State Matters - 23 March 2026

FUTURE OF COAL

TWO reports have been released by the NSW Government which will guide the future of the Upper Hunter Electorate’s coal industry.

The NSW Coal Industry 2026-50 statement will continue to support coal production where it is already occurring, while placing strong guidelines on future development.

This ensures New South Wales can meet its commitments to key trading partners, meet the state’s own needs and provide stability for workers, families and local communities in coal-producing regions.

Check NSW Coal Industry 2026-50 at: https://www.nsw.gov.au/coal-industry-2026-50

And, the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has announced new rules that will require major coal mines to directly reduce fossil methane pollution to deliver significant climate benefits in this decade. 

Mines will be required to capture, treat or convert fossil methane so that it is less potent and causes less damage when it is released to the environment. 

The requirements will be phased in from 2027, following additional consultation with industry, community groups, unions, technical experts and government agencies, allowing industry the time to safely operationalise any necessary technologies.

View the guides for coal mines and large emitters at: www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment/climate-change/climate-change-requirements-licensees 

POLICE RECOGNISED

It was an honour to attend last week’s presentation ceremony for the police and civilians involved in the response to the 2023 Greta bus crash.

Seventy-three police officers, 23 civilian staff and two members of the public received awards recognising their courage, professionalism and compassion in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Awards presented included the NSW Police Force Commissioner’s Commendation for Courage, Commendation for Service, Certificate of Merit and the Commissioner’s Unit Citation.

The scale of the crash and the number of casualties made it one of the worst road transport incidents in recent Australian history.

NSW Police Commissioner, Mal Lanyon APM, noted that the ceremony honoured those who answered the call when it mattered most with their actions exemplifying the very best of public service and humanity.

TOCAL GRADUATION

Tocal College, Paterson has maintained its reputation as one of Australian agriculture’s premier educational facilities with 218 students graduating last Friday.

Tocal’s educational outcomes continue to exceed national standards, with full-time program completion rates more than 40 percent higher than the national average.

Additionally, 92 percent of students in full-time training who began training at Tocal in 2025 successfully completed their qualification.

22 percent of students in full qualification programs identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and just under 50 percent of all 2025 enrolments are women.

The latest graduates from Tocal are destined for careers such as livestock production to cropping, farm management, equine studies and agtech.

As the college enters its seventh decade, it continues to adapt to emerging industry needs, integrating digital agriculture technologies, enhancing regional training delivery, and strengthening partnerships with industry, producers and rural communities.

For more information about Tocal College: https://www.tocal.nsw.edu.au/home

CONSTRUCTION BEGINS

The new Mental Health Rehabilitation facility at Maitland Hospital is now under construction with the project expected to be completed in 2028.

A 64-bed, purpose-built facility located on the Metford campus will provide specialised mental health rehabilitation support for adults, integrated with other health services located on the site.

The new health facility features single bedrooms and private ensuites, shared living spaces,

indoor and outdoor therapy areas and landscaped walking paths.

The project will also deliver more than 100 new parking spaces for visitors and staff at the new facility, increasing car parking capacity on the campus.

POLICE OPERATION

Stroud has been thanked for its community support and cooperation during last week’s Port Stephens Hunter Police Rural Roads Operation.

The operation focused on improving road safety across Stroud, Karuah and Tea Gardens through proactive patrols, high‑visibility policing, including mobile and stationary Random Breath Testing.

A total of 870 drivers were tested, with all returning negative results for alcohol.

Two traffic infringements were issued for unrelated offences, and there were no arrests or serious incidents.

Officers also engaged with members of the community throughout the day and received positive feedback from residents, who appreciated the increased police presence in their local area.

Police will continue regular patrols and targeted operations to keep local rural roads safe for everyone.

OMBUDSMAN WANTS SUPPORT

Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) Cynthia Gebert is asking for public help to hold big tech accountable.

If you have ever been locked out of your email or social media account, had trouble cancelling a digital subscription or have been unable to speak to someone to fix an online issue – then, the TIO wants to hear from you.

At present, there is no independent dispute resolution service for digital platforms, unlike for telecommunications, energy and banking.

The TIO wants to call on the Australian Government to expand their role into a Communications Ombudsman, so it can resolve complaints about both telco and digital platforms.  

