RATE PEG DECISION
ONE of the first issues for newly elected local councillors will be to consider the NSW Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal (IPART) council rate pegs for the 2025-26 financial year.
A separate rate peg applies for each council of between 3.6 per cent to 5.1 per cent with each council’s rate peg the maximum percentage the council can increase its general income - the rate pegs do not apply directly to individual ratepayers’ rates.
The rate pegs allow the councils to cover the increasing costs of continuing to provide services.
It is open to councils to decide not to implement the increase or to delay it with the ultimate decision made by elected councillors, who will decide whether to increase rates and by how much.
For more information on the rate peg for the next financial year, go to the IPART website:
STRATFORD EIS RELEASED
The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has put Gloucester Coal’s critical State significant infrastructure application for the Stratford Renewable Energy Hub on exhibition.
Public comment on the application, environmental impact statement and accompanying documents will be accepted until Tuesday 29 October.
The Minister for Planning and Public Spaces is the approval authority for the development consisting of a 300 megawatt (MW) pumped hydro energy storage and generation project, 320 MW solar farm, grid connection and ancillary infrastructure.
To have your say on the project lodge a submission online through the NSW Planning Portal
and if you require assistance or are having difficulty making a submission online, please call Service NSW on 1300 305 695.
View the documents online at: www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects or at:
APPLY NOW
Applications close on 23 October for EnergyCo's community reference group for the New England Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) network infrastructure project.
Two community reference groups will be established to represent communities in the REZ as well as communities between the REZ and Bayswater, near Muswellbrook.
Community reference groups provide an opportunity for local residents, community groups, First Nations representatives and other stakeholders to help shape the future of the network infrastructure across the region.
To apply or request more information visit: energyco.nsw.gov.au/ne, contact the project team at: nerez@energyco.nsw.gov.au or call 1800 061 114.
OCTOBER IS ..
The final quarter of 2024 begins with a focus on road safety and mental health.
October is Motorcycle Awareness Month with drivers reminded of the importance of looking out for motorcyclists on our roads and checking blind spots and mirrors often for riders.
Motorcyclists make up about 18 per cent of all road deaths and 22 per cent of serious injuries on NSW roads, despite motorcycles representing just 3.9 per cent of all registered vehicles on the state’s roads.
Meantime, the theme for this year’s Mental Health Month is “Let’s Talk About It.”
Wellness Expos are scheduled for Muswellbrook and Scone – Muswellbrook on Tuesday 22 October, 9am-3pm at Muswellbrook Indoor Sports Centre and at the Upper Hunter Shire Council Chambers, Scone on Tuesday, 29 October, 9am-3pm.
Book your place at: https://events.humanitix.com/wellness-expo-mental-health...
COUNCIL HOUSING FUNDS
Regional councils can apply for a share of $3 million in NSW Government funding to support projects for the delivery of more well-located and affordable homes.
Between $20,000 and $250,000 is available to councils for individual projects as part of the NSW Government’s Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund.
Councils can use the funds to speed up new housing strategies, prepare infrastructure and servicing plans and make local planning amendments for the delivery of more diverse and affordable housing supply.
Round three of the fund closes on Friday 22 November with further details at: https://www.planning.nsw.gov.au/policy-and-legislation/housing/regional-housing/regional-housing-strategic-planning-fund
WAGE NEGOTIATIONS
An interim three per cent wage increase will be paid by the NSW Government to nurses and firefighters.
The Nurses and Midwives Association has accepted the recommendation of the Industrial Relations Commission for the increase effective from 1 July and that no industrial action affecting patients will take place while the discussions and/or arbitration is progressing.
Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) firefighters have their pay increase backdated to February and it follows a 4.5 per cent pay rise inclusive of super delivered to firefighters last year.
The deal comes ahead of formal arbitration in the Industrial Relations Commission on new awards for firefighters.
A TWEET COUNT!
Calling all bird watchers, twitchers, birders, listers and ornithologists – your binoculars and skills are needed October 14-20 for the Aussie Bird Count!
Run by Australia’s national bird conservation charity, BirdLife Australia, the annual Aussie Bird Count is the nation’s largest citizen science event and is held during Bird Week.
Everyday Aussies of any skill or knowledge level can participate to count the birds they see within a 20-minute period in their backyard, park or any other play area, recording the data using the Aussie Bird Count app or website.
