NSW Election 2011

NSW 2011 State Election News

Souris hoping for a place in O'Farrell ministry
Date: 28-Mar-11
Author: ABC News
Upper Hunter M-P, George Souris, is hoping to be a member of the first O'Farrell ministry after comfortably retaining his seat in the NSW Election.

The long serving, senior National Party member received 16,044 first preference votes from the 30,607 ballot papers counted so far.

Independent Tim Duddy has 6,064 votes followed by Labor's Michael Gibbons on 5,142.

Good result for the Greens - Cessnock on a knife Edge
Date: 27-Mar-11
Author: Cessnocki-Kurri Greens
Greens Candidate for Cessnock said the NSW Election had seen yet another strengthening of votes for the Greens. At 8.5% we are pleased to have a good result for the Greens in Cessnock in an election in which many voters just wanted to vote for the Coalition.

Labor rushed approvals: MP
Date: 25-Mar-11
Author: Muswellbrook Chronicle
The Nationals candidate George Souris has accused the state government of approving a "rush" of coal and coal seam gas exploration licences over the past two years.
Mr Souris said 26 licences had been approved in that time.

If elected, the Coalition will review licences granted in recent years for process correctness, Mr Souris said.

Land use is key issue in poll
Date: 25-Mar-11
Author: Dayarne Smith (Muswellbrook Chronicle)
Land use has emerged as a key election issue in the Upper Hunter, with the electorate's candidates agreeing a better balance is needed between mining and agriculture.

Impact of mines under microscope
Date: 24-Mar-11
Author: Hunter Valley News
Independent candidate for Upper Hunter Tim Duddy has secured funding for a health study into the impacts of coal dust and heavy particulates on human health in the Upper Hunter.
The Faculty of Health at the University of Sydney will conduct the study thanks to funding arranged by non-profit group Beyond Zero Emissions.

"It is a pleasure to have been involved in bringing Beyond Zero Emissions, the University of Sydney and the Singleton Healthy Environment Group together to kick-start this project," Mr Duddy said.

Health study funding secured for community
Date: 23-Mar-11
Author: Tim Duddy
Independent candidate for Upper Hunter Tim Duddy today announced a private funding arrangement that will kick-start a health study for the Upper Hunter to investigate the potential health impacts of local coal mining.

Mr Duddy said, "It is a pleasure to have been involved in bringing Beyond Zero Emissions, the University of Sydney and the Singleton Healthy Environment Group together to kick start this project.

The candiates for Upper Hunter
Date: 23-Mar-11
Author: Gloucester Advocate
The Gloucester Advocate invited each of the candiates standing for the seat of Upper Hunter to to submit their views in 300 words or less on "What are the most important issues facing the people of the Upper Hunter electorate, in particular the Gloucester Shire, and what is your policy to address these issues".

State Election - who will you vote for
Date: 22-Mar-11
Author: Singleton Argus
The Singleton Argus has put a number of questions to the candidates for the seat of the Upper Hunter at this Saturday's State Election. The last question our five candidates have to respond to is If it was in your power, what steps would you take to manage the strategic management of coal mining in New South Wales?

Land use the big issue in Upper Hunter
Date: 22-Mar-11
Author: Matt Carr (The Herald)
MANAGING the Upper Hunter's mineral resources alongside its agricultural ones looms as the major prospect for the area's candidates.
Important issues affecting the Upper Hunter community in particular in recent years include mining approval processes and heavy industry's effect on public health.

The seat spans Quirindi, Gloucester, Dungog, Singleton and Muswellbrook and includes vast swathes of farmland alongside numerous mines, wineries, horse studs and power stations.

Cessnock far from certain
Date: 18-Mar-11
Author: Alison Branley (The Herald)
The departure of long-time sitting member Kerry Hickey from politics has left the race for Cessnock wide open.
Nationals candidate and popularly elected Cessnock mayor Alison Davey is widely considered to be the front runner but could be tainted by turmoil at Cessnock City Council under her watch.

Schools need more funds
Date: 18-Mar-11
Author: Dayarne Smith (Muswellbrook Chronicle)
Class sizes, increased funding and seatbelts on school buses have emerged as priority education issues for the electorate's state government candidates. Greens candidate Chris Parker said regional schools should not have to compete with city schools for funding.

