WEEKEND TRACKWORK
TRAIN TRAVELLERS and motorists are being advised essential maintenance by the
Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) could impact their journey this weekend.
Work on the Hunter Valley line between Werris Creek-Newcastle and Ulan is scheduled from Saturday until Tuesday morning and on the North Coast line between Telarah and Acacia Ridge, Queensland, 3am Saturday until 8pm Monday.
More than 900 maintenance activities are planned on the Hunter Valley line and more than 5,000 hours of work are slated for the North Coast line.
Road coaches replace NSW TrainLink services, and travellers are advised to visit https://TransportNSW.info or call 132232 for assistance to plan their journey.
Signs and traffic control will be in place at any locations where motorists may experience short delays due to crossing works or adjacent corridor works.
Information on road closures and alternative routes can be found at: www.livetraffic.com
with more details on the work programs at: www.artc.com.au/category/media/
DRAFT RESTOCKING PLAN
NSW Fisheries is currently asking anglers to have their say on its Draft Freshwater Fish Stocking Plan by Friday 30 August.
Upper Hunter Electorate dams are set to benefit from the publicly-funded program during the 2024-2025 season.
Fisheries cautions that the planned fish release figures are targets only and may be exceeded or not attained depending on hatchery production outcomes and stocking allocations may be amended at time of stocking due to water quality or storage status related issues.
Glenbawn Dam, Scone is expected to receive 25,000 Australian Bass, 55,000 Golden Perch and 20,000 Silver Perch, Glennies Creek Dam, Singleton has proposed 2024-25 stocking of 15,500 Australian Bass, 35,000 Golden Perch and 10,000 Silver Perch with Lostock Dam Gresford earmarked for 15,500 Australian Bass.
The draft plan is on the NSW Fisheries website: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/resources/stocking/enhanced-fish-production/freshwater-fish-stocking-plan
NATURAL CAPITAL WORKSHOP
Landholders, who own or manage land with creek frontage in the Glendon Brook area are invited to a free workshop following the NSW Government’s appointment of 11 Natural Capital Advisors.
The program run by Local Land Services is being expanded state-wide with the advisors to provide support and tailored advice to farmers and land managers to understand the opportunities available to them when investing in Natural Capital.
Natural Capital refers to the value of natural assets on land such as, soil, trees, water, plants and ecosystems.
Participants in the Glendon Brook workshop on Wednesday 7 August, 10am-1pm, will get practical advice on reducing erosion and improving their whole farm environment.
In addition to planting natives, managing grazing around waterways, installing troughs and offstream water, the field day will incorporate two farm site visits.
For more information visit: www.lls.nsw.gov.au/natural-capital
ROAD RECLASSIFICATION
The NSW Government will assume responsibility for two of Muswellbrook Shire Council’s local roads critical to the state’s future energy needs.
Bengalla Road and Wybong Road, between Bengalla Road and the Golden Highway, will be reclassified to state roads potential opening the door to more state government investment.
Both roads are freight transport routes that have previously been tasked with handling oversize and/or overmass (OSOM) vehicle movements for the coal mines in the Muswellbrook local government area.
With more OSOM vehicles increasingly needing to access Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) in the Central West Orana and New England regions, the Government has agreed to take responsibility for management of the roads given the critical role they play in securing the state’s future energy supply.
Reclassification to state roads will reportedly remove a significant financial and administrative burden on Muswellbrook Council from a planning and operational perspective.
JOBS IN SINGLETON
The entire community has been invited to participate in the Careers Expo on Wednesday 7 August at Singleton Civic Centre.
The all-new expo will point prospective workers in the right direction to find local jobs and training information.
Over 30 stallholders will be available on the day to provide a one-stop shop to explore having resumes reviewed, interview technique refined and network with potential employers.
The Careers Expo is a key initiative of council’s new Skills and Employment Program and is being hosted in partnership with the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Training Services NSW, Workforce Australia Local Jobs, and Business Singleton.
A free bus service will operate on the evening to shuttle people from Singleton Heights and Hunterview to the Civic Centre and there will be children’s activities available.
The Singleton Careers Expo is free to attend 3.30-7.30pm but registration is encouraged: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/2024-singleton-careers-expo-tickets-928300510817
DAM SAFETY COSTS
The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) is seeking feedback on its draft report into the design of a levy to fund the regulation of dam safety in NSW.
