CATERING EOI
Cassilis Country Music Inc
Annual General Meeting
Sunday 25th May 2025 at 5pm at the Cassillis Bowling Club.
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Merriwa CWA NSW
KIDS COOKING
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Merriwa Festival of the Fleeces
OPENING NIGHT
HURRY – LIMITED TICKETS ON SALE NOW – Join us for a fun night out for Merriwa’s Festival of the Fleeces – Scan the QR Code or copy this URL into your browser https://events.humanitix.com/opening-night-merriwa…
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The Grand Finale of the Festival of the Fleeces! 
What’s in store:
Step inside the legendary woolsheds that tell the story of Australia’s wool historyEnjoy a hearty country breakfast at the iconic Royal Hotel CassilisTake an optional guided tour of the hotel 
Be entertained by Carol Heuchan, one of Australia’s premier bush poets 
Limited tickets available! Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unforgettable event.
https://www.trybooking.com/DBAIU https://festivalofthefleeces.com.au/woolshed-tourCassilis Long Lunch
31st August 2025
Royal Hotel Merriwa
UPCOMING LIVE MUSIC @ THE Royal Hotel Merriwa
State Matters – A Weekly Bulletin from Dave Layzell MP
Member for Upper Hunter – 19 May 2025
CAMP PLAN SCRUTINY – THE NSW NATIONALS are opposing a state government plan to increase the cost of camping in NSW National Parks.
Labor wants to hike fees on campgrounds, meaning the cost of camping could blow out to over $600-a-week in a national park in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis.
State Nationals MPs argue locals and visitors should not have to pay to enjoy all that our regional areas have to offer.
When asked about the increase in Parliament last week, Minister for Tourism Steve Kamper refused to acknowledge the issue claiming the government had ‘nothing more to say’.
The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is currently seeking community feedback on the proposed changes to camping in its parks and reserves.
I urge the Upper Hunter electorate to provide its feedback by Sunday 25 May at: www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/camping
MINE REUSE POSSIBILITIES – Cutting edge scientific processes have found several Upper Hunter Electorate mine sites could have critical minerals and high-tech metals deposits hidden in their old waste.
The Geological Survey of NSW’s Mine Reuse Project collected samples which were then run through the latest sampling techniques and underwent high precision chemical analysis to identify critical minerals.
Hunter Valley Operations and the Ravensworth colliery were among mines where sampling occurred with elevated critical minerals and strategic materials including Bismuth and Tellurium being located.
Researchers are also looking at the Stratford mine near Gloucester for the presence of Tellurium.
Critical minerals and high-tech metals are crucial for clean energy technologies, such as electric vehicles, solar panels, wind turbines, along with aerospace applications.
The Mine Reuse Project data can be accessed at: https://www.resources.nsw.gov.au/geological-survey/projects/mine-reuse-project
REZ ACCOMMODATION – EnergyCo is identifying potential locations for workforce accommodation to be used during construction of the New England Renewable Energy Zone (NEREZ).
Workforce accommodation and other temporary construction sites will be part of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the project, which includes a transmission line corridor through the Upper Hunter and Muswellbrook council areas to Bayswater.
During the EIS exhibition the community will have the opportunity to make a submission to the Department of Housing, Planning and Infrastructure to be considered as part of the planning approval process.
Landholders and residents with questions or who would like to speak about a potential location for workforce accommodation are encouraged to contact EnergyCo.
Upcoming pop-up consultation sessions will be held on Saturday 22 June at the Muswellbrook Showground Markets, 8am-1pm, and at the Aberdeen Highland Games in Jefferson Park Saturday 5 July, 8am-4.30pm.
For more on upcoming community engagement activities, see the NEREZ website: www.energyco.nsw.gov.au/ne/working-community
RESCHEDULED EMERGENCY EXPO – Singleton Council will make a second attempt this weekend to hold the Emergency Services Expo at Civic Park.
Wet weather and the availability of local emergency services forced the expo to be postponed in March with Saturday 24 May, 9am-12pm the new time for the event.
Key emergency services including the NSW Rural Fire Service, NSW State Emergency Service, Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Police Force, NSW Ambulance, and the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service will participate in the free, family-friendly event.
The community has the opportunity to engage directly with emergency service personnel, witness live demonstrations and learn important preparedness strategies for emergency situations.
Plus, the schedule includes Mascot races and, for the first time, a Mascot Tug-O-War.
This year’s event now also coincides with National Volunteer Week, offering a meaningful opportunity to recognise and celebrate the vital contributions of emergency services volunteers across our region.
For updates, visit Singleton Council’s social media feed: www.facebook.com/SingletonCouncil
MURRURUNDI ROADWORK – Transport for NSW will conduct essential road maintenance work on the New England Highway, Murrurundi this week to improve the road surface.
