State Matters - 4 August 2025
- Dave Layzell MP
- Aug 4
- 7 min read
JOB CUTS
THE NSW NATIONALS have challenged the Minns Labor Government, and in particular Minister Tara Moriarty, to own up to its decision and provide clarity around jobs losses from the only department dedicated to regional NSW.
The government has confirmed up to 165 jobs will be cut from the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development including in the Upper Hunter electorate.
Some of the teams to be impacted by redundancies include agriculture and biosecurity, regional development and delivery in the regional programs and partnerships team and enabling services in the Rural Assistance Authority.
It's also disappointing to hear the team that helped manage the Resources for Regions and Stronger Country Communities programs are also on the chopping block which raises questions about how any support will flow to the bush.
These gut-wrenching cuts are a slap in the face to an agency that does immeasurable work ensuring country communities are supported in every way, and we need to know right now how these changes will impact every farmer and every resident living in a regional NSW.
EDUCATION’S TIME TO SHINE
Public education is in the spotlight this week as our local schools, teachers and their pupils mark Education Week 2025.
Week 3 of Term 3, this year has the theme "Ignite your potential” to celebrate the achievements of our learning communities.
Public Education Week will see schools open their doors to welcome parents, carers and community members and showcase the incredible learning experiences that happen every day.
Families are encouraged to get involved by attending open days, school events or community celebrations to see firsthand how schools are igniting potential in every child — through creative classrooms, dedicated staff and inclusive school cultures.
For insight into what is happening at NSW public schools visit: www.facebook.com/NSWDepartmentofEducation
RENEWABLES UPDATE
Ark Energy will hold two local consultation sessions next week to provide an update on the Bowmans Creek Wind Farm project.
Hebden Community Hall on Scrumlo Road holds the opening session on Tuesday 12 August, 4-6pm, with Mount Olive Community Centre in Carrowbrook Road the venue for the second on Wednesday 13 August, 4-6pm.
People interested in attending are requested to RSVP for their preferred session and advise the number of attendees by Friday 8 August to: info@bowmanscreekwindfarm.com.au
Stage 1 of the Bowmans Creek project for 54 wind turbines has been approved with Ark Energy also submitting a modification to add a battery energy storage system.
The modification to add battery energy storage can be viewed at: www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/mod-1-battery-energy-storage-system-1
Stage 2 of the development proposes a further 21 wind turbines with the extension requiring a separate NSW Government approval, which Ark Energy anticipating it will lodge next year.
APPLY NOW!
Hunter Local Land Services is calling for expressions of interest in its upcoming feral pig control awareness days.
Join in for on-farm, in-paddock practical advice and visual demonstrations of feral pig control activities.
The agenda includes feral pig signs, camera monitoring, free feeding and baiting best practice, feral pig trapping best practice, humane destruction and FeralScan reporting.
Hunter LLS is planning events for Upper Hunter landholders at Merriwa, Denman and Broke with a Lower Hunter event at Dungog.
Express your interest in attending and the LLS will contact you with more details:
EYES TO THE SKY
NSW Police Rural Crime Prevention Team is asking farmers and rural landowners to come forward if they have seen a drone flying over their property or have information about suspicious drone activity.
There have been reports of suspected illegal drone incidents in the Hunter Valley Police District and other areas this year and NSW Police suspects there may be more incidents.
Whilst not always sinister, the Rural Crime Prevention Team would like landholders to report incidents, so they know where and when it is occurring especially if it involves livestock and cropping paddocks or machinery sheds.
You are asked to record the time, location, and description of the drone; take photos or videos if safe to do so; then report the incident to CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) if it’s an incident of unsafe drone use or NSW Police if you suspect criminal activity or surveillance.
A word of caution from police - do not attempt to damage, disable, or interfere with the drone, which is illegal and considered damaging an aircraft under federal law.
Drone operators are also on notice to know and follow CASA’s drone safety rules such as
always flying in visual line-of-sight, not flying higher than 120m above ground level, near emergency operations or in prohibited or restricted airspace.
If you are using a drone in a rural area or near a rural industry let people and properties nearby know what you are doing, to help allay their fears.
Anyone with information about suspected criminal activity, such as trespassing or harassment, you can report it to your local NSW Police Station, Police Assistance Line on 131 444, Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 and in an emergency call triple zero “000”.
BROOM BREAKTHROUGH
A partnership between Aussie Ark and Scone Landcare has achieved what is being described as an ‘ecological miracle’ in the Barrington Tops.
Back in 2016, a unique biological control program began to eradicate the highly invasive Scotch Broom from the Ark.
The program has paid off with confirmation that the noxious weed has been eradicated from the Ark with the 'silver bullet' being the English gall mite, which targets and destroys specifically Scotch Broom.
The mite is dormant in winter and reactivates in spring, which is when Aussie Ark wants to strike again, issuing an invitation for volunteers to join the eradication campaign.
Aussie Ark has a surplus of mites, prompting a call for the NSW Government to urgently implement the same initiative across National Parks and State Forests for wider ecological repair and restoration.
Take a bow Scone Landcare, Aussie Ark is adamant it could not have achieved this amazing milestone without your help and guidance.
