched to only reporting ‘events,’ which are defined as a location where one or more species have been found dead or affected by bird flu. So one event could be a single death or thousands.

The Australian Government has reported 732 H5 bird flu events, including events in all states, but not the territories. To date, South Australia (341), Victoria (249) and the greater crested tern (460) have the most events recorded.

The Biodiversity Council says that reporting events rather than estimates of the number of animals killed masks the scale of the impact and risks delaying conservation action.

The independent expert group is calling for consistent public reporting of estimated deaths by species and location, including uncertainties, to better understand impacts on wildlife populations and to guide conservation responses.

Councillors met on Tuesday 27 October, with the meeting continuing on Thursday 29 October, to consider a range of planning, community and infrastructure matters.

Broulee planning proposal deferred

A decision on the planning proposal for 207 Broulee Road was deferred pending a supplementary report. The report will further assess planning, housing supply, infrastructure and environmental considerations and return within 90 days, or provide a progress update on outstanding matters.

Woodlands planning proposal

A proposal to reduce the minimum lot size at 35 Dunns Creek Road, Woodlands, from 10 hectares to 3 hectares was not supported.

Batemans Bay Masterplan

Indicative building heights of 14, 27 and 50 metres were noted as options for further assessment, without determining their suitability or endorsing them as final development controls.

The Masterplan study area was also reduced to exclude land east of Joes Creek at Batehaven and the Batemans Bay industrial area.

Batemans Bay Community Centre to reopen

The Batemans Bay Community Centre will reopen for community use as a Council-managed bookable venue, with $20,000 allocated for the remainder of 2026-27. A solar panel installation plan will also be prepared for the centre.

Mystery Bay telecommunications facilities approved

Two telecommunications facilities were approved at Mystery Bay – a 10-metre facility in the road reserve at the corner of Lamont Young Drive and Casey Crescent and a 20-metre facility on Council reserve accessed from Negus Drive.

New Deputy Mayor elected

Councillor Mick Johnson was elected Deputy Mayor for a 12-month term following an open vote by show of hands.

New amenities for Hanging Rock

A contract will be entered into with the preferred tenderer to design and construct a new sports amenities facility at the Hanging Rock sports precinct.

Flood plan adopted for Batemans Bay urban creeks

The updated Batemans Bay Urban Creeks Flood Risk Management Study and Plan was adopted following community consultation.

Grant funding will be sought for actions identified in the plan, with its flood planning levels and controls to inform future updates to Council’s Development Control Plans.

Library Strategic Plan adopted

The Library Strategic Plan 2026-2032 was adopted following public exhibition. People who made submissions will be notified and thanked for their contribution.

Review of wearable recording technology

Policies, procedures and conditions of entry at Council facilities will be reviewed to address wearable recording technology such as smart glasses.

The review will consider privacy and child safety alongside accessibility and disability support, as well as appropriate signage and community information.

Former Bay Waters Motel site

An update will be sought from relevant NSW Government agencies and ministers on the fire-damaged former Bay Waters Motel site, including public safety and environmental risks, remediation and the site’s future.

Homes NSW will also be asked whether the site has been assessed for social, affordable or transitional housing. A further report will return to Council following the agencies’ responses.

Alcohol restricted areas endorsed

Proposed and continuing alcohol-free zones across Eurobodalla were endorsed, along with the continuation of alcohol-prohibited areas.

Great Southern Forest proposal

A proposal for Council to support the establishment of the Great Southern Forest was not supported.

The proposal involved establishing a conservation reserve incorporating state forests across south-east NSW.

Read the full agenda and minutes.

The Next Meeting of Council will be Public Access & Councillor Information Session

At 10am on 10 November 2026

Watch the webcast here https://webcast.esc.nsw.gov.au/archive/video26-1029.php#placeholder

 

 

Communities across rural and regional NSW have been given their first look at the design for new regional helicopter bases, as part of a planned expansion to NSW’s aeromedical network and enhancing access to emergency care.

