State Matters - 22 December 2025
- Dave Layzell MP
- 12 minutes ago
- 5 min read
ROADS OPEN
TRAVEL through the Upper Hunter Electorate has improved for the summer holiday with two important regional connections open to traffic.
Upper Hunter Shire Council has allowed vehicles including B Double trucks to return to MR358, known locally as Coulsons Creek Road, between Merriwa and Willow Tree following major roadworks.
Whilst, MidCoast Council has repaired the landslip which impacted the Scone Road to restore access between Gloucester, the Barrington Tops and the Upper Hunter.
If you are travelling check Live Traffic NSW for any updates prior to commencing your journey or when you take a break to reduce the impact of driver fatigue: https://www.livetraffic.com
DOUBLE DEMERITS
Road safety enforcement will see double demerit points apply from Wednesday 24 December 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026.
Double demerits includes speeding, illegal use of mobile phones, not wearing a seatbelt or incorrectly wearing a seatbelt, driving with a passenger not wearing a seatbelt or approved restraint, or with a passenger incorrectly wearing a seatbelt or restraint and riding without a helmet
The NSW summer school holidays continue until Monday 2 February 2026 including the Australia Day public holiday weekend.
Motorists are asked to plan their trip and make use of Transport for NSW Rest Areas:
https://maps.transport.nsw.gov.au/egeomaps/rest-areas/index.html and the Driver Reviver sites along your route: https://www.driverreviver.com.au/driver-reviver-sites/
Another helpful resource for travellers is the Holiday and Journey Planning website:
STAY INFORMED
Our emergency services want us to take care over the holiday period with this summer already impacted by destructive bushfires and a lightning-charged storm season.
Whether you are spending time at home, travelling locally or heading out across regional NSW, take steps that help keep you and your loved ones safe.
Always check the weather forecast so you know what to expect both at home and at your destination.
Make sure your home is prepared for changing conditions by securing loose items in your yard and park vehicles away from trees and powerlines.
In case of fire, medical or police emergency, dial Triple Zero (000) or call the NSW State Emergency Service (SES) on 132 500 if you have experienced damage from storms, wind or fallen trees or you require assistance due to a flood.
Get emergency updates on Hazards Near Me NSW: www.nsw.gov.au/emergency/prepare/apps
START WITH HEALTH DIRECT
If you need health advice, treatment or care during the holiday period but don’t know where to find it, please start your enquiries by calling healthdirect.
The NSW Government is urging people to call 1800 022 222 to get free health advice before leaving to go to a public hospital emergency department.
The healthdirect service provides free instant health advice 24/7, so when you call you will speak to a registered nurse who can advise on treatment and care at home, help you find a GP or pharmacist, connect you to an urgent care service, arrange an online doctor appointment or book you an ambulance if necessary.
Save the healthdirect number to your phone so you have it handy wherever you are this summer - 1800 022 222.
DFV HELP
If you or someone you know is affected by Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) then support services are available over Christmas and the New Year.
Sadly, there is usually a significant increase in Domestic and Family Violence assaults over the summer holiday period.
Men who are concerned about their behaviour toward their partner, ex-partner, children, or other family members are urged to reach out to the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491, 24 hours a day/7 days a week.
If you are experiencing Domestic and Family Violence and in immediate danger, call Police on Triple Zero (000), or contact 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732 (available 24 hours a day/7 days a week).
If you urgently need accommodation, call Link2home on 1800 152 152 for information and telephone referral services 24 hours a day/7 days a week:
NEW REZ REPORT
EnergyCo has lodged a new scoping report with the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) for the New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ).
The new report follows October’s changes to the project after EnergyCo updated the route for the 500kV transmission corridor between Muswellbrook and Walcha as well as changes to the energy hub arrangements.
The Scoping Report supports EnergyCo’s request for the DPHI Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) which guide development of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
The EIS is expected to be lodged with the department for assessment and public exhibition in the second half of next year.
Communities, councils, agencies and other stakeholders will be invited to make submissions during the EIS public exhibition, and EnergyCo will consider and respond to any issues raised through a submissions report.
You can learn more about the planning approval process and the revised scoping report at:
LLS RECRUITMENT
The NSW Government is recruiting for Local Land Services (LLS) board members across the LLS regions.
Applications are now open for one local board chair position, who will also sit on the LLS Board, and 15 local board members across the nine LLS regions.
Candidates with an interest in strategically growing agricultural productivity, healthy environments and sustainable communities are encouraged to apply.
The board members roles can help shape the delivery of services to farmers and regional communities across NSW.
Visit the Local Land Services board recruitment website for more information:
SPEED ADVISER FEEDBACK
Users of the driver’s aid mobile application, Speed Adviser, are encouraged to have their say to help shape the future of the app.
Speed Adviser uses the GPS on your mobile phone to monitor your location and speed on NSW roads then alerts you with visual and audible warnings if you exceed the speed limit.
It uses the latest speed zone data available for NSW roads, including all school zones and their operating hours, as well as knowing where mobile speed cameras may be in operation.
NSW Road Rules don't allow learner and provisional (P1 and P2) drivers to use their phones while driving and these drivers must not use the app.
The information provided by Speed Adviser never overrides the signposted speed limit, so you must always follow the signposted speed limit including when driving through roadworks.
Speed Adviser consultation is open for contributions until Friday 27 February 2026 at:
REC FISHING GRANTS
NSW Fisheries has applications open for Recreational Fishing Trust Grants until 23 January 2026.
Funding is available for projects that enhance and promote recreational fishing across the state with anglers asked to nominate locations they would like to improve in their local area.
Up to $10,000 per application is available for recreational fishing education projects with
fishing infrastructure and access projects eligible for up to $50,000 per application.
Funding guidelines and application information are available from:
The state government is also undertaking public consultation on rebuilding programs for key fish species in NSW.
Consultation is open until 31 January 2026 at: www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/rp-fish-stocks
RESOLUTION IDEA?
We leave the closing item for 2025 to Keep Australia Beautiful, especially if you need a resolution for the New Year.
Adopt a Patch is your opportunity to make a difference in your local area by removing litter and restoring a local area where you and your team lives or works.
Keep Australia Beautiful NSW can create a tailor-made volunteering experience, provide training, onsite support, and all the equipment you need to get started.
It’s an opportunity to support the new statewide litter prevention campaign launched in November, Nature Hates a Tosser, calling on everyone to take personal responsibility for their rubbish and help protect our state’s wildlife and waterways.
Rubbish on our streets often ends up in our rivers, creeks and oceans, impacting wildlife, the environment and even our health.
For further details on Adopt a Patch contact Keep Australia Beautiful NSW: info@kabnsw.org.au and learn more about Nature Hates a Tosser: www.nsw.gov.au/environment-land-and-water/environmental-protection-waste-and-recycling/nature-hates-a-tosser/campaign
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