BARRINGTON TOPS HORSES
APPLICATIONS with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) close this Friday
to register to rehome wild horses from Barrington Tops National Park.
Horses will be made available for rehoming as part of the park's management plan to remove all horses to aid environmental recovery and conservation.
Those interested must complete two forms and submit them online by 17 January including an application to become an approved registered re-homer with NPWS, unless already approved under the Kosciuszko rehoming program, and a specific application to rehome horses from Barrington Tops.
More details including eligibility criteria and rehoming requirements are available on the Barrington Tops National Park Rehoming webpage:
SOBERING STATISTICS
The 6.9 million drivers on NSW roads are being urged to make the safest decisions in 2025 to help reduce the annual road toll.
A total of 340 road deaths were recorded in 2024 – the same number as in 2023.
Speed remains the biggest killer on the state’s roads being a factor in 136 crash deaths last year.
A breakdown of the data reveals 234 people died on regional roads, fatigue or driver tiredness contributed to 77 fatalities and there was an increase in motorcyclists’ deaths with 67 fatalities.
NSW Police Force Traffic and Highway Patrol Command also warns motorists that being distracted increases your chances of having a crash.
Research shows that distractions when driving, such as by a mobile phone, passengers, animals in your vehicle or loud music can increase your risk of a crash.
Find further details on road death data: www.transport.nsw.gov.au/roadsafety/statistics
ATTENTION, MOBILE USERS!
If you receive a text message from this mobile telephone number - +61 444 444 444 - it is an official alert from the NSW Police Force to seek your assistance - NOT a scam.
The NSW Police Force uses geo-targeting to help locate vulnerable missing persons by sending emergency alerts to mobiles in the area where the person went missing.
The message will always come from the same mobile number and always include a link to an image of the missing person.
If you have any information on a missing person, contact Triple Zero (000) or Crime Stoppers NSW 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.
To find out more about NSW Police geo-targeting go to: www.police.nsw.gov.au/safety_and_prevention/policing_in_the_community/geo_targeting_sms_system
WEEDS IN FOCUS
The 2025 Weed Control Calendar is now available from local offices of Hunter Local Land Services (LLS) or from your local council weeds officer.
Hunter-relevant weeds are the focus according to the month of their control or easy to identify stage as well as weeds that you may not recognise.
The Weeds Calendar has previously led to high priority weed infestations being reported from the community.
Hunter LLS also has Giant Parramatta Grass (GPG) in its sights with a new video series on Controls, Management and Issues.
Dungog’s Jim Tickle provides a landholder perspective discussing his experience with Giant Parramatta Grass and shares practical information he uses for control and management of this invasive species.
Hunter LLS is rolling out three new videos covering everything from how to identify GPG to effective control strategies and tips for working with neighbouring properties to manage GPG populations.
Tune in for expert advice and valuable insights that could make all the difference for your land at: www.facebook.com/HunterLLS
HARSHER CONSEQUENCES
Poor environmental practices are now being highlighted by a new NSW Government name and shame register.
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has issued its first public warnings and added the businesses to the new register on the EPA website.
The powers were introduced by the NSW Government in April last year under changes to the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act).
The changes also doubled penalties for environmental crimes and increased powers to deter repeat offenders and make polluters pay.
In addition to naming the businesses, the public warning register also lists directors, related business names and aliases due to ongoing concerns about their business practices.
Public warnings are issued when there is a clear public interest in providing information on individuals, businesses or activities that may present a risk to the environment.
To see the public warnings visit the EPA website: www.epa.nsw.gov.au/newsroom/public-warnings
AUSTRALIA DAY DIARY
Singleton will again set the tempo for Australia Day with its Twilight Australia Day Eve event.
Townhead Park is the venue 6-9.30pm on Saturday 25 January for Twilight to celebrate what's special about our country and Singleton.
The fun continues on Australia Day at Singleton Civic Centre from 8am with a traditional BBQ breakfast followed at 8.30am with a smoking ceremony by Wonnarua elder Warren Taggart.
Upper Hunter has a shire-wide celebration to mark Australia Day as festivities rotate to Aberdeen for the Scone, Aberdeen, and Murrurundi districts, while the Merriwa and Cassilis districts will head to Cassilis.
After the Australia Day Awards and ceremonies there are Pool Parties and BBQs at Scone Pool Noon to 4pm, Merriwa Pool 2-6pm and Murrurundi Pool 1-6pm.
