State Matters - 10 November 2025
- Dave Layzell MP
- Nov 10, 2025
- 6 min read
HAVE YOUR SAY
THE INVITATION has been issued – the Minns Labor Government wants your input now for
the 2026-27 NSW Budget.
Individuals, businesses and community groups are being asked for their views regarding priorities to help the state government deliver on key wellbeing themes while maintaining a commitment to responsible budget management.
Submissions should include what the NSW Government is doing well and should continue to do, what it’s not doing well, work the government should pause or reprioritise and ways it could raise funds to support service delivery and infrastructure.
The submission will be forwarded to the relevant portfolio Minister or Ministers and agencies, with Ministers then able to bring proposals to the Expenditure Review Committee of Cabinet.
The 2026-27 NSW Budget will be delivered in June 2026 but input will close on Monday 22 December at: www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/2026-27-pre-budget-submission
RENEWABLE DAs
NSW Planning is exhibiting State Significant Development Applications for two proposed renewable energy projects being near Denman.
The Upper Hunter South Solar Farm DA is for construction, operation and decommissioning of a 90MW solar farm, battery energy storage system and associated infrastructure.
With the Denman Battery Energy Storage System DA covering construction, operation and decommissioning of a battery energy storage system (BESS) and ancillary infrastructure.
If you need help to make a submission, visit help and resources: www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/help or call Service NSW on 1300 305 695.
All submissions must be made online through the NSW Planning Portal by 4 December:
CLOSURE POWER
NSW Health now has substantial powers to make short-term closure orders of up to 90 days for premises selling illicit tobacco, illegal vaping goods or selling tobacco without a licence.
The department’s inspectors are being supported by NSW Police to carry out raids and issue closure orders on offending businesses.
In addition to the tough new closure powers, the NSW Government has made changes to the Public Health (Tobacco) Act increased the maximum penalties for anyone caught selling products without a valid licence to $660,000 for individuals and $880,000 for a corporation.
More information on closure orders and penalties can be found on the NSW Health website: www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/tobacco-retailing-laws.aspx and to report breaches go to: www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/let-us-know-reports-complaints.aspx
A reminder that No Smoking means No Vaping with vaping banned in all areas where smoking is banned.
These include shopping centres, public swimming pools, public transport including buses and trains as well as train platforms and bus stops, enclosed areas of restaurants, pubs and clubs and commercial outdoor dining areas.
A $300 on the spot fine can be issued for vaping or smoking in a smoke-free area.
For more information on smoke-free laws, check: www.health.nsw.gov.au/tobacco/Pages/smoke-free-laws.aspx
And, for support to quit, visit: www.iCanQuit.com.au or call the Quitline or Aboriginal Quitline on 13 78 48.
CROWN RESERVE GRANTS
Applications are now open for grants from the 2025–26 Crown Reserves Improvement Fund.
The program supports repairs, maintenance, and upgrades that strengthen the local economy and enhance the cultural, sporting and recreational life of NSW.
The annual grant round covers three categories including general maintenance and improvement projects, pest management and weed management projects.
To help deliver more local projects, the NSW Government has halved the minimum general grant amount to $50,000, making it easier for Crown land managers to apply for smaller, high-impact projects that make a big difference to their communities.
Grant applications are open until 5 December 2025, with funding available for projects up to $1 million.
More information is available at: www.crownland.nsw.gov.au/reserve-manager
or call 1300 886 235 (option 5) or via email at reservefunding@crownland.nsw.gov.au
MERRIWA ROADWORK
Transport for NSW work has scheduled roadwork on Bettington Street and Telfer Avenue, Merriwa, this weekend.
Upper Hunter Shire Council will carry out the work on behalf of Transport during Saturday 15 November on Bettington Street and Telfer Avenue, between Cullingral Road and Bow Street.
The improvement to safety for all road users includes bitumen resurfacing, 7am-6pm, with the work expected to be completed in one day, weather permitting.
Motorists are asked to be aware of lane closures, a reduced speed limit of 40km/h, traffic controllers and signage and to be alert for the presence of workers and vehicles.
E-MOBILITY DEVICE TIP
If an electric scooter, skateboard or hoverboard is on a Christmas wish list, then you may want to consider Port Stephens Hunter and Hunter Valley Police Districts’ advice.
These motorised wheeled are illegal in NSW and can only be used on private land.
