Multi-Million Dollar Boost For Flood-Damaged Mandalong Road

 BY CHARLIE PROUDLOCK

An $8.7 million redevelopment began at Mandalong's Deaves Road today, following extensive damages from an April 2022 storm. 

It's a main arterial road located in one of the Hunter's biggest future growth corridors and provides an alternative route for the M1 Motorway and Freemans Drive.

Through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, both the state and federal governments have been able to provide funding for the project to go ahead.

While Mandalong doesn't currently have a big population, the western Lake Macquarie-based suburb is earmarked for potential growth in the coming years.

Hunter MP Dan Repacholi said the re-development aims to improve the road's stability, given it's in an area with a history of flooding and natural disasters.

"We'll be doing a major upgrade to the culverts to improve the drainage," he said.

"There'll also be specialist work, including pavement treatment that doesn't deteriorate over time."

While no set time for project completion was given, Mr Repacholi spoke on the importance of the project, in regards to flood-proof infrastructure in rural areas.

"Investing in flood-proof infrastructure is so important in the Hunter because we've been through natural disasters," he said.

"Since coming into the seat in 2022, we've experienced some horrendous rain events, some fires, and we need to make sure we are able to get people and families to and from areas."

Picture: Google Maps

Federal MPs Slam Origin Over Myuna Deal

 BY OLI GOLEDNER

Hunter MP Dan Repacholi is slamming Origin Energy for their "lowball" contract offer to Myuna Colliery. 

The coal mine has been supplying exclusively to Eraring Power Station for more than 40 years. 

But, a lapse in contract will likely see the facility shut its doors in March. 

Origin Energy, the owner of Eraring Power Station, proposed a new 12 month extension of the mines operations, maintaining their current agreements. 

However, Myuna owner Centennial Coal refused the deal, stating it was not commercially viable as the mine is already running at a loss. 

The contract also provided little to no certainty to the mine's more than 300 employees, according to the Mining and Energy Union. 

Hunter MP Dan Repacholi has since voiced his support of Centennial Coal and the union's decision. 

"Origin's offer... was disgraceful," he said.

"It was a spin, not a solution.

"A short-term, take-it-or-leave-it proposal that provides no certainty for workers, their families or the local community is not good enough." 

It comes after Origin announced operations at Eraring would continue until 2029, instead of it's initial closing date in 2027. 

Mr Repacholi said it's not viable to have the power station running without the mine. 

"Myuna was built to supply Eraring, there is no alternative market," he explained. 

"If Origin walks away, this mine closes and that is a deliberate commercial choice, not an unavoidable part of the energy transition.

"The Hunter deserves better than corporate spin." 

Mining and Energy Union Northern Mining & NSW Energy District President Robin Williams. 

Coalition Insists Nuclear Is Viable for Hunter Despite Earthquakes

BY PETER HYSLOP

The Federal Opposition says the site of the former Liddell Power Station is still key to its nuclear plan despite recent earthquakes and operator AGL's refusal to cooperate.

Yesterday, Muswellbrook residents felt a 3.1 magnitude tremor following larger quakes in August, raising concerns the site may not be appropriate to host a nuclear power plant.

It comes as Liddell owner AGL refuses to accommodate the Coalition's plans, and hopes to build a 500 megawatt battery instead.

Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie says despite the concerns, a nuclear reactor could still be built.

"It's not a binary choice, you can still have a battery on the site of a nuclear power plant.

"Building nuclear plants on the site of old coal plants is still the best option because all the infrastructure is already there.

"The nuclear power plants that are built these days are built to withstand earthquakes. They don't get built unless they do that."

Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi has shot back at the Coalition. 

He says a nuclear reactor is not an appropriate solution for the Hunter.

"The earthquakes have really shown that this area is not suitable for a nuclear power station.

"Residents of the Hunter deserve cheaper power prices and nuclear is not the way to go for that" he says.

It comes as Liddell owner AGL refuses to accommodate the Coalition's plans, as it hopes to build a 500 megawatt battery instead.

A concept design of a zero emissions small modular reactor the Coalition has put forward.

Three public schools in the Hunter electorate receive extra infrastructure funding

BY JORDAN REGNIS

$68 million in infrastructure projects will be delivered to public schools across New South Wales, including three in the Hunter electorate.

$5.8 million will be distributed amongst three public schools, including Cessnock East Public School, Wakefield Public School and Cessnock High School.

In the second round of the Albanese Governments Schools Upgrade Fund public schools with the greatest need have been made a priority.

This includes those containing a high number of students from low-socio economic backgrounds, and First Nations Students.

Wakefield Public School has received $4 million to upgrade classrooms, school buildings and facilities.

Cessnock East Public School has been handed $1.2 million for a playground upgrade. 

Cessnock High School has been given $600,000 for a sports precinct upgrade.

Hunter MP Dan Repacholi says "students and teachers will now have better facilities, and better quality education from these".

Applications for the second round of funds closed in February and were open to all public schools.

                                            

                                             

Work Underway to Widen the Hexham Straight and Extend the M1 Pacific Highway to Raymond Terrace

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The Federal Transport Minister joined a number of Hunter MPs in the region on Tuesday the 26th of July to announce work to widen the Hexham Straight is now underway. 

The project will see the dual carriageway along the the Pacific Highway between the Newcastle Inner City Bypass and Hexham Bridge widened from two lanes to three in each direction. 

It will also involve the demolition of Ironbark Bridge to make way for two new bridges at Ironbark Creek. 

