State Matters - 20 April 2026
- Dave Layzell MP
- Apr 20
- 8 min read
SERVICE RETURNS
GLOUCESTER, Dungog and Maitland will have the Sydney-Grafton XPT back as a transport option from next week.
Northbound services resume on Tuesday, 28 April, with return services from Grafton to Sydney on track from Wednesday 29 April.
The first Grafton XPT return service will run as a full set in the train’s original livery of distinctive black, red, silver and warm white branding used by the State Rail Authority in the 1980s when the XPTs began their service.
Resumption of the Grafton service follows the train’s major upgrades under the XPT
Life Extension Project with mechanical work done to improve service reliability, maintenance
to improve operation of the air-conditioning and toilets plus new carpet and refurbished seats.
Grafton-Central bookings can now be made at: https://transportnsw.info/regional-travel
Meantime, planning is underway for the inaugural passenger service of the new Regional Rail Fleet between Sydney and Dubbo.
The full fleet of 29 trains will eventually replace the ageing XPT, Xplorer and Endeavour fleets and operate across NSW and into Victoria, Queensland and the ACT.
The new fleet will be deployed progressively onto different routes once testing is complete, safety accreditation is granted by the Office of the National Rail Safety Regulator and associated infrastructure modifications around the regional network are completed.
ROADWORK AHEAD
Transport for NSW is advising motorists to expect changed traffic conditions with roadworks on Putty Road, Howes Valley and Golden Highway, Whittingham from this week.
Essential maintenance work to improve safety and ensure ongoing access on Putty Road near the Harris Fire trail is expected to take four months to complete, weather permitting.
Work hours are Monday to Friday, 7am-6pm, with travel times expected to be affected due to a single lane closure and a permanent 40km/h speed limit.
On the Golden Highway between the New England Highway and Range Road, Whittingham pavement upgrades are being carried out during night roadwork.
Single lane, alternating traffic flow arrangements and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h will be in place 7pm-5am, Sunday to Thursday.
The work is expected to take two weeks to complete, weather permitting.
For traffic updates call 132 701, visit: www.livetraffic.com or download the Live Traffic NSW app.
ANZAC DOUBLE DEMERITS
Double demerits for the Anzac Day long weekend begin on Friday 24 April and continue until Monday night 27 April.
Road users caught speeding, using a mobile phone illegally, riding without a helmet, not wearing or incorrectly wearing a seatbelt or carrying passengers not wearing or incorrectly wearing a seatbelt or restraint - face double the loss of points, not double the fine.
NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol Command reminds drivers, especially parents and carers, that on the opening day of the Anzac enforcement Friday, 24 April, school zones will be in operation.
School Zone offences will also be enforced during staff development days on Monday and Tuesday, 20-21 April, with students back in the classroom for Term 2 on Wednesday 22 April.
HEALTH TRAVEL COSTS
The NSW Nationals and Liberals are calling on the Minns Labor Government to boost the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS).
Increased fuel costs have the Coalition concerned that people could skip a medical appointment because they can’t afford the fuel.
No one should be priced out of healthcare as trips become more expensive, and the current subsidy simply is not enough.
IPTAAS provides financial assistance towards travel and accommodation costs when you need to travel more than 100km one way or 200km within a week for appointments to the same medical practitioner or health service for specialised medical treatment that is not available locally.
The Coalition believes the NSW Government should increase support from the current 40 cents per kilometre subsidy under IPTAAS to keep pace with the real cost of travel.
The Minns Government should urgently review and temporarily increase the kilometre rate as a simple, practical step to immediately better support regional patients.
For more information on IPTAAS, go to: www.iptaas.health.nsw.gov.au
CBP EOI BEGINS
The Expression of Interest (EOI) phase for the NSW Government’s Community Building Partnership (CBP) 2026 round has opened this week.
Grant funding of $450,000 in available for the Upper Hunter electoral with the EOI stage to close on Friday, 8 May.
A new two-stage application process is being used with local community organisations and councils able to request between $10,000 and $100,000.
Eligible projects are to deliver capital works to upgrade existing and/or construct new community infrastructure, and the purchase of freestanding equipment and registered vehicles to support the delivery of community services.
Detailed applications must be submitted online via SmartyGrants by 17 July with the announcement of successful projects anticipated to be made in January next year.
CBP information is available from:
www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/community-building-partnership/community-building-partnership-2026
PEST CONTROL
Pest animal numbers in the Merriwa-Cassilis area have been reduced by a coordinated aerial control program conducted during March.
Hunter Local Land Services reports 74 properties participated in the program focused on priority zones including Wybong Heights and Reedy Valley.
Delivered in partnership with landholders and supported by industry, the program aimed to help reduce reinfestation across connected properties and strengthen long-term control outcomes.
Results included 3,219 feral pigs, 525 fallow deer, goats, foxes and other priority species being controlled.
Hunter Local Land Services biosecurity team now wants to hear from property owners and land managers keen to strengthen pest control on their property.
For more on the NSW Government’s Feral Pig and Pest Program (FPPP) 2025-26, check:
SERVICE SCHEDULE
Service NSW will return to Stroud this Friday, 24 April, when the mobile service centre stops in Cowper Street between 8.30am and 12.30pm.
The next visit to the Upper Hunter Electorate is scheduled for June when Service NSW stops in Mayne Street Murrurundi on Tuesday, 16 June, 9am-3pm.
Upper Hunter Shire Council, Liverpool Street Scone, hosts the mobile service centre on Wednesday and Thursday, 17-18 June, 9am-3pm both days.
Stroud receives a further visit on Friday, 26 June, 8.30am-12.30pm.
