Hunter Local Land Services
Get on-farm, in-paddock with our expert Invasive Species – Biosecurity Team as they give you the run down on all things feral pigs 
Signs to look for
Camera monitoring
Free feeding & baiting
Trapping
Humane destruction
FeralScan Reporting
Cassilis Public School
150 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Please spread the word and use the link to RSVP for catering purposes! https://docs.google.com/…/1FAIpQLSfWJm…/viewform
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Merriwa CWA NSW
KIDS COOKING
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UPCOMING MEETINGS 2025
- 14th July
- 11th August
- 8th September
- 13th October – AGM
- 10th November
- 1st December
Meetings will be held at the Merriwa CWA Hall at 10am.
Any changes – members will be notified on CWA Facebook page and via email.
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Upcoming LIVE Music at The Royal!
OCTOBER 3rd – 5th at CASSILIS BOWLING CLUB
A family friendly weekend of music and entertainment for the whole family, markets, music and childrens activities plus the NRL Grand Final on the big screen.
Please follow our Facebook Page to stay up to date with all the latest including Artist Announcements!!
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State Matters – A Weekly Bulletin from Dave Layzell MP
Member for Upper Hunter – 28 July 2025
PIPELINE CONSULTATION – MUSWELLBROOK AND MAITLAND will be locations for community forums during August on proposed changes to gas supply and pipelines legislation.
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is engaging with the community on proposed changes to the Gas Supply [Safety and Network Management] Amendment Regulation 2025 and Pipelines Amendment [Miscellaneous] Regulation 2025.
Under the Pipelines Act 1967, land and easements can be accessed and compulsorily acquired for pipeline projects.
To increase the transparency and consistency of these processes, draft guidelines for community feedback have been released – Authority to Survey Guideline: Engaging with landholders to survey land for a pipeline in NSW, and the Pipelines Compulsory Acquisition Process Guideline: Compulsory acquisition of land for a pipeline in NSW.
The Department invites interested community members and landholders to participate in in-person forums on Wednesday 20 August at Muswellbrook, 9.30-11am, and at Maitland 2-3.30pm.
Online webinars to explain the regulation amendments and draft guidelines will be held Tuesday 12 August, 9.30-10.30am for industry, with the community session Wednesday 13 August, 6-8pm.
To register for the forums and webinars, plus to have your say by 7 September go to: www.nsw.gov.au/have-your-say/pipelines-and-gas-supply-regulations
IPC PUBLIC MEETING – Singleton hosts a NSW Independent Planning Commission (IPC) public meeting Monday 11 August on the state significant development application to restart Redbank Power Station.
The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has completed its whole-of-government assessment on the Redbank DA and has referred the application to the IPC for determination.
People wanting to make a verbal submission directly to the Commission at Singleton Civic Centre must register prior to the speaker registration deadline at noon on Friday 1 August.
Written submissions on the application can be made online to the IPC by Monday 18 August at: www.ipcn.nsw.gov.au/form/redbank-power-station
DISCOVERY PASS REINSTATED – Sustained pressure by the NSW Nationals and Liberals have prompted the Minns Labor Government to backflip on the TrainLink Discovery pass.
Under the former Coalition Government, these passes were introduced to allow people to travel across the regions in an affordable way, supporting workers, students, residents, and families no matter what their travel destination.
During Labor’s two years in charge of the Treasury, the annual cost was ramped up by 400 per cent from $840 to $3,300, leaving residents worse off in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis.
With the Discovery pass three-and-six month fares reinstated, the Coalition will keep pushing for other crucial measures to be reinstated, like the Regional Seniors Travel Card.
EXPO RETURNS – Singleton Civic Centre is the venue next week for the second Careers Expo with registrations to attend now open.
The Expo is a key initiative under Singleton Council’s Skills and Employment Program funded by the former NSW Nationals and Liberal Government’s Resources for Regions program.