Moruya and Wagga Wagga will be the first of the new regional ambulance helicopter bases to be delivered and are planned to be located at local airports.

Planning for a helicopter base at Port Macquarie is progressing.

The new bases in Moruya, Wagga Wagga and Port Macquarie form part of the Minns Labor Government’s $63.95 million investment in new regional helicopter ambulance infrastructure, supporting the expansion of the statewide aeromedical network from six to nine bases.

Across the state, NSW Ambulance Aeromedical teams complete more than 4,400 helicopter missions each year. The expanded network will strengthen NSW’s emergency response to medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents and natural disasters, while improving equitable access to emergency healthcare for rural, regional and remote communities.

The regional helicopter bases will include:

• a dedicated helicopter hangar and maintenance facilities mission-planning and operational workspaces

·training and staff amenities

• fuel, logistics and supporting infrastructure
• a dedicated road retrieval ambulance

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said “The new helicopter bases being delivered by the Minns Labor Government will strengthen aeromedical infrastructure for communities across regional and rural NSW.

“The expanded network will help NSW Ambulance helicopters and world class paramedics and doctors provide faster access to lifesaving emergency and specialist care for regional communities.​

“We are delivering the essential health infrastructure needed to deliver better, faster care for people across NSW. This includes more hospitals, more beds, more ambulance stations and helicopter bases, and the staff to run them.”

Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland: said “This is an important step forward for the Far South Coast, with a purpose-built helicopter base at Moruya set to strengthen access to lifesaving emergency care for our regional communities.

“The base will support the work of South East Regional Hospital and the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital, expected to open early next year, by strengthening connections between local hospitals, ambulance services and specialist care across our coastal network of health services.

“Living in a regional area should never mean being disadvantaged when it comes to emergency healthcare. A stronger aeromedical network will help NSW Ambulance teams respond to critical incidents, retrieve patients and connect them with the care they need, when they need it.

Dr Sarah Coombes, Executive Director Aeromedical and Special Operations, NSW Ambulance said “Our aeromedical teams provide emergency retrieval and critical care across some of the most challenging environments in NSW. These bases will enhance the facilities and infrastructure our teams need to continue delivering high-quality critical care across rural and regional communities.”

Construction at Moruya and Wagga Wagga is expected to start in early 2027, following planning approval and the appointment of a building contractor.

The new bases will join the existing NSW Ambulance aeromedical network of 13 helicopters and six bases located in Bankstown (Sydney), Wollongong, Orange, Belmont (Newcastle), Lismore and Tamworth.

 

A Christmas song of substance about lonely and homeless people at Christmas time is being launched on 1st November. It will be released to 10,000 odd National and International radio and other network services.

Singer songwriter Jeff Aschmann is well known in the local area, and is often seen busking at Riverside Park.

“The Christmas song is for the homeless and alone” said Jeff. “Is there a local group that is involved with the homeless who would open their bank account for donations?”

“Thanks to Richard Cooke for video and sound production, and slide guitar” said Jeff.

The official release is by Star Central Marketing out of Tamworth (Lindsey Buttler and Shaza Lee).

Jeff will be singing the song at the Eurobodalla Carols Night in Moruya on Saturday December 19. “I am sure the only original Christmas Carol on the night” said Jeff.

Take a look and listen Here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-EZm0a9yev8

The latest report from the National Rural Health Alliance shows that the health expenditure gap between rural and urban Australians has widened by a further $880 million, from $6.55 billion in 2023, to $8.35 billion in 2025, and now $9.23 billion in 2026.

The latest findings in the Forgotten Health Spend: A Report on the Expenditure Deficit in Rural Australia 2026 call for urgent action from the Federal and State governments to ensure health equity for the more than 7.4 million Australians living in rural, regional and remote Australia.

According to the report, each rural Australian is receiving, on average, $1,218 less in healthcare funding each year than city residents. This is up $138 from last year. Those living in small rural towns of 5,000 people or less, bear the greatest brunt of the systemic shortfall, receiving on average $6,368 less healthcare funding per person, per year.

