Hunter Councils to Receive Urgent Financial Relief

BY MAXWELL HARVEY

Hunter councils are set to benefit from a proposed federal government plan to provide financial assistance for local governments.

Labor's National Conference voted to support a Local Government Federation Compact, which would include an increase in grants, flexible road funding, and support for council workforce programs.

Upper Hunter Mayor Maurice Collison has welcomed the plan, which comes after years of campaigning from regional councils.

"It was a great relief," he said.

"All the councils, and especially the councils from the bush, have been fighting for this for a long, long time, and it will make a big difference."

Federal funding for councils has steadily decreased since the 1990s, with Commonwealth taxation revenue for grants being halved across successive governments.

The financial strain is particularly felt in large rural councils, which have massive infrastructure bills and relatively fewer ratepayers.

"We've got a big shire of 8,000 something square kilometres, with 2,000 kilometres of roads," said Cr Collison. 

"So roads, every time we do a community strategic plan or community feedback, it's all to do with roads."

The Labor Conference also proposed renewable energy projects should make payments to hosting councils and communities.

Upper Hunter Deputy Mayor Pat Ryan said renewable projects are disproportionally built in rural areas, bringing heavy traffic and increased strain on local services.

Despite the promised relief, Cr Collison argues regional councils need further assistance to stay afloat.

"We've been offered the Christmas present, but we haven't got the paper off it yet," he added. 

"So, let's just wait till it comes. 

"We've been crying out for more support.

"The bush councils just can't keep going on hitting the ratepayer." 

Upper Hunter Shire Council Building. Picture: Upper Hunter Shire Council

Hope for Merriwa Post Office As EOIs Flood In

BY SARAH BOTTRILL

Since 1888, Betting Street Post Office has served as a meeting point and place of community for Merriwa locals. 

Australia Post announced earlier this year the facility would cease operation on July 23, unless a suitable operator could be found. 

The announcement sparked widespread concern throughout the Upper Hunter community, where the post office has long served as a vital local service. 

Several small businesses lodged Expressions of Interest seeking (EOI) to stop it's doors from closing. 

Upper Hunter Shire councilor Troy Stolz, who has been advocating for the service to remain open, said the strong response demonstrates how important the post office is to local residents.

"The message has gotten out to the community, and businesses are lining up to fill that void that Australia Post has left," he said. 

Residents argue losing the facility would force some people to travel up to 45-minutes to access postal services, creating significant challenges for older residents, businesses and those without reliable transport.

The Merriwa Post Office has been in the community for generations and remains an important hub for mail services, parcel collection, banking transactions and community connection. 

"Chatting on the steps of Betting Street House is a tradition that is decades long," Cr Stolz added. 

While Australia Post has not yet announced a successful applicant, the level of interest has raised hopes that a transition to a new operator could be secured before the July deadline.

Residents are now awaiting further updates as Australia Post asses the applications and determines the future of the service. 

If a suitable operator is determined, the outcome would allow the facility to continue serving the people of Merriwa and surrounds without interruption. 

Picture: Merriwa Community Portal

New Operator Wanted for Scone Warbird Museum

 BY PETER HYSLOP

Upper Hunter Shire Council is looking for a new operator for the Hunter Warbirds museum at Scone Airport following cash losses.

The attraction opened in 2022 and has been struggling to attract visitors.

The museum ran into debt from the Warbirds Over Scone event, which suffered a $130,000 loss last year according to council documents.

Mayor Maurice Collison says he's hopeful the expression of interest process will be successful and the operator will get the venue back on its feet.

"I'd like to see it as a warbird attraction centre, run more or less like it is, but with someone else taking the risk," he said.

"To the Council it's a financial burden at this stage, but whatever visitors we can get to the community is certainly a boost to our businesses ... I'm confident it will improve," he said.

Hunter Warbirds Museum. Picture credit: Hunter Warbirds

Environment group launches legal action against Mount Pleasant mine expansion

BY DAKOTA TAIT

An Upper Hunter environment group has launched legal action to stop the expansion of the Mount Pleasant coal mine at Muswellbrook.

The Denman Aberdeen Muswellbrook Scone Healthy Environment Group is arguing the Independent Planning Commission failed to consider the impacts of emissions on air quality and the environment, as well as the social and economic footprint, when it approved the project.

