MP Says More Can Be Done As Muswellbrook Hospital Expansion Continues

BY RUBY VAN DE WIJGAART

Construction on Muswellbrook Hospital's community health space is now complete. 

This $45 million upgrade is the third stage in the hospital's redevelopment, providing a range of services, including nursing care, childcare and allied health services.

Previous stages of development have seen the construction of a new emergency department, renal and infusion unit services, with the next stage to see the development of a new sterilisation department. 

The third stage of development aims to relieve pressure off other medical centers, giving Muswellbrook and surrounding areas access to more resources. 

However, Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell says more still needs to be done, including the installation of a 24-hour CT imaging service. 

"Having a 24-hour one [CT machine] would actually enable the hospital to be able to use that facility all the time," he said. 

"There is a lot of money going to Western Sydney, but we need to see regional health and those big investments here as well." 

According to the MP, Muswellbrook only has a private CT imaging services, only operational during normal business hours. 

He said patients requiring scans at hospital have to be transported via ambulance to Maitland, or are asked to have a relative or themselves drive instead, creating further pressure on the town's paramedic services. 

Muswellbrook Hospital. Picture: NSW Government

Search Under Way For Missing Teenager From Muswellbrook

 BY IAN CROUCH

Hunter Valley police say the disappearance of a teenage girl from Muswellbrook is out of character.

16-year-old Shyanne Millington was last seen on Sunday July 19 and there concerns for her welfare.

She's described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 160cm tall with a medium build and dyed dark red hair and was last seen wearing a black hooded jumper, ripped black jeans and black and white converse shoes.

Shyanne is known to frequent the Muswellbrook, Singleton and Sydney CBD areas.

Anyone with information is urged to contact  Hunter Valley Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Missing teen Shyanne Millington

 

New Industry Opportunities Sparked by Rezoning Hunter Mining Sites

BY OLIVIA HADWEN

Two mining sites in the Hunter are set to be rezoned for new industry opportunities in renewable energy, warehousing and manufacturing.

Following the closure of Muswellbrook's Mount Arthur Coal Mine in 2030, around 5,400 hectares of the site will be rezoned for the new developments, set to host nearly 6,000 new jobs. 

Meanwhile, the former Macquarie Coal Complex in West Wallsend is ideally positioned to become a major employment precinct as well, featuring at least 500 hectares of developable land. 

The proposed operation will create up to 1,130 new jobs, with direct links to the M1 and Main Northern Railway. 

These are the first major post-mining land transformation plans underneath the Commonwealth Government's $5 million investment alongside state funding. 

The redevelopment of land is set to drive economic growth across the Hunter region and provide job opportunities to local workers. 

NSW Planning and Public Spaces Minister Paul Scully said the state government is acting now to plan for the region's future. 

"These proposals provide a clear pathway for former mining land to support new industries, investment and jobs for decades to come," he said. 

The draft master plans and rezoning proposals are on public exhibition until August 11. 

The community can speak directly with the project team through in-person drop-in sessions set to be held in both Muswellbrook and Lake Macquarie. 

"These plans will help create thousands of local jobs, attract new investment and give Hunter communities confidence that the region will remain one of the state's economic powerhouses," Hunter Minister Yasmin Catley added. 

Muswellbrook Siege Ends After 16 Hour Standoff

 BY IAN CROUCH

A 16-hour siege at Muswellbrook has ended with a man being arrested and taken to hospital.

Just after 2.00pm yesterday (Thursday 25 June, 2026), Hunter Valley Police went to a home in Parkinson Avenue to execute an arrest warrant and attempted to speak to a 58-year-old man at the address.

However, the man refused to leave the home and allegedly threatened the officers.

Police set up a perimeter and a siege situation developed.

Just before 6.00am today (Friday 26 June 2026), police say several tactics were used in an effort to arrest the man, including the use of beanbag rounds.

The man was assessed by paramedics before being taken to the John Hunter Hospital for further assessment.

