The Latest Breaking News from Lake Macquarie

MINING company Centennial Coal has acknowledged an unlicensed discharge of water from its Newstan colliery near Fassifern, after what it described as "unprecedented heavy rains" last week.

Newcastle Herald political reporter Michael Parris casts his eye over the NSW election campaign in the Hunter.

"Our first release tickets sold out in a flash and second release is getting close."

Two council areas saw a rise compared to the previous financial year, but neither had the most attacks in the region.

Frustrated southern Lake Macquarie residents say they are gravely concerned about the waterway's health six months on from two mass fish kills.

The number of students enrolled in Independent schools in Newcastle, Lake Macquarie and the Hunter Valley grew by 3.5 per cent in 2022, as the state recorded an exodus from public schools.

Research is urgently needed to fill knowledge gaps about koala populations in Cessnock and Lake Macquarie, according to data collected by the NSW Environmental Defenders Office.

A man who pleaded not guilty to dozens of charges of indecent assault and child sexual assault - whose alleged offences were uncovered by detectives investigating the high profile disappearances of girls who went missing at Lake Macquarie in the 1970s - has been ruled unfit to stand trial.

The region recorded a clearance rate of 72.4 per cent last week.

Two Bobs in the city, Cakeboi turns two, Hunter Valley gets popular vote, Valentine's Day dining ideas, and more foodie news.

The median house value is currently $815,469.