The full list of results for all the birds counted will be published to provide a population snapshot allowing a look at emerging trends in our bird communities over time.
Join the count at: https://aussiebirdcount.org.au/
SINGLETON SURVIVOR
Next Monday afternoon from 5.15pm put your survival skills to the test in a battle for supremacy in the first ever Singleton Community Survival Challenge.
It’s part of Singleton Council’s Access and Inclusion Program which secured $200,000 in November 2022 from round nine of the NSW Nationals and Liberals Government’s Resources for Regions program.
Form a team of between four and seven people with your sports club, community organisation, closest friends or family, or register as an individual to be involved.
The Challenge is appropriate for all fitness levels, abilities and ages with competition in a series of fun activities to navigate obstacles to stretch your creativity and put your survival skills on the line.
Entry is free, there’s a free barbecue and the champion team wins a $1,000 donation for their favourite not-for-profit organisation, registered charity or sporting club that services the Singleton community thanks to sponsorship from Thiess.
To register visit: www.singleton.nsw.gov.au/Experience/Events/Whats-On/Singleton-Community-Survivor-Challenge
GARAGE SALE TRAIL
If you are currently having a spring cleanout then consider participating next month in Australia’s biggest second-hand treasure hunt.
The Garage Sale Trail is being held across the nation over two weekends, November 9-10 and 16-17, with anyone and everyone encouraged to participate as a seller, shopper or both.
Don’t have a garage? No worries, host a sale in your front yard, or join a group sale near you.
For sellers, it’s easy to register with more information including sale tips and promotional materials at: www.garagesaletrail.com.au
GET READY TO CAROL!
Get your Christmas outfits ready Upper Hunter seniors - the Christmas Concerts return to the stage in December.
The dates and line-up have been announced and Cessnock has been selected as one of the three regional locations.
Performance Arts Culture Cessnock Theatre is the venue on Thursday 12 December with two concerts at 10am and 1pm to reflect this year's theme ‘Time to Shine.’
The 2024 NSW Seniors Christmas Concert lineup includes Amy Lehpamer from the musical & Juliet, Arlo Sims, Liz Player and Emily Kate from The Voice, and Will Skarpona from the Conservatorium of Music.
Free tickets are available on Tuesday 15 October from 11am with more information and ticket bookings at: www.nsw.gov.au/arts-and-culture/seniors-festival/whats-on/christmas-concerts
PARLIAMENT FAMILY DAY
NSW Parliament has issued an invitation for the community to attend a Family Fun Day during the October school holiday.
Families and children across NSW will be welcomed to Macquarie Street Sydney this Friday, 11 October, 9.30am–3pm.
Family Fun Day is a free interactive open day, with lots of fun activities for children aged 4 to 12 years with highlights including drawing in a cartoon workshop, having your say in our mock committee hearings and voting with the NSW Electoral Commission.
Tickets are available from Eventbrite: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/free-family-fun-day-at-parliament-of-nsw-tickets-1008060896277
SUPERVISOR WORKSHOP
Gloucester will host a learner driver workshop on Tuesday night 22 October from 6pm.
All supervisors of learner drivers are encouraged to attend the free two-hour workshop at MidCoast Council.
The event will provide an update on regulations for L and P licence holders and tips for completing the learner driver logbook efficiently.
Supervisors and learners will also be empowered with essential driving knowledge including best practices for guiding learner drivers, the benefits of supervised on-road driving and strategies for safe driving habits.
To register for the workshop go to the MidCoast Council Facebook page: www.facebook.com/MidCoastCouncil
TROUT SEASON BEGINS
NSW’s annual trout fishing season began over the October long weekend and continues through to midnight 9 June 2025.
Our state boasts some of the best trout fishing locations in the country, including streams in the New England, the Fish River near Bathurst and knowledgeable anglers are aware of where they can be found in the Barrington Tops.
It is important that all recreational fishers check they have a current and valid NSW Recreational Fishing Licence (unless exempt), before wetting a line.
For more on the rules: www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/fishing-rules-and-regs/freshwater-bag-and-size-limits#
To get tips on trout fishing in the Barrington Tops go to: https://barringtoncoast.com.au/explore/fishing-for-trout-in-barrington-tops
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