Independent Tim Duddy has called for more support for Upper Hunter teachers.

Candidates face voters' at forum
Date: 18-Mar-11
Author: Muswellbrook Chronicle
Muswellbrook voters had the chance to hear firsthand from state election candidates at a public forum on Tuesday night.
All five hopefuls for the seat of Upper Hunter - Country Labor's Michael Gibbons, the Nationals' George Souris, the Greens' Chris Parker, the Christian Democratic Party's Fred Cowley and independent Tim Duddy - were present at the event, hosted by Unions NSW.

Cessnock candidates pledge for Better State Plan
Date: 16-Mar-11
Author: The Advertiser
All seven of Cessnock's State election candidates have declared their support for the Better State Five-Point Plan.
The candidates attended a public meeting, along with workers including nurses, paramedics and administration staff, at Kurri Hospital last Wednesday.

Call for full staffing
Date: 16-Mar-11
Author: Tash Holden (Hunter Valley News)
Upper Hunter independent candidate Tim Duddy has raised concerns ambulance services may be left to volunteer drivers if more state funding is not forthcoming after the state election.
Mr Duddy said Murrurundi, Stroud and Gloucester should have fully staffed ambulance stations with at least two paramedics rostered on at all times to respond to local emergencies.

Keneally mines Hunter votes while it's good sport for O'Farrell
Date: 15-Mar-11
Author: ABC Newcastle
New South Wales Premier Kristina Keneally has promised to ban hazardous chemicals used in a controversial mining technique to extract coal seam gas.

Ms Keneally made the election promise during her second visit to the Hunter Valley is little more than a week.

The Premier released a 10-point plan to deal with mining concerns.

Labor coal and gas mining plan fails to address the most serious risks - Greens
Date: 15-Mar-11
Author: Cate Faehrmann (NSW Greens)
Greens MP and mining spokesperson Cate Faehrmann says the government's coal and gas plan announced today will fail to protect the state's water supply and farming lands from the most serious risks.

"This policy is a cynical attempt to claw back support from those worried about the environmental and health impacts of dangerous coal and coal seam gas mining," said Ms Faehrmann.

BTEX fracking may be banned in state
Date: 15-Mar-11
Author: AAP via SMH
The NSW government plans to ban the use of "BTEX" chemicals in the hydraulic fracturing - or fracking - process to extract coal seam gas, if it is re-elected.

Under Labor's 10-point coal and coal seam gas plan announced on Tuesday, Premier Kristina Keneally said the use of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes - BTEX chemicals - would be outlawed across the state.

Greens want full moratorium on Coal Seam Gas
Date: 15-Mar-11
Author: James Ryan
Cessnock Greens Candidate for Cessnock James Ryan said the NSW Premiers announcement in Cessnock this morning that exploration for Coal Seam Gas in waterways adjoining National Parks and in 'sensitive areas' would be banned did not go far enough.

Premier moves for 'exclusion zones' around mines
Date: 15-Mar-11
Author: The Herald
PREMIER Kristina Keneally has used a visit to Cessnock today to announce her government would, if re-elected, move to implement 'exclusion zones' to protect industries such as horse breeding and vineyards from mining and coal seam gas extraction.

Unveiling a 10-point plan to deal with coalmining and coal seam gas she said was shaped by recent consultation in communities including the Hunter, Ms Keneally pledged to appoint a 'Coal and Gas Ombudsman' to investigate and respond to complaints.

Unions, Greens apply pressure on NSW Coalition
Date: 15-Mar-11
Author: ABC News
The New South Wales Greens and trade unions are already putting pressure on the Coalition, 11 days out from the state election.

"Alison Davey in Cessnock, the National Party candidate in Cessnock, has signed," Mr Lennon said.

"We thank her and Clayton Barr, the Labor candidate in Cessnock, for supporting the campaign"

Plan to fix planning still a mystery
Date: 11-Mar-11
Author: ABC Stateline NSW
It has been revealed that New South Wales' Opposition has no plan to fix the state's problematic development projects if they win the 2011 election.

Greens Announce 'Healthy Hospitals' Plan
Date: 11-Mar-11
Author: James Ryan
Greens candidate for Cessnock said the Greens plan for healthy hospitals shows the Greens are serious about proper funding for Kurri and Cessnock Hospitals.

