CHRISTMAS-NEW YEAR SERVICES
WELCOME to the final edition of State Matters for 2021 and I begin this week with some tips to assist you over the Christmas-New Year break.
To stay informed about the COVID-19 pandemic please check the NSW Government’s dedicated website www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19 and, if necessary, make enquiries with Service NSW by calling 13 77 88.
In the event of an emergency - when someone is seriously injured or needs urgent medical help, life or property is threatened or you witness a serious accident or crime call Triple Zero (000) – ask for Police, Ambulance or Fire.
If you become homeless or are worried you will become homeless contact Link2home, the statewide homelessness information and referral telephone service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1800 152 152.
Stay well, stay safe and I look forward to assisting you with NSW Government matters in 2022.
UPPER HUNTER IN THE ZONE
As we head out onto the roads for summer holidays you can take a glimpse into the future at how the journey may look.
The NSW Government has released an electric vehicle fast charging master plan which identifies Singleton, Muswellbrook and Willow Tree as optimal zones for the potential installation of public fast charging facilities.
The master plan is available at www.energysaver.nsw.gov.au/reducing-emissions-nsw/electric-vehicles/electric-vehicle-fast-charging-master-plan.
The Government also has an Electric Vehicle Strategy aiming to drive sales of EVs to more than 50 per cent of new car sales by 2030-31 with more details at www.nsw.gov.au/initiative/nsw-governments-electric-vehicle-strategy.
GOVERNMENT SPENDING
Muswellbrook greyhound track has secured almost $800,000 in funding from the NSW Government for significant track upgrades.
Greyhound Racing NSW (GRNSW) has announced it will conduct a minimum of six TAB race meetings as well as non-TAB meets at the upgraded Muswellbrook track.
Clarence Town Public School can look forward to improvements next year following its recent inclusion in the Cooler Classrooms heating, cooling and fresh air ventilation program for NSW Public Schools.
And country show organisers now have access to the NSW Government’s $5 million Country Shows Support Package for events being staged next year.
Applications close on Friday, 29 April 2022, or when funding is exhausted. For further information go to: www.nsw.gov.au/CountryShows
FOR THE DIARY
The Service NSWMobile Service Centre returns to the Upper Hunter electorate early in 2022.
Locations include Clarence Town 17 January 1-4pm, Paterson 21 January 9am-Noon, Stroud 28 January 9am-1pm, Scone 1 February 9am-4pm and Murrurundi 2 February 10am-3pm and Werris Creek 9 February 10am-3pm.
Driver testing is appointments are available at Stroud and Scone by calling Service NSW.
The centre is a cashless facility and accepts payment by credit/debit cards or cheques.
Further information on service locations, services provided or opening hours is available at www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/mobile-service-centres or by calling 13 77 88.
MOUSE PLAGUE UPDATE
The NSW Government has announced mice bait rebates for farmers, small businesses and households have been extended into 2022.
Under the changes, eligible households and small businesses have until 31 January to claim up to $500 or $1,000 respectively to help meet the cost of mice baits, traps and mice-related cleaning materials bought after 1 February 2021.
Primary producers will now be able to make multiple claims for zinc phosphide purchases, up to the $10,000 cap, with claims to be lodged by 31 January next year.
Latest information about the mice plague, including information about eligibility, how rebates can be claimed and health advice visit www.nsw.gov.au/mice.
NSW PARLIAMENT 2022 SCHOOL TOUR BOOKINGS
School tour bookings are now open for Term 1, 2022 for students to visit the Parliament of New South Wales which is Australia's first and oldest Parliament.
Primary school tours are available for Stage 3 History, Civics and Citizenship classes and Secondary school tours for Stage 5 and 6 Commerce, Legal Studies, Civics and Citizenship students.
Primary and secondary school teachers are invited to book ahead for next year to tour the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council chambers, have fun with their class by taking part in a role play and debate important issues, and learn about how laws are made for NSW.
Students will have the opportunity to ask lots of questions about our system of government and learn about our parliamentary democracy in NSW.
To book visit https://education.parliament.nsw.gov.au.