The group is being represented by the Environmental Defenders Office.

The approval was earlier in the year delayed, when a new species of legless lizard was discovered, the Hunter Valley Delma.

Image credit: Lock the Gate.

Brucella suis detected in feral pig in the Upper Hunter

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The Brucella suis infection has been detected in the Hunter for the very first time. 

A feral pig caught at Cassilis has tested positive for the bacteria, prompting property owners and pig hunters to be on alert. 

The feral pig population in Queensland and north-western parts of NSW is known to have the infection, but it's never been recorded in our region before.

It usually causes reproductive disease in pigs, but humans and dogs can also catch the disease through contact with infected blood and tissue. 

Brucellosis can be serious and fatal for people, and we're being urged take the threat seriously.

$75 Million for Mining Affected Communities

 BY JARROD MELMETH

The NSW Government has announced $75 million for the latest round of the Resources for Regions fund.

Round eight is set to benefit 24 local government areas across NSW, with the aim to return royalties to coal mining affected communities.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro was in Singleton on Monday to announce the funding and says its about giving back to the regions that bare the brunt.

"I genuinely believe if we can continue to return more money of the royalties back into the region, it is a good outcome.

"Royalties come in different ways. This is a targeted program, but royalties come back in the form of general expenditure, through roads, schools and hospitals," Mr Barilaro said.

Singleton Mayor Sue Moore said council was already finetuning applications and is looking forward to hopefully receiving some funding for local projects.

$12million Commitment for Singleton Police Station

 BY JARROD MELMETH

The NSW Nationals have announced $12million to upgrade the Singleton Police Station.

The Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Police Minister David Elliott were in town to announce the funding and said the upgrades are about making the heritage listed station fit-for-purpose.

"When the station was built, it was actually arresting bushrangers so, it's been a long time coming. As much as I'd love to see the heritage of these country police stations maintained, we have also got to make sure that Officers can properly do their jobs.

"The upgrades will need to go to tender and that process starts today," Mr Elliott said.

Superintendent Chad Gillies said an upgraded station would mean a more comfortable and user-friendly station for police and the community.

"In terms of service, it allows us to serve our victims and our witnesses in a much more professional environment. From a safety perspective, when we have people in our custody, it will be a lot safer for them as well," Supt Gillies said.

The commitment follows a $17 million dollar pledge from Labor last month, if they win government in 2023.

David Elliott, David Layzell & John Barilaro
 at Singleton Police Station on Monday morning 

Muswellbrook Hospital to Receive New Operating Theatre Under $32 Million Funding Commitment

BY JARROD MELMETH

Muswellbrook Hospital is receiving some love in the form of a $32 million commitment from State Labor, promising to complete stage 2 of it's redevelopment, should they be elected in 2023.

Labor Leader Jodi Mckay and Shadow Health Minister Ryan Park, joined Upper Hunter candidate Jeff Drayton on Monday to announce the funding. 

Under the new plans, the hospital will be upgraded with a new general ward on the lower ground floor, added maternity services, central sterilising and an operating theatre. 

Currently the hospital reportedly has a surgical ward but no accompanying operating theatre. 

The NSW Government completed a $21.5 million stage two of the redevelopment in June 2019, at a cost of $21.5 million, which has been labelled a "stuff up by" the opposition. 

Jodi Mckay says the so-called completed redevelopment is a slap in the face for the Upper Hunter community.

"A community the size of Muswellbrook that contributes so much funding to the states economy really does deserve a good quality healthcare system."

"This has been an issue that has been around for a really long time. We know that rural health has been left behind. It depends on where your postcode is as to the level of help you receive."

"In Muswellbrook there has certainly been a lack of funding and lack of will to actually improve the healthcare services," Ms Mckay said.

Upper Hunter Candidate Jeff Drayton says the region does a lot of the heavy lifting for the state and its high time they got something out if it. 

"We send nearly a billion dollars down the freeway a year and receive very little in return," Mr Drayton said. 

