State Matters - 13 October 2025
- Dave Layzell MP
- 12 minutes ago
- 5 min read
CLASSES RESUME
TERM FOUR has arrived and our thoughts and best wishes are with the Higher School Certificate (HSC) classes of 2025.
English Paper 1 on Thursday 16 October begins just over three weeks of exams which conclude on Friday 7 November with the Food Technology test.
Congratulations to the Class of 2025 on what you have already achieved and as NSW Education Standard Authority Chief Executive, Paul Martin, has previously advised - look after yourselves and prioritise your health and wellbeing.
The final term of this year begins with a school development day on Monday 13 October and students return on Tuesday 14 October with classes through until Friday 19 December.
And, a friendly reminder from NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol Command for motorists driving in School Zones to be aware of pedestrians, avoid double parking and observe all no parking, no stopping and bus zones signs.
If you need a refresher, click on this link: www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/roads-safety-and-rules/parking/parking-rules
HELICOPTER INSPECTION
High-voltage electricity transmission lines will be under scrutiny from this week during the latest inspection program begin conducted by Transgrid.
Following the recently completed annual bushfire prevention program, Transgrid’s October focus is on inspecting conductor conditions to help ensure the safe operation of the network.
A helicopter will fly above the transmission lines at about 50 kilometres per hour across parts of the Hunter Valley during October 13-30.
The inspection schedule is weather dependent and may change.
Further information, including an interactive map, can be found at: www.transgrid.com.au/community/network-inspections-and-maintenance-near-you/
Landholders can also register for notifications from Transgrid: www.transgrid.com.au/community/network-inspections-and-maintenance-near-you/register-for-aerial-notifications/
IMPROVEMENT ADVICE
The Auditor‑General for NSW, Bola Oyetunji, has found Revenue NSW can improve some of its processes on hardship assistance.
Revenue is responsible for collecting fines and taxes, administering grants and recovering debt on behalf of state government agencies.
The Performance Audit reviewed its Hardship Policy to assist people experiencing hardship in accordance with its Customer Commitments which include fine write-offs, payment plans and Work and Development Orders.
Among the Auditor‑General’s five recommendations are for Revenue to improve correspondence to people seeking hardship assistance and to communicate more clearly the role of the Hardship Review Board.
The full report is available at: www.audit.nsw.gov.au/our-work/reports/revenue-nsw’s-administration-of-hardship-assistance
FOOTY CELEBRATIONS
Marcellin Park, Lorn has been chosen as the venue to host Maitland’s standout 2025 season in rugby union and rugby league.
A free community BBQ, fun activities and entertainment will celebrate the local champions this Friday, 17 October, 5-8pm.
The Marcellin Park-based Maitland Rugby Club made history by defeating Merewether in the Hunter Rugby grand final, completing a minor-major double and club championship – their first since 1999.
The Maitland Rugby League Club achieved a clean sweep, winning grand finals in womens, reserve and first grade, with the Pickers first grade side securing a fourth consecutive Newcastle Rugby League premiership.
For more on the celebration on the northern side of the Belmore Bridge, check: www.facebook.com/maitlandcitycouncil
BAT PLAN
Residents of the Upper Hunter shire have until 5 November to provide feedback on a Draft Flying-Fox Camp Management Plan.
Whilst the local council understands the concern by some residents about the flying-foxes, it also has to balance protecting the native animals because of the role they play in the local environment.
The draft updated management plan covering the Murrurundi, Aberdeen and Scone camps aims to provide a coordinated approach that supports community wellbeing while caring for local wildlife.
The plan proposes reducing impacts on the community, protection of flying-foxes and their habitat, managing health and safety risks and supporting clear communication and responsible management action.
Read more and view the draft plan at: www.upperhunter.nsw.gov.au/Public-notices/Draft-Upper-Hunter-Flying-Fox-Camp-Management-Plan
SOUND IMPROVEMENT
Attending events at Singleton Civic Centre and other council-managed venues will become a more enjoyable experience for people with hearing needs.
