SOLAR FARM IPC HEARING
A PUBLIC MEETING will be held in Muswellbrook on Wednesday 12 February on the proposed Muswellbrook Solar Farm.
The decision on planning approval has been referred to the NSW Independent Planning Commission after the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure received more than 50 unique submissions objecting to the proposal to be located east of Muswellbrook.
The 135 megawatt (MW) solar farm, including a battery storage facility and associated infrastructure, will be accessed from Muscle Creek Road.
Speakers must register for the public meeting at the Upper Hunter Conservatorium of Music by 12pm Tuesday 4 February with written submissions accepted until Wednesday 19 February at 5pm.
Further information about the project and the public meeting are available at:
CONSTRUCTION HOUSING CONTROLS
A new planning pathway to fast-track housing for construction workers on major infrastructure projects in Renewable Energy Zones (REZ) has been introduced by the NSW Government.
Under the pathway, construction worker accommodation is clearly defined and can be built in residential zones.
The policy was designed following feedback from the public exhibition of the proposed temporary and seasonal workers accommodation toolkit.
The amendments will come into force under State Environmental Planning Policy (Housing) 2021 and Local Government (Manufactured Home Estates, Caravan Parks, Camping Grounds and Moveable Dwellings) Regulation 2021.
The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure has released a guideline to help councils, industry and the community navigate these new controls.
HUNTER TRANSPORT CONSULTATION
Pop-up events will be scheduled during early 2025 so Transport for NSW can talk with local communities about the Draft Hunter Strategic Regional Integrated Transport Plan (SRITP).
The proposal outlines a vision for transport in the region where all communities are connected by high quality transport infrastructure and services which allow people to walk, ride, catch public transport or use their private vehicle safely.
Early engagement activities have been carried out with local councils and key regional representative groups, together with community insights from more than 2000 visits to Transport’s Have Your Say platform.
Through the consultation, analysis and investigation, Transport has identified more than 55 short and medium-term initiatives, which are now on public exhibition for broader community consultation until Friday 28 February.
The Draft Hunter SRITP and related documents are available at: https://www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/sritp/hunter
VETS ARE WELCOME!
Vets, vet nurses and vet technicians and their families can now access The Welcome Experience which was initially trialled in Muswellbrook.
The Inquiry into the NSW Veterinary Workforce Shortage highlighted the need for access to veterinary services in regional areas, including support for primary production, to lift animal health outcomes and manage biosecurity risks.
The NSW Government’s expansion of The Welcome Experience will address the workforce shortages by supporting and helping veterinary professionals to relocate to regional locations where their expertise is needed.
Muswellbrook has now been joined by Singleton and the Upper Hunter Shire local government areas after the program underwent growth in August last year.
To find out more about The Welcome Experience, which was an initiative announced in December 2022 by the NSW Nationals and Liberals Government, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/regional-nsw/welcome-experience.
DUNGOG SHOWGROUND CHANGES
Dungog Shire Council has decided to make changes to primitive camping arrangements at Dungog Showground.
From the second week of January, Council will cease operation of the public camping facilities and is investigating the feasibility of using another location as the town’s designated parking location for caravans and Recreation Vehicles for passing visitors.
Council has provided an except for public camping and primitive camping associated with events held at Dungog Showground.
The are six other campsite locations in Dungog shire, so discover more at: www.dungog.nsw.gov.au/Community/Approved-CaravanCamping-Ground-locations-in-Dungog-Shire
COUNCIL MEETING CODE
The NSW government has released draft amendments to the Model Meeting Code for the way council meetings are conducted.
The changes aim to simplify the Model Meeting Code and ensure councillors are making decisions in the full view of the communities they are elected to represent.
All councils are required to adopt a code of meeting practice based on the Model Meeting Code issued by the Office of Local Government.
The reforms aim to ensure greater transparency, increase community confidence in council decision making and remove the general manager’s involvement in council politics.
Some of the key changes have been recommended by the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC).
Community submissions will be accepted until Friday 28 February - learn more and provide feedback at: https://www.olg.nsw.gov.au/councils/governance/model-code-of-meeting-practice/reforms-to-the-model-code-of-meeting-practice/
HEALTH SCHOLARSHIPS
Applications close on 23 February for the NSW Health Aboriginal Nursing and Midwifery Cadetship and Scholarship Program.
Aboriginal nursing and midwifery university students are encouraged to apply to access financial and career support.
Undergraduate Scholarships of up to $1,000 per subject are available for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students undertaking a Bachelor of Nursing or Bachelor of Midwifery.
The Aboriginal Enrolled Nurse to Registered Nurse Scholarships offer up to $15,000 per year for students employed as an Enrolled Nurse in a NSW Health facility and undertaking a Bachelor of Nursing.
Cadetships include a study allowance of $600 per fortnight while studying for 40 weeks, $500 per semester support allowance and 12 weeks paid employment in a local public hospital or Justice Health facility and support from an Aboriginal mentor, cadet coordinator and additional clinical support.
For more information and to apply visit the NSW Health website: www.health.nsw.gov.au/nursing/scholarship.
TAFE 2025 ENROLMENTS
Prospective TAFE students are urged to register now for information sessions on the courses being offered this year.
From Friday 17 January until the end of the month, sessions are scheduled online or on campus at participating TAFE locations across the Upper Hunter electorate.
Check the TAFE NSW website to find study locations and learn how staff can support you in your learning journey.
Information sessions enable you to explore the range of courses, ask questions about study options and get the support you need to complete your enrolment.
Spots are limited, so registration is essential: www.tafensw.edu.au/information-sessions
TRANSGRID OPPORTUNITY
Applications for the Transgrid Pre-Apprenticeship Program for Women close on Sunday 19 January.
This practical five-week program, which is currently taking applications, is designed to encourage women to consider an apprenticeship through in-field work experience and training, including substation and power station tours, plus hand skills and wiring training.
Transgrid strongly encourages women considering an apprenticeship to apply for the program to get practical industry experience before committing to a full apprenticeship.
For more information visit: https://www.transgrid.com.au/careers/pre-apprenticeship-program-for-women/
ESSENTIAL GRANTS
Essential Energy will launch its 2025 Essential Grants program when applications are called from Monday 3 February.
Eligible groups include not-for-profit organisations, charities and community groups located within Essential Energy’s network area of Gloucester, Stroud and Dungog are encouraged to apply.
Grants up to the value of $15,000 are available for community-based initiatives supporting the environment, education, resilience or related to the energy transition.
The program aims to assist eligible community groups contributing towards positive outcomes for regional communities.
Nominations for the Essential Grants Program close on Monday 31 March with more information from: www.essentialenergy.com.au/essentialgrants
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