Concept plans of the NSW Governments upgrades
to Muswellbrook Hospital completed in 2019.
Source: NSWHealth

Zombie Gas Licenses Bubbling Under Upper Hunter Battleground

BY DAKOTA TAIT

Twelve so-called 'zombie' coal seam gas exploration licenses across the state are becoming a hot topic in the upcoming Upper Hunter by-election following calls to have them cancelled alongside the Shenhua coal mine.

The NSW Parliament is scheduled to debate legislation next month which could see all expired licenses extinguished across the Upper Hunter.

But the Coalition currently hold just 46 of the Legislative Assembly's 93 seats, meaning a failure to retain the seat could give the winner the decisive vote for or against cancelling the licenses.

Independent MP Justin Field, who brought on the legislation for debate, says Upper Hunter voters deserved to know each candidate's position on the license issue.

"They've been hanging over the heads of the community for as much as a decade," Mr Field said. 

"These [petroleum exploration licenses] expired but the Government has refused to make a final decision on their future, whether to renew them or whether to cancel them."

Deputy Premier John Barilaro reportedly told farmers from Breeza in the Liverpool Plains that the Government intended to buy out remaining licenses held by energy company Santos.

Santos also hold four expired licenses across the Upper Hunter.

Mr Field says the actions of Nationals' members did not match up with claims they wished to see uncertainty come to an end for agricultural areas.

"Whoever wins, there's a chance that the Government could be in a minority government after this election," Mr Field said.

"That might mean that there's the balance in the Upper House and the Lower House to see this bill become law."

Construction to Start Next Year on Singleton and Muswellbrook Bypasses as Upper Hunter By-election Ramps Up

BY DAKOTA TAIT

The State Government has committed to starting construction in 2022 on a full interchange for the Singleton bypass, and on a bypass at Muswellbrook. 

Deputy Premier John Barilaro, and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole visited Singleton on Friday, as campaigning for the May 22 Upper Hunter by-election ramps up. 

“We’ve heard from the community that they want a full interchange at Putty Road to make it easier to access Singleton town centre from the bypass and that’s what we will deliver," Mr Barilaro said.

“The Government promised and delivered a Scone bypass which has already transformed trips along the New England Highway. Now we are delivering on our promise for bypasses for both Singleton and Muswellbrook.”

Mr Barilaro said the NSW Government will also continue to work closely with the Muswellbrook community to make sure the Muswellbrook bypass has good connections into the town centre.

“Today I can also announce that as we work towards a concept design for the Muswellbrook bypass, the NSW Government will commit to include connections to Coal Road and we will co-fund with Council local road upgrades to support that connection,” Mr Barilaro said.

Mr Toole said the NSW and Australian Governments have committed $700 million to the Singleton bypass with the project now in the detailed design phase.

“We’ve always ensured our design for this bypass would have the flexibility to incorporate a full interchange with the Putty Road – and it’s clear that this is something the community is calling for. Today we’re giving them the certainty it will be part of it,” Mr Toole said.

The NSW Government has committed $266 million to the Muswellbrook bypass with the concept design due to be released later this year.

Work on both bypasses will begin next year.

Construction of the Singleton and Muswellbrook bypasses is expected to create more than 2000 jobs.

Image credit: RMS

Four Patients Taken to John Hunter Following Crash Near Blandford

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Four patients have been taken to John Hunter Hospital, following a two-vehicle crash in the Upper Hunter on Sunday.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter arrived at the scene around 9pm, on the New England Highway approximately eight kilometres south of Blandford.

A 36-year-old man was treated on scene, suffering pelvic and limb injuries and a 38-year-old woman for head and chest injuries.

Both were flown to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition.

The two other patients were taken by road ambulance to Scone Hospital suffering minor injuries.

Coal Projects to Deliver More Than Three Thousand Jobs for the Hunter

BY DAKOTA TAIT

A new report by the NSW Minerals Council is suggesting mining projects across the Lower and Upper Hunter could generate 3,700 jobs and more than $2.7 billion in capital investment for the region.

The ten coal projects outlined for the Hunter include two brand new underground thermal coal mine developments at Muswellbrook and Wyong, in addition to extensions to existing sites such as Glendell, Mangoola, and Rix's Creek.

NSW Minerals Council CEO Stephen Galilee says together with the 22 other projects planned across the state, there is the potential for a total of $13 billion in capital investment and more than 15,500 employment opportunities.