Then on Tuesday 30 June, John Tucker Park Paterson is Service NSW’s location 8.30am-11.30am followed by Grey Street Clarence Town, 12.30-3.30pm.
Mobile Service Centres offer similar services to Service NSW’s physical sites, are cashless and process payment by EFTPOS, credit or debit card, discover more at: www.service.nsw.gov.au/mobile-service-centres/northern-service
INSPIRATIONAL WOMEN
Nominations are now being received for the Rotary NSW Inspirational Women’s Awards.
The Awards acknowledge and celebrate community service performed by women through their vocations, selfless gifts of their skills, and their time, in various activities and endeavours.
The Awards have three categories covering Urban, Rural and Health, which are further divided into Young Inspirational Woman of the Year 18-30 years of age, Inspirational Woman of the Year 30+ years of age and Inspirational Health Worker.
The Inspirational Women Awards are open to all non-Rotarian women and recognise the work done by the ‘quiet achievers’ whose commitment, dedication, perseverance, and proactivity improves the lives of others.
Members of the public are encouraged to submit online nominations by 1 June with further information available from: https://riwa.awardsplatform.com
‘JABS’ ENCOURAGED
Lung Foundation Australia (LFA) is putting its support behind World Immunisation Week, Friday April 24-Thursday April 30.
LFA eager to remind the community that vaccines help protect against respiratory infection.
Sometimes people think that immunisation and vaccination mean the same thing, but they are different.
Vaccination is when you get a vaccine, often given as an injection, whilst immunisation
describes what happens in your body after vaccination when your body learns to fight off disease and becomes protected.
The Lung Foundation believes lung health should be taken more seriously to help protect the gift of breath, so that more Australians can breathe easier and live well.
A vaccine-preventable disease is an illness that a vaccine can stop you from getting or make it much less serious if you do get it.
Respiratory infections that vaccines protect against include COVID-19, Influenza, Pneumonia, Whooping cough and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus).
EV PLAN
The 2026 NSW Electric Vehicle Strategy includes a plan to invest in training for around 2,000 mechanics in regional NSW.
Five priority areas have been identified by the NSW Government which is backed by $100 million funding to sharpen the focus of the strategy.
In addition to regional mechanic training, the strategy also includes expanding the fast charging network especially in regional and remote blackspots, more kerbside charging infrastructure and expanding the EV Fleets Incentive Program from small to medium-size trucks.
To date, the NSW Government has funded more than 3,300 EV chargers in more than 1,200 sites across the state including regional and remote NSW.
More than 117,000 EVs are registered in NSW, saving an estimated 141 million litres of petrol each year.
To view the updated NSW Electric Vehicle Strategy, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/nsw-governments-electric-vehicle-strategy
COMMUNITY GRANTS
Not‑for‑profit organisations and community projects can apply for the current round of the
Hunter Valley Operations (HVO) Community Grants program.
Applications should target at least one of the focus areas, such as, capacity building including education and training, enterprise development and economic diversification; health, environment and local need.
Whilst organisations and projects in the Upper Hunter and Lower Hunter are encouraged to apply, preference is given to applications that benefit communities in close proximity to HVO’s mining operations and activities.
Applications close on 30 April with more information at www.hvo.com.au or apply at:
ESSENTIAL OPPORTUNITY
Applications are open for emerging professionals to participate in Essential Energy’s 2027 Graduate Program.
More than 20 graduates will be recruited into permanent roles, offering mentoring, rotations and hands-on experience to help shape the future of energy across regional, rural and remote NSW.
Essential Energy’s opportunities are available in electrical engineering, AI, digital and data, cyber security, and procurement.
If you are interested in building a brilliant career and making a real community impact across NSW and southern QLD, lodge your application by Sunday, 10 May, at:
HEALTHY HEART
If you want to improve your heart health, the Heart Foundation invites you to get on your feet and go walking.
This year, Heart Foundation Walking celebrates 30 years of encouraging the gentle form of exercise that has become Australia’s largest free walking program.
Walks are held in neighbourhoods, shopping centres and even through aqua walking, providing one of the best ways you can protect your heart and get more out of life.
The Heart Foundation’s walking programs are free and a Personal Walking Plan Walk is available with a tailored six-week plan to help you get motivated.
Discover more at Heart Foundation Walking: www.heartfoundationwalking.org.au
TAFE COURSES
Microcredential Scholarships are among the latest offering of study opportunities at TAFE NSW.
Prospective students can gain industry-ready skills in just 6-8 weeks across 28 courses which include contract administration, leadership, WHS, digital skills and sustainability.
Early Childhood Educators are also being offered the ECEC Professional Learning Program which TAFE is conducting in partnership with the NSW Department of Education.
Meantime, the NSW Environment Protection Authority is funding the Food Waste Sustainability Microskill to develop sustainable food waste practices.
At TAFE NSW, you can explore flexible study options, learn from industry-experienced teachers, and access support services for every stage of your study journey, so learn more at: www.tafensw.edu.au
ROAD SAFETY TEST
Challenge what you think you know about road safety by trying the NSW Centre for Road Safety’s Learning Lab.
Run your own crash test and witness the effects of the immersive experience that will challenge how you see road safety.
First, play the preview video: www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddzyJ8MCm38 then go to the interactive Road Safety Learning Lab website to watch the real impacts of risky driving and riding.
Warning, the website includes depictions of road trauma and crashes that some people and
communities may find upsetting.
No matter how you travel or your level of experience, there are things to learn to make every journey safer: www.nsw.gov.au/roadsafetylearninglab/
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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