State Matters - 30 March 2026

FUEL ACTION

THE NSW Nationals are calling on the Minns Labor Government to use its emergency powers to guarantee diesel and fuel supplies to regional NSW.

The Premier already has the power to direct fuel companies where supply goes, so we are not asking for something new, just that he uses the powers he’s got.

Regional communities are being hit hardest with fuel supply disruptions continuing right across the state.

Additionally, the NSW Nationals and Liberals wrote to the Prime Minister, 

demanding the fuel excise be cut immediately to deliver critical relief to families and businesses - the excise will now be halved for three months from 1 April with the heavy vehicle road user charge also reduced to zero for the same period.

The NSW Coalition also wants the state government to give families a break and provide free public transport over the Easter long weekend.

I encourage anyone experiencing fuel shortages to report it through The Nationals No Fuel Here website so we can make sure the federal government has the information it needs to act: www.nofuelhere.com.au

HERE COMES EASTER!

I begin our look at Easter 2026 by wishing Bianca Evans of Girvan good luck for the state final of this year’s Sydney Royal AgShows NSW Young Woman Competition.

Bianca represents Stroud Show and you will see her at the Sydney Royal Easter Show in the Amphitheatre on Sunday 5 April from 1pm.

Dungog shire again holds the drawcards on Easter Saturday with the Gresford Billy Cart Derby in the Main Street, 9am-1pm, then from 10am Dungog Rodeo at Dungog Showground with the Grand Entry at 6pm.

The Easter Public Holiday period begins on Good Friday, 3 April and concluded with  

Easter Monday on 6 April.

NSW Fisheries reminds anglers to plan your Easter fishing trip and to purchase your NSW fishing licence, unless exempt, from the only official site for paying your Recreational Fishing Fee - the Service NSW website.

Early hours of Easter Sunday, Daylight Saving 2025-26 ends at 3am when clocks move back one hour to 2am.

And, finally, the Autumn school holiday officially commences on Tuesday 7 April with students back in the classroom for Term 2 on Wednesday 22 April.

ON THE ROADS

Double demerit points apply from Easter Thursday morning, 2 April until Monday night, 6 April.

Get caught 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 during double demerit periods, and you’ll face double the loss of points.

Motorists are being advised to plan their trip or consider using public transport during the Easter-Autumn school holiday period.

Trip planning tools are available to avoid the busiest times on the roads and get you to and from your destination and events safely at: www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/plan-your-trip/holiday-driving/holiday-and-journey-planning

Additionally, MidCoast Council advises that the temporary crossing at Tiri near Gloucester is now open ahead of schedule.

A 5-tonne load limit applies, so trucks and larger vehicles will need to continue using alternative routes via Gloucester and Wingham.

MidCoast Council is also cautioning motorists about road rehabilitation works on The Bucketts Way at Mograni, which are taking place until June.

For the latest road and bridge updates, visit MidCoast Council’s Roads Hub: https://haveyoursay.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/midcoast-roads-hub also check Livetraffic NSW: www.livetraffic.com and click on Council Supplied Information.

RAIL TRACKWORK

Public transport users are encouraged to check travel plans this week with the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC) carrying out essential maintenance and improvement works on the Hunter Valley network.

The Kooragang Island to Muswellbrook line is closed from Monday 30 March, 6.30am until Wednesday 1 April at 6.30am, and the Muswellbrook-Ulan and Muswellbrook-Narrabri lines are impacted from 6.30am on Monday 30 March to 6.30am, Thursday 2 April.

Coaches replace NSW TrainLink services and Hunter Line trains will also be affected, with travellers advised to visit TransportNSW.info: https://transportnsw.info or call 13 22 32 for assistance to plan their journey.

ARTC reminds motorists and pedestrians to be vigilant for altered traffic conditions near the rail corridor, pay attention to signs and obey all road rules at level crossings, with rail machinery active on rail lines.

Information on road closures or diversions and alternative routes can be found at:

www.livetraffic.com

POWERLINE INSPECTIONS

Ausgrid’s preparations for the next bushfire season begin in the Upper Hunter Electorate from next week.

The assessment of thousands of kilometres of the Ausgrid powerline network in bushfire-prone areas begins in the Ellerston-Timor area from 7 April then continues Wingen to Gundy from 10 April and between Aberdeen to Merriwa from 14 April.

A combination of aerial, drone and ground-based patrols will assess network safety and identify hazards associated with vegetation near powerlines.

Property owners responsible for maintaining any private poles and powerlines are urged to make sure private electricity installations are free from vegetation, and any defects or deterioration is checked by a qualified electrician.