“We pay the same taxes and the same Medicare levy as people in the city. We just don’t get the same funding and access. When my husband Scott had a heart attack in Mildura, a town without a Cath lab, a medical evacuation was the only answer… but it was too late. This Australian system is just not equitable; we should not have to beg! The sad thing is, is that if he had a heart attack in the city, he would have lived,, and would have been there for our two beautiful children and me,” Katrina Umback, Mildura VIC.

“This is a health equity crisis. It’s appalling that the spending gap is widening each year, leaving millions of Australians further behind. Rural people are being let down by a universal health system that should support them when they need it most,” said NRHA Chief Executive Susi Tegen.

“Rural Australians keep the country’s economy running. They grow our food, power our industries and sustain communities. Yet, they have poorer health and die younger than city people1. Despite governments knowing this, and solutions being provided, these communities do not receive the funding allocation and policy options they need to get care.”

“The figures demonstrate the consistent underprioritisation and underfunding of rural Australians and clinicians that support them, despite their vital contribution to the Australian economy across various sectors,” said Susi Tegen.

“This is no longer a health issue, but an economic and social issue. 70% of Australia’s export income comes from rural communities, and 90% of the food we eat, and 50% of the tourism income, even though rural Australia only makes up 30% of the population”.

Communities are being left to pick up the slack where state and federal funding for rural health services and infrastructure falls short. Communities that wish to expand services to surrounding areas must raise their own funds to expand and to maintain, essential services.

At the September Council Meeting it was revealed that Council is facing a $62 million bill for upgrading the Tomakin Sewerage Treatment Plant (STP), $12 million for diversion works from Batemans Bay to Tomakin and $5million to optimise the Batemans Bay facility.

With the Batemans Bay facility at capacity, the Tomakin STP has been taking the excess waste.

Report to council said :

“The northern sewerage system is currently experiencing capacity constraints. The Batemans Bay and Tomakin Sewerage Treatment Plants (STPs) are operating near or beyond maximum capacity, routinely exceeding their practical treatment limits, limiting the system’s ability to accommodate additional wastewater flows.

Forecast population growth across the Batemans Bay catchments, combined with climate‑driven increases in peak wet weather flows, means that the existing sewerage system configuration can no longer reliably service current and future loads.

These issues cannot be addressed through operational optimisation alone. Tomakin STP has insufficient capacity to reliably treat current and future peak season loads arising from population growth within the existing catchment.

Analysis of plant data demonstrates significant seasonal variability in influent flows, driven primarily by holiday occupancy during Christmas and Easter periods. Average dry weather flows during these periods already approach the practical treatment limits of the plant.

The Batemans Bay STP is experiencing operational strain as wastewater loads are near maximum capacity, with dry weather inflows during peak seasons exceeding design limits despite recent plant upgrades. This issue is intensified during wet weather events, causing excessive infiltration that forces the diversion of untreated wastewater into emergency storage and can lead to unauthorised discharges.

To address these challenges, Council’s long-term strategy, as defined in its approved Integrated Water Cycle Management Strategy (IWCMS) 2022, is based on cross-catchment load sharing along with the augmentation of the existing plants at Tomakin and Batemans Bay.

Land availability restrictions at Batemans Bay STP mean the options for increasing capacity at that plant are very limited.

The strategy relies on three integrated pillars:

1. Augmenting and upgrading the Tomakin STP to increase regional capacity. This is the main enabling project with an estimated cost of $62 million and subject of this business case.

2. Diverting sewerage loads from Batemans Bay STP into the upgraded Tomakin plant, with diversion works occurring concurrently to align with the Tomakin upgrade. Estimated cost $12 million.

3. Completing the Batemans Bay Stage 3 upgrade project, optimising the plant’s operational capacity by 2040, depending on growth. Estimated cost $5 million. The augmentation of Tomakin STP is the optimal regional approach. It maximises existing asset utility, using existing council land and improves water recycling options.

