Latest news with #MidNorthCoast
News.com.au
8 hours ago
- Sport
- News.com.au
Taree, Moree previews: Trainer Robert Agnew's star galloper to show ‘em how it's done
Trainer Robert Agnew will gladly take his share of the $13,950 winner's purse on offer at Taree on Tuesday but it's the points – not the cash – he wants most. Agnew, a rising star trainer, has his rising star racehorse Show 'Em Howl back in action on the Mid-North Coast on Tuesday after back-to-back barnstorming runs at Royal Randwick and Rosehill respectively. It comes as no surprise then that Show 'Em Howl looks destined to start well into the red when he steps out in the MVRC Winning Post Function Centre Class 3 Handicap (1262m). 'He is definitely on a Country Championship path that's for sure,'' Agnew said. 'And it looks like a walk in the park to get his (benchmark) points up to be eligible. 'He wins on Tuesday, he goes from a 60 to 64 or 65 and then that would nearly get him in (to the qualifier). 'I'll run him there (at Taree) and then we go to Sydney two-and-a-half weeks later for a 1400m and then he is in the paddock or we give him one more kill and then he is in the paddock.' • Show 'Em Howl has finished fourth and fifth in his two Sydney runs, both ending in his now-trademark whirlwind finishing burst. Rival trainers hoping for a level-playing field at Taree on Tuesday will be disheartened to learn of Show 'Em Howl's current state of health and wellbeing. 'He's improved,'' Agnew declared. 'I'm expecting him to be very dominant on Tuesday to be honest.' Show 'Em Howl shows them how in the last at @port_races! ðŸ'� @AnnaRoper_ — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) January 19, 2025 Show 'Em Howl is not only a four-legged advertisement for Agnew's training prowess, his meagre purchase price of $5,000 at the far away Inglis Gold Yearling Sale in Melbourne in 2023 highlights Agnew's eye for a bargain. Show 'Em Howl is a son of Showtime who left Australia on a plane for Indonesia in August last year to continue his stud duties. Agnew's three-year-old has several Group 1 relatives on his page including Racing To Win as well as The Everest winner Classique Legend. Where to next for Show 'Em Howl? The Country Championships are on the radar! Hear from trainer Robert Agnew after the win at @port_races this afternoon... — SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) January 19, 2025 Agnew's other runner at Taree on Tuesday is Prince Rupert who turned in a career-best performance last start when third at Coffs Harbour. 'He is my most expensive horse and he's been very disappointing,'' Agnew said. 'But we changed a few things, gave him a good spell and brought him back and fingers are crossed that he can do what he did first-up and he'll be on the right track to win races for us. 'He finds himself in a race that is very achievable for him to put himself in the first four again. 'I can't fault him. His work is good and he looks great.' Prince Rupert, a $50,000 Magic Millions Yearling graduate of the 2023 sale, is a son of Bjorn Baker's Winning Rupert who won the first five of his ultimately final six lifetime starts including the Group 2 BRC Champagne Classic, Group 3 Vo Rogue Plate and the Listed Gold Edition Stakes, all in Brisbane from May to December in 2016. Meanwhile there was good news on the Agnew front regarding his talented three-year-old Pony Soprano who came down in a drama-charged Highway at Rosehill on Saturday. 'He had a couple of little cuts on his legs but nothing major and a head knock,' Agnew reported. 'The initial plan was to spell him straight away but I got him home and it is not as bad as I first thought.' â– â– â– â– â– Prosser's Wild girl ready to rumble Highway-winning trainer Colt Prosser is hoping the 'real' She's A Wild One will reveal herself when she joins a caravan of four heading from Wauchope to Moree on Tuesday. The daughter of 2019 Doncaster Handicap winner Brutal, She's A Wild One has so far been more true to her name than the job of being a racehorse as Prosser explained. 'She has always shown me so much ability, I thought she was my best three-year-old by a country mile but she just does everything wrong,'' Prosser says. 'She duffs the start and then she wants to over-race mid-race and then she is gassing herself out by the time she gets to the post. 'If she can put it all together on race day, the day she does it, she will look very impressive put it that way. 'I am chasing a little BOBS bonus win with her so I am just trying to pick my best option and Tuesday looks like a nice race for her.' Prosser's first runner on the card is the (rare) black-coloured gelding Impending Fortune who ought to relish the opportunity to step out to 1300m in Tuesday's opener. 'It's probably even a touch short,' Prosser said. 'He is still a little bit green and he still does a little bit wrong but 1300m on a big track like Moree should be perfect.' Prosser has likewise found an ideal race on Tuesday for former Godolphin-housed galloper Montgolfier to record his second win in as many starts after a swashbuckling maiden win at Taree last start. 'I was very happy with how strong he was through the line,'' his trainer said. 'I always thought for him to be winning races, he has to get over a little bit further but he has still got to learn to harness that energy between the 800m and the 600m, he just wants to get going and do too much.' Prosser's final runner at Moree is Calamity Fox whose record at the venue is a win and third from his two prior visits. 'He is one of those old horses who loves a trip away and I picked out three races for the other ones and I thought I'll throw the old Fox on the float and take him. 'If he can get back to the form he had last prep he will run well. He likes the track.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Irreplaceable 6.5-hectare forest protected for future generations of Aussies
