State Matters - 29 September 2025
- Dave Layzell MP
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
LONG WEEKEND CHECKLIST
DOUBLE DEMERIT POINTS apply from Friday 3 October with the NSW Police enforcement for the Labour Day long weekend continuing until Monday night 6 October.
Road users are on notice that double points apply for speeding, using a mobile phone illegally, riding without a helmet, not wearing or incorrectly wearing a seatbelt or carrying passengers not wearing or incorrectly wearing a seatbelt or restraint.
The road safety campaign to encourage safe driver behaviour on our roads reminds drivers and riders that during double demerit periods the penalties for breaking road rules are more severe.
Motorists are advised to plan their trip or consider using public transport during the Spring school holiday and the October long weekend with increased traffic volumes expected:
Another long weekend reminder - 2025-26 Daylight Saving starts Sunday 5 October at 2am, when clocks are moved forward one hour to 3am.
ROADWORK UPDATE
Motorists travelling between Whittingham and Jerrys Plains this week are being advised to expect roadwork activities both day and night.
As previously mentioned, oversize over mass upgrades for the Port of Newcastle to Renewable Energy Zones begin Monday 29 September at the intersection of Jerry Plains Road and Putty Road, and Golden Highway (Mitchell Line of Road) and Putty Road, Mount Thorley.
Transport for NSW has also scheduled work for Monday 29 September, 7pm-5am on the Golden Highway/Mitchell Line of Road, between Putty Road, Mount Thorley and the New England Highway, Singleton.
It includes maintenance work on the Golden Highway on-ramp and off-ramp at Mount Thorley – with all work expected to be completed in one night, weather permitting.
Then, Thursday 1 October, 7pm-5am, Transport advises work will be carried out on the Golden Highway, between Gee’s Creek and Lemington Road, Jerrys Plains, which is again expected to be completed in one night.
Check for updates at: www.livetraffic.com
REZ INQUIRY
Singleton last week hosted a hearing of the Upper House committee inquiry into the Impact of Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) on rural and regional communities and industries in NSW.
The committee, including Nationals MLC, the Hon. Sarah Mitchell, and Liberals MLC, the Hon. Aileen MacDonald, held a public hearing on Thursday 25 September at Singleton Civic Centre and also conducted site visits.
The committee heard from stakeholders including Ausgrid and Transgrid, local councils, farmers, unions and members of the community about the potential impacts of renewable energy developments.
A video recording of the hearing is available on the NSW Parliament's YouTube channel with a transcript on the Legislative Council Portfolio Committee No. 4 – Regional NSW website: www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/inquiries/Pages/inquiry-details.aspx?pk=3065
COALITION COMMITMENT
A Liberals and Nationals NSW Government will bring back Business Connect after the Minns Labor Government axed the vital support service for small business.
Business Connect provided free, practical advice to small businesses navigating compliance, planning and financial management.
It was one of the few lifelines available for small business operators but from 1 October it is gone, with nothing to replace it.
Since being introduced by the previous Coalition Government in 2017, Business Connect has assisted more than 60,000 small businesses and helped create over 40,000 new jobs.
Small business is the backbone of our communities – the Nationals and Liberals message is simple, stop making life harder for the people who create jobs and focus on productivity not paperwork.
FUTURE FOCUS
The Net Zero Economy Authority is inviting regional stakeholders to a consultation session in Singleton on Friday 17 October to shape a Future Made in the Hunter.
Representatives from local government, industry, unions, education and training providers, community organisations, and other regional stakeholders are encouraged to register by Friday 10 October.
The session on the Hunter's future economy and workforce is an opportunity to share views and priorities to help shape strategy and planning for the Hunter region as it transitions to a net zero future.
The session will consider the economic diversification and future growth opportunities, as well as, workforce transition opportunities and challenges facing the region.
To register for the consultation in Singleton, go to: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/1641737153019?aff=oddtdtcreator
BORE WARNING
The Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) is investigating reports of possible illegal bore drilling.
