State Matters - 15 September 2025
- Dave Layzell MP
- Sep 15, 2025
- 7 min read
SES NEEDS YOU!
WET AND WINDY weather crossing the state over the past fortnight including the Upper Hunter has provided a timely reminder that the storm season is here.
With trees battered by strong winds and more rainfall on already sodden ground causing flash flooding, the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) now needs new volunteers to come and join them.
SES units at Dungog, Singleton, Muswellbrook, Aberdeen, Scone and Murrurundi are eager to welcome prospective recruits, who are passionate locals with a willingness to help, learn and make meaningful connections.
If you aged 16-years or older, a student or retiree, a local businessperson who can respond in times of emergency or a member of a sporting group with teamwork skills and want an off-season challenge – then the SES wants to hear from you.
Submit your application via the SES online application form, get ready for an interview then, if you are successful, complete a Criminal History Check ready for your volunteer journey to begin.
Discover more at: https://www.ses.nsw.gov.au/volunteer
PARLIAMENT RESUMES
The spring session of the NSW Parliament is current underway with a two-week sitting of the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council.
Last week, I took the opportunity to congratulate Dungog fire brigade on the recent official opening of the new station at Bendolba, which was planned and funded by the former NSW Nationals and Liberals Government.
I acknowledged the successful end of the Group 21 rugby league season for Singleton with the Red Dogs winning the First Grade, Reserve Grade and Under-18s grand finals.
I also thanked Hunter and Mid-North Coast Recovery Coordinator, Dave Owens, for his involvement in the recent change to disaster assistance for farmers impacted by the May flood.
A reminder to those who did not qualify for the primary producer, rural landholders or special disaster grants due to owning a farming enterprise, that a small business grant is now available from Service NSW: www.service.nsw.gov.au
CONSERVATION HUNTING REPORT
The Standing Committee on State Development tabled its report last Friday on the 'Game and Feral Animal Legislation Amendment (Conservation Hunting) Bill 2025'.
The bill proposes a range of amendments to the laws that regulate hunting in NSW, primarily by allowing certain Crown lands to become designated for hunting and prescribing the mechanisms by which Crown land may be made available for hunting.
The bill also proposes the creation of the Conservation Hunting Authority in place of the Game and Pest Management Advisory Board, replaces restricted game hunting licences with conservation hunting licences and legislates for a 'right to hunt'.
Amendments to the weapons legislation are proposed to provide for conservation hunting licence holders to be granted a permit to use a silencer.
The committee has recommended that the Legislative Council consider the issues identified by stakeholders as set out in the report during debate in the House.
The report is now available on the NSW Parliament website: www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/reports/pages/reports.aspx
FLOOD INFORMATION
Community information sessions are currently being held by Dungog Local Emergency Management Committee to help property owners and residents prepare for a flood or dam safety event.
Hunter Water, NSW State Emergency Service and NSW Police are participating in the briefings which are customised and specific to each location.
Information being covered includes emergency planning and response roles, Chichester Dam operations and upgrades, updated flood and inundation mapping and support to develop property-specific emergency plans.
Clarence Town holds the next meetings on Wednesday 24 September at the local Bowling Club, corner Durham and Prince Streets, with a lunchtime session Noon-2pm, then during the evening, 5-7pm.
For more on the information sessions visit:
HCC REZ APPROVAL
The NSW Government has given planning approval for the Hunter-Central Coast Renewable Energy Zone (HCCREZ) project which upgrades existing grid infrastructure such as distribution poles and wires.
The HCCREZ is separate to the Hunter Transmission Project which currently has its Environmental Impact Statement on public exhibition.
The network upgrades, which will enable 1 gigawatt (GW) of network transfer capacity, include upgrades to existing distribution lines and the construction of two new substations.
Full planning approval follows the exhibition of the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) with the project assessed as having a relatively low environmental impact, as most of the works are taking place on existing easements.
Ausgrid has committed to addressing the REF feedback, with the HCCREZ now subject to final approvals from the Australian Energy Regulator.
The Review of Environmental Factors is available at: www.ausgrid.com.au/HCCREZ
BYPASS ROAD CLOSURE
Maison Dieu Road will be closed from Monday 22 September until Friday 3 October as part of construction for the Singleton Bypass Project.
Transport for NSW has advised that drainage and trenching work will be carried out with a detour in place via Magpie Street for all vehicles.
Work will take place during standard construction hours, 7am-6pm weather permitting, however some night work may be carried out if required.
Access will be maintained for pedestrians and cyclists throughout the road closure period.