Catherine King said the move will reduce traffic here in the Hunter, and allow motorists to travel from Sydney to Brisbane without encountering any traffic lights. 

NSW Roads Minister John Graham also attended the announcement and says he expects thousands of jobs will be delivered for the Hunter over the course of the Hexham project, and the extension of the M1 Pacific Motorway out to Raymond Terrace. 

He said the upgrade will deliver more reliable travel times for freight vehicles and commuters alike. 

"This is a notorious bottleneck; motorists have queued here over generations as the Pacific Highway has become smoother and smoother, but the run has often ended here in congestion. That will cease when these works are delivered." 

"It's great news for motorists right across NSW." 

The Hexham upgrade is expected to be completed by 2026, and the M1 extension should be finished by 2028.

( From Left to Right:) Kate Washington, John Graham, Dan Repacholi, Catherine King and Tim Crakanthorp

Proposed Legislation Aims to Ensure Fair Treatment for Casuals in Hunter's Coal Mining Industry

BY BEN CLIFFORD

The Albanese Labor Government is taking action to address unfair laws which have resulted in reduced long-service leave entitlements for casual employees in the black coal mining industry.

The proposed legislation aims to provide equal treatment to casual workers compared to their permanent counterparts.

Under current laws, casual employees accrue long-service leave through a calculation which unfairly counts their working hours, resulting in a disadvantage for casuals who often work compressed fortnightly rosters.

Federal Member for Hunter, Dan Repacholi, has expressed support for the proposed changes.

"This Bill will iron out the unfair laws currently disadvantaging casual workers in the coal mining sector," he said.

Mr Repacholi also emphasized the new laws will make a significant difference in the Hunter region.

"This will have a huge impact in the Hunter, as we have plenty of casuals that work in the mining industries," he said. 

"[Casual workers] should be making sure that when they take their long service leave, they get paid the same as what they would if they were a full-time employee. They shouldn’t be criticised or disadvantaged just because they are a casual." 

Once instilled, the legislation is expected to benefit around 6,000 workers in the industry.

Mount Thorley-Warkworth Mine in the Hunter Valley

Hunter Included in National NBN Upgrades

BY OLIVIA DILLON

The Federal Government has announced the Hunter will benefit from their plan to increase internet speeds across the country. 

A number of areas across the region are set to be a part of the plan for a better NBN, which will include upgrades to a full-fibre broadband connection. 

Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi, said the move is essential for the region moving forward. 

"Unfortunately, the previous government went with copper lines and it has not been up-to-scratch for what we've needed to do for our businesses and our families, now that we're all connecting to NBN all the time," Mr Repacholi said.  

"This will be a great thing for businesses, and a huge thing for families."

The areas set to benefit from the scheme so far are: Wyee; Wangi Wangi; Singleton; Edgeworth; Cooranbong; Cessnock; Bonnells Bay; Wallsend; Stockton; Shortland; North Lambton; New Lambton; Merewether; Maryland; Lambton; Kotara; Islington; Hamilton; Glendale; Elermore Vale; Cooks Hill; Cardiff; Broadmeadow; Adamstown Heights; and Adamstown. 

It's expected, eligible premises will be able to access the upgrade from 2024. 

Hunter Apprentices Given Federal Funding Boost

BY OLIVIA DILLON 

The Federal Government has provided more assistance for apprentices and employers across the Hunter and the country. 

It comes in repose to significant skills gaps across the region, with recent data showing 47% of trade and technician occupations are in shortage, up from 42% in 2021. 

Under the new scheme, the Australian Apprenticeship Priority List has been expanded, giving more occupations access to government funding. 

It's been expanded from 77 to 111, to include occupations like vet nurses, travel consultants and swimming coaches, in addition to traditional trades. 

It will provide a wage subsidy of up to $15,000 to be claimed by employers in the region, and $5000 will be given directly to eligible apprentices. 

Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi, says holes in Hunter industries need to be plugged. 

"It's a big problem in the Hunter currently," he said. 

New Anvil Creek Bridge Opens in Greta

BY OLIVIA DILLON

Cessnock City Council have announced the official opening of the new Anvil Creek Bridge on Nelson Street in Greta. 

The project has been funded by a $690,800 contribution from the Australian Government under its Bridges Renewal Program, as well as a $1.3 million injection from Cessnock City Council. 

The old structure has now been replaced with a new, 24-metre-long, two-lane concrete bridge. 

200-metres of upgraded pavement on both sides, and a new pedestrian pathway have also been added to allow better access to the Greta Train Station at the western end of Nelson Street. 

Federal Member for Hunter Dan Repacholi, said the project reflects an exciting step forward for the regional community. 

"Nothing is more important than ensuring people get home safe and sound at the end of each road trip, whether it's just a quick run to the local shops or an interstate freight haul," he said. 

"That's why our Government is committed to building a better future for the Hunter Region and for all Australians by delivering infrastructure like this new Anvil Creek Bridge." 

The upgrade comes after safety concerns for the previous single-lane, timber bridge were raised by local residents. 

Cessnock City Council Mayor Jay Suvaal, hopes the bridge will prove to be an important asset for Greta, both in terms of transport and safety. 

"The new Anvil Creek Bridge has a life expectancy of 100 years and has removed all the safety risks that were associated with the old timber bridge, which is just fantastic," Mayor Suvaal said. 

"With an increased clearance above the Anvil Creek waterway, the new bridge will also decrease the prevalence of flooding upstream and allow a less restricted flow of water downstream." 

The new Anvil Creek Bridge in Greta is officially open.