State Matters - 12 October 2026
TERM FOUR
NRL Grand Final history written for this year, Bathurst 1000 run and won, now the endurance event to get us to the festive season as schools return this week.
Public schools have a school development day on Monday, 12 October, to commence Term 4 with students back in the classroom from Tuesday, 13 October, through until Thursday, 17 December.
Higher School Certificate (HSC) students begin their written exams on Tuesday, 13 October, with 2026 HSC results to be released Wednesday, 16 December.
Good luck to this year’s HSC cohort and in case you missed the memo last week, please leave the following at home - phones and smartwatches, bluetooth earphones/headphones, notes or your own scrap paper, correction tape or white-out, food or flavoured drinks, unless approved, and calculator lids/covers.
And, there is one other educational event beside school presentations before the final term of 2026 wraps-up, with all secondary schools hosting Year 6 orientation day on 1 December.
APPLICATION LODGED
Bloomfield Collieries has lodged a State Significant Development Application with NSW Planning, Housing and Infrastructure for the Rix’s Creek North Continuation Project near Singleton.
The project is for mining to continue for a further 14-years until 2049 extending the Falbrook and Camberwell pits, changes to the final landform and the transfer of overburden and reject material between Rix’s Creek North and South.
Peak Run of Mine coal extraction will be reduced from 6 million tonnes per annum to 4.8 million tonnes per annum.
Approximately four kilometres of the New England Highway will be realigned to support the recovery of the coal resource.
An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has been prepared and accompanies the State Significant Development Application and will be public exhibited by NSW Planning.
Further information will be available at: www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/rixs-creek-north-continuation-project
SOBERING STATS
Four lives lost, thousands of infringement notices issued that was the sobering reality following the NSW Police October long weekend traffic operation.
Operation Labour Day 2026 ran from Friday morning, 2 October, until Monday night, 5 October, with double demerit points for speeding, illegal mobile phone use, not wearing a seatbelt and riding without a helmet.
Across the state, police issued 9,136 Traffic Infringement Notices, with 3234 for speed-related offences, 345 for mobile phone use, and 130 for seatbelt or helmet-related offences.
Police conducted more than 211,474 breath tests, with 270 drink driving offences detected, and conducted 6180 drug tests with 812 drug driving offences detected, and 279 major crashes reported.
Northern Region, which includes the Manning-Great Lakes, Port Stephens-Hunter and Hunter Valley Police Districts, posted 3,362 infringements, 1,202 speed infringements,
255 positive drug-driving tests, 84 drink-drive charges from 36,604 breath tests and 59 major crashes.
The neighbouring Western Region, which has the remainder of the New England and Golden Highways recorded 907 infringements, 479 for speeding, 93 positive drug-driving tests, 30 drink-driver charges from 18,116 breath tests with 24 major crashes.
Of the four road crash deaths across NSW over the long weekend both police regions recorded one road fatality each.
RAISE IT
NSW Health is encouraging people to ‘speak up’ when they feel something isn’t right with a patient at the state’s public hospitals and health services.
The Raise It campaign is about empowering everyone to raise concerns to get help fast.
When you are at a hospital with a loved one, trust your instincts, you know them best, if you are worried your loved one is getting worse or feel something isn’t right - Raise It.
Start by talking to a nurse, midwife, doctor or health worker about your concerns.
Still concerned? Ask the nurse or midwife in charge for a clinical review.
If you are still worried, call NSW Health Raise It on 1800 777 333 and a senior health worker will respond.
Find out more, visit www.health.nsw.gov.au/raiseit
HVO CONTINUATION
I welcome the Independent Planning Commission’s decision that will allow Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) to continue mining until 2045.
This commonsense decision will save more than 1,500 jobs for our region ensuring royalties continue to help fund essential services right across NSW.
In its Statement for Reasons for Decision the IPC recognised that the proposed emission of 809Mt of greenhouse gases from local mining operations and coal combustion overseas would contribute to climate change impacts on the people, economy and environment of the Hunter region, NSW and globally.