Inquiries into the incident are continuing.

 

Brain-Eating Amoebas Stalling Push to Re-Open Lake Liddell

 BY CHARLIE PROUDLOCK

AGL is continuing to refuse pushes to reopen Lake Liddell, with deadly brain-eating amoebas still believed to be inhabiting the waterway.

The man-made lake was created back in the late 1960s, as an extension of the now-partially destroyed Liddell Power Station.

It was shut in 2016, after an initial discovery of the rare Naegleria Fowleri amoeba.

The organism is commonly found in warm freshwater bodies and can cause a severe brain infection if water containing it enters the nose while swimming.

Despite the risk, many boaters and fishers are pushing for the Lake to be reopened to the public for recreational use.

Among those backing the push is Upper Hunter MP Dave Layzell who said AGL needs to work quickly to re open the once popular public waterway.

"It's about continuing the conversation with AGL and making sure they are aware the community is still agitating to get the lake back," he said.

"Right now, there's a certain amount of trust between the community and AGL that they're doing the right thing and they're doing the right measures to make sure it can be used in the future.

"It's about trust and it's about working together."

AGL is continuing to monitor Lake Liddell for the amoebas, with the energy giant stating several seasons of water sampling are required to better understand it's condition.

Both the lake and nearby site of the power station remain under a contamination audit, as part of a state application to demolish and rehabilitate the location. 

As a result, further testing is required before any motion to publicly re-open the lake can commence.

Lake Liddell. Picture: Wikipedia

BREAKING! Teen In Custody After Alleged Pursuit In Stolen Car At Muswellbrook

 BY IAN CROUCH

A young teenager is in custody accused of leading police on a wild chase in a stolen car at Muswellbrook overnight.

Police say a black Mazda CX-5 SUV was reported stolen following a break-in at a home on Rutherford Street just before 1.30am today (Thursday 29 January 2026).

The vehicle was spotted on Haydon Street with police pursuing the car through several streets before it crashed at the bottom of William Street.

Up to 5 young males fled the vehicle but officers managed to arrest one of them, believed to be 14 or 15 years old.

He'll be cautioned and dealt with under the Young Offenders Act.

It's believed the group had earlier tried to steal a car from the Calvary Retirement Hostel.

Investigations are continuing.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Muswellbrook Police or Crime Stoppers. 

 

 

BREAKING! Muswellbrook Rocked By Earthquake

 BY IAN CROUCH

The Upper Hunter has been shaken by an early-morning earthquake.

The 3.7 magnitude quake struck in the centre of the Mount Arthur coal mine just south of Muswellbrook at about 2.20am today (Tuesday 16 September, 2025).

The quake was recorded at a depth of 3km and was picked up on seismic monitoring hundreds of kilometres away.

Geoscience Australia has received around 90 felt reports, with dozens of Muswellbrook residents reporting the jolt.

There have been no reports of damage or injury at this stage.

 

Geoscience Australia shake map shows dozens of felt reports around Muswellbrook 

Three Under-18's Charged Over Pursuit In Allegedly Stolen Car At Muswellbrook

 BY IAN CROUCH

Three young people have been arrested following a pursuit in an allegedly stolen car at Muswellbrook.

Police attempted to stop a Volkswagen SUV on Wollombi Road just before 8.0aam on Wednesday - they say the vehicle had earlier been reported stolen from Scone.

A pursuit was initiated when the car failed to stop but was terminated at Denman due to the manner of driving.

Officers monitored the SUV until it stopped on Bengalla Road, with the alleged driver, a 14-year-old girl and an 11-year-old boy arrested  in the grounds of the Bengalla Coal Mine.

A 13-year-old boy was also arrested at a nearby property.

They were taken to Muswellbrook Police Station.

The 14-year-old girl was charged with police pursuit - not stop - drive at speed, take and drive conveyance withourt consent of owner, and break and enter with intent to commit serious indictable offence.

