A Stuarts Point man has been refused bail after allegedly attempting to procure a child for sex using a mobile phone. The 37-year-old was arrested at a Coffs Harbour beach last Friday, and during a search of the man and his vehicle, police seized three mobile phones and a tablet. They allege he had been communicating online with an underage girl since 2016, engaging in highly-sexualised conversations. He’ll appear in court again on September 17.

In group 2 rugby league the Macksville Sea Eagles easily accounted for the Rebels yesterday with a 26-point win, the Ghosts flogged Nambucca 72-to-6 and the Axemen came from behind against the Comets to clinch a thrilling 20-all draw.

The future of transport is being trialled in regional New South Wales for the very first time. A new, driver-free shuttle bus was launched today in Coffs Harbour and Armidale.

The 2018 Coffs Racing Carnival got underway this afternoon, and conditions were near-perfect for the staging of the Sawtell Race Day. It bodes well for the much-anticipated $80,000 Coffs Cup coming up on August 2.

Taree’s Lucy Green has made it through to the next round of the state Junior Surf Titles at Coffs Harbour. And on day two, the swell didn’t disappoint.

The Coffs Harbour CBD and the Toormina Sports Precinct will be getting a major security upgrade. $900,000 will be put towards the installation of new lighting and CCTV.

Pacific Highway subcontractors owed millions of dollars for work carried out on the north coast are to be paid by the state government. Deputy Premier, John Barilaro, made the announcement in Coffs Harbour this morning.

In Group 2 rugby league the Orara Valley Axemen have strengthened their spot in the top three with a win over the Roosters at Coronation Park yesterday. Sawtell edged out South Grafton and Coffs Harbour had a comfortable 22-point win over Macksville.

Cooma’s Sam Sergo  has taken out the final of the state under-19s squash championships in Coffs Harbour. The number one seed won in a close fought match over Newcastle’s Brad Fullick.

In Group 2 league tag this afternoon, the Coffs Comets had a win over Macksville’s Sea Eagles downing their opponents 22-points to 10. The win keeping the Comets in the top five.