In balancing these impacts against the significant employment, business, social and economic benefits of the mine extension, the Commission has imposed conditions that effectively manage the greenhouse gas impacts of the Project within the parameters of the NSW and Commonwealth statutory and policy regimes, and the international Paris Agreement.
All documents relating to the assessment and determination of the HVO proposal can be found on the IPC’s website: https://www.ipcn.nsw.gov.au/cases/hvo-north-and-south-open-cut-coal-continuation-projects including updated Development Consent conditions:
EIS WEBINAR
EnergyCo is holding a webinar next week to assist the community ahead of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) being released for the New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) network infrastructure project.
The introductory session, Understanding the EIS, on Tuesday, 20 October, 4-5pm, will explain the purpose and structure of the EIS, how to find information relevant to landholders and residents, and how to make a submission.
Additional webinars will explore topics including how the REZ will be built, biodiversity and environmental assessments.
The sessions will provide a deeper understanding of the studies undertaken, key findings and proposed measures to avoid, minimise and manage potential impacts.
There will be time for questions at the end with participants able to submit them using the Q&A function during the session.
If you can't join the live webinar, a recording will be available on EnergyCo’s website after the session.
If you have questions before the session, call 1800 061 114 or email: nerez@energyco.nsw.gov.au.
To register for the webinar, go to: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/83148961-89dd-4f8f-93c7-a52e72ecfe85@96ef8821-2a39-471c-b89a-67b0833dd3b9?source=copyLinkOneEventsShareDialog
SERVICE TO STROUD
Service NSW will pay Stroud a visit this Friday, 23 October, from 8.30am to 12.30pm.
The mobile service centre will set up at the War Memorial in Memorial Avenue offering similar services to the Service NSW physical sites.
It includes Driver Knowledge Tests as well as Driver licence, photo card applications and renewals.
You can make application for a Working With Children Check, plus birth, death and marriage certificates.
Assistance with cost of living may also be available through the Savings Finder program with access to more than 70 government rebates and vouchers.
For more on the Mobile Service Centre program, check: www.service.nsw.gov.au/mobile-service-centres
ROAD UPGRADES
New line marking and the installation of traffic management signage at the Jerrys Plains, Denman and Sandy Hollow town entry points marks the start of the NSW Government’s Regional Corridors Upgrade Program.
Combined funding of $1.049 billion from the state government and $697 million from the Australian Government will deliver major upgrades to strengthen routes that connect freight to ports and industries and help keep regional communities connected.
$849.8 million has been allocated for the Muswellbrook-Armidale corridor, including upgrades to key sections of the New England Highway.
The Newcastle-Dubbo corridor receives $520.8 million for upgrades along the Golden Highway, Hunter Expressway and strengthening the connection across the Great Dividing Range to the Central West.
Improvements will include road, shoulder and intersection widening, turning lanes, new overtaking lanes, new and improved rest stops, pull-over bays and heavy vehicle facilities.
Further information about the regional corridors investment is available at: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects/current-projects/regional-road-corridors-upgrade-program
EV CHARGES
The Legislative Council’s Public Accountability and Works Committee has recommended the NSW Government investigate fairer distance-based options for electric vehicle road users in rural, regional and outer suburban communities.
The committee has tabled its report entitled ‘Review of the Electric Vehicles (Revenue Arrangements) Act 2021' with the road user charge for electric vehicles currently legislated to commence on 1 July 2027.
In recommending that the government investigate fairer distance-based options for electric vehicle road users in rural and regional communities and light commercial vehicle operators, the committee noted it should be without creating loopholes or adding to the administrative burden or complexity for drivers.
The committee has reported it became clear during its review that a national road user charging framework is largely preferred to a state-based approach, although there appears to have been limited progress in this regard.
Evidence before the inquiry included that it is in fact not constitutionally permissible for the Commonwealth to hypothecate revenue such as the current fuel excise levy towards specific purposes, and that instead the money is delivered, as all other taxes, fees and charges are, into the general revenue accounts of the Commonwealth.
The proportion of revenue that is subsequently allocated to the purpose of road maintenance and new road infrastructure development is then a political decision of the relevant Minister and Treasurer through the budget process, like all other public spending decisions.
