State Matters – A Weekly Bulletin from Dave Layzell MP

Member for Upper Hunter – 9 March 2026

REGIONAL GRANTS AVAILABLE – UPPER HUNTER Electorate councils, major organisations, community and sporting groups are encouraged to start preparing projects for the NSW  Government’s Active Regional Communities Package.

The $50 million fund will consider projects of all sizes that are smart and practical, embrace the uniqueness of regional communities, and embed resilience.

The new package delivers support through three funding streams for non-profit local community groups, local councils and cultural or sporting organisations to deliver events, programs and  activities that deliver lasting benefits.

The three funding streams are $15 million for Regional Events and Partnerships with  applications open on 16 March, $25 million for Community Participation with applications accepted from 23  March, and $10 million dollars for Local Priorities with applications to open on 13 April.

For further information on Active Regional Communities, check:  www.nsw.gov.au/regionaldevelopmenttrust

JANE, OUR WOMAN OF THE YEAR! – Passionate advocate for the Cassilis district, Jane Hegarty, is the Upper Hunter Electorate 2026 Woman of the Year.

The Local Women of the Year Award, which was announced at the NSW Women of the Year Awards in Sydney last week, celebrate local champions, advocates and trailblazers who make a  difference to their local community.

Jane Hegarty was nominated after being recognised with the 2025 Upper Hunter Shire Citizen of the Year Award for her dedication to the Cassilis community.

Contributions including being chair of the Cassilis District Development Group, a driving force behind the Cassilis Ball fundraiser, the Giro de Cassilis bike ride held again last weekend and Jane  has also served on NSW Farmers Association committees.

Introduced by the Nationals and Liberals NSW Government in 2012, the annual Local Women of the Year Awards continue to recognise the women and girls whose determination, bravery, skill  and passion have inspired their communities and others to achieve great things. 

OPEN DAY CELEBRATION – The Australian Army’s celebration of 125 years of service to the country will be marked with an Open Day at the School of Infantry, Singleton, this Saturday, 14  March.

Lone Pine Barracks on Range Road will open its gates to the community from 8.30am with the Open Day to conclude at 1.30pm.

The event will showcase the training conducted at the School of Infantry, whilst celebrating the 125 years of the Australian Army.

There will be displays of military equipment and live demonstrations including a Battle Field Attack Simulation and Infantry Section Attacks, military vehicle displays, plus the Australian Army  Band and a Light Horse Display.

To attend, register at: www.trybooking.com/DCMOC

ENDORSED PROJECTS – Two proposed developments for the Upper Hunter electorate are among the first tranche of projects endorsed by the NSW Government Investment Delivery Authority (IDA).

The AGL Hunter energy hub for Muswellbrook Shire as well as the Santos Gas project and Hunter Gas Pipeline are among 16 projects to receive IDA support.

IDA endorsed projects now receive specialist government support from a dedicated concierge service, a planning assessments team within the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure  and from a multi-agency Investment Taskforce based in the Premier’s Department.

The IDA’s endorsement is not an approval, with all projects still needing to go through full merit-based assessments and comply with relevant State and Commonwealth legislation and policies,  including Australia’s foreign investment framework, where applicable.

Further information about the Investment Delivery Authority visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/investment-nsw/investment-delivery-authority

BRIDGE NEWS – MidCoast Council has been able to make an earlier than expected start on the temporary crossing solution for Tiri Bridge, near Gloucester.

A substantial detour has been in place since the bridge was devasted by the extreme flood event in May last year with three of the bridges six spans destroyed closing the road.

Council had enough material delivered to site allowing its team to get started on the temporary crossing using what was left of the damaged bridge. 

The temporary crossing may now re-open the road to local access by the end of March with a load limit restriction of five tonne equivalent to a large SUV with a box trailer.

Larger vehicles and trucks will have to continue to use the alternative routes through Gloucester and Wingham.

For regular updates follow the project page on MidCoast Council’s Roads Hub:  https://haveyoursay.midcoast.nsw.gov.au/midcoast-roads-hub

BE ENTERTAINED! – The live performances are sold out but you can still watch the NSW Seniors Festival highlight, the Premier’s Gala Concerts, online this week.

A live stream will be available on Thursday 12 March, 2.45-4.15pm, with the Gala Concerts line-up featuring Jay Laga’aia, Dami Im, Tarryn Stokes, Nathan Foley and Olivia Fox.

To watch the live stream register now to receive the link so you can enjoy the performance from wherever you are across NSW.

For further information and the live stream link, which will be emailed to you prior to the Gala Concert broadcast, go to: https://events.humanitix.com/premier-s-gala-concerts-2026-live-stream

PROJECT REPORTS – Two new EnergyCo reports on the Hunter Transmission Project (HTP) are now available for public viewing on the NSW Planning portal.

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) will review the Submissions Report alongside the HTP Environmental Impact Statement and the Amendment Report.

A total of 188 submissions, comprising 165 from the community and 23 from government were received and registered on the Planning Portal website.

EnergyCo has considered the issues raised in submissions and provided responses in the Submissions Report.