Maitland’s celebrations are at Maitland Park with a free BBQ breakfast from 7.30-9.30am then free entry to both Maitland and East Maitland Aquatic Centres 10am-4pm.
CONSUMER EDUCATION
Shoppers are being encouraged by NSW Fair Trading to be savvy about their rights before they make their purchase.
Under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), every consumer has the right to purchase products which are safe, fault-free, and fit for purpose and if a product doesn’t meet these standards, customers are entitled to a repair, replacement, or refund.
Consumer rights don’t take a break during the peak shopping season and apply equally to full-priced and sale items.
Common refund and return pitfalls to remember include that proof of purchase doesn’t have to be a paper receipt because bank statements, digital invoices, or an email invoice can support your claim.
While many retailers do offer refunds or exchanges because you changed your mind, retailers are not legally required to, so check their policy first.
A couple of tips for savvy shoppers are to inspect before you buy whether in-store or online and keep proof of purchase by taking a photo of your receipt or save your digital confirmation.
For more information about consumer rights or to lodge a complaint, visit NSW Fair Trading: www.nsw.gov.au/legal-and-justice/consumer-rights-and-protection/repairs-replacements-and-refunds
FARM SECURITY REMINDER
The NSW Police Force Rural Crime Prevention Team is urging people in rural and regional areas to build good crime prevention habits in 2025.
Make it a habit to park vehicles and farm equipment out of sight, or near CCTV if possible, take the keys out of vehicles and equipment and store them in a safe place (not on or under the vehicle).
To build safer communities, put these numbers into your mobile telephone, 131444 for the Police Assistance Line to report suspicious activity and 1800 333 000 for Crime Stoppers to provide confidential information.
All firearm holders are reminded to ensure their firearms are locked and secured in gun safes that are bolted or fixed to the property, comply with legislation and to keep your gun safe key on you and not hidden at your property.
Do not advertise you have firearms on social media, open discussions in public places or showing your firearms to others.
Further information on safe firearm storage is available at: www.police.nsw.gov.au/online_services/firearms/safe_storage
BRIDGEWORK UPDATE
The next closure for the new Melville Ford Bridge over the Hunter River between the Upper Hunter and Maitland electorates is set to come into effect later this month.
Works on the project have resumed and from next Monday, 20 January, crews will be finalising the piers and abutments, building the new bridge deck and completing road works approaching both ends of the bridge.
The current low level timber bridge will be closed to traffic during this time, with work set to be completed by early spring, weather and river conditions permitting.
Motorists are advised to use alternative routes and monitor: www.livetraffic.com and
NIGHT DRIVE TO RETURN!
Hunter Learner Night Drive is set to return this year after a successful conclusion to 2024 at Scone Memorial Airport in December.
Night Drive gives learner drivers an opportunity to build night-driving confidence in a fun, safe, and supportive environment.
I acknowledge Upper Hunter Shire Council’s initiative in launching the local program which has the support of Hunter Valley Highway Patrol, Hunter Valley Police District, Bengalla Mining as well as Muswellbrook and Singleton Councils.
The night is packed with skill-building and community spirit for new road users plus a simulated vehicle rescue.
Supervising drivers with learners living closer to the Pacific Motorway, Night Drive for Learners resumes on February 4 February from 5.30 pm at Sydney Motorsport Park.
The Australian Racing Drivers’ Club driver safety initiative is free and suited to first-timers as well as L-Platers with some experience on the road.
NIGHTDRIVE sessions normally run between 1½ to 2 hours with further information on how to bookings at: www.sydneymotorsportpark.com.au/collections/learners-and-p-platers/products/nightdrive
TOCAL FIELD DAY OPPORTUNITY
Hunter Local Land Services (LLS) will give community groups working in agriculture or natural resource management the opportunity to take part in the 2025 Tocal Field Days.
Expression of Interest to participate in the LLS Tocal Field Days Community Marquee can be lodged until Tuesday 11 February.
Six not-for-profit community groups will be supporting with a free space in the Hunter LLS Community Marquee during the Field Days being held Friday to Sunday, May 2-4.
For more information, contact Hunter LLS Volunteer Coordinator Lauren Bullard, on 0488 384 878 or lauren.bullard@lls.nsw.gov.au
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