A new state-of-the-art hearing augmentation system is now available to deliver high-quality, low-latency audio directly to compatible hearing aids, implants, earbuds, headphones and smartphones or via headsets for people without their own devices.
The Singleton Access + Inclusion Program initiative was funded from the former NSW Nationals and Liberals Government’s Resources for Regions grant program.
Singleton Council said that the technology allowing people with hearing needs to fully enjoy events, meetings and workshops is part of an ongoing commitment to making Singleton a place where everyone can connect, participate and belong.
BRANXTON IMPROVEMENTS
Cessnock City Council is undertaking work from next Monday, 20 October, as part of the Branxton Town Centre upgrade.
Traffic management will be in place to ensure resident and pedestrian safety, which may cause minor traffic delays along portions of Maitland Street, Branxton.
The work is scheduled for approximately six months, weather permitting, Monday to Friday 6.30am–4pm, Saturday 6.30am–4pm if required and Night works on selected dates.
The revitalisation project is designed to enhance the village character by narrowing the former highway corridor, improving the pedestrian experience, optimising parking, and introducing landscaping to create a more welcoming and attractive environment.
The project received $929,000 of the $1.4 million budget from the Resources for Regions program of the previous NSW Liberals and Nationals Government:
DAMAGE INSPECTION
A 750-tonne crane will be on site from Monday 13 October at one of the newest bridges which will provide upgraded road access for the Upper Hunter electorate.
Maitland City Council’s specialist bridge contractor for the new crossing at Melville requires the crane to complete an in-depth assessment of damage during floods in May and August.
Once the crane is in place and deck planks are removed from the piers, the assessment will take place during the week commencing Monday 20 October.
The new Hunter River bridge is an $8.2 million project jointly funded by the NSW and Australian Governments, with contributions from Council.
For more information, check: www.maitland.nsw.gov.au/projects/new-bridge-at-melville
FIRST AID KIT ADDITION
Licensed venues in the Upper Hunter electorate can now include the life-saving opioid reversal medication naloxone in their first aid kits.
The NSW Government is making the medication, which is available as a nasal spray, accessible across the state in a move to combat opioid-related harm.
From this month pubs, clubs, bars and music venues can volunteer to access naloxone which temporarily reverses the effects of heroin and prescription opioids like fentanyl.
It poses no risk of harm to someone who is not experiencing an opioid overdose and does not require a prescription because it is available from pharmacies and NSW public hospital emergency departments.
For more information visit NSW Health’s Take home naloxone program:
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/aod/programs/Pages/naloxone.aspxhome naloxone program, or the Your Room website: https://yourroom.health.nsw.gov.au/getting-help/Pages/Naloxone.aspx
AIR QUALITY STUDY
Air quality and air pollution in the Upper Hunter is the subject of a project being conducted by University of Newcastle researchers.
Residents aged 18 years-and-above are being invited by the researchers to participate in a recorded interview about your views and experiences concerning air pollution.
The questions will cover, Do you think about air quality? How do you think about it? And why?
The impact air quality and/or air pollution is having in your places and spaces will also be part of the research work.
Discover more at: https://hope-hardy.systeme.io/air
TSR PROTECTION
Local Land Services (LLS) is asking landholders who neighbour a travelling stock reserve (TSR) to avoid accidentally damaging the sites.
Whether cultivating, sowing or putting up a new fence, if you adjoin a TSR it is important to know your legislative requirements before starting any works.
Neighbouring landholders are asked to contact the LLS to discuss proposed works and keep risks to TSRs to a minimum.
By doing so you will help protect the TSR network, which not only supports agricultural activities, but also plays a key role in supporting biodiversity and threatened species.
If you have any questions, contact your closest LLS office by calling 1300 795 299 or check: www.nsw.gov.au/regional-and-primary-industries/primary-industries/travelling-stock-reserves
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