A number of amendments and refinements are being proposed in response to community, government and stakeholder engagement, consideration of submissions received during the EIS  exhibition, and ongoing development of the design and construction methodology for the project.

The Amendment Report describes and assesses the potential environmental impacts that may occur as a result of the proposed amendments and refinements and identifies how those impacts  would be managed and mitigated. 

Both reports can be viewed on the NSW Major Projects Portal: www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/hunter-transmission-project

NO STUDY NEEDED – The NSW Nationals have rejected the state government’s call for a technical review of feral pig and deer management.

Shadow Minister for Agriculture, Brendan Moylan, argues farmers and regional communities don’t need another study rather helicopters in the air, boots on the ground and pigs being shot, baited  and trapped at pace and scale.

The government has tasked the Independent Biosecurity Commissioner, Dr Katherine Clift, to investigate ways to further improve feral pig and deer management in NSW.

Preliminary advice will be delivered in June and a final report will be delivered in October.

Hunter Local Land Services continues to urge landholders and land managers to stay vigilant with feral pigs in the hot weather with hot dry conditions continuing, it's more important than  ever to stay on top of feral pig control.   

If your land includes creek lines, river frontage, dams or other water points, these areas are likely to show the most evidence that pigs are visiting, particularly at dawn, dusk or overnight.

INPUT REQUIRED – Communities across NSW are being invited to get involved in developing the state’s next Road Safety Action Plan.

The 2026 plan is the current document guiding road safety action in NSW, setting out evidence-based initiatives to reduce deaths and serious injuries, with the next plan to build on this work to  address changing risks and priorities.

A series of face-to-face community forums begins at Gosford RSL on Thursday 12 March, then at Dubbo RSL on Wednesday 18 March, Thursday 19 March at Bathurst RSL, Monday 23 March at  Pacific Bay Resort, Coffs Harbour and Tuesday 24 March at West Tamworth League Club, with all sessions from 5.30pm.

Aboriginal people continue to be disproportionately affected by road trauma in NSW prompting Aboriginal-led in person workshops scheduled for Dubbo RSL on Thursday 26 March, 5.30-8pm.

For more on the Transport for NSW Road Safety Action Plan, check: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/what-we-do/2031-road-safety-action-plan

ROAD PROJECT BEGINS – A major $6.3 million upgrade of Wybong Road near Sandy Hollow has begun with work expected to be completed by July, weather permitting.

Once complete, Wybong Road will feature a wider carriageway and significantly improved flood capability which will reduce closures and maintains access during severe weather events.

Work includes widening and reshaping the road, installing a new box culvert across Pheeneys Creek, safety barriers, and upgraded line marking and signage to improve road safety.

Work will be carried out 7am-5pm, Monday to Friday, and every second weekend.

A reduced speed limit of 40km/h will be in place under stop/go traffic control during daytime work – both lanes will remain open at night with a reduced speed of 60km/h.

A road closure is scheduled for Wybong Road after Easter for 13 weeks with a permanent detour along Reedy Creek Road in place during the closure.

To follow the impact of the roadwork on local traffic, go to: www.livetraffic.com 

REZ COMMUNTIY GRANTS – The network operator for the Central-West Orana Renewable Energy Zone is calling applications for the first round of its Community Grants Program.

ACEREZ is inviting not-for-profit community organisations, Local Aboriginal Land Councils or Aboriginal community organisations, State Emergency Service units and Rural Fire Service brigades, and Councils located in and or operating within the Central-West Orana REZ to apply.

 Small community grants of $3,000-$50,000 and significant community grants of $50,000-up to $1 million are available for projects to improve public amenity, agriculture, education, health,  sports and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their bids early, with free grant writing assistance available to make the process as easy as possible.

Application forms must be lodged by 17 April at: www.acerez.com.au/community

TRANSGRID ASSISTANCE – Transgrid is encouraging prospective apprentices and university graduates to consider opportunities with the electricity transmission network operator. 

Expressions of interest are now open for the 2027 apprentice program with women looking to enter or return to trades, First Nations, school leavers, and career changers encouraged to apply.

Applications are also open for the 2027 graduate program, which is a two-year transition from university to industry, through four 6-month rotations across Transgrid’s different business areas.

The program provides tailored learning and development, with access to experienced engineers, leaders, and technical experts.

For further information on apprenticeships: www.transgrid.com.au/careers/apprentice-program/ and the graduate program: www.transgrid.com.au/careers/graduate-program

A BUSY WEEKEND AHEAD! – The event diary across the Upper Hunter Electorate step-ups up a gear this coming weekend with plenty of choices to head outdoors.

Gates open Friday for the 94th Annual Gresford Show, with the biggest little country show featuring over two days the spectacular Bison, Horses and Hounds Show as its headline act, cattle  exhibits and steer ride under lights.

Saturday is also, A Little Bit of Broke, with 15 cellar doors, restaurants and farms providing an ultimate weekend away in the vineyards as you roam around the wine and food festival.

And, from midday Saturday, Merriwa Showground hosts Merriwa Bulls, Bands & Boots including kids rides, mini bulls, market stalls, food trucks, live band and free camping.

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
www.davelayzell.com.au/news/categories/state-matters

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