State Matters - 9 February 2026
- Dave Layzell MP
- Feb 9
- 7 min read
VETERANS GRANTS
THREE UPPER HUNTER electorate RSL sub-Branches have secured funding from the NSW Government’s Veteran Community Grants Program.
Gresford RSL sub-Branch receives $1,899 to purchase a PA system compatible lectern which can be used at the Paterson Anzac Day Dawn Service and the Gresford Anzac Day Service as well as the Remembrance Day service.
Gloucester RSL sub-Branch will use its $1,450 for the Remember their Deeds project with
Cabinets to contain military memorabilia and stories covering WW1, WW2 and Vietnam.
And, Dungog RSL sub-Branch has $1,400 for its Veteran Uniform Displays to properly display veteran uniforms that have been gifted to the sub-Branch by veterans or their families.
For further information on grants and programs run by the NSW Office for Veterans Affairs visit: https://www.veterans.nsw.gov.au
FURTHER TRACKWORK
Essential maintenance and improvement works are being carried out on the Hunter Line this week by the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC).
Kooragang Island to Turrawan near Narrabri and Muswellbrook to Ulan are closed from 6.30am Tuesday 10 February to 6.30am Thursday 12 February.
An additional closure applies between Hamilton and Telarah overnights, 8.30pm-3.30am, from Tuesday 10 February to Friday 13 February.
Train travellers are encouraged to plan their journey with buses replacing Hunter Line trains between Scone and Maitland and some trains between Scone, Dungog and Newcastle Interchange.
Road coaches will replace NSW TrainLink services between Sydney, Armidale and Moree for the whole journey in both directions.
Commuters should visit Transportnsw.info: https://transportnsw.info/alerts/metro-train
or call 13 22 32 for assistance with journey planning.
Information on road closures or diversions resulting from the trackwork and alternative routes can be found at: www.livetraffic.com
INFORMATION SESSIONS
Electricity supply and floods will be the topics of discussion during separate community information sessions this week.
Ausgrid is hosting a Community Information Session and Barbeque on Thursday 12 February from 6pm at Bunnan Memorial Hall, for a project underway to upgrade parts of the local overhead network.
The event is an opportunity for community members to hear directly about the work being undertaken to replace ageing powerlines and renewing selected poles and crossarms to keep the network safe and reliable.
And, Dungog Shire Council’s planning team will host a community drop-in session at Clarence Town School of Arts Hall on Saturday 14 February, 9am–12pm and 1–3pm, on the Draft Clarence Town Flood Study.
The draft study is now on public exhibition with submissions closing on Sunday 1 March.
For further information or to make an online submission check:
MERRIWA OPPORTUNITY
Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) has a vacancy on the Merriwa Local Health Committee.
Expressions of interest (EOI) are currently being called from engaged community members, who would be interested in joining the Merriwa committee.
HNELHD believes stronger health starts with stronger voices and this is an opportunity to have your say on health in your community.
Whether you're a parent, carer, worker or retiree, your experiences and ideas can help improve healthcare in Merriwa.
Meet with local health staff, share what matters most to the Merriwa community, and influence local decisions.
The EOI process closes Sunday, 22 February, so to find out more and how to apply go to:
GAS PIPELINE UPDATE
Santos has used its January Monthly Activities Update to map out this year’s plans for the Hunter Gas Pipeline.
The company is proposing to progress the project in a number of areas including exploration, land access and regulatory approvals.
Santos advising it will soon lodge the pipeline licence application for the Hunter Gas Pipeline marking a significant milestone for the project.
It has indicated a strong preference to reach voluntary agreements with landholders and has encouraged those hosting the pipeline to talk to its Land Access team to make sure individual property circumstances are considered before the application is lodged.
According to Santos, this is the final opportunity to have questions, concerns and feedback considered as part of the pipeline alignment.
BATTERY CONTRACT
An Upper Hunter project is one of the six awarded a NSW Government contract for new long duration batteries to strengthen the state’s energy grid.‑duration batter
Ark Energy’s Bowmans Creek Battery Energy Storage System is expected to capable of storing 2,414 MWh of power.
The state government contracts are part of the Renewable Energy Rollout and have been awarded to provide revenue underwriting and encourage investment confidence.
The projects are subject to the relevant planning approvals with the batteries due to be completed by 2030.
WORKERS COMPENSATION
Reforms to the NSW workers compensation system have now passed state parliament
It includes a legislated 18-month restriction on average premium increases, retains the Whole Person Impairment (WPI) thresholds and provides new powers enabling the Treasurer to lower the WPI threshold, if in the public interest.
A new “Return to Work” intensive program will provide an additional year of medical benefits and income replacement with changes also made to terminology surrounding the reasonable management action defence.
Businesses and community sector providers will be spared significant increases to workers compensation premiums as a result.
Without the reform, premiums for employers facing no claims against them were expected to rise by at least 36 per cent over three years.
