State Matters - 18 August 2025

NEW SERVICE HITS ROAD

UPPER HUNTER travellers are back on the road with a new express coach service between Dubbo and Newcastle now operating twice-a-week.

Langley's Coaches ran its first Newcastle express service last Monday and is operating a booked seat service on Mondays and Fridays.

Set down and pick up locations are at Cassilis, Merriwa, Sandy Hollow, Denman, Muswellbrook, Singleton, Greta and Maitland.

The service departs Dubbo at 6am to arrive Newcastle at noon, with the return journey leaving Newcastle at 1pm to arrive Cassilis around 5pm and then Dubbo at 7pm.

Langley's has advised that all passengers must have a confirmed booking prior to travel and travellers are asked to comply with Terms and Conditions provided with their booking.

There are no walk-up booking nor can passengers board without a valid ticket.

For further timetable and booking details: www.facebook.com/Langleyscoachesdubbo

E-BIKES ON TRAINS?

Transport for NSW is asking rail commuters to have their say on a proposed temporary ban on e-micromobility devices on train services.

Following recent lithium-ion battery fires the proposed restrictions, including the temporary ban, would cover carrying e-micromobility devices on Sydney Metro, Sydney Trains and NSW Trains services.

As e-micromobility devices such as e-bikes and e-scooters become more popular, ensuring their safe use and carriage is increasingly important.

Motorised wheelchairs and mobility scooters used for disability and accessibility purposes are excluded from these proposed changes.

TfNSW invites community members and stakeholders to share their views by completing a survey by Wednesday 3 September at: www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/changes-using-e-micromobility-public-transport

BUILDING BLITZ

“There’s still work to do” is the message from the building industry regulator after an inspection blitz across the New England region including Muswellbrook and Scone.

While overall compliance was sound, Building Commission NSW issued 24 draft rectification orders and 25 penalty infringement notices (PINs).

To re-affirm its commitment to maintaining building quality for residents across the state, the team of inspectors focused on general compliance like appropriate signage and licences plus Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF) checks.

As a result of the compliance campaign, defects such as brickwork overhanging a concrete slab and non-compliant articulation joints were identified.

The PINs issued related to unlicensed contracting, insufficient supervision of trades on site, and signage.

To ensure residential buildings continue to be built to a high standard, Building Commission NSW will continue to travel to the regions to conduct ‘anywhere, anytime’ inspections.

Find out more at the Building Commission NSW website: www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/building-commission

MERRIWA-WILLOW TREE ROAD UPDATE

Upper Hunter Shire Council has released its July update on the MR358 Road Project including new video footage.

Highlights of the on-site works include the completion of rock bolts, soil nails and rock mesh, as well as open drain excavation and shotcrete open drains.

Earthworks and gabion wall construction are almost done whilst road pavement construction, table drains and kerbing are about a third of the way to completion.

A drone fly-through by SKYview Aerial Photography showing the latest work can be viewed on council’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/upperhunter.shirecouncil

The Merriwa-Willow Tree road rebuild has been made possible with funding from the NSW and Australian Governments, see more at: http://upperhunter.nsw.gov.au/mr358

 

WEEKEND TRACKWORK

Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) will undertake essential maintenance and improvement works between Newcastle and Acacia Ridge, Queensland this weekend.

Track closures affect Newcastle-to-Maitland from 3am Saturday 23 August to 1am Monday 25 August, and Telarah-to-Acacia Ridge from 5am Saturday 23 August to 7.30pm Monday 25 August.   

Coaches replace NSW TrainLink services, and travellers are encouraged to visit https://Transportnsw.info or call 13 22 32 for assistance to plan their journey.

Signs and traffic control will be in place at locations where motorists may experience short delays due to crossing works or adjacent corridor works.  

Information on road closures and alternative routes can be found at: www.livetraffic.com 

LAW NOT OPTIONAL

The NSW Police Force Rural Crime Prevention Team has issued a reminder to firearm holders that safe storage requirements are not optional.

Recent investigations into firearm thefts have concluded that they could have been avoided if the legislation was followed by the licensed firearms holder.

If you store firearms at a property considered an Uninhabited Dwelling like a hobby farm, weekender or secondary farm, you must put in place additional safe storage.

As a licensed firearms holder you must also ensure your firearms are not stolen, lost or come into the hands of another person who is not authorised to possess the firearm.

Discover more at the NSW Firearms Registry website: www.police.nsw.gov.au/online_services/firearms

A fact sheet on the safe keeping and storage requirements that all category A and B firearm licence and permit holders are obligated to meet can be found at: https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/.../FACT_Sheet_-_Safe...

PARKS ADVICE

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) will conduct an aerial baiting program in Upper Hunter parks and reserves from Monday 25 August until Sunday 7 September.

Signs will be placed at the entry to the baiting locations with the operation covering Manobalai Nature Reserve, Parr State Conservation Area, Wollemi Flora Reserve, Wollemi State Conservation Area and Yengo National Park.