Electronic Message Signs and traffic signage will be in place to advise motorists of the changed traffic conditions and motorists are advised they can expect delays of around five minutes.
RACING NSW EOI
Expressions of Interest are open until Monday 29 September for applicants wanting to be considered for appointment as a member of Racing NSW.
The Thoroughbred Racing Act 1996 stipulates that it is the duty of each appointed member of Racing NSW to act in the public interest and in the interests of the horse racing industry as a whole in the State.
The Act also requires that an appointee must have experience in a senior administrative role or experience at a senior level in one or more of the fields of business, finance, law, marketing, technology, commerce, regulatory administration or regulatory enforcement.
Candidates will be required to complete a comprehensive probity assessment to be eligible for appointment and should also familiarise themselves with the requirements of the Racing NSW Board Code of Conduct.
A candidate information pack is available at https://iwork.nsw.gov.au with applicants to, submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter outlining your relevant experience via email to racing.admin@racing.nsw.gov.au with the subject as “Racing NSW Appointments”.
THIS WEEK!!
Dementia and emergency readiness are in focus this week with separate awareness campaigns.
This year’s theme for Dementia Action Week 2025 is ‘Nobody can do it alone’ challenging everyone in the community to reach out and reconnect to someone impacted by dementia.
For practical information, toolkits and resources head to:
And, Australia Post and the Australian Red Cross are partnering to help communities across the country prepare in case disaster strikes.
Households will receive Prepare Flyers, which outline four simple steps to help people protect themselves, their loved ones, and the things they value most.
To do your part to stay safe and be resilient, you can take a quick quiz to assess your disaster preparedness at: www.redcross.org.au/prepare/
WATER REGULATIONS
Two new regulations have replaced the Water Management (General) Regulation 2018 which was automatically repealed on 1 September under the Subordinate Legislation Act 1989.
The new regulations are the Water Management (General) Regulation 2025 and the
Water Management (Water Supply Authorities) Regulation 2025 and include some changes to water management rules.
A number of submissions were received from stakeholders when the drafts of the regulations were placed on public exhibition in March and April of this year.
All of the submissions were considered while the new regulations were finalised with a summary of the feedback received, and the department's responses has now been published on the department's website:
The new regulations are available on the NSW Legislation webpage (select ‘W’ under Statutory Instruments): https://legislation.nsw.gov.au/browse/inforce
TIME TO REGISTER
Registrations are now open for Australia’s biggest second-hand treasure hunt – the Garage Sale Trail.
Taking place over two weekends, November 8-9 and 15-16, you can sell, shop or do both on one day or more.
If you have stuff you don’t need anymore then turn it into cash by hosting a sale at home, joining a local market or get the neighbours together for a thrifty street party.
Garage Sale Trail is open to everyone from unit blocks to community groups, schools with even pubs and museums encouraged to get involved.
It’s free to participate thanks to the support of the NSW Environment Protection Authority.
Once you register you have access to lots of resources and support from how-to guides to ready-made signage and a listing on the national Garage Sale Trail map.
Check for event news at: www.facebook.com/GarageSaleTrail and register at: www.garagesaletrail.com.au garagesaletrail.com.au
ROCK FISHING ADVICE
Anglers who fish from coastal rock platforms are being urged to take time and make use of the latest resources from the Recreational Fishing Alliance of NSW (RFA).
A new series of short, practical, and culturally inclusive rock fishing safety videos is available on the RFA website.
The videos highlight the core pillars of safe rock fishing such as always wearing an approved lifejacket, checking weather and swell conditions before heading out, choosing safe locations and having knowledge of how to call for help and what to do in an emergency.
The volunteer organisation, which is the peak recreational representative fishing body in NSW, encourages everyone to use the information and to distribute it among other recreational fishers, fishing clubs, schools and community groups.
To access the new resources and the library of existing safety videos and information check: www.safefishing.com.au
FUN AT PARLIAMENT
As the countdown to the October school holiday gathers momentum, the NSW Parliament has issued a statewide invitation for the Spring Family Fun Day.
Friday 10 October, 9.30am–3pm, you are invited to Macquarie Street Sydney to celebrate and learn about democracy and the workings of the state’s Parliament.
This free one-day only civics spectacular is packed with hands-on activities for children aged 5 to 12, however, all family and friends are welcome to join in on the fun.
You can step inside the historic chambers where laws are made, have your say in a mock committee roleplay, learn about voting, get creative in arts and crafts workshops and enjoy live music.
Parents/Carers can learn more and get their free ticket by checking in at: www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/visit/events/Pages/Family-Fun-Day-2025.aspx
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