The result follows extensive consultation over the past year with business, unions, as well as the community and not-for-profit sector.
NEW EDITION
Upper Hunter Country Tourism is already down to business for this year with its latest magazine now available for tourists and local residents.
Issue six of Upper Hunter Country Magazine has coverage of Hunter Warbirds which takes to the sky over Scone across the weekend of 28-29 March.
Aberdeen’s signature event, the Highland Games, has pride of place on the front cover ahead of its return this winter on Saturday 4 July.
Discover the talents of winemaker, Atsuko Radcliffe, from Denman’s Small Forest Wines, who is Japan’s only winemaker to establish a wine brand in Australia.
Atsuko is also a Panel Chair Judge for the Sake Division of The International Wine Challenge.
From the region’s major events to self-drive itineraries, walks and hikes to explore and accommodation, the digital version of Upper Hunter Country Magazine is a click away:
NOISE REVIEW
Feedback is currently being sought by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) about updates to the state’s Noise Control Regulation.
It sets the rules for managing common neighbourhood noise sources, motor vehicles and marine vessels, but does not include construction or entertainment noise.
The EPA is proposing to increase penalties for offensive noise, extend the permitted hours of use for air conditioners and pumps, and lift all restrictions on air conditioner use during declared severe or extreme heatwaves.
Views are also being sought on key proposed changes including extending liability for offensive noise from vehicles used on private property and extending the timeframe for regulators to investigate and issue penalties.
Public consultation on the draft Noise Control Regulation 2026 closes on Wednesday, 11 March, at: https://yoursay.epa.nsw.gov.au/review-poeo-noise-control-regulation
WOMENS BUSHWALK
Dungog Walkers will participate in NSW Women’s Week hosting one of the over 50 free entry-level walks being staged by local bushwalking clubs.
The local bushwalks will open the outdoors to women, with those who have ever thought “I’d like to try bushwalking, but I don’t know where to start”, urged to take part.
Join Dungog Walkers for a four-kilometre loop walk in Barrington Tops National Park through beautiful rainforest and along the Williams River on Tuesday, 3 March, and no previous bushwalking experience is required.
The initiative aims to break down barriers to participation and help women feel confident getting outdoors.
For further details and to register, go to: https://www.bushwalkingnsw.org.au/womens-week-walk/
WOMENS SCHOLARSHIP
Women pursuing education in a non-traditional trade can now apply for the ‘Breaking the Barriers’ scholarship provided by Women’s Network Hunter.
To be eligible, you must be a female student, trainee or apprentice, currently enrolled with a Registered Training Organisation, reside or be studying in the Cessnock, Dungog, Maitland, Mid Coast, Muswellbrook, Singleton or Upper Hunter council areas, currently studying and have completed at least one year of study in your current course.
Women remain significantly underrepresented in many trades with the $1,000 scholarship aiming to assist an apprentice or trainee to achieve their career aspirations.
Applications close Sunday, 12th April, with the online application form available from:
TRANSGRID GRANTS
Limeburners Creek is one of the communities being asked to consider making application for Transgrid’s Environmental Sustainability Community Partnerships Program.
Not-for-profit organisations in identified local communities can apply for grants of up-to-$5,000 to deliver environmentally focused sustainability projects.
This includes community groups and service providers, registered charities, and other not-for-profits.
The latest funding is in addition to Transgrid’s ongoing Community Partnership Program grants, which has supported organisations, including sporting clubs, Indigenous groups, emergency response services, and youth organisations.
Further information, including a link to apply, is available on the Transgrid website: www.transgrid.com.au/community/community-partnerships-program/environmental-sustainability-community-partnerships-program/
ART OPPORTUNITY
Health Infrastructure and Arts Upper Hunter have launched an Expression of Interest (EOI) process for artists to participate in Stage 3 of the Muswellbrook Hospital Redevelopment.
Artists at all career stages, who are living or working in the Hunter New England Local Health District, and who have a connection to Muswellbrook can submit an EOI.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists are encouraged to apply, as well as organisations and collaborative groups.
This is an opportunity to contribute artworks to the new Community Health space that will help create calming and uplifting spaces for patients, families, and staff.
Up to 12 artworks will be selected and installed with submission of EOIs closing Friday, 27 February, with more information on the project website: https://www.nsw.gov.au/health-and-wellbeing/health-infrastructure-projects/muswellbrook-hospital-redevelopment
ROUNDUP RETURNS
The Water Group of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water next week begins the Engagement Roundup webinar series for this year.
Opening topic is the 2026 water sharing plan omnibus amendment which is designed to apply rules already in place in one plan to other relevant plans, improve consistency, and meet the NSW Government commitments to all water sharing plans across the state.
Water Group Director Inland Planning, Peter Hyde, is the presenter for the webinar on Wednesday, 18 February, 11am-12pm, with a question and answer session to follow the presentation.
To participate in the Engagement Roundup, check-in at: https://www.water.dcceew.nsw.gov.au/have-your-say/roundup
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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