Landholders are being advised to check the credentials of bore drilling contractors after reports that an unlicensed operator has allegedly been installing defective bores on some northern NSW farms.
Poorly constructed bores can contribute to groundwater misuse, waste and damage through uncontrolled bore flow or contamination of aquifers.
Landholders considering accessing groundwater must first obtain a water supply work approval from WaterNSW before any bore drilling takes place.
They then need to engage a driller holding a NSW driller's licence of the correct class to construct the bore.
If you suspect illegal bore drilling, report it on NRAR's website, or call 1800 633 362.
To check a driller’s licence, contact WaterNSW on 1300 662 077.
For more about the investigation, check: www.nrar.nsw.gov.au/news/nrar-warns-landholders-to-watch-for-unlicenced-bore-drillers
EMERGENCY READY?
As the weather warms, Local Land Services is asking landholders if they have an emergency plan in place.
There are simple tasks to complete to help prepare for emergencies including completing the annual livestock return, identifying ways to transport animals off property if you need to move them, agistment options and understanding bushfire risks in your area.
Flood, fires and other natural disasters are unfortunately part of the Australian climate prompting a call for landholders to use the resources available to prepare for emergencies.
The On-farm emergency management website can assist informed decisions before, during and after emergencies: www.nsw.gov.au/regional-and-primary-industries/climate-and-emergencies/on-farm-emergency-management
A guide for managing drought, fire and flood can also be downloaded from the NSW Government’s Droughthub: www.droughthub.nsw.gov.au/managing/managing-drought-resources
ONLINE SAFETY
Free wi-fi is in the spotlight with the NSW Government encouraging users to think about
who else is on that wi-fi network.
Open and unsecured public wi-fi networks can be set-up or joined by anyone and expose your internet activity to monitoring by cybercriminals including scammers.
People have been caught intercepting the information of others connected to the same network angling to get passwords and credit card numbers.
To stay safe online consider using your smartphone’s personal hotspot instead of public wi-fi – just remember to have enough data before you start.
For tips to stay safe online: www.digital.nsw.gov.au/delivery/cyber-security, the NSW Police website: www.police.nsw.gov.au/safety_and_prevention/crime_prevention/online_safety
ARK IS OPEN
Aussie Ark's open days return for the Spring school holiday and you are invited to visit the Barrington Tops during October 4-12.
The gates open 10.30am-1pm daily, and when you step inside the world-class facility you will see conservation in action.
Your ticket includes a guided tour at 11am, led by expert Wildlife Rangers – bringing you face-to-face with some of Australia’s most endangered animals, and there’s every chance you’ll meet baby animals along the way.
Spaces are limited and fill-up quickly, so book early to secure your spot at:
TOURISM RESEARCH
Australian Regional Tourism (ART) is exploring the need to develop a National Social Impact Framework for Regional Tourism.
Tourism in regional communities is about more than just its economic contribution, its true value lies in how it supports local people, strengthens culture, builds resilience and enhances the liveability that makes each destination unique.
Responses to the survey will help determine the need for a national framework that could support regions to upskill, measure, and report on tourism’s social impact, ensuring these benefits are front and centre in planning, investment, and advocacy.
To participate in the Regional Capability and Needs Survey go to:
TRUE BLUE VINE
Diary note that NSW Wine Month’s signature event, Sydney Cellar Door, is scheduled for early November and the Upper Hunter electorate will be represented.
NSW Wine Month is being held throughout November with Cellar Door taking place on 8-9 November from noon at First Fleet Park and Tallawoladah Lawn in The Rocks.
The two-day Sydney wine festival events will bring together 40 premium wineries from across 16 different NSW wine regions including the Upper Hunter’s Margan Wines, Thomas Wines, Lambs Valley Wines and Two Rivers.
The month-long celebration will toast everything wonderful and unique about Australia’s ‘First State of Wine’ with 31 days of events, dinners, tastings, masterclass and experiences for wine lovers to meet the passionate people behind NSW wines.
Check NSW Wine Industry Association website for more: www.nswwine.com.au/nsw-wine-month and: www.facebook.com/NSWWine
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
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