Who will you vote for?
Date: 11-Mar-11
Author: Singleton Argus
A feature in the Singleton Argus featuring comments from four of the five Upper Hunter candidates who care more about the election than working at Woolies (this comment by Peter Firminger).

Upper Hunter MP will attend candidates forum
Date: 11-Mar-11
Author: ABC New England North West
Member for Upper Hunter, George Souris, has confirmed he will attend a candidates forum in Muswellbrook next week.

Independent, Tim Duddy, challenged the MP to participate claiming Mr Souris had not attended up-to-ten candidate forums and major public election meetings during the campaign so far.

Hospital a priority
Date: 11-Mar-11
Author: Dayarne Smith (Muswellbrook Chronicle)
Independent Upper Hunter candidate Tim Duddy has criticised the major parties for ignoring the health needs of the electorate.
Mr Duddy said Labor and the Coalition had made a number of health commitments in the lead-up to the March 26 state government election, but the Upper Hunter had been "largely left out".

Govt listening tour cops an earful at Singleton
Date: 09-Mar-11
Author: Tim Duddy
Independent candidate for Upper Hunter Tim Duddy has blasted state planning minister Tony Kelly and his scoping paper for failing the Upper Hunter community.

The recent decision by the government to approve the AGL Gloucester coal seam gas project and the lodgement of a development application by Shenhua to mine coal on the Liverpool Plains are two recent cases that have once again brought the issue of land-use planning to the fore.

Attending the government's coal and gas stakeholder forum in Singleton Mr Duddy said, "A decision like AGL Gloucester in the middle of a so called consultation process shows the contempt this government has for the Upper Hunter community."

Landuse and Mining Policy Statement
Date: 09-Mar-11
Author: Tim Duddy
There is an imbalance in NSW that has seen the coal mining industry given priority over sustainable local industries such as agriculture as well as the rights of local communities and the protection of the environment.

To date, there has been no strategic plan or cumulative impact assessment conducted by government to guide the development of this region and inform the planning assessment process in regard to mining activities.

NSW Firies endorse Greens candidate
Date: 04-Mar-11
Author: NSW Greens
The Fire Brigade Employees Union has today announced its endorsement of serving firefighter and Greens member, James Ryan in his bid for the state seat of Cessnock in this month's State election

More unrest for Cessnock Council
Date: 04-Mar-11
Author: ABC Newcastle
A Cessnock Councillor says a restructure plan which has prompted the departure of two directors is akin to 'throwing the baby out with the bathwater".

Cessnock Council is again in turmoil with two directors quitting over the restructure which saw their positions downgraded.

Labor in Gas Rush
Date: 03-Mar-11
Author: George Souris
The State Government must not approve any more Development Applications for gas or coal in the few days remaining before the Governor of NSW issues the Writ for the General Election which places the Government into official Caretaker mode," said Member for Upper Hunter George Souris.

NSW Govt approves AGL Gloucester gas project under the cover of night
Date: 02-Mar-11
Author: Tim Duddy
Independent candidate for Upper Hunter Tim Duddy has branded the NSW Labor Government's covert decision to approve AGL's Coal Seam Gas project in Gloucester a disgrace.

Mr Duddy said, "This decision has been made in the dying days of a disgraceful government and caps off 16 years of Labor abuse of regional NSW.

"The Gloucester Valley is unique with its pristine waters flowing down to Port Stephens. This decision puts the local water supply and sustainable agricultural industries at risk.

Cessnock state election candidates to front Pokolbin forum
Date: 02-Mar-11
Author: The Advertiser
Candidates for the March 26 State election for the seat of Cessnock have been invited to speak at a "town hall" style meeting at Pokolbin Hall on Monday, March 14.
The meeting has been organised by the presidents of the Hunter Valley Wine Country Tourism and Hunter Valley Wine Industry Association.

Coalition pledges $20 million for Hunter Valley wine country roads
Date: 02-Mar-11
Author: The Advertiser
The battle for Seat of Cessnock at the March 26 State election went up a gear last week with a $20 million promise to fix major roads in the Pokolbin area.
NSW Nationals Leader, Andrew Stoner and Member for Hunter George Souris met with The Nationals Cessnock candidate, Cr. Alison Davey to announce the package.