Your help is now needed to build the case for change, so share your experience when something went wrong online, at: www.tio.com.au/form/join-digital-platform-ombudsman

TELL COUNCIL

Community feedback is now open on Singleton Council’s draft Operational Plan for the 2026/27 financial year.

The document details the projects, actions and programs that Council proposes to deliver in support of the 2025/29 Delivery Program for the coming financial year.

It also outlines Council’s $96.4 million operating budget for the works that will be undertaken.

The draft Operational Plan is available in hard copy at Council’s Administration Building, Singleton Public Library, Singleton Visitor Information Centre and Singleton Youth Venue or can be downloaded from Council’s website.

Residents are encouraged to review the draft Plan and provide feedback by 14 April: https://www.singleton.nsw.gov.au/publicexhibition

TIME TO FOCUS

The Mullins Conceptual Photographic Prize (MCPP) is accepting entries until 12 June for this year’s competition.

The Australian Photographic Society event provides the opportunity for Conceptual photographers to be recognised as the best in Australia and to win significant prizemoney.

Accomplished artist/photographer, Sally McInerney, is the adjudicator for the 2026 MCPP.

The finalists will be revealed on 26 June and the winner of the $30,000 prize announced on Saturday 15 August at the formal opening of the exhibition at the Muswellbrook Regional Arts Centre.

The 2026 MCPP exhibition will continue until 10 October, providing exhibitors and their printed works with a lengthy public exposure period.

Submit your entry now, at: www.artgalleria.com/portal/mullins

PERSPECTIVES SURVEY 

Regional small businesses are being asked to share their experiences and help ensure regional realities are reflected in national policy discussions.

The Council of Small Business Organisations Australia (COSBOA) is conducting its 2026 Small Business Perspectives Survey.

If you run a small business in regional, rural or remote Australia your input is essential, so share your experiences and help ensure regional realities are reflected in the national discussion.

The findings will support COSBOA to advocate for policies that work for regional small businesses, highlight pressures including workforce and skills shortages, housing and childcare access, digital connectivity, infrastructure gaps, energy and insurance costs, and regulatory complexity.

You can participate until 30 April by going to: www.cosboa.org.au

WILD DOG OPERATION

The autumn offensive against wild dogs has been launched to protect livestock on farms and the environment with aerial and ground baiting programs underway across NSW.

Wild dog activity peaks during the autumn breeding season and acting now can significantly reduce populations and minimise predation and harassment of livestock, native wildlife and pets.

Wild dogs are found throughout the state, and all landholders have a responsibility to work together to manage them under the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015.

Local Land Services (LLS) facilitates coordinated wild dog control programs supplying subsidised 1080 baits to certified landholders, plus supporting public and private land managers to undertake control activities.

Landholders can contact their nearest LLS office to speak with a biosecurity officer about control options best suited to their property and to find out more about upcoming baiting programs.

Contact Hunter LLS by calling: 1300 795 299 or email: admin.hunter@lls.nsw.gov.au

FOGO FOR THE CLASSROOM

Keep Australia Beautiful’s EnviroMentors are encouraging Upper Hunter Electorate primary schools to add FOGO to their environmental education.

FOGO, is Food Organics and Garden Organics, which goes into green-lidded kerbside bins.

EnviroMentors new module will see students learn to define ‘food scraps’ and ‘food waste’ and identify the environmental issues these cause when sent to landfill through the red-topped General Waste bin, including climate change.

Students also discuss what happens to FOGO waste after it is collected and identify factors that deter correct FOGO disposal and propose solutions at the household level.

Schools can contact the EnviroMentors program by emailing: education@kabnsw.org.au

UPPER HUNTER ACTIVITIES

Murrurundi and Scone are the drawcard locations of the Upper Hunter this weekend.

The Murrurundi Festival brings together everything from kites, puppets and fairy picnics to gallery trails, exhibitions, discos and motorcycles for Art in the Landscape.

Activities are located at Wilson Oval and across the village with a program available on the festival website: https://murrurundifestival.com.au

Then, down the New England Highway, Warbirds Over Scone features one of the largest collections of historic aircraft in the Southern Hemisphere.

Warbirds was pioneered by Aussie aviation legend, Col Pay, and this year promises to be the biggest show to date: www.warbirdsoverscone.com.au

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