The program, using 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) poison, is designed to reduce predator impacts on wildlife, especially threatened species, and to reduce the impact of wild dogs on neighbouring stock.

Domestic pets are not permitted in NSW National Parks managed lands, with pets and working dogs in the vicinity to be restrained or muzzled and must not enter the baiting location.

For more information contact the Bulga NPWS Area Office on 6574 5555 or check: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/alerts/alerts-list

TRAINING REVIEW

Consultation is underway on a comprehensive review of the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Act 2001 (A&T Act).

Current and former apprentices and trainees, employers of apprentices and trainees,

Group Training Organisations, schools and careers advisers, parents and carers are among the stakeholders Training Services wants to participate.

The A&T Act underpins how apprenticeships and traineeships operate in NSW, setting out the framework for the roles and responsibilities of employers, apprentices, trainees and training providers, and governs key processes including contract registration, supervision, completions and compliance.

This review is a timely opportunity to modernise the legislation to give more support to apprentices and trainees especially those who face extra challenges, make sure the system keeps up with change, and cuts unnecessary paperwork to help more people finish their training successfully. 

Submit feedback by 11 September at: www.nsw.gov.au/have-your-say/apprenticeship-traineeship-act-review

FIRE SAFETY CHECK

Winter may be drawing to a close but Fire and Rescue NSW wants a Home Fire Safety Check on top of your spring cleaning list.

A fire can take hold in three minutes, yet it only takes seconds to prevent one.

Firefighters want you to consider these questions - Do I have a working smoke alarm? Do I know what to do when it sounds? and, Have I practiced my home fire escape plan?

If you have lithium-ion battery powered appliances follow these safety tips - only charge e-bikes, e-scooters, power tools in the garage or shed away from living areas and exit doors, never leave devices on charge unattended or for extended periods and switch them off once fully charged.

Everyone can benefit from a Home Safety Visit especially over-65’s, and those who live alone, people with limited mobility, hearing impairments or vision impairments.

For further information visit https://fire.nsw.gov.au or contact your local fire station.

REZ ROADWORK

Construction commences this week at two further worksites as part of the Port to Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) project.

EnergyCo will upgrade the intersection of Denman Road and Bengalla Road, Muswellbrook with work including replacing the existing kerbed median on Bengalla Road and installing new signs.

At the intersection of Wybong Road and Golden Highway, Sandy Hollow upgrades include laying asphalt at the north-western corner of the intersection, and in the existing road pavement area, relocating signs and adjusting guideposts.

Standard daytime work hours are 7am-6pm, Monday to Friday, and 8am to 1pm, Saturdays.

Some night-time work may also occur, and if required, will be 6pm-7am, Sunday to Thursday, with any affected residents contacted directly.

Motorists are asked to please take care passing though roadwork locations, keep to the signposted speed limits and follow the direction of traffic controllers.

Further information on the Port to REZ projects is available at: www.energyco.nsw.gov.au/port2rez

BATTERY BRIEFING

North Harbour Clean Energy is holding a community information session on the proposed Upper Hunter Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) at Aberdeen next month.

The project, which is in the planning phase, will be capable of providing up to two hours of energy storage to power approximately 480,000 homes.

The BESS to be located near Aberdeen, will connect to the existing transmission network and contribute significantly to the surrounding area by improving energy reliability.

Registration to attend on Wednesday 17 September at Aberdeen Public School Hall, 6-7.30pm is essential by completing the online form:  https://forms.office.com/r/bw16RDQfb1 or contacting North Harbour on 0466 413 645.

For more on the project visit: https://nhcleanenergy.com/upper-hunter-battery-energy-storage-system/ or the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s Major Projects portal: www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/upper-hunter-battery-energy-storage-system

CESSNOCK WANTS FEEDBACK

Branxton residents have until Wednesday 27 August to give Cessnock City Council feedback on future housing in the local government area.

Council has released a Housing Discussion Paper as part of its Housing Theme Review, with the local population expected to reach 112,500 by 2041.

To have your say before the exhibition period closes go to: https://together.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/housing-discussion...

Council also wants input on a new draft of the Cessnock Development Control Plan (DCP) for Temporary Events.

The new draft updates the regulations around temporary events, including smaller events on private land, and the outdated exemption from needing a development application (DA) for some events is being removed to better manage their impacts.

The Draft Chapter is on public exhibition until 27 August at:  https://together.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/dcp-review-events

RETURN TIME

Hunter Local Land Services is reminding landholders that it is time to submit your Annual Land and Stock Return.

Completing the farm census is straightforward and secure via the online portal, or for those who prefer a more traditional method, you can complete and return the paper form supplied.

Your input is invaluable, especially during emergencies, as it assists the LLS to provide the necessary support for you and your animals.

Ensure you submit your return before 31 August to avoid penalties on your 2026

Local Land Services rates. 

For assistance or more information call 1300 795 299 or visit: www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/local-land-services/annual-land-and-stock-return