They said that a NSW Liberals and Nationals Government would provide $20 million for the upgrade of roads in the Hunter Wine region. They are Broke Road and McDonalds Road.

Labor candidate named
Date: 02-Mar-11
Author: Gloucester Advocate
Country Labor has announced Michael Gibbons as the candidate for Upper Hunter. Twenty-seven-year-oldMichael was born in Newcastle, Michael moved to Singleton with his family in 2000 and attended St Catherine's Catholic College and later Singleton High School before moving back to Newcastle at the beginning of 2005 for family reasons.

Upper Hunter Labor Candidate
Date: 01-Mar-11
Author: Singleton Argus
FORMER Singleton lad Michael Gibbons will be the Labor candidate for Upper Hunter. Mr Gibbons signed the paperwork at a meeting in Singleton on Thursday night.

Resources to Regions
Date: 01-Mar-11
Author: Singleton Argus
The NSW Liberal Nationals Coalition will commit a $160 million fund over four years to a "Resources for Regions" programme which will provide a much needed boost in mining affected regions and communities, said Member for Upper Hunter George Souris.

Mr Souris said the fund was modelled on the highly successful National Party "Royalties for Regions" programme in Western Australia.

Revisiting regional strategy on agenda
Date: 01-Mar-11
Author: Michelle Harris (The Herald)
The Coalition has stopped short of committing to an overhaul of the controversial Lower Hunter Regional Strategy but has said it holds concerns about the blueprint and would look ''very closely'' at some elements.
But the Greens have stepped up pressure for widespread changes, laying out an election platform for planning in the Hunter that argues for a complete review of the strategy, which the party calls a complete farce.

Let them eat coal? Time to talk about food security
Date: 01-Mar-11
Author: Debra Jopson (SMH)
The government has a choice: let mining, climate change and urban sprawl overrun agriculture, or devise a plan to protect the lands that nourish the state.

IT is beyond strange for this long-time indigenous affairs reporter to hear a retired Sydney lawyer-turned-farmer complaining that his land rights are being trampled on by a coal seam gas company.

Two centuries ago, it was pastoralists like himself who surged into the lands of the Kamilaroi people where he now farms, taking over their waterholes, hunting grounds and hideouts.

Coalition must rule out volunteer paramedics for Upper Hunter stations
Date: 28-Feb-11
Author: Tim Duddy
Independent candidate for Upper Hunter Tim Duddy has called on Nationals MP George Souris to assure local residents a coalition government will fully staff local ambulance stations.

Mr Duddy said, "Murrurundi, Stroud and Gloucester should have fully staffed ambulance stations with two paramedics rostered on at all times to be able to quickly respond to emergencies.

Merger won't cost local jobs: MP
Date: 25-Feb-11
Author: Dayarne Smith (Muswellbrook Chronicle)
Mr Souris told the Muswellbrook Chronicle yesterday that if elected, a Liberal-National government would merge the corporate head offices of Energy Australia and Intregral Energy in Sydney.

Independent candidate for Upper Hunter Tim Duddy raised concerns jobs would be cut in the region as a result of the plan but Mr Souris denied this.

Broke road money
Date: 25-Feb-11
Author: Di Sneddon (Singleton Argus)
THE coalition has promised $20 million to upgrade Broke Road between Pokolbin and the Wollombi Road intersection at Broke.
Yesterday's announcement is part of $40 million in funding from the new Hunter Infrastructure Fund, funded by consolidated revenue and is not a diversion of any other money.

Winemakers welcome Opposition promise on road funding
Date: 25-Feb-11
Author: ABC Newcastle
The Hunter Valley wine industry says Labor deserves to lose the Hunter purely on the issue of neglect of the region's roads.

The industry has welcomed a pledge of $20-million over four years from the New South Wales Opposition to upgrade Broke and McDonald Roads.

Fred Cowley CDP Candidate for Upper Hunter
Date: 24-Feb-11
Author: Fred Cowley
Fred Cowley CDP Candidate for Upper Hunter - Expanded Profile.

