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State Matters - 20 January 2025

Writer's picture: Dave  Layzell MPDave Layzell MP

RAIL JOBS PETITION

A PETITION has been launched by the NSW Nationals to stop the Minns Labor Government from axing the state’s only regional rail service provider along with over 100 jobs.


The NSW Government last week revealed more than a hundred jobs would be cut as part of the merger of Sydney Trains and regional operator, NSW Trains, to fund a one per cent pay rise for members of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union (RTBU).


The petition calls for the NSW Labor Government to retain all regional train services and reverse its decision to axe jobs as part of the Sydney Trains-NSW Trains merger.


I encourage as many people as possible to support the petition because our rail network operates very differently than what happens in the city and NSW Trains plays an important role in ensuring it runs smoothly.



HOSPITAL UPGRADE LATEST

The Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for the Cessnock Hospital Redevelopment is on public exhibition from this week giving the community a further opportunity to comment.


$138 million is being investing by the NSW Government to deliver a new two-storey acute services building on the Cessnock hospital campus.


Key features of the redevelopment include an expanded emergency department, two inpatient wards with single and two-bed rooms, a new medical imaging service and day surgery spaces.


The REF and hospital designs have been informed by extensive consultation with staff, stakeholders and the community, including recent community information sessions on the schematic design of the new acute services building held in October last year.


Main construction work is expected to start mid-this year, following the planning approval and the appointment of a building contractor.


I especially encourage residents of Branxton, East Branxton, Belford and Pokolbin to provide their comments by Monday, 17 February, with further information at the project website: https://hneinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/projects/cessnock


FIRE FIGHTING WATER

New regulatory exemptions that give landholders improved access to water to fight fires and to prepare their properties if threatened by an approaching fire have come into force.


The access to water for bushfire preparedness and firefighting allows landholders to take water from a water source on, under or abutting their landholding.


They do not need to hold a water access licence for the water taken, or a water supply work approval for any mobile pumps and tanks used.


The volume of water used must be reasonably proportionate to the fire threat with a maximum volume limit of 100,000 litres per financial year also applies if water is taken and stored in a tank or dam in preparation for a potential future fire.


For more information, see Water for bushfire preparedness and fire fighting at:

 

NEW COACH SERVICE PROPOSED

A new service for the Upper Hunter Electorate is proposed under changes to NSW coach routes and timetables which are expected to come into effect in 2026.


The daily Route TM1 would operate between Tamworth and Muswellbrook and return, for a new day-return link to and from Newcastle via rail interchange at Muswellbrook train station.


Limeburners Creek, Allworth, Booral, Stroud, Stroud Road, Wards River, Craven, Stratford, Gloucester and Belbora would also benefit from service improvements.


Route 135 and 136 Broadmeadow to Taree and return will increase in frequency from Monday to Friday to daily, with addition of stops in Manning Street Taree and at the Newcastle Interchange.


NSW TrainLink wants communities to have their say on the proposed changes by Friday, 14 February.


 

TRAVEL CAREFULLY

People travelling in and out of NSW over the remainder of the summer school holiday and the Australia Day long weekend are urged to keep an eye out for harmful pests.


The NSW Nationals and Liberals are reminding travellers that it is everyone’s responsibility to safeguard the state’s $21 billion agriculture industry.


There have been major biosecurity incursions involving Red imported fire ants coming across the border from Queensland.


Cane toads are another invasive species known to get a lift with unsuspecting motorists, putting communities and native wildlife at risk.


All travellers are encouraged to check their shoes, camping equipment and vehicles, and be aware of the risks to make sure you don’t bring any unwanted guests back into the state.


Whether you’re travelling near or far, check your load for a toad before you leave your destination and keep your eyes open to report any sightings of harmful exotic wildlife.


SERVICE RETURNS!

Service NSW returns to the Upper Hunter Electorate next month with the Mobile Service Centres to visit five local communities.


Stroud hosts the first stop on Friday, 7 February at 62 Cowper Street between 8.30am and 12.30pm.