A speck of ancient forest, feared to be at imminent risk of destruction, is on the verge of being protected for future generations of Australians. Described as 'magical', the 6.5-hectare fragment of NSW Mid North Coast bush is remarkable because it remains intact and has never been harvested for timber. Earlier this month, conservationists were becoming increasingly concerned it could be bulldozed because a company owned by the NSW Government had earmarked the wider area for harvesting this year. Located at the edge of the 1,000-hectare Viewmont State Forest, the wilderness is blessed with towering eucalypts that are home to species threatened with extinction, including koalas and yellow-bellied gliders. Dailan Pugh, a spokesperson for the North East Forest Alliance (NEFA), said it's one of the region's 'last remaining coastal stands of intact forest'. Dr Stuart Blanch, conservation scientist at World Wide Fund for Nature-Australia (WWF), explained that some of these hollows that provide shelter for gliders would have taken 200 years or more to form. 'They're like gold. Stands of giant trees are far too priceless to be logged. They can't be replaced in our lifetime or our children's lifetime,' he said. Forest could be included in Great Koala National Park Government analysis indicates NSW is on track to lose 50 per cent of its threatened species in the next century, and its wild koalas will be wiped out in 25 years. While both koalas and yellow-bellied gliders are federally protected threatened species, state governments controversially have an exemption to log their habitat. While native forest logging has largely ceased on state-owned land in Victoria and Western Australia, the Minns Labor government continues to back the industry in NSW. And the state-owned Forestry Corporation is in charge of deciding which areas should be harvested. The 6.5 hectares of old-growth forest and the surrounding Viewmont State Forest are being considered to be part of the proposed 315,000-hectare Great Koala National Park (GKNP), a project Labor committed to before its election in 2023. The scheme would see a string of fragmented national parks joined together by protecting state-owned land that's currently subject to logging. Around 176,000 hectares of state forest are being assessed for inclusion in the park, which it is hoped will help slow the extinction of koalas in NSW. But in the meantime timber continues to be harvested from these areas, angering conservationists who have called for a moratorium until its borders are finalised. Environment Minister Penny Sharpe or Premier Chris Minns are yet to advise when the GKNP will be delivered. Questions to Sharpe's office from Yahoo News were redirected to her department, which said the GKNP 'will be delivered', although it did not specify when. 'There has been a comprehensive assessment process which considers environmental, economic, social, ecological and cultural issues,' it said in an email. 'All of the inputs are being finalised so government can create the park.' Experts frustrated by 'complex' forestry rules What's proving a challenge is understanding which parts of state forest are eligible to be logged. They want to ensure high-value forests aren't destroyed before the GKNP is created, as this could lessen its ability to protect koalas. The 6.5 hectares were not earmarked for protection until 2025, but it extends out of Bowraville Nature Reserve which was protected in the 1960s. Both areas have the same value to wildlife and the ecosystem. Even experts at large environmental groups like WWF-Australia and smaller outfits like NEFA find it a challenge to understand the state's harvest plans for these parks. Looking at a map alone is often not enough, and it has taken Yahoo weeks to establish whether the 6.5-hectare old-growth forest in Viewmont State Forest was protected in perpetuity. Part of the problem was that publicly available maps aren't scheduled to be updated for the area until late in 2025, even though decisions were internally made in January and February to retain it. Its protection won't be formalised until operations resume and Forestry Corporation returns to the area, which it said is 'subject to weather and logistical considerations'. Pugh argues this highlights the "frustration" he feels around "navigating the complexities of forestry regulations". "The situation is opaque, and it's often not clear to us what Forestry is doing," he told Yahoo. Call to bring mapping 'confusion' to an end Another problem is that complicated rules have evolved over decades of discussion between the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Forestry Corporation, multiple levels of government and the courts. And this has resulted in confusing regulations and jargon that only experts understand. For instance, the 6.5-hectare old-growth forest is marked in pink on maps as a 'non-harvest area', a designation that means it won't be immediately logged. The area is set to be reclassified as a 'tree retention clump' and marked in brown, and this will protect it in perpetuity. Although this doesn't cover the entire area, and some parts are only protected because they're inaccessible. Regulations are complicated when it comes to protecting wildlife, too. Under the regulations set by the EPA, it's not necessary for Forestry Corporation to search for endangered greater gliders at night in this area, even though they're a nocturnal species and not active during the day. However, elsewhere in the state, they have to be conducted after sunset, before harvesting can begin. Worrying environmental impact of common ingredient in $2 snack Incredible phone footage leads to rediscovery of lost species Australia called out for 'failing' two rare species facing extinction WWF believes the situation is 'complex' when it should be 'simple'. Blanch argues the only way to be confident forest in the area is protected, is for the government to follow through with its promise to create the GKNP. 