Coalition promises Cessnock and Kurri hospitals are safe
Date: 23-Feb-11
Author: Krystal Sellers (The Advertiser)
Cessnock and Kurri hospitals will not close under a NSW Liberals and Nationals Government, according to shadow health minister Jillian Skinner.
Mrs. Skinner was in Cessnock last Thursday following the Coalition's announcement of a $33 million boost to Hunter health services.

Rural issues at heart of campaign
Date: 23-Feb-11
Author: Gloucester Advocate
Independent candidate for the seat of Upper Hunter Tim Duddy was in Gloucester for a two day visit last week.
Mr Duddy was in town to attend the NSW Farmers Association's Mining Taskforce meeting last Thursday (a full report on that meeting appears on Page 5), and to met with other community groups including the chamber of commerce and the Barrington Gloucester Stroud Preservation Alliance in the lead up to the March state election.

Policy Statement on Coal Seam Gas
Date: 22-Feb-11
Author: Tim Duddy
In the last few years there has been a surge of coal seam gas (CSG) exploration and production plans across NSW. These projects have been approved with little regard to the international experience that has shown coal seam gas mining to be socially and environmentally destructive to local communities.
The Upper Hunter is the target of many exploration and gas companies with no fewer than eight Petroleum Exploration Licences (PELs) covering approximately 70-80% of the district.

Easy land-use solution
Date: 22-Feb-11
Author: Michelle Harris (The Herald)
The Coalition should have seized the ''simple solution'' and immediately ruled out coal seam gas exploration in winegrowing areas of the Hunter in its new land-use policy, the Hunter Valley Protection Alliance says.

Independent Upper Hunter candidate Tim Duddy said yesterday he believed coal seam gas exploration should be stopped until further research into the industry's impacts was done.

Coalition electricity plan could cost Upper Hunter jobs
Date: 21-Feb-11
Author: Tim Duddy
Independent candidate for Upper Hunter Tim Duddy has called on the coalition to reassure Upper Hunter residents that jobs and services will not be cut under its electricity distribution merger plans.

Responding to the coalition's proposal to merge the distribution arms of Energy Australia and Integral Energy, Mr Duddy said, "if jobs are cut to offer a rebate to families suffering from soaring electricity bills it is an unacceptable and short sighted response. It is robbing Peter to pay Peter and is grossly unfair.

Candidate calls for major development in Cessnock
Date: 19-Feb-11
Author: ABC News
The Labor candidate for the New South Wales seat of Cessnock says more development is needed in the electorate to provide more job opportunities for young people.

Clayton Barr is hoping to replace current Labor member for Cessnock, Kerry Hickey, who is standing down at the coming NSW election.

Paint me happy, says thrifty city councillor
Date: 19-Feb-11
Author: The Herald
Cessnock independent candidate Dale Troy hopes to airbrush Labor out of government at the state election.
But for now, the Cessnock councillor has resorted to using a paint and brush to redecorate his campaign office in a barter-deal with the landlord.

It has saved him money on rent that he can use for his campaign.

Singleton state election
Date: 18-Feb-11
Author: Rachel Oldknow (Singleton Argus)
CHRISTIAN Democratic Party's Fred Cowley is the latest candidate vying for the seat of Upper Hunter at the March state election.

Mr Cowley joins three other candidates including Independent Tim Duddy, current Upper Hunter MP and National George Souris and Greens' Chris Parker in the Upper Hunter race.

Hydro smelter rejects Premier on jobs
Date: 18-Feb-11
Author: Michelle Harris (The Herald)
THE operators of the Kurri Kurri aluminium smelter have publicly contradicted Premier Kristina Keneally's assurances that her government is working to protect its workers.
The operators say the smelter's future, and that of thousands of jobs, remains in doubt.

Labor close to collapse, Brown says
Date: 17-Feb-11
Author: Ian Kirkwood (The Herald)
FORMER federal Labor MP Bob Brown has renewed his attack on his former party, blaming Newcastle state MP Jodi McKay for some of its parlous position.
Mr Brown, who was one of more than 30 Labor members expelled by the party executive when Ms McKay replaced Bryce Gaudry, said it aggrieved him deeply to witness the total collapse of the party.

"Jodi McKay is reported as saying she wants to complete what she started," Mr Brown said.