View the report at: www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/parliamentary-business/committees/reports-and-government-responses
FRONT OF MIND
October is Mental Health Awareness Month and Hunter New England Local Health District
wants all of us to look after our overall health and wellbeing.
Local mental health services support people of all ages with care available in hospitals, community settings and at home.
The Mental Health Line 1800 011 511 is available 24/7, staffed by trained mental health professionals who offer mental health advice and referrals to local mental health services.
Support is also available from Lifeline 13 11 14; Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36;
Kids helpline 1800 55 1800; Suicide Call Back Service support 1300 659 467;
13YARN (24/7) supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 13 92 76; and, Transcultural Mental Health Line call: 1800 648 911
Anyone who needs immediate support to seek help, if life is in danger, call Triple Zero (000).
To find out more about mental health services in our local health district, go to:
BIRD FLU ADVICE
We are being asked to stay alert for H5 bird flu with community reports playing an important role in helping authorities monitor wildlife health and identify potential changes in the disease situation.
The NSW Government is working with Australian, state and territory agencies on surveillance, preparedness and response.
If you find sick or dead wild birds, domestic birds, marine mammals or other wildlife showing signs of H5 bird flu avoid contact with the animals and their environment.
Use your mobile phone camera to photograph or video record what you see and where it occurred then report it via the online form: https://forms.bfs.dpi.nsw.gov.au/forms/23970
otherwise call the Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888.
If you keep backyard poultry, pet birds or small flocks, now is a good time to review your biosecurity practices.
Backyard bird owners can help protect their birds by preventing contact with wild birds, keeping feed and water covered, maintaining clean enclosures, and monitoring birds for signs of illness.
For practical advice on protecting backyard poultry and pet birds, visit the Australian Government's Bird Owners information webpage:
BE PREPARED
Maitland City Council, Dungog Shire Council and Port Stephens Council are teaming up for an Emergency Management and Community Resilience Expo at Maitland Showground.
Meet representatives from NSW Police, the Rural Fire Service, State Emergency Service, Marine Rescue Newcastle and other emergency services.
See large–scale displays, live demonstrations and practical displays to pick up useful tips to help you prepare your home, property and family for an emergency.
There will also be hands-on activities and live entertainment during the free family friendly event on Saturday, 14 November, 9am–2pm.
When it comes to bushfires, floods and storms, a little preparation can go a long way.
For more on the Emergency Management and Community Resilience Expo, check:
SPRING CLEANOUT EVENT!
Australia's biggest secondhand treasure hunt is on next month when the Garage Sale Trail opens up to recyclers, upcyclers and bargain hunters.
The weekends of November 7-8 and 14-15 are the opportunities to be part of the Garage Sale Trail to give your unwanted clothes, furniture or an old bike a new home.
It’s all about making secondhand second nature - turning unwanted items into cash, scoring rare vintage bargains and keeping good stuff out of landfill.
Have a spring clean then join with other homes, unit blocks, schools, community groups, charities and pubs across the country hosting garage sales and secondhand markets, on the same two weekends by registering at: www.garagesaletrail.com.au
LLS ACTIVITIES
Hunter Local Land Services will update the community on African Boxthorn as well as pest and weed control programs during events next week at Parkville and Denman.
Lessons from the trial site are the focus for the African Boxthorn control demonstration day at Parkville on Thursday, 22 October, to share the results of the local trial site and practical strategies for tackling one of the region’s most challenging woody weeds.
The free event runs 9.30am-1pm including morning tea and a BBQ lunch.
Then Friday, 23 October, 4-6.30 pm at Denman Memorial Hall in Ogilvie Street, Hunter LLS will explain what is happening with pest animals and weeds between Kerrabee and Doyles Creek.
Find out what a recent program of targeted pest and weed control programs achieved, see highlights from the wildlife camera trap monitoring, and local landholders can learn about opportunities for ongoing pest and weed control in the area.
More information is available on the Hunter LLS’s events page:
Contact:
Email address: upperhunter@parliament.nsw.gov.au;
New Address: 94 John Street Singleton
Postal Address: PO Box 60 Singleton NSW 2330
Ph: 6543 1065
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