Mid North News

Frightening claims have emerged following a deadly crash on the Pacific Highway, on the north coast. Police have put out an urgent call for public help, as they investigate whether the car – with three people inside – had just been shot at.

As more people move to the Port Macquarie Hastings region, it makes sense that more buildings are needed to house them. But the rate of growth might surprise some, with more than 100 development applications being lodged with council every month.

Nambucca’s library is set for a major upgrade, thanks to a $1.5-million state government grant. The works will increase the floor space of the library, which enjoys more than 50,000 visitors each year.

Deputy Premier, John Barilaro, says the state government will not make knee jerk reactions to yesterday’s shark attack at Nambucca Heads. The Nambucca father of three, Joel Mason, sustained extensive lacerations to his leg and remains in Newcastle’s John Hunter Hospital.

A surfer who referred to himself as “shark bait” is recovering in hospital, after he was bitten at Nambucca Heads on the mid-north coast.

Two men have died and a woman is fighting for life after a single vehicle accident south of Grafton. Southbound lanes of the Pacific Highway at Glenugie were closed as a result of the accident which happened at around 7:45 on Sunday evening. FOR THE LATEST TRAFFIC INFORMATION VISIT LIVE TRAFFIC NSW It’s understood the vehicle left the road, crashing through a fence and rolled. The men died at the scene, while the woman was trapped in the wreck until she could be freed by emergency workers. Motorists are advised to expect delays.

A father of three, who’s previously described himself as “shark bait” has been attacked – his leg mauled, while out for an early morning surf at Nambucca Heads. Joel Mason managed to swim to shore, where he was dragged onto rocks by an off duty lifeguard, whose fast thinking may well have saved his life.

A learner rider will front court next year after he was caught allegedly travelling at up to 220km/h near Coffs Harbour. The Valla Beach man was pulled over by police after he was spotted travelling along the Pacific Highway at Raleigh at around 9:30 on Saturday night. The 18-year-old learner, who isn’t allowed to travel faster than 90-kilometres an hour, was charged with two offences – including exceeding the speed limit by more than 45-kilometres an hour. His licence was suspended and he’ll will front court in February.

A 36-year-old man’s been left with serious leg injuries, after he was bitten by a shark on the Mid North Coast. The man was surfing near Nambucca Heads this morning, when he was attacked at around 7 o’clock. He managed to make his way to a nearby breakwall, where he was assisted by a member of the public. Ambulance crews treated the surfer at the scene, before he was flown by the Westpac Rescue Helicopter to Newcastle’s John Hunter Hospital. Local beaches including Shelley Beach and Main Beach remain closed.

The Sunrise Supported Living Village in Tuncurry has been gradually expanding all year, but work is now nearing an end. The last of 39 brand new villas have come as an early Christmas gift to residents, that are now in the process of moving in.