Cessnock Councillor Censured in Heated Debate
Date: 17-Feb-11
Author: Cessnock-Kurri Greens
Greens Councillor Chris Parker was censured last night while supporting a motion to have an inquiry into the process which was used to recruit the Councils' new General Manager.

Devastating swing would cull ALP MPs
Date: 17-Feb-11
Author: Michelle Harris and AAP (The Herald)
NOT one Labor state MP would be left in the Hunter if a devastating predicted swing of 18 per cent against the party materialises across NSW at next month's election.
The latest Nielsen poll for the Sydney Morning Herald shows a two-party preferred swing of 18 per cent against the ALP that would leave it with as few as 13 seats in the lower house of parliament.

That would sweep away its six Hunter seats.

Coalition land use policy short on detail
Date: 16-Feb-11
Author: Tim Duddy
Independent candidate for Upper Hunter Tim Duddy is dubious about the coalition's regional land use policy, concerned it lacks the detail the community expects from an opposition trying to take government.

Mr Duddy said, "While the sentiments are encouraging, it is disappointing that Duncan Gay seems to have walked away from his promise to draft the necessary legislation to deliver a meaningful outcome.

"The communities across the Liverpool Plains, Bylong, Gloucester, and the Upper Hunter Valley have worked tirelessly with NSW farmers, Hunter Valley thoroughbred breeders and wine growers to protect their environments, productive agricultural land, local water supplies and livelihoods. They deserve the credit for getting the Coalition this far.

Kurri smelter in talks about new power contract
Date: 11-Feb-11
Author: ABC News
Management at the Hydro Aluminium smelter at Kurri Kurri, in the Hunter, have begun talks with Macquarie Generation on a new power contract, amid concern for the plant's future.

Hydro's managing director Alberto Fabrini yesterday told a parliamentary inquiry the Treasurer Eric Roozendaal's scrapping of a power contract with Delta Electricity has forced the smelter to defer millions of dollars in investment.

Hydro sent jobs letter
Date: 11-Feb-11
Author: Michelle Harris (The Herald)
PREMIER Kristina Keneally was directly warned that thousands of Hunter jobs were in jeopardy because the Kurri Kurri aluminium smelter needed a new power contract, but her government did nothing for three months, an inquiry has heard.

Coalition must commit to a land-use strategy for NSW
Date: 10-Feb-11
Author: Tim Duddy
Independent candidate for the Upper Hunter and Liverpool Plains farmer Tim Duddy has called on the Coalition to commit to developing a land-use strategy for NSW should they become the next government.

Attending the current government's community and stakeholder forum in Gunnedah Mr Duddy said, "Labor's coal and gas strategy development process is about five years late and currently misdirected, but the process offers a chance to resolve land-use issues associated with mining development across the state.

Labor's Pathetic 11th Hour Attempt To Win Back Favour On Kurri Kurri Smelter Issue
Date: 10-Feb-11
Author: Mike Baird (NSW Liberals)
Shadow Treasurer Mike Baird, NSW Liberal Candidate for Maitland Robyn Parker and NSW Nationals Candidate for Cessnock Alison Davey today slammed Kristina Keneally's continued appalling treatment of workers at Hydro Aluminum Smelter in the Hunter Valley town of Kurri Kurri.

Lukewarm response to state's coal, gas consultation
Date: 09-Feb-11
Author: Bronwyn Farr (The Land)
THE NSW Government's eleventh hour public consultation on a proposed NSW coal and gas strategy has received a lukewarm response at best, while the Opposition has pledged to toss out the controversial laws that allow the Planning Minister to have the ultimate say on whether mines get the green light.

Opposition leader Barry O'Farrell this week reaffirmed his commitment to throw out the contentious 'Part3A' legislation and overhaul 30-year-old laws.

Caroona Coal Action Group spokesman Tim Duddy said a 'land use strategy', not a 'coal and gas strategy' had been promised, and NSW documents released ahead of the whistle-stop tour of country areas proved that "the government has no intention of protecting the water and soils of the Liverpool Plains".

Planning Minister Kelly Wrong Again
Date: 08-Feb-11
Author: James Ryan
Cessnock Greens Councillor James Ryan says Planning Minister Kelly is wrong to say the latest figures justify his taking away of Cessnocks planning powers, the Planning Panel is taking longer to assess Development Applications than Councillors did.