'Only around 10 people can probably understand the details about the different map versions, classifications and interpretations of the pre-logging survey requirements,' he told Yahoo News. 'It's up to one person to bring this confusion to an end. And that's the Premier of NSW. He needs to declare the Great Koala National Park.' Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
ABC News
3 days ago
- Climate
- ABC News
Mid North Coast community traces Manning River flood history
For residents living on the New South Wales Mid North Coast, the recent record-breaking flood event may be the worst natural disaster they have witnessed in their lifetime. In May, the Manning River reached a record high of 6.44 metres at Martin Bridge, submerging Taree and large stretches of the coast. The flood surpassed the previous record of 5.9 metres set in the 1929 flood, but for some in the community, there is a sense of history repeating itself. Ross Murray has traced his family roots in the region back hundreds of years, discovering a deep and tragic connection to floods. Birpai elder Russell Saunders' connection to the country stretches back even further, as his ancestors were traditional custodians of the land for tens of thousands of years. From his house in the high ground of Tinonee, Uncle Russ, as he is known by his community, watched the most recent floodwaters rise across the plains where, as a child, he would fish with his father. "It looked like a big lake," Uncle Russ said. Uncle Russ is an artist and language teacher and has long been a custodian of cultural knowledge. He learned to spot the signs of a coming flood from his father and the elders of his community. "Dad taught us a lot of signs and wonders about reading the river," he said. "I remember one time I saw carpet snakes near the bank, first one, then another, about a dozen all up. He said when they saw the black cockatoos flying over as kids, the elders used to always tell them that rain was coming. "When you see the ants pile up their nest like a little volcano, that's a sign of floods coming," he said. Uncle Russ's eldest brother, Ray, has been a licensed fisherman since 1975, and this cultural knowledge has helped his craft. "White ants start flying out of the forest looking for holes in trees to move into another nesting area — they called them storm ants. "Wild ducks gather on the banks of the river when spring water from aquifers starts flowing — small fish swim upstream feeding on nutrients rising to the top of the water when this occurs on the water." This May was the worst flood Ray had ever seen, but he remembers his elders recalling big floods before 1929. "He said to the elder about the 1929 flood, 'This is a big flood,' and the elder said, 'No, we've had bigger ones than this.'" Perhaps, the elders were referring to the 1857 flood. Ross Murray's roots run deep in the region, and he discovered newspaper clippings with details about earlier floods while researching his Scottish ancestors for a book he wrote about them. "Our greatest catastrophe" reads one of the many weathered newspaper clippings from Mr Murray's father's archive, detailing floods from as far back as the 1800s. The 1857 floods were also a catastrophe for the Murray family, with one of Ross' ancestors killed while trying to save livestock. The Murrays had travelled from Scotland to Australia in the 1800s and established farms in the Manning district, between Wingham, Oxley Island and Darawank, and Tinonee. The newspapers from 1857 revealed how his ancestors were impacted by floods. "The public punt at Tinonee has gone, and also the pub man's house with its entire contents. One storekeeper at Tinonee lost not less than 2,000 pounds." the newspaper clipping read. "The reference to the Ferry Inn in Tinonee, which was my great-great uncle's business — George Murray — was entirely submerged, the family barely having time to escape with their lives," Ross said. "No-one ever really expected that that 1929 flood peak would be exceeded, and, of course, that's exactly what's happened." A newspaper from 1929 recorded the seven-day rainfall total as the equivalent of 822 millimetres. Ross said, looking through the 1929 reports, there were many features of the floods that didn't seem to change. "Isolation caused by high water levels and the washing away of bridges and culverts was a huge problem in 1929," he said. "Residents at both Croki and Old Bar reported continuous streams of furniture, vegetables, cattle carcases, hay and other items carried by the torrent. " Ross said he wondered what his ancestors would think about the latest floods. "I think they'd be amazed at how far it came up," he said. Uncle Russ said that when a flood was coming, the once nomadic people would move to high ground and camp up in the hills. "We used to move with the seasons. Now we're fixed in one place," he said. Uncle Russ said the landscape had also changed since he was a child and, as such, the damage from floods was more extensive. "We see the damage now because I look across the farmland now, and all I see is roofs of houses and water," he said.