Council is partnering with more than 45 stallholders such as the Department of Employment and Workplace Relations, Training Services NSW, Workforce Australia and Business Singleton to host the free Expo.
It provides a community hub for jobs and skills information and to support Singleton people to better access employment opportunities within the local government area as the region enters an era of economic transition.
Book your place to be at the Civic Centre on Wednesday 6 August, 1.30–6pm, by going to: https://2025SingletonCareersExpo.eventbrite.com.au
POST-MINING UPDATE – The NSW Government has supported all 13 recommendations from the NSW Parliament’s Standing Committee on State Development into beneficial and productive post-mining land use.
It comes after the announcement of the Future Jobs and Investment Authority, which secured $27.3 million in the 2025-26 NSW Budget.
Legislation to create the authority will soon be introduced to parliament, with the government to also create the Future Jobs and Investment Fund, unlocking the previous Liberal-National Government’s Royalties for Rejuvenation fund.
Specific actions committed to in the government response to the parliament committee include to review potential of mine sites and existing infrastructure for new employment generating land use and retention of infrastructure, as well as a skills audit of the mining workforce.
FAST KNOW-HOW! – The Stroke Foundation is asking us to take time next week to get some FAST knowledge during National Stroke Week.
Knowing the F.A.S.T. (Face, Arms, Speech and Time) signs of stroke mean you can act quickly because every second counts.
The F.A.S.T. test is simple: Face – Check their face. Arms – Can they lift both arms? Speech – Is their speech slurred and do they understand you? Time – Time is critical, call 000 (triple zero) immediately.
Stroke is always a medical emergency, so by recognising the signs straight away can change, or even save a life.
Learn more during National Stroke Week at: https://strokefoundation.org.au
CLICK, CLACK!! – Images collected since camera enforcement and fines for seatbelt offences were introduced in NSW a year ago reveal that some 88 per cent of fines related to incorrect seatbelt use.
The NSW Government has also revealed that nearly two-thirds of these fines were issued to drivers whose passengers were not buckled up properly.
Centre for Road Safety’s CrashLab testing shows an incorrectly worn seatbelt in a crash at just 60km/h can cause fatal injuries to the liver, spleen or abdomen.
Wearing a seatbelt correctly doubles the chances of surviving a crash and reduces the risk of serious injury, however, wearing a seatbelt incorrectly can be nearly as dangerous as not wearing one at all.
A seatbelt must sit low and flat across your hips, and the sash must cross the middle of your chest and shoulder, not under your arm, not twisted, not behind your back.
Seatbelts save lives, but only if they’re worn correctly, so buckle up properly – road trauma is preventable and not inevitable.
POWER TIP – Upper Hunter electricity generator and energy retailer, AGL, is encouraging power consumers to plug into information which can assist them to reduce their bills.
AGL says it is acutely aware of the cost-of-living pressure many Australian households and businesses continue to experience and it knows that energy prices are part of that pressure.
All energy retailers have a regulatory obligation to provide hardship support to their customers, so if you are having difficulty paying your bills, you should engage with your energy retailer as soon as possible to discuss assistance options.
AGL provides a range of advice through its Saver Centre www.agl.com.au/discover/saver-centre and Energy Coach www.agl.com.au/discover/energy-coach to help customers manage their energy costs.
A range of energy saving advice, information and assistance can also be found at the Australian Government’s website www.energy.gov.au and on the NSW Government’s energy website www.energy.nsw.gov.au.
The Energy Consumers Australia website also has helpful advice for consumers, which can be found at https://energyconsumersaustralia.com.au/consumer-advice
NOMINATIONS OPEN – Upper Hunter electorate businesses can either enter or nominate a business for this year’s Hunter Region Tourism Awards with entries now open until Tuesday 30 September.
The awards are a dedicated program celebrating the outstanding achievements of the Hunter region’s vibrant tourism and hospitality sector.
For the first time in over a decade, businesses from every corner of the Hunter will have the chance to be recognised and promoted through an awards initiative created just for them.