"These are big opportunities for the Hunter Region and for the Hunter economy at a time when we are all looking for economic opportunities to help drive, hopefully, the economic recovery post the Coronavirus pandemic," said Mr Galilee.

The 32 total projects across New South Wales are in various stages of planning and assessment and represent an increase of seven from the sector's last major report released in November 2018

Although all of the projects in the pipeline for the Hunter are thermal or potential coking coal proposals, Mr Galilee says many of the other developments throughout the state have been identified as metal extraction projects.

“While the number of coal projects has risen slightly, the number of proposed metals projects has almost doubled from 6 to 11, representing over 30 percent of all major mining projects proposed in NSW, up from 20 percent 18 months ago," he said.

“This is an opportunity to further build and diversify the NSW mining sector and represents a strong industry response to the release of the NSW Government’s Minerals Strategy in early 2019.”

Image credit: https://www.nswmining.com.au/

Man Charged, Allegedly Assaulting Woman in the Upper Hunter

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A Scone man will appear in court, after allegedly assaulting a woman at a home in the Upper Hunter on Thursday.

About 5.30pm, emergency services were called to a home on Macqueen Street, Aberdeen, after reports of a domestic-related assault.

It’s alleged a 26-year-old man attended the home before damaging the front door and assaulting the 42-year-old woman.

She was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for facial injuries before being taken to John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition.

The man,  known to the woman, was arrested nearby and taken to Muswellbrook Hospital for treatment of superficial lacerations.

Upon his release from hospital, the man was taken to Muswellbrook Police Station and charged with stalk/intimidate intend fear physical harm (DV), destroy or damage property (DV), and assault occasioning actual bodily harm (DV).

The Scone man was refused bail to appear at Muswellbrook Local Court on Friday. 

Deputy Premier Visits Singleton to Announce Hunter Coal Towns Will Share in $50 Million in Mining Royalties

BY ISABEL EVERETT

Hunter coal towns will share in $50 million worth of funding generated by mining royalties, under an overhaul of the 'Resources for Regions' program. 

The Deputy Premier, John Barilaro visited Singleton on Wednesday, announcing each eligible council will receive a base amount of $1 million, and a further $26 million be distributed to the LGA'S most impacted by the mining industry. 

Eligible Hunter councils include Broken Hill, Newcastle, Cessnock, Lake Macquarie, Maitland, Muswellbrook, Singleton and the Upper Hunter. 

Singleton topped the list and will receive $4.51 million dollars this year. 

Mayor of Singleton, Cr Sue Moore says the LGA was the top contributor of mining royalties to the NSW Treasury, with an average $340 million in mining royalties sent to Macquarie Street every year.

“Reforms to the Resources for Regions funding program have been at the top of our advocacy agenda for some time, and I have been working to take advantage of any opportunity to meet with the Deputy Premier to raise this issue,” she said.

General Manager Jason Linnane said he was especially happy to see that funding could be used for community programs and projects, and not just infrastructure.

“It  means that we can work with our community to implement a range of projects which will promote even greater relationships between the State Government, Council and community organisations to help us respond to the economic and social impacts of mining.

“Council staff are already working through potential projects, with a view to having our applications and works ready to go as soon as possible.”

Deputy Premier John Barilaro says coal mining will remain a key industry for some decades to come, generating jobs for regional communities and royalties that can be used to pay for essential public services and infrastructure.

“The NSW coal industry directly employs around 28,600 people and almost 114,000 people indirectly, and underpins around 80 per cent of the state’s energy supply,” Mr Barilaro said.

“In the wake of the worst drought on record, devastating bushfires and the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, the job security, economic growth and prosperity provided by the coal industry to our State, especially regional communities, has never been  more important .

“At the same time, we are working to reduce emissions in the mining sector, support responsible coal production, address community concerns and deliver $50 million worth of new infrastructure projects and community programs to mining affected towns under the Resources for Regions program.

Member for Upper Hunter Michael Johnsen said it was about striking the right balance to give the coal industry and regional communities the time they need to adapt and diversify their economies as the world transitions to a lower carbon future.

Deputy Premier John Barilaro

Upper Hunter Residents Asked to Help Name Mountain

BY ISABEL EVERETT

The Geographical Names Board is seeking community feedback on a proposal by a community member to name a mountain in the suburb of Upper Rouchel as Mount Brook.