On Monday 10 February, the Service NSW Mobile Service Centre will be at 48 Grey Street Clarence Town, 12.30-3.30pm.


John Tucker Park, Prince Street Paterson is Service NSW’s location on Friday, 14 February, between 9am and Noon.


Tuesday, 18 February, Murrurundi has the Mobile Service Centre at 113 Mayne Street, 9am to 3pm.


Appointments for Driver Testing are being taken for the Scone Mobile Service Centre stopover on Wednesday 19 February and Thursday 20 February, 9am-4pm, at the Upper Hunter Shire Council in Liverpool Street.


Services available include Driver licence, photo card applications and renewals, as well as

applications for Working With Children, birth, death and marriage certificates and assistance from the Savings Finder program to access government rebates and vouchers: www.service.nsw.gov.au/mobile-service-centres

 

GRANT EXTENSION

The closing date for the latest round of the NSW Government's Electric Vehicle (EV) Destination Charging Grants program has been extended to 28 March.


Co-funding will be provided by the program to own and operate public EV fast chargers at visitor destinations across regional NSW.


The grant will be provided to eligible private EV Charge Point Operators (CPOs) to own and operate lower powered direct current (DC) public EV fast chargers at council and business-owned tourism sites.


The objectives of the NSW Government's grant are to overcome range anxiety, support destinations across regional NSW to be EV-ready, support the growth of the NSW visitor economy and the development of EV-friendly road trips.


For more on the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water program visit: www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/ev-destination-charging-grants-round-3


OFF-LEASH IN DUNGOG?

A survey is currently being conducting by Dungog Shire Council to get community feedback on a dedicated off-leash dog park. 


Canine owners and carers can identify preferred locations and what facilities you would like to see included.


All answers are anonymous and will help council to deliver a solution that meets everyone's needs.


To complete the survey before it closes on 9 February, go to Dungog Shire Council’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/dungogcouncil


ARK OPEN DAYS

Aussie Ark’s Open Days in the Barrington Tops are back by popular demand throughout January.


The gates open from 10.30am until 1pm every day, with one guided tour daily at 11am sharp.


A BBQ lunch is available, which can be prebooked via the Aussie Ark website, and other snacks and drinks are for sale on site. 


So, if you're looking for a fun, educational day for the whole family or a unique Australian adventure for overseas visitors book now to secure your spot.



WATER KNOWLEDGE

If you want to refresh your knowledge about the basics of water management then ‘An Introduction to Water’ is a good starting point.


The Water Group of the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is behind the educational series that provides clear and accessible explanations of fundamental water topics.


Learn about surface water quality and how it is managed in NSW, why groundwater is such an important resource, and why river connectivity is critical for healthy ecosystems.


You’ll also find topics such as water allocations, basic landholder rights, water sharing plans and more.


The Water Group will provide more educational content as we move through 2025, so to explore ‘An Introduction to Water’ check out: https://water.dpie.nsw.gov.au/about-us/learn-about-water/an-introduction-to-water

 

DIARY NOTE

Momentum is already building for Sculpture on the Farm 2025 with a call out for

sculptors and the key entry dates released.


Applications will open on 1 April and close on June 1st with the main event being staged over 29–31 August.


Dungog Common is the new venue for Sculpture on the Farm, offering expansive open spaces to complement the monumental outdoor artworks, whilst small works will be showcased in a large marquee onsite.


Select monumental works will remain on public display at Dungog Common throughout September during an extended display period.


This year’s event has received a $30,000 project grant from Regional Arts Australia to help cover transport for select monumental sculptures and provide crucial infrastructure support, ensuring the event continues to grow.


For all the latest on Sculpture on the Farm check in at: www.sculptureonthefarm.com or visit:

Comments


Contact Dave

Right across our region, Dave is working hard to make sure that Upper Hunter gets the attention and investment it deserves. If you have an issue, please get in touch - Dave is always looking to hear your feedback.

(02) 6543 1065       upperhunter@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Thanks. Dave will be back in contact soon!

Authorised by the Dave Layzell MP, 20 Bridge Street, Muswellbrook NSW 2333. Designed by Cowboy Communications.

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