The True Cost of Mining - Greens MP launches tour of NSW
Date: 07-Feb-11
Author: Peter Stahel (NSW Greens)
Greens MP and mining spokesperson Cate Faehrmann has begun the first leg of a tour of mining communities in New South Wales. The 'The True Cost of Mining' tour begins in the Hunter and will tour areas heavily impacted by mining over the coming weeks.

Oakeshott supports NSW independents
Date: 05-Feb-11
Author: AAP via NineMSN
Federal MP Rob Oakeshott has thrown his support behind three fellow independents standing in safe National Party seats at the NSW state election.

The electorates of Upper Hunter, Myall Lakes and Oxley have all been held comfortably by the Nationals for decades.

Independents take on mid north coast seats in NSW election
Date: 05-Feb-11
Author: Nine News
Federal MP Rob Oakeshott has thrown his support behind three fellow independents standing in safe National Party seats at the NSW state election.

Cessnock Green Councillors Oppose $2.5m Rate Increase Proposal
Date: 03-Feb-11
Author: James Ryan
Green Councillors James Ryan and Chris Parker have condemned Cessnock Council for asking the community to support a rate increase of up to $2.5m to pay for roadworks when the Council is yet release an independent report detailing the council's performance in relation to the roads in the LGA.

Coal and Gas Strategy gets mixed reaction
Date: 03-Feb-11
Author: ABC News
The New South Wales Minerals Council has welcomed the state government's plans to develop a Coal and Gas strategy.

Liverpool Plains farmer, Tim Duddy, is running as an Independent on an anti-mining platform in next month's state election.

NSW Govt Coal Strategy Paper breaks its repeated promises on protecting the Liverpool Plains
Date: 02-Feb-11
Author: Tim Duddy
Independent candidate for the Upper Hunter Tim Duddy says the NSW Premier must immediately explain a Department of Planning document which says mining is likely ?on and under the black soils of the Liverpool Plains? - directly contradicting repeated assurances given to the community.

Souris slams AGL in email
Date: 02-Feb-11
Author: Michelle Harris (The Herald)
COALITION MP George Souris is said to have toughened his stance on coal seam gas, telling AGL representatives it could "save a lot of time for everyone in the future" by surrendering its exploration licences in the Hunter.
The Hunter Valley Protection Alliance has circulated excerpts of an email it says Mr Souris sent to the representatives last week after its lobbyists offered him a briefing on their exploration in his Upper Hunter electorate.

Nationals in campaign for Cessnock
Date: 31-Jan-11
Author: Michelle Harris (The Herald)
THE parliamentary wing of the NSW Nationals will visit Cessnock today to bolster its campaign for the previously safe Labor seat where the government is facing a mounting backlash over its sale of electricity assets.

Threat to murder NSW Labor MP Clayton Barr's children and pregnant wife
Date: 29-Jan-11
Author: Andrew Clennell (Daily Telegraph)
A LABOR candidate for the state election has gone to police over a death threat his pregnant wife received in the mail which threatened his children.

The Daily Telegraph understands the wife of Clayton Barr, the candidate for Cessnock, received a letter addressed to her which contained the words: "Clay pulls out or I start shooting kids".

Nationals will battle for Coalition cabinet seats
Date: 29-Jan-11
Author: Alexandra Smith (SMH)
At 72, Alison Davey will be the oldest new MP in Macquarie Street if she manages to win herself a seat. The retired school principal is the National Party's candidate in Cessnock, the blue-collar town that has been safely in Labor hands since the 1920s, except for a brief Liberal interlude in 1988.

George Souris response to a request for an AGL Briefing
Date: 28-Jan-11
Author: George Souris
Upper Hunter sitting member George Souris was asked for a meeting with AGL by Government Relations Australia Advisory Pty Ltd - this was his great response (posted with permission)...

Duddy eyes State seat
Date: 27-Jan-11
Author: Alan Dick (The Land)
CAROONA district farmer and activist against coal exploration on the Liver-pool Plains, Tim Duddy, will stand as an Independent for the seat of Upper Hunter in the March State election.
He will have a formidable task to beat the sitting member, The Nationals' George Souris, who won with 64.7 per cent of the two-party preferred vote in the 2007 election.