Chair of the Geographical Names Board Narelle Underwood said public feedback is being sought before the board considers the proposal.

“It is important that place names reflect the character and history of the local area and community,” Mrs Underwood said. 

“We want to make sure everyone has an opportunity to provide their feedback on the proposed name.” 

The name proposed is for a mountain located between Scone and Barrington Tops and close to two brooks; Stewart's Brook to the north and Rouchel Brook to the south. 

The proposed name, Mount Brook, reflects local geographical features in the area with water from the mountain flowing into both brooks and on to the Hunter River. 

Details of the proposal can also be viewed, and submissions lodged on the Geographical Names Board’s website. 

Alternatively, email submissions can be sent to ss-gnb@customerservice.nsw.gov.au or written submissions may be lodged with the Secretary Geographical Names Board 346 Panorama Avenue Bathurst NSW 2795.

The closing date for submissions is 4 July 2020.

Report Finds Port Stephens One of the Least Affordable Renting Areas in Regional NSW, Whilst Upper Hunter Most Affordable

BY ISABEL EVERETT

A  report released today shows Port Stephens made the list as one of the least affordable areas for renting in regional NSW, whilst the Upper Hunter is one of the most affordable areas. 

The Affordable Housing Income Gap Report, produced by Hunter-based Compass Housing Services, found non-metropolitan LGA'S in NSW have greater affordability issues than in other states.

"The Hunter was a bit of mixed bag, in places like Maitland and Upper Hunter, things were actually quite affordable. In places like Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie, distinctly unaffordable," says Report author, Martin Kennedy.

"Newcastles pretty much right on the cusp of being affordable and unaffordable." 

The report found prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, renting had become marginally cheaper across the bulk of the Greater Sydney area but significantly more expensive in certain regional areas of NSW.

Of the 10 least affordable local government areas in NSW, four are outside Sydney.

The report was based on the median income of renters across Australia, and measured housing affordability by determining the amount of additional income a typical renting household needs to avoid housing stress on various types of dwellings. 

"In places including Newcastle it very much depends on the type of dwelling you need. If you only need a one or two bedroom apartment, and you're a median income earner, you're fine. But if your looking for detached 3 or 4 bedroom housing, it starts to look a whole lot less affordable," Mr Kennedy says. 

"The gaps between what you could afford, and what you would be required to pay is still around $4000 a year, which is not insignificant." 

Mr Kennedy said the report shows that housing stress isn’t just something experienced by people on low incomes.

It found lower household incomes in regional NSW meant typical renters in many areas experienced housing stress despite nominally cheaper rents.

“Even before the current crisis working families with average incomes often struggled to rent suitable properties close to jobs,” he said.

“Throw in the possibility of reduced hours or a job loss due to COVID-19 and things can become very tough indeed.  

“Although rents are expected to fall in the short term due to more stock coming on to the market, they may not fall far enough to become affordable for typical renting households.

“More to the point, it shouldn’t take a global pandemic, closed borders and widespread lockdowns to bring median rents more in line with median incomes.”

Mr Kennedy said the existence of the affordable housing income gap is part of a broader housing crisis.

“The problems facing renters are largely due to purchase prices being too high and social supply being too low." 

“Unfortunately, people who can’t afford to buy, and don’t qualify for social housing, have no option but to cut back elsewhere and try to manage as best they can.”

Regional NSW’s least affordable LGAs for renting were Byron Tweed Shire, Clarence Valley (Grafton), Ballina, Coffs Harbour Shoalhaven, Port Macquarie, Goulburn, Kiama and Port Stephens.

The most affordable LGAs for renting were Upper Hunter, Broken Hill, Wagga Wagga, Tamworth, Western Plains (Dubbo), Queanbeyan, Albury, Bathurst, Orange, and Armidale.  

The Report’s recommendations include:

·         the construction of 500,000 social and affordable housing dwellings in the next 10 years

·         stricter controls on residential mortgage lending to keep borrowings to realistic multiples of household income

·         repealing stamp duty in favour of a broad-based land tax

·         relaxing urban growth boundaries which artificially ration the supply of land

·         scrapping first home buyer grants and stamp duty exemptions

·         giving renters more support and stronger protection under state and territory tenancy laws.