The Hunter Region Tourism Organisation presentation is free to enter with award categories including Accommodation, Dining, Attractions, Experiences, Services and Shopping.
Finalists are announced during the week commencing Monday 13 October ahead of the Awards Presentation on Monday 3 November, discover more at: www.hunterregion.org.au/hunter-region-tourism-awards/
NEW ONLINE TOOL – Navigating the NSW water licensing and approvals process has been made easier with a new and improved Water Assist e-tool now available.
Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water together with WaterNSW have successfully launched the latest version of the Water Assist e-tool as the single point of online entry for all water licence and approval customers.
Water Assist is a simple step-by-step tool to make it easier for customers to find the right agency and information online quickly.
Combined with website improvements, Water Assist offers a streamlined end-to-end journey for water licences from enquiry to application, so customers spend less time online or on the telephone.
You can find Water Assist on all water licence and approval web pages on the department’s website: www.dpie.nsw.gov.au/water/our-work/licensing-and-approvals
LIBRARIES OFFER HELP – Maitland City Council’s library programs are bringing Tech Help back for Term 3 of the school year.
If you need a hand with your phone, tablet or computer, the free digital tech sessions are designed to build confidence and make everyday technology easier to use.
Be Connected Group Sessions, which are part of the Australian Government’s Be Connected program, are at Rutherford Library on Tuesdays at 11am and East Maitland Library on Thursdays from 11am.
Individual 45-minute, one-on-one, Tech Help Sessions can help with basic device use, internet searching, emails, online safety and more are available at Rutherford Library on Tuesdays and East Maitland Library on Thursdays.
Bookings essential at: www.maitlandlibrary.com.au/whats-on/digital-tech-sessions
FINALISTS ANNOUNCED – One of Australia’s most exciting regional sculpture exhibitions will live up to its reputation when Dungog becomes the centre stage in August for Sculpture on the Farm.
A bumper 116 finalists have been announced for the fifth edition of Sculpture, 29-31 August, when the event transforms Dungog Common into an immersive gallery showcasing 175 indoor and outdoor works.
Some of the nation’s most prominent and emerging sculptors, including Deborah Halpern OAM, Gillie and Marc, Inge King AM, and Vipoo Srivilasa will feature across the Indoor Exhibition marquee, the Open Air Exhibition and the Sculptural Trail.
A total of $57,000 in prizes and acquisitions across 10 categories will be awarded at the Gala Opening Cocktail Party at the historic James Theatre on Friday 29 August from 5pm.
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
Monthly Works Schedule – Week Starting Monday, 16 June 2025
Each month Upper Hunter Shire Council prepares a report detailing the work that our infrastructure crews plan to deliver over the coming month.
Scheduled work is merely an indication of what we intend to undertake and is not a guarantee of work being carried out. As factors such as weather, resource availability and unexpected needs can impact Councils priorities for the coming month.
Merriwa
Works Delivery
- Flaggs Road – Grading
- Summer Hill Road – Grading
- Road inspections as required
- Action requests as required
Parks and Facilities
- Amenities maintenance
- Cemetery maintenance
- Parks, sports fields, rest areas, entrances/approaches, Showground Passive areas and reserves mowing and maintenance
- Playground inspections
- Actions requests as required
Water and Sewer
- Water treatment plant operation and maintenance
- Sewer treatment plant operation and maintenance
- Water and sewer distribution systems and actions requests as required
- Water sampling for total hardness
- Water Main replacement – Graeme Street and Reservoir Site
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Transition Process Underway for Gummun Place Hostel Operations
Published on 11 June 2025
Following its decision to commence the transition of aged care services delivered by Gummun Place Hostel to another operator, Upper Hunter Shire Council has been working closely with the Gummun Place Hostel Advisory Committee, the Department of Health and Aged Care, and a number of prospective service providers.
The decision, made at a recent Council meeting, reflects Council’s commitment to ensuring the ongoing provision of quality aged care services in the Upper Hunter Shire.