The tow passengers were charged with being carried in a conveyance taken without consent of owner and break and enter with intent to commit serious indictable offence.

All three have been granted conditional bail to face the children's court on May 28.
 

 

Police Investigate Fatal Crash At Muswellbrook

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man has died in a two-vehicle crash at Muswellbrook.

About 5.30pm on Tuesday emergency services were called to reports of a collision between a utility and a motorbike on Maitland Street.

They arrived to find the motorcyclist, a man aged 18, had died at the scene.

He is yet to be formally identified.

Police say he was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.

The driver and passenger of the ute - both men aged 19 - were not injured.

The driver was taken to hospital for mandatory testing.

A report is being prepared for the coroner as investigations continue.
 

 

Cessnock Bypass Announced, Muswellbrook Bypass Construction Brought Forward

 BY JACK SEYMOUR

Federal Transport Minister Catherine King has visited the Hunter today (18 March) announcing planning of a new Cessnock Bypass and bringing construction on the Muswellbrook Bypass forward by 12 months.

Preparation works on the $304 million Muswellbrook road will begin later this year with major construction slated to begin next year.

Catherine King says the project will have long term benefits.

"It'll see continued work in the region, but also really give people back their main street." she said.

"It'll have that ability to get over 13 thousand to 20 thousand cars every single day out of the main streets of Muswellbrook," she said.

The Federal Government's also committing $5 million to planning of the Cessnock Bypass with a route to stretch from Bellbird, behind the Cessnock Aerodrome and joining up with Wine Country Drive.

Hunter MP Dan Repacholi with Federal Transport Minister Catherine King

Muswellbrook Home Destroyed By Fire

 BY IAN CROUCH

The owner of a home at Muswelbrook has escaped serious injury after fire engulfed the residence last night.

Newcastle Fire Command says crews from Muswellbrook, Aberdeen, Denman and Singleton were called to the two story home on Brook Street at about 7.30pm.

They were supported by local RFS crews, taking more than three and a half hours to bring the blaze under control.

The owner managed to self evacuate and was assessed by paramedics for smoke inhalation before being transported to hospital for observation.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.

The home ablaze in Brook Street Muswellbrook. Picture Clancy Martin

 

Two People Killed In Horror Smash At Muswellbrook

 BY IAN CROUCH

Investigations are continuing into a horrific crash at Muswellbrook which claimed the lives of two people.

Emergency services were called to Denman Road at about 5.30 on Saturday afternoon following reports of a head-on crash involving two cars.

A woman in her 70's who was driving one of the cars died at the scene along with a male passenger believed to be in his 20's in the second car.

Three other people, a man and two women in their 20's were treated at the scene.

The man and one of the women were airlifted to the John Hunter Hospital with serious head and pelvic injuries.

The other woman was taken by ambulance to the John Hunter.

A report is being prepared for the Coroner.

BREAKING! 4.1 Magnitude Earthquake Recorded In Muswellbrook

BY JORDAN REGNIS

A 4.1 magnitude earthquake was recorded in Muswellbrook a little after 1pm today.

The quake has caused more than 2500 homes and businesses to lose power in Muswellbrook, Denman, Jerry's Plains, Bureen and Bengalla.

Ausgrid crews have been working to restore power which is expected to be back up and running by 2:30pm.

Today's quake comes after a 4.8 magnitude earthquake saw thousands lose power in Muswellbrook on August 23.

                             Picture GeoScience Australia

Large Shed Up In Flames At Muswellbrook

 BY IAN CROUCH

Dozens of firefighters are working to extinguish a large shed fire at Muswellbrook.

Crews were called to a property on Bengalla Road just before 4.00am on Monday to find a 30 x 10 metre shed fully involved in fire.

The shed contains hay and machinery.

Several RFS crews and Fire and Rescue personnel from Muswellbrook and Denman are at the scene and along with police and ambulance paramedics.

Newcastle Fire Command says a truck has been destroyed and a tractor damaged along with two balers.