·         alternative allocation models for social housing.

Image Credit: Real Estate.com

Horse Owners to Continue as Usual

BY ALICE PEART

Horse owners in the Upper Hunter have been given the all-clear to continue as usual after a confirmed case of the deadly Hendra virus last week on a property near Scone.

The case was reported after rapid on-set of symptoms in an unvaccinated mare on Friday, June 7 when the owners called the animal diseases hotline.

It is the furthest south the virus has been detected in the state but officials have said there is no further cause for alarm.

The infected horse was euthanised and the remaining horses on the property are being closely monitored by the District Vet.

Apart from the property involved in the case there are no transport restrictions and owners are being told planned events should continue as usual, with the importance of good biosecurity compliance being stressed.

For more information on the virus visit the DPI site.

Hunter Valley Police Reappeal For Information On Cemetery Vandalism

BY LILLY HAINES

Police are re-appealing for information as they continue to investigate damage to Sedgefield Cemetery just outside of Singleton.

The incident occurred on Friday 31 May when 36 gravestones were damaged having been pushed over with a number of those smashed.

Police have been informed that a vehicle was seen parked at the site between 7pm and 7:15pm on the night when unknown persons vandalised the headstones.

Hunter Valley Police District Commander, Superintendent Chad Gillies says he hopes anyone with information will come forward to help police find the perpetrators responsible.

"We want to find answers for the families affected by this, they have already experienced immeasurable grief, and this sort of incident stirs up those emotions all over again.

"Someone knows something, and we urge anyone with information to speak up," Superintendent Gillies said.

Hunter Valley Detectives are continuing to investigate amid community distress following the incident.

Anyone who has witnessed suspicious behavior in the area or has any information related to the incident is urged to contact Singleton Police Station on 02 6578 7499 or Crime Stoppers on          1800 333 000.

Damage to gravestones at Sedgefield Cemetery near SinglImage: The Singleton Argus 

Upper Hunter To Receive Rain

BY KYLE CARROLL

The Upper Hunter is expecting to see rain over the weekend with the Bureau of Meteorology monitoring a weather system on its way.

Meteorologist Ashleigh Lange said the rain looks promising across Northern NSW.

"We've got a bit of rain developing this afternoon with some possible storms in the Northern districts, tomorrow a low-pressure system moving into the West of the State with some good rain," she said.

"The upper Hunter can expect to see anywhere between 5 to 15 millimetres on Saturday and the same on Sunday."

Nationally, it was the driest July since 2002, with affected areas of North-Western NSW, receiving less than 30% of average rainfall across the last 4 months.

Drought-stricken locals can expect some minor relief over the weekend but not enough to break the dry conditions.

"It will certainly help but you need a few couple rain-bearing systems to get rid of the dryness, looking at the maps it looks like September has a 50% of exceeding its monthly rainfall," she said.

Image: BOM. 24 Hour Forecast

Emergency Water Bores for Murrurundi

BY XANTHE GREGORY

Upper Hunter Shire Council has begun drilling its third emergency groundwater bore after the community's water supply has become worryingly low.

The town is currently on level 6 water restrictions and Council is worried their current water supply won't get them through the next few months.

Mayor Wayne Bedggood found the first bore a success, saying "there's certainly water there we just have to check the quality and the quantity."

However, the water found in the first bore, a few hundred metres below the surface, is not enough to supply the town.

"At this stage, if the first bore water is good quality and quantity, we would tap that into the existing water infrastructure lines and that would help supplement the supply," says Mr Bedggood.

The second bore test has failed to find any water.

Drilling began yesterday for the third bore and hopes are high that they are successful in reaching a substantial amount of safe water.

Mayor Bedggood says the bores "wouldn't alleviate the restrictions that we have but it would stop us having to cart water up."

The town has been on high water restrictions since November of last year and Mr Bedgood says "if we could get two of those test bores supplementing the existing water supply that would get us to Christmas quite comfortably."

The council has plans to implement a 40km water pipeline in 2020 from Scone to Murrurundi, costing $14.5 million, to alleviate the pressures of a dwindling water supply if circumstances arise in the future.