Chair of the Gummun Place Hostel Advisory Committee and Deputy Mayor, Cr Pat Ryan, said the committee is focused on finding a sustainable solution that supports local aged care needs.
“Council and the committee are endeavouring to find another provider to take on the operation of Gummun Place Hostel in its current form or under a different business model,” Cr Ryan said. “We recognise the importance of Gummun Place Hostel in the community and we are doing everything we can to ensure that the doors remain open.”
As part of the transition process, Council has appointed a new interim Facility Manager, Tim Whyte, who will oversee the day-to-day operations at the Hostel and provide operational support throughout the transition period. Tim has been engaged for a six-month term and brings with him valuable experience in the aged care sector.
Council will continue to provide regular updates to residents, families and staff as the process progresses.
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Council Meeting Recap 30 June 2025
Published on 02 July 2025
Upper Hunter Shire Council endorsed a range of important plans and reports at its Ordinary Meeting on Monday, 30 June 2025, reinforcing its commitment to sound planning, local services and celebrating community contributions.
Delivery Program and Operational Plan Adopted
Council adopted the Delivery Program 2026–2029 and Operational Plan 2025–2026, which set out priorities and clear actions for the remainder of the current electoral term. The plans include specific budgets and performance measures for the next financial year, ensuring Council continues to deliver services, maintain local infrastructure and support communities across the Shire.
Rates and Annual Charges Confirmed for 2025/2026
Councillors resolved to make the rates and annual charges for the 2025/2026 financial year, providing secure funding for essential services, community facilities and infrastructure upgrades.
Draft Planning Agreement for Liverpool Range Wind Farm
Council endorsed the draft planning agreement between Upper Hunter Shire Council, Tilt Renewables Australia Pty Ltd and Tilt Renewables Australia Pty Ltd as trustee for the Liverpool Range Wind Farm Project Trust. The draft agreement will now go on public exhibition for 28 days. The agreement will help deliver a range of community benefits for Cassilis and the surrounding area.
Resourcing Strategy Adopted
Council adopted its updated Resourcing Strategy, which underpins the Integrated Planning and Reporting Framework. The strategy outlines how the Community Strategic Plan 2035 will be supported through long-term financial planning, workforce management and asset management to meet local needs well into the future.
Staff Recognised for Service and Dedication
Council congratulated Adam Robinson on reaching 30 years of service. Since starting in 1995, Adam has worked in various roles, from maintenance to supervising major capital works like Barrington Tops and Moonan Brook roads. His skills and commitment continue to support important Council projects.
Council also recognised Elizabeth Walter, who will retire on 11 July after 25 years with Council’s library services. Since joining in 2000, Elizabeth has led local libraries with dedication and care, helping build strong community connections and keeping services vibrant and accessible. Council wishes Elizabeth the very best in her retirement and thanks her for her years of contribution.
105 Years Celebrated
Council extended warm wishes to Mrs Ethel Haydon, who celebrated her 105th birthday on 16 June at Murravale Retirement Home in Murrurundi. Ethel received a card from King Charles to add to the one she received from Queen Elizabeth on her 100th. She fondly remembers meeting Prince Charles at age 17 when he rode Haydon Horses in Scone.
For more details on other matters discussed, please refer to the meeting agenda, or head to our YouTube channel to watch the meeting.
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MR358 Road Project – June Update
Highlights
Catch drain excavation and concrete lining complete in Sections 1 & 2 Gabion wall construction now 90% complete across the entire project Rock bolting, 3,000 soil nails and all rock mesh installation finished Shotcrete open drains and open drain excavation works now 100% Earthworks nearing completion at 98%
Coming up: Gabion wall and subsoil drainage finalisation in Section 2 Subgrade prep, select pavement and drainage across all sections Kerbing, table drains and cross drainage works continuing Base pavement construction now underway
For more information on the project, please head to: http://upperhunter.nsw.gov.au/mr358
This project is proudly supported by the NSW State and Australian Federal Governments.———
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