Work will be carried out 6am-6pm from Wednesday 21 May to Friday 23 May, weather permitting.
It includes removing and replacing the existing road surface and road markings with the work area which covers the section of highway from the eastern approach to the town to Adelaide Street.
Residents expected to be impacted by noise will be informed before work starts and driveway access will be maintained at all times.
Residents and motorists need to pay attention for workers and vehicles, traffic controllers and signage, footpath closures, single lane closures and reduced speed limits during work hours.
Latest traffic updates are available by calling 132 701 or visit www.livetraffic.com or download the app Live Traffic NSW.
DRAFT WASTE PLAN – A draft NSW Waste and Circular Infrastructure Plan has been released which aims to prevent Greater Sydney running out of landfill.
The state government has warned that without intervention, waste collection and disposal services could be severely impacted by 2030, forcing councils to transport rubbish to regional areas or interstate.
The first chapter of the draft Plan will consult councils, industry and the community on the next steps to build the infrastructure required across Greater Sydney.
Future chapters are expected to be released later this year and will focus on enhancing recycling infrastructure and addressing the unique waste challenges facing regional and remote NSW.
A new Ministerial Advisory Committee will be established to guide the plan’s implementation and advise on local barriers, identify opportunities for investment and report on progress.
To have your say on the Draft NSW Waste and Circular Infrastructure Plan by 25 June visit: https://yoursay.epa.nsw.gov.au/draft-nsw-waste-and-circular-infrastructure-plan
PSYCHOLOGICAL INJURY REVIEW – An Exposure Draft for a Bill as part of the ongoing consultation to reform the workers compensation system into the future has been released by the Minns Labor Government.
NSW Treasurer, Daniel Mookhey, has referred the Exposure Draft to a parliamentary inquiry to further examine and seek feedback on the reform options.
The Standing Committee on Law and Justice in the Legislative Council is holding the inquiry, however, due to the short timeline for the review, the committee can no longer accept submissions from individuals or uninvited stakeholders.
The Minns Government has committed to modernising the workers compensation system to recognise that workplace health and safety and workers compensation laws are failing to both prevent psychological injuries and to treat those with psychological injuries quickly.
The Government has said that it will not adopt a final position on workers compensation reform until the community has had a chance to have its say.
For further information on the Proposed changes to liability and entitlements for psychological injury in NSW Inquiry, go to: www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/committees/inquiries/pages/inquiries.aspx
BIKE & SCOOTER RESPONSE – The NSW Government has tabled its response to recommendations from a recent Parliamentary inquiry into the use of e-scooters, e-bikes and related mobility options.
The state government is proposing e-scooters will be able to be ridden on shared paths, with a default speed limit of 10-20kmh and a 20kmh speed limit on roads that are signposted at 50kmh and below.
The use of e-scooters would be legal for independent riders over 16 years old, in line with other states of Australia.
The NSW Government is not proposing any new speed limits for e-bikes.
NSW Police are responsible for the enforcement of road transport offences for illegal e-bikes.
For more information about how to safely use the devices, visit the Riding bikes, e-bikes and e-scooters in NSW webpage: www.nsw.gov.au/driving-boating-and-transport/bikes-e-bikes-e-scooters
BUS IS COMING! – A new custom-built bus which is set to improve access to holistic diabetes care across the Hunter and New England regions is scheduled to stop in the Upper Hunter Electorate later this year.
Medibus is a fully equipped mobile health clinic which brings specialist multidisciplinary teams including endocrinologists, a diabetes educator, Aboriginal health worker, dietitian and podiatrist, to towns with limited access to healthcare.
Clinical teams support patients directly and upskill local General Practitioners, nurses and allied health providers to provide diabetes care and management within the primary care sector.
The Medibus schedule includes stops in the Lower Mid North Coast on 12–15 August and 17–19 November, and the Upper Hunter 27 October–7 November. Medibus access is via GP or healthcare provider referral with further information on the dapplus.org website: www.dapplus.org.au
WOMEN VETERANS RESEARCH – An Australian-first research project to improve wellbeing support services for women veterans is being conducted by the NSW Government in partnership with RSL NSW and Monash University.
With a growing number of women veterans it is important to understand the challenges they face when using veteran wellbeing services.
The research will include a survey and interviews with women veterans to learn about their experiences, challenges and further support needs.
Participation is voluntary and includes an online anonymous survey to capture data on the experiences of women veterans accessing veteran-specific services, and an optional follow up interview that allows participants to expand on their responses and experiences.
