End of Gas Exploration in Hunter and Central Coast

BY LAURA D'AMICO

Swansea and the Central Coast will see on-land gas exploration come to an end, after the cancellation of the State Government's Petroleum Exploration Licence 461.

The license, granted in 2008, originally covered over 15,000 hectares around Swansea, Wyee and Budgewoi, impacting tens of thousands of homes.

With the cancellation of the license, the towns are being assured no more gas exploration can be undertaken.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald has welcomed the announcement by Resources Minister Don Harwin, saying the cancellation removes uncertainty for the communities.

Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham said it's a good start but there is more the Government could be doing.

"It's a step in the right direction but the government needs to get serious about cancelling licenses across the Hunter and Central Coast," Mr Buckingham said.

"The region is still faced with many other petroleum exploration licenses and the prospect of offshore gas drilling, the State and Federal Government need to do much more to move away from fossil fuels towards a renewable energy future that deals with the impacts of climate change."

Georgina Woods from Lock the Gate Alliance has also long been opposed to this type of testing. 

"We welcome the buyback of the Petroleum Exploration License. It's long overdue to be honest, a great relief for local residences," Ms Woods said.

"This was a legacy exploration license from before the Chief sciences review of the Coal-Seam Gas Industry, which recommended strict new regimes for that industry in this State and it's a terrific relief that the government has finally gotten rid of it."

For more information on Government plans on resources and energy, please visit the Department of Planning and Environment.

Image Sourced from Utility Magazine

Rural Crime Workshop for Muswellbrook Farmers

BY LAURA D'AMICO

At a time when property holders are already struggling through drought, NSW Police say they've received increasing reports of stolen equipment and fodder, as well as illegal hunting.

Muswellbrook farmers and agribusinesses are being encouraged to attend a workshop on rural crime prevention by the NSW Farmers Association.

The workshop, at Muswellbrook District Workers Club from 6pm til 8pm tonight, comes in the wake of reported cases of hay bale theft in the region last month.

It will cover tips on dealing with trespassers and illegal hunting, drone usage over properties, the use of firearms and safe storage, fuel and property theft.

Another focus of the workshop is reporting crime and what police can do to assist landholders.

Assistant Commissioner Geoff McKechnie says the workshops are a great initiative for local police and farmers to discuss new crime prevention strategies and what both can do to help combat rural and regional crime.

"Farmers attending will hear from experienced rural crime investigators and detectives about ways they can target-harden their premises and how to reduce the levels of rural crime occurring," he says.

"People can talk to these police officers about what is concerning them at present," Assistant Commissioner McKechnie says, "and in terms of their local area and get local knowledge there and then."

The rural workshop is free and available to all farmers and agribusiness. To register and RSVP, please visit NSW Farmers.

Image sourced from muswellbrookchronicle.com.au

Deputy Mayor Newly-Elected in Singleton

BY LAURA D'AMICO

Singleton has waved goodbye to previous Deputy Mayor Godfrey Adamthwaite who worked six years in the role, marking the start of Tony Jarrett's position among the Council.

It follows the customary voting process that took place last night at the cities Council Meeting.

Cr Tony Jarrett paid tribute to Cr Godfrey Adamthwaite and his 6-year term, acknowledging the hard work ahead of him.

"I look forward to stepping into the role, assisting our Mayor and bringing our community together for the benefit of the people who live and work in Singleton," Mr Jarrett said.

Bushfire Assistance for Cessnock and Shoalhaven

BY LAURA D'AMICO

Disaster assistance is being provided for Cessnock and Port Stephens communities affected by the mid-August bushfires.

The fires, fuelled by strong seasonal winds, scorched through over 2000 hectares, with significant operations required from first responders from the RFS and Fire & Rescue NSW.

Assistance is being jointly provided by Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) in response to the bushfires, with assistance measures available for local Councils' clean up and restoration costs, as well as for eligible people whose homes and belongings were damaged.

The NDRRA will also be providing freight subsidies for primary producers and grants for eligible non-profit organisations.

To apply for assistance you can contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority.

Further information on disaster assistance and emergency information can be found at disasterassist.gov.au and emergency.nsw.gov.au.