No matter what the story, the region's relentless growth seems to play a part in it, directly or indirectly.
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Keeping up with this demand is the biggest challenge facing council today.
Think of it: housing, public transport, roads, services ... there is pressure on it all like never before. And no end in sight.
Wednesday's front page story is a case in point.
With housing projects going up everywhere, North Thornton has suddenly become the latest area slated for growth.
Not just one development application before council, but the 102 residential lots on Raymond Terrace Road parcel of land is only the start ... the first of four developments that, if approved, will total another 400 houses, and be delivered over 11 stages.
And that's just North Thornton.
The are numerous other ongoing developments ... Gillieston Heights, St Helena, Ravensfield, Cliftleigh Meadows and Saddlers Ridge among other ... all in various stages of construction.
What can a council do to keep traffic flowing when there are more and more cars hitting the road every year? When next year will be even worse? It's a tough job.
On page 3 we have a story that relates to the region's growth, too. This time it's the new Maitland Hospital and a call for public feedback on stage 2 of the design.
Right at the start under the heading '1.1 Background to the Development', it looks at the impact of this unprecedented growth.
"The existing Maitland Hospital is the rural referral hospital for the Hunter Valley and is the district hospital for greater Maitland residents. The hospital is currently operating at capacity and cannot support the growth and change in the type of services for the Lower Hunter Region. It has been identified as having a number of issues relating to ... ability to meet contemporary service delivery and models of care."
In other words, Maitland is crying out for something bigger and more modern.
The public has until August 8 to offer feedback and as this is so important to the region, The Mercury would encourage you to take the time to have a say. You might not get another chance.
It has been a long drawn out fight featuring both sides of politics.
Liberal State Government money to be sure, but also a tenacious campaign by Labor MP Jenny Aitchison.
Getting the best possible outcome is now the responsibility of us all.