IPART has been authorised to investigate the efficient costs of Dams Safety NSW (DSNSW) carrying out its work under the Dams Safety Act 2015.
DSNSW is an independent regulatory body that ensures declared dam owners such as local councils, state-owned corporations and mine operators manage the safety of their dams.
This review will design a levy to recover the efficient costs of the services DSNSW provides from dam owners.
IPART is also hosting an online Public Hearing to hear views on Monday 5 August with more information at: www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/review/other-industries/dams-safety-nsw-levy-review
You can share your idea and make a submission by 19 August at Have Your Say: www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/dams-safety-regulation-levy-review
REDUCE FOOD WASTE
New grants will help businesses and food rescue organisations to save more edible food from going to landfill.
By reducing food waste, the NSW Government is aiming to support people facing food insecurity while reducing greenhouse gas emissions from landfill.
Under the first round of the Food Rescue Grants, nearly $3 million has been given to support 20 charities and community organisations to rescue more surplus or donated food and deliver it to people in need.
At the same time, $1.66 million has been awarded through the first round of Business Food Waste Partnerships Grants to help peak bodies, sector leaders and councils work together to find opportunities to stop food from going to waste.
For more Food Rescue Grants information go to: www.epa.nsw.gov.au/working-together/grants/organics-infrastructure-fund/food-rescue-grants
Further information on the Business Food Waste Partnerships Grants, visit:
HOW DOES LLS MEASURE UP?
The Measuring What Matters Project is seeking input from land managers in NSW on the performance of Local Land Services.
Anyone who owns or manages two hectares of land or more in the state can participate and provide feedback through a 15-minute survey as well as a follow-up survey each year for five years.
Land and livestock management practices to meet landholder needs will be scrutinised
to evaluate the value of LLS information, the usefulness of its services and the impact of support on your land management practices.
The findings will give land managers better information and services to support them into the future.
Discover more about Measuring What Matters on the Local Land Services website: www.lls.nsw.gov.au/what-we-do/our-major-projects/measuring-what-matters
Then have your say by 31 December: www.nsw.gov.au/have-your-say/measuring-what-matters
TASTY SUGGESTIONS ONLINE
NSW Health doesn’t just provide health advice – it also has a skilled team offering healthy food advice free on social media.
From quick lunch ideas perfect for school lunchboxes that are ready in just minutes to tips for drinking more water - the Healthy Eating and Active Living team has it covered.
There is also an exercise directory to find your new favourite exercise class from yoga to dance and easy screen-free ways to unwind before bed.
See Healthy Eating Active Living at: www.facebook.com/HealthyEatingActiveLivingNSW
And, for more recipe ideas: https://www.healthyliving.nsw.gov.au/food/healthy-recipes
HIGHWAY PATROL TIP
Now school zones are back in operation NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol Command
reminds drivers to park legally and remain vigilant around school crossings.
Parking laws to remember include No Stopping, which means you cannot stop for any reason including queueing or waiting for a space – and, an unbroken yellow edge line is a No Stopping line.
Motorists may only use No Parking zones for two minutes to drop-off or pick-up passengers with drivers to stay within three metres of their vehicle.
You must not stop a vehicle in a Bus Zone for any reason unless you are driving a public bus.
Do not park your vehicle on or across a driveway or footpath and keep an area of 20 metres before and 10 metres after a Pedestrian Crossing – also, ensure your passengers do not get in or out of a vehicle at a Pedestrian Crossing.
Check NSW Parking Rules at: www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/roads-safety-and-rules/parking/parking-rules
CHECK YOUR DETAILS
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) manages hunter licensing, education and compliance, and administers the state’s important hunting programs.
If you are a licence holder keep your details current by notifying the department within 14 days when your contact information changes.
Primary Industries needs current information to contact you in case of emergency, as well as send you important alerts and changes to the rules and regulations around hunting in NSW.
Updating your details online is easier than ever - login using your licence number and security PIN, then select the menu option “Update your game hunting licence details”.
You can then view or update your email address, contact numbers, addresses, as well as vehicle and dog details.
If you can’t remember your security PIN, use the ‘Reset PIN’ option – but your email address needs to be correct for this work.
Further information is available at: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/hunting/online-services
Comentarios