Teenage Girl Missing From Muswellbrook

BY JORDAN REGNIS

Police are appealing for public assistance to locate a teenager missing from Muswellbrook.

Alea Picket, aged 14, was last seen on Ford Street, Muswellbrook, about 12.30am yesterday (Thursday 10 October 2024).

Police hold concerns for her welfare due to her young age.

Alea is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 165cm-170cm tall, of thin build, with blonde hair brown eyes.

She is known to frequent the Muswellbrook area.

Anyone with information into her whereabouts is urged to contact Hunter Valley Police District or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

                                                                           

                                                                     Alea Picket

                                                                

Legal Challenge To Mount Pleasant Coal Mine Extension Dismissed

 BY IAN CROUCH

A legal challenge to the extension of the Mount Pleasant open-cut coal mine near Muswellbrook has been dismissed by the Land and Environment Court.

The Denman Aberdeen Muswellbrook Scone Healthy Environment Group launched the action in December 2022 arguing the Independent Planning Commission made errors in failing to consider the impacts of the scope 3 emissions from the mine on the environment as well as social and economic impacts on the area including air quality.

However, Justice John Robson dismissed the legal action, saying it was beyond the jurisdiction of the court to rule on the potential impacts of the mine extension, saying its role is to determine whether the IPC carried out its functions in accordance with its statutory powers, which it did.

It means the Mount Pleasant Mine will become the largest open cut operation in NSW, allowing MACH Energy to extract 21 million tonnes of coal a year up until 2048, 22 years longer than its current approval, which expires in 2026.

The Mount Pleasant open-cut mine. Picture Newcastle Herald

 

Woman Injured In Crash At Muswellbrook

 BY IAN CROUCH

A woman has been taken to the John Hunter Hospital after a single vehicle crash at Muswellbrook.

Police and Ambulance crews were called to Kayuga Road at about 7.40pm on Tuesday where a silver Mazda station wagon had left the road and crashed into a power pole.

The 25-year-old woman from Aberdeen was the sole occupant on the car and was trapped for a short time before being released.

She was treated at the scene for lacerations and minor injuries before being transported to hospital in a stable condition for further treatment and observation.

Police Launch Appeal For Missing Sisters From Muswellbrook

 BY IAN CROUCH

 Police are appealing for help to find two sisters who've gone missing from their Muswellbrook home.

13 year-old Emily Rowland and her 12-year-old sister, Monique were last seen at a home on Skellatar Stock Route on Sunday and there are concerns for their welfare due to their age.

Monique is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 150cm tall, thin build, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Emily is described as being of Caucasian appearance, about 140cm tall, thin build, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information into their whereabouts is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Missing sisters Monique and Emily Rowland

 

Man Facing Court Over Alleged Cannabis Haul At Muswellbrook

 BY IAN CROUCH

A man is due to front court today accused of running a drug house at Muswellbrook.

Hunter Valley police launched an investigation after information was provided to them in March.

Following inquiries, they executed a search warrant at a home in Madringa Avenue yesterday morning, allegedly find a sophisticated hydroponic set-up inside the home along with 188 cannabis plants and more than 18kgs of dried cannabis leaf in sealed plastic bags.

It's alleged the plants have a potential street value of $550,000, while the leaf has a potential value of $460,000.

A 55-year-old man was arrested at the scene and has been refused bail to face Singleton Local Court today charged with cultivation and supply of cannabis.

Denman Woman To Face Court On Drug Supply Charges

 BY IAN CROUCH

A woman is due to front court today (Wednesday 24 April, 2024) accused of supplying drugs in Muswellbrook.

As part of investigations by Strike Force Smollett, police searched a home in Virginia Street Denman on Tuesday and allegedly found a quantity of drugs and mobile phones.

They arrested a 36-year-old woman at the house.

She was taken to Muswellbrook Police Station and charged with supplying a commercial quantity of a prohibited drug and refused bail to face Singleton Local Court today.