Electric or petrol powered, they cannot be registered in this state and are unable to be insured nor can they be ridden on roads or road related areas, such as footpaths, shared paths and cycleways.
Should you purchase one, also include approved helmets which must be worn securely fitted and fastened by both riders and any passenger.
The electric motor must cut off when the bicycle reaches 25km/h.
Then, there are potential penalties such as fines or imprisonment for riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol, penalties for negligent or dangerous riding and an on the spot fine from $410 for holding a mobile phone.
For information to clarify e-mobility device use: https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au or go to: www.police.nsw.gov.au/safety_and_prevention/crime_prevention/e-bikes_and_motorised_wheeled_devices
SENIORS DIARY 2026
One of the most sought-after NSW Government publications is now only weeks away from being available.
The 2026 edition of the free Legal Aid NSW Legal Topics for Seniors Diary will be released on 1 December.
It contains useful information with fully updated advice on a range of legal issues including scams, disputes between neighbours, wills and planning ahead, and elder abuse.
The cover artwork of the 2026 Legal Topics diary is called ‘Echoes of our Elders’ by Shelby-Rae Lyons with the artwork telling the powerful story of Elders passing on knowledge to the next generation.
The diary will be available from the Upper Hunter Electorate Office during December with requests accepted prior by email at: upperhunter@parliament.nsw.gov.au
Other pickup locations include Legal Aid NSW offices, libraries, some community legal centres and online through the Legal Aid NSW website: www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au/ways-to-get-help/publications-and-resources
PREVENT FALLS
Thank you to the Rotary Club of Singleton Sunrise for sharing the following information on the Rotary Falls Prevention Project.
Rotary has a proud history of health advocacy, such as, bowel screening and polio eradication, now it has another very important health message – research is clear, falls can be prevented.
A fall can be terrible for an older person - every day, 17 older Australians die from a fall, 400 Australians aged 65 and over are admitted to hospital due to a fall, and falls are the most common reason for unplanned admission into an aged care facility.
We have an ageing population, so take simple actions like getting a nightlight, undertake specific physical activity, enjoy good nutrition, remove trip hazards and make sure your shoes are safe.
Find helpful information and exercise programs to support healthy ageing at the Active and Healthy website: www.activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au
REGISTER NOW, AUSTRALIA!
Registrations are now open and the countdown has commenced – Upper Hunter, it’s time to make a date to get our hands dirty to clean up the local environment next year.
‘Get Your Gloves On - to give back to the place we call home’ is the theme for Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday 1 March 2026.
Organisers are thanking the army of Clean Up volunteers for all they have done throughout the past 35+ years to help remove litter and improve our beloved Aussie environment.
Check out the How-To video series, which includes registering a Clean Up and Clean Ups for Schools, to prepare for next year and after watching, you’ll be ready to start planning your event.
For information and more on how to register go to: www.cleanup.org.au
FOCUS ON HEALTHY LUNGS
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) will be in focus next week with World COPD Day on Wednesday 19 November.
COPD is a term that covers a few lung conditions, including Emphysema and Chronic Bronchitis, and while it cannot be cured, COPD is highly preventable and manageable.
Common symptoms include shortness of breath, a cough that doesn’t get better
regularly coughing up mucus, feeling more tired than usual and frequent chest infections.
Lung Foundation Australia is encouraging us to learn more about lung diseases and how to protect your lungs at: https://lungfoundation.com.au/lung-diseases/copd/
ENTRIES OPEN
The Muswellbrook Art Prize has opened entries for next year’s competition with artists having until 2 February to nominate their work.
One of the most valuable painting prizes in regional Australia will see finalists compete for a total of $70,000 across three categories and inclusion in the Muswellbrook Shire Art Collection.
One Acquisitive Prize will be awarded for each of the three Prize sections with Painting having a $50,000 prizemoney, there’s $10,000 for Works on Paper and $10,000 for Ceramics.
The 2026 Muswellbrook Art Prize schedule will see finalists announced on 13 February with winners announced and the exhibition launch on 21 March.
Discover more about the Muswellbrook Art Prize at:
Contact:
Email address: upperhunter@parliament.nsw.gov.au
New Address: 94 John Street Singleton 2330
Postal Address: PO Box 60 Singleton NSW 2330
Ph: 6543 1065
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