For more information and to participate in the survey visit the Shaping Support Services for Women Veterans webpage: www.monash.edu/medicine/women-veterans-support/research
CESSNOCK HOSPITAL UPGRADE A builder has been appointed to deliver the $138-million Cessnock Hospital Redevelopment following a competitive tender process.
Hansen Yuncken has been engaged for the project with construction expected to begin in coming months for completion in 2027.
The redevelopment includes construction of a new acute services building to provide an expanded emergency department, operating theatre and day surgery spaces, two new inpatient wards and a modern pharmacy.
Cessnock Hospital will continue to operate during the construction period with minimal disruption to staff, patients and the community.
For further information on the project: https://hneinfra.health.nsw.gov.au/projects/cessnock
MAY WATER WEBINAR The next Water Engagement Roundup for irrigators and other water users will be held on Wednesday 28 May at 11am.
The May Roundup is being held later this month due to a national water conference taking place this week.
Speakers from the Water Group of the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water will discuss the water efficiency program and the smart water meters survey undertaken in regional councils.
Following the presentations an open question and answer session will be held.
Register at the Department’s webinar page: https://water.dpie.nsw.gov.au/have-your-say/community/round-up
WEED IN SPOTLIGHT Hunter Local Land Services wants landholders to be on the lookout for the invasive weed, Sticky Nightshade, which is spreading across parts of the state including the Hunter.
It is commonly found in pastures, along riverbanks, fence lines and roadsides, and thrives in a wide range of soil types.
Sticky Nightshade spreads via birds, broken branches and slashers, making early detection essential.
This weed poses serious problems for landholders and the environment because it competes aggressively with crops and pastures, reducing productivity and ground cover.
To identify Sticky Nightshade look for a prickly, hairy plant that grows up to 1.5 metres tall and remove it by chipping or digging it out by the roots, using gloves and boots for protection.
For support, contact your local Biosecurity (weeds) officer at Hunter Regional Weeds: www.hunterregionalweeds.net.au or visit NSW WeedWise: https://weeds.dpi.nsw.gov.au
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
Upper Hunter Shire Council
Media Release: Council’s First Special Rate Variation in Over a Decade
Published on 16 May 2025
Upper Hunter Shire Council has received confirmation from the Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) that its application for a Special Rate Variation (SRV) has been approved marking Council’s first successful SRV application in over a decade.
The approved funding increase forms a critical part of Council’s comprehensive financial strategy to ensure long-term sustainability and maintain essential services and infrastructure that our community relies upon daily.
The approved variation allows for a 10% increase in general rates each year for three years. This includes IPART’s annual rate peg of 4.3%, with the remaining 5.7% attributable to the SRV. The total cumulative increase over three years will be 33.1%.
Mayor Maurice Collison said the additional income will help Council address infrastructure challenges while avoiding major service reductions.
“This isn’t something we’ve done lightly, this is the first time in a decade that IPART has approved an SRV from Upper Hunter Shire Council. While many other councils have made a number of SRV applications over the last decade. Upper Hunter Shire Council has maintained the recommended IPART rate peg over this period.” Cr Collison said.
“By the third year, the average increase for a residential property in the shire will be around $4 per week but the long-term benefits to our community are substantial. This modest investment will allow us to continue and improve maintenance of local roads, enhance waste services, and ensure our community facilities remain safe and accessible for years to come.”
The SRV application was lodged with IPART in February 2025, following extensive community consultation across our townships throughout 2024. IPART conducted its own independent assessment before delivering this determination that supports Council’s evidence-based approach to financial sustainability.
Council’s draft 2025/26 budget (currently on public exhibition) was prepared on the assumption that the SRV would be approved. Without this approval, significant adjustments would have been required to remove unfunded projects. The budget including the IPART determination will be considered at the June 30 Council meeting.
“We’re committed to transparent communication about how these funds will be used,” added Cr Collison. “Residents can track our progress on key projects through regular updates on Council’s website and community newsletters.”
More information is available at: Special Rate Variation
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MR358 Road (Coulson’s Creek Rd) Rehabilitation Update – 15 May 2025 Soil Stabilisation & Drainage: Rock bolts, rock meshing, and open drain excavation are now 100% complete. Shotcrete Open Drains: Fully completed during this period. Gabion Walls: Construction is now 82% complete and remains a key focus on site. Earthworks: Sitting at 97%, with only minor works remaining. Drainage Transverse Lines & Pavement: Both have progressed to 15%. Table Drains & Kerbing: Early-stage works are now underway (5%).
What’s next? Completion of gabion walls and subsoil drainage Subgrade preparation, placement of select pavement materials, and continuation of cross drainage installation
This project is proudly supported by the NSW State and Australian Federal Governments.———
Have you seen something that needs attention?
Please use the Customer Request Management Form available online by clicking here to lodge an action with UHSC.
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