Discover more about the Barrington breakthrough at: www.facebook.com/AussieArk
INTERNS REQUIRED
Young people interested in exploring career and volunteer opportunities in emergency management and increasing their emergency preparedness skills can now apply for Singleton’s Emergency Services Internship program.
Open to local residents aged 16-24, the eight-week internship runs from 15 October to 3 December, delivered by Singleton Council in partnership with local emergency services, supporting agencies and Singleton PCYC.
Program participants meet for four hours each Wednesday to learn directly from emergency responders and supporting agencies such as the NSW Reconstruction Authority.
The interactive program teaches young people about emergency response, preparedness and recovery through practical hands-on training with NSW Police, NSW Rural Fire Service, State Emergency Service, Fire and Rescue NSW and NSW Ambulance.
Not only do participants learn practical skills and tips from real-life emergency responders, but also receive mental health first aid training and complete the program with a first aid certificate.
Expressions of interest in the limited number of places available close on 29 August with more information at: www.singleton.nsw.gov.au/Live/Residents/Emergency-Management-and-Disaster-Resilience/Emergency-Services-Internship
REZ INFORMATION
Cassilis residents have another reference point for the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) transmission project.
ACEREZ, the partnership of ACCIONA, COBRA and Endeavour Energy, appointed as the network operator by EnergyCo in April, has opened a Community Information Centre at 30-32 Church Street, Mudgee.
The ACEREZ team will take questions and feedback on the REZ transmission project Tuesday to Thursday, 9am-5pm, except on public holidays.
The centre will be open at other times for special events and activities and will provide the community with a central hub to learn more about the project and the opportunities it will create.
Residents can continue to contact ACEREZ via the 24/7 Community Information Line, the community email cwo.community@acerez-acjv.com.au and the project website www.acerez.com.au
ONLY RECYCLE
Fire and Rescue NSW and the NSW Environment Protection Authority have jointly urged residents to recycle used batteries.
Never bin a battery because up to 12,000 fires a year across Australia are caused by incorrect battery disposal, so getting rid of them safely is essential.
Damage caused by battery fires poses a significant risk to human health, the environment and to critical infrastructure that we rely on to process waste.
Fire and Rescue NSW has advised that Lithium-ion battery fires especially don’t give warnings – they start fast, burn hot and can turn deadly in seconds.
The EPA adding that all used batteries, including small household batteries, should be recycled at a battery drop off point.
You can find your local used batteries recycling location at: www.epa.nsw.gov.au/Your-environment/Recycling-an:-reuse/household-recycling-overview/Safe-battery-recycling
MENTAL HEALTH SURVEY
Public consultation is underway as the Mental Health Commission of NSW leads the development of the Strategy for Mental Health and Wellbeing in the state.
Anyone with interest and insights about mental health and wellbeing is being asked for feedback to inform the new strategy to improve mental health and wellbeing across the community.
This consultation is not intended to ask about a person's own mental health and wellbeing, however, is seeking opinions about the mental health service system and about community mental health and wellbeing.
A consultation paper provides some background information and poses consultation questions for written submissions.
There is also an online survey, which can be done anonymously, asking opinions about mental health services and mental health and community wellbeing.
Targeted consultations will take place in the coming months, including community visits and virtual roundtables with stakeholders and government agencies.
Share your views before Friday 29 August at: www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/mental_health_wellbeing
VACCINATION CALL
NSW Health continues to urge us to get vaccinated this winter as the best way to protect against serious respiratory illnesses.
Vaccinations can protect children and grandparents from serious illness – so kids don’t miss out on having fun and families don’t miss out on precious moments together.
Latest NSW Respiratory Surveillance Report figures for the week ended 26 July, show a new peak of 776 Influenza cases in the Hunter New England Local Health District which takes the year-to-date total to 6,255.
There were 196 reports of COVID-19 taking the 2025 local total to 4,188, with 181 Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) cases lifting total numbers for the seven months to 5,794.
Lower your risk of severe respiratory illness by talking to your GP or pharmacist about getting the vaccine right for you - learn more at: https://health.nsw.gov.au/respiratory
CAN’T TOUCH THAT!
Learner and provisional driver licence holders have received some sage advice about having a mobile telephone in the vehicle when they are behind the steering wheel.
NSW Police Traffic and Highway Patrol Command and the Centre for Road Safety sharing their wisdom that you must not use a mobile phone while driving, even when you’re stationary, for example, stopped at lights or stuck in traffic.
This includes texting, photography, phone calls, music, emailing, social media, using the internet, maps and navigation.
The restriction on Learner, P1 and P2 drivers applies to mobile phones that are handheld, in a phone holder or hands-free, for example, via Bluetooth: www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/roads-safety-and-rules/safe-driving/mobiles-screens-and-gps
WEED DOWNLOAD
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has released the 2025 NSW Weed Control Handbook.
The updated guide has been compiled as a guide for weed control in non-crop, aquatic and bushland situations including best-practice techniques and legal responsibilities.
Contents include integrated weed management, control techniques using herbicides, reducing herbicide spray drift, withholding periods and it also outlines weeds with state priority biosecurity duties in NSW.
To access the handbook and download your copy visit the DPIRD website now:
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