By Alex Rea

Brightway Development Group has lodged its revised planning proposal for a 685 lot subdivision at 207 Broulee Road, Broulee called Broulee Ridge.

A former Development application for ‘The Farm’, an 800 lot ‘agri-hood’ subdivision on the site was rejected by Council and the Southern Planning Panel in 2024.

The site is situated between the crematorium and Carroll College and is zoned RUI (rural) and C2 (environmental conservation) and would require rezoning.

The previous pitch for a ‘sustainable community’ has shifted to ‘affordable housing’ with 20% of homes to be affordable, rental and key worker housing.

Brightway Development Group says “It sets out a 685-lot master-planned community built around one of the South Coast’s most pressing problems: local workers and families who can no longer find a home they can afford.

The proposal commits 35 homes to affordable housing in perpetuity (not the usual 15 years), 35 build to-rent homes and 70 homes for key workers, with up to 100% finance available.

More than 50 hectares of the 125-hectare site would be kept as wetland, bushland and public open space. Housing for the people who keep the South Coast running Brightway Development Group CEO Edward Fernon said the plan was designed around the people the region relies on most.

“Eurobodalla has a major housing problem with nurses, teachers, tradies and young families who can’t find somewhere to live. This plan is built around them,” Mr Fernon said. “Most affordable housing schemes expire after 15 years, and then those homes go back to market. We have committed to 35 homes staying as affordable permanently, for the next generation of locals, not just this one.”

The proposal includes:

• 293 compact lots (from 300 m²) for first-home buyers, downsizers and smaller households
• 331 standard lots (from 550 m²) for families
• 51 lifestyle lots (from 1,000 m²) and 10 large lots (1 hectare and above)
• 35 affordable homes in perpetuity and 35 build-to-rent homes to add long-term rental supply
• 70 key worker homes, with a finance pathway of up to 100% to remove the deposit barrier

The NSW Rural Fire Service (RFS) is urging communities to prepare now for the threat of bush and grass fires, as the Bush Fire Danger Period (BFDP) officially begins across most of NSW today.

RFS Commissioner Trent Curtin said the start of the BFDP was an important reminder for people to understand their risk, prepare their property and know what they will do if threatened by fire.

“The AFAC Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Spring identified an increased risk of fire across parts of northern and south-eastern NSW, and we know conditions can change quickly as we move towards summer,” Commissioner Curtin said.

“Since 1 July 2026, firefighters have responded to more than 2,700 bush and grass fires, burning more than 64,000 hectares.

“We have done considerable work preparing for the season, but firefighters cannot do it alone. Everyone living in a bush fire-prone area has a role to play.”

The RFS is continuing its One Ember Can End It campaign this season. Recent RFS research shows around 70 per cent of people living in bush fire prone areas say they have a Bush Fire Survival Plan, but fewer than half have taken practical steps to prepare their property and 62 per cent are unaware of the free resources available to help them prepare.

“Burning embers can travel well ahead of a fire front and find their way into gutters, gardens and other vulnerable areas around a home,” Commissioner Curtin said.

“One ember can end it. Clear leaves from your gutters, remove flammable material from around your home and make sure your Bush Fire Survival Plan is up to date and discussed.

“Don’t wait until there is a fire in your area. Prepare your property now, talk through your plan and use the Hazards Near Me app and RFS website to stay informed.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said preparedness was a shared responsibility.

“Our RFS volunteers are prepared and ready to respond, but communities also have an important role to play before a fire even starts,” Minister Dib said.

“A few simple jobs around your home now can reduce your risk, while having a plan means you and your family are better placed to act if fire threatens.”

While the BFDP begins across most of NSW today, 33 Local Government Areas commenced the BFDP earlier due to local conditions, with the remaining nine LGAs to commence on 1 November.

During the BFDP, landholders must obtain a Fire Permit before lighting a fire and provide at least 24 hours’ notice to neighbours and the local fire authority. Information on preparing for bush fires, permits and notifications is available at www.rfs.nsw.gov.au/BFDP.