ABC News
5 days ago
- ABC News
Rohen James Hanson found guilty of murdering Dee Annear in Bulga Forest
A jury has unanimously found a man guilty of murdering his partner in a remote hut on the New South Wales Mid North Coast. Rohen James Hanson, 42, was tried in the Supreme Court in Newcastle for the murder of Dee Annear, 34. Ms Annear's body was found outside a logger's cabin in Bulga Forest on September 18, 2021. The pair, who lived together in Wingham, west of Taree, had been on camping at what they called the "witch's hut". Throughout the trial the court heard that the relationship between the pair was marred by domestic violence and alcohol abuse. If you need help immediately call emergency services on triple-0 An autopsy report found Ms Annear died from blunt force trauma at about 12am on September 18, 2021. She sustained skull, rib, jaw and nose fractures, lung lacerations and a strangulation injury. The trial heard Hanson told triple-0 operators, first responders and investigating officers that Ms Annear had succumbed to injuries sustained in a car crash the night before. But Hanson later recanted that claim in a second police interview after he was arrested on September 21. In a recording played for the jury Hanson was heard telling police Ms Annear had instigated a fight with him back at the cabin after he crashed their car alone. He said he tackled her into a wall after she attacked him with a beer bottle. It was the second time Hanson was tried for Ms Annear's murder. In April 2024 jurors failed to reach a verdict. At the commencement of proceedings Hanson attempted to plead not guilty to murder but guilty to manslaughter, which the prosecution rejected. The jury began deliberating at 10:40am on Tuesday morning and concluded at 2pm on Wednesday. Justice Ian Harrison thanked the jurors for their work and close attention. Hanson will return to the Supreme Court in Newcastle for sentencing on September 5.
ABC News
14-07-2025
- ABC News
Rohen Hanson told 'lie after lie' after death of Dee Annear, Bulga Forest murder trial hears
A court has heard that evidence given by a man accused of murdering his partner in a remote cabin in New South Wales was false should be disregarded. Closing arguments have been heard in the trial of Rohen James Hanson, 42, who allegedly killed Dee Annear, 34, in 2021. Ms Annear's body was found outside a logger's cabin in Bulga Forest on the NSW Mid North Coast on September 18 that year. An autopsy found she had died from blunt force trauma at about 12am that night. Mr Hanson told police Ms Annear had succumbed to injuries she had sustained in a car crash the night before on Pole Dark Road, 3.5 kilometres away from cabin. But the prosecution and defence agreed the story was a lie that Mr Hanson had repeated to triple-zero operators, first responders and investigating officers in a police interview on September 19, 2021. In his closing argument before the Supreme Court in Newcastle on Monday Crown prosecutor Carl Young told the jurors they could not rely on anything Mr Hanson said regarding the death of Ms Annear. "Mr Hanson had no difficulty telling police lie after lie," Mr Young said. Defence barrister Peter Krisenthal said Mr Hanson had been trapped in a lie after making up "a nonsense explanation in an attempt to shield himself from the consequences" of Ms Annear's death. Mr Krisenthal argued that Mr Hanson had made full and frank admissions in his second police interview on September 21. In that interview Mr Hanson told police that the pair had a fight at the cabin and that he had tackled her into a wall in self-defence after she hit him in the head with a beer bottle. But Mr Young said the second interview was full of inconsistencies and and that the jury should reject this evidence outright. "[Mr Hanson] has consistently told lies about what happened," Mr Young said. Throughout the trial the court heard of the violence and alcohol abuse that marred the relationship between Mr Hanson, from Wingham on the NSW Mid North Coast, and Ms Annear. If you need help immediately call emergency services on triple-0 Mr Young said evidence from multiple neighbours and relatives, including Ms Annear's mother, showed that Mr Hanson had "a tendency to physically assault Ms Annear during an argument". Mr Krisenthal agreed that the relationship had "a very sad propensity" for arguments and violence, but that it was instigated from both sides. The prosecution told the jury that at the time of her death Ms Annear had fractures to her skull, jaw, nose and ribs, lacerations to her lungs, a strangulation injury and more than 100 bruises, lacerations and scratches. "This was no normal scrap fight," Mr Young said. The prosecutor argued that given the number and severity of the injuries, Mr Hanson intended to kill or cause very serious bodily harm to Ms Annear "regardless of whether Mr Hanson later regretted this intention". Mr Kristenthal argued that physical fights were commonplace in the relationship and that Mr Hanson always believed Ms Annear would "pull through". "As unpalatable as that situation is, this was a fight or an assault that was part of a relationship," Mr Krisenthal said. He told the jury Mr Hanson accepted criminal responsibility regarding Ms Annear's death, as seen by his attempt to plead guilty to manslaughter at the start of the proceedings. "You might feel anger at Mr Hanson because of some of his actions, because of some of his choices," Mr Krisenthal said. "But you need to identify those feelings and put them aside." Justice Ian Harrison will continue giving instructions to the jurors on Tuesday before they begin their deliberations.