To learn more about your responsibilities, check: www.ausgrid.com.au/privatepoles

Information on when inspections will be occurring in your area can be found at: www.ausgrid.com.au/bushfirepatrols

TITLE CHANGE

NSW magistrates are now known as judges to better reflect the nature and volume of crucial work done in the Local Court.

An amendment was made last year to the Local Court Act 2007 to change the title of magistrates to judges.

The title of magistrate is a historical one dating from a time when judicial officers were appointed from the public service and sat in the Court of Petty Sessions.

Local Court judicial officers have been required to hold legal qualifications for more than 70 years.

The title change does not affect existing powers, functions or protections of Local Court judicial officers.

Over the past decade, the number of matters commenced in the Local Court have risen by a third with nearly half a million begun in 2024.

AIR POLLUTION REVIEW

The way air pollutants are assessed and modelled in NSW has been placed under the microscope and the public is now being asked for feedback.

A major review was conducted by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), which is consulting with the licensees and industry, community, local councils, and subject matter experts before finalising the Approved Methods.

The changes reflect modern science and technologies and align with national regulation and international best practice.

The EPA is seeking feedback on any technical issues or challenges with implementing the updated requirements in the draft Approved Methods, the clarity and practicality of the methodology and any additional matters or emerging issues that should be addressed.

Public consultation on the draft Approved Methods for the Modelling and Assessment of Air Pollutants in NSW is open until 4 May.

Feedback can be made by completing an online survey or providing written feedback with submissions emailed to: approved.methods@epa.nsw.gov.au

SALINITY RESEARCH

Salinity logger buoys have been deployed near Largs to investigate salinity intrusion in the Hunter River Tidal Pool.

The Water Group of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water has partnered with Manly Hydraulics Laboratory to investigate salinity intrusion dynamics within tidal pools during low‑flow conditions.

When freshwater inflows decline, dense marine water moves upstream and can sometimes form a salt wedge underneath the fresh water, affecting the suitability of freshwater from the tidal pool for use.

Understanding how the salt wedge expands, contracts and shifts along the tidal pool is important for improving understanding of water quality in tidal pools and for coastal water sharing plan risk assessments.

Eight buoys equipped with high‑resolution loggers were installed between Raymond Terrace, Dunmore Bridge at Woodville and McKimms Park for the research.

Each buoy includes two salinity loggers at different depths, allowing continuous measurement of vertical stratification and horizontal movement of the saline wedge during low‑flow periods.

DEFIBRILLATOR GRANTS

Six Upper Hunter Electorate sporting organisations will now have access to defibrillators after securing NSW Government grants.

Gloucester and District Netball Association, Gloucester Aero Club, Largs Football Club, Scone Triathlon Club, Singleton Mountain Bike Club and Newcastle District Hunting Club, McCullys Gap have received between $2,000 and $3,000 each for the vital first aid equipment.

The six are among more than 190 sporting organisations to receive defibrillators through the latest round of the NSW Government’s Local Sport Defibrillator Grant Program.

For further information on the program, visit: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/grants/local-sport-defibrillator-grant-program

LLS RATES

Hunter Local Land Services (LLS) is asking landholders to check the mailbox for their rates notice from the LLS.

Local Land Services rates help to support the organisation’s biosecurity, animal health and emergency management work. 

If you are experiencing hardship and need a hand, the LLS customer service team can talk you through the options by calling 1300 795 299

To better understand your rates notice, including why they are different to the land rates and charges applied by local councils, visit: https://bit.ly/3NRsRbl

RAISE IT!

A new program will allow patients, families and carers in NSW public hospitals and health services to speak up if they are worried their, or their loved one’s condition is getting worse.

“Raise It” recognises patients, carers and families know themselves and their loved ones best and may notice small changes or have a sense that something is not right.

As part of the program, a single, statewide number - 1800 777 333 - has been implemented, ensuring a person in any NSW public hospital can reach out for further help and a senior health worker will respond to their concerns.

“Raise It” follows three clear steps which start by talking to a nurse or doctor about your concerns, if there are still concerns ask the nurse in charge for a Clinical Review and finally,

call the Raise It line. 

The new campaign marks a significant overhaul of NSW Health’s previous REACH (Recognise, Engage, Act, Call, Help) program, launched in 2013 to help people escalate concerns of clinical deterioration.

HALF-DAY HOLIDAY?

Muswellbrook Shire is being given the opportunity to provide input into a proposed half-day public holiday to coincide with the Muswellbrook Mayor's Cup and Big Dance Party.

This year, the holiday would fall on Tuesday, 3 November between Noon and 6pm.

The holiday aims to support local business and ensure the community can come together to celebrate at the race meeting.

Council is seeking community feedback on the half-day public holiday until Tuesday 10 April.

A link to the survey can be found on Council’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/muswellbrookshirecouncil

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