Duddy calls for mine moratorium
Date: 26-Jan-11
Author: Don Mahony (Mudgee Guardian)
Liverpool Plains farmer and agricultural advocate Tim Duddy launched his campaign for the seat of Upper Hunter with a vow to represent the people of the Bylong Valley in their campaign to save the valley from coal miners.
Mr Duddy, who chairman of the Caroona Coal Action Group, said he had spoken to the people of Bylong before the current push to mine the valley for coal became a public issue.

Duddy launch
Date: 25-Jan-11
Author: Rachel Oldknow (Singleton Argus)
INDEPENDENT candidate for the seat of Upper Hunter Tim Duddy officially launched his campaign in Singleton yesterday with a strong turnout.
Thirty-three people turned out to hear from Mr Duddy with the crowd keen to quiz him on party politics and preferences. At the top of the list however was industry including mining and the environment.

Gloves are off
Date: 25-Jan-11
Author: Rachel Oldknow (Singleton Argus)
SINGLETON has entered campaign mode with the two candidates vying for the state seat for Upper Hunter already making election promises.
Yesterday, incumbent state member George Souris said a full investigation into Singleton's highway by-pass, or at least a heavy vehicle by-pass, would be conducted if his party was to win at the March election.

Local farmer to stand as independent in state election
Date: 24-Jan-11
Author: ABC Upper Hunter
Liverpool Plains farmer Tim Duddy says he has plenty of experience to help guide government policy when it comes to conflicting land-use in the Upper Hunter.

Cessnock Councillor Chris Parker will stand as the Greens candidate in the Upper Hunter seat.

Campaigner runs for office
Date: 21-Jan-11
Author: Prime News (Tamworth)
Caroona Coal campaigner Tim Duddy is preparing to wrestle the National Party for the Upper Hunter. The Liverpool Plains farmer will stand as independent for the state seat at the March election. Fighting to become an advocate for regional Australia in just nine weeks.

Report on Cessnock roadwork held back
Date: 21-Jan-11
Author: Joanne McCarthy (The Herald)
Cessnock City Council has been accused of sitting on an independent report into the council's roadworks performance and quality of work since late last year.
Greens councillor James Ryan accused the council of hiding or doctoring the report after he was advised by a spokeswoman for mayor Alison Davey that the independent report was "in draft form and the review is yet to be completed".

NSW Liberals and Nationals plan for more hazard reduction to safeguard Cessnock homes
Date: 13-Jan-11
Author: Alison Davey & Hon Melinda Pavey MLC
A NSW Liberals & Nationals Government will increase the amount of hazard reduction around Cessnock to better safeguard homes and businesses, Shadow Minister for Emergency Services Melinda Pavey and The Nationals candidate for Cessnock Alison Davey said today.

Nationals in race to scoop safe Labor seat in Cessnock
Date: 07-Jan-11
Author: Joanne McCarthy (The Herald)
CESSNOCK MP Kerry Hickey's controversial retirement from state politics has left the safe Labor seat vulnerable to attack from prominent National and Greens party candidates, December polling has shown.
The National Party will run a "full marginal seat campaign" backing candidate, Cessnock mayor Alison Davey, after polling showed "we've got a shot" despite a 12.4 per cent margin to Labor, campaign director Ross Cadell said.

Cessnock Electorate - NSW 2011
Date: 01-Jan-11
Author: The Tally Room
Cessnock is a heartland Labor seat, and would normally be considered safe. In the current climate, however, a 12% margin does not appear very safe at all.

Greens to Influence Outcome in Cessnock
Date: 19-Dec-10
Author: Cessnock Kurri Greens
At a meeting of members and supporters the Greens candidate for Cessnock, James Ryan outlined the important influence the Greens would play in the up coming State election.

Two more candidates confirmed for seat of Cessnock
Date: 15-Dec-10
Author: The Advertiser
The race for the Seat of Cessnock at the March 2011 State Elections entered a new phase over the weekend with Labor pre-selection finalised and a new candidate announcing his intentions.
Clayton Barr won the Labor pre-selection ballot and first term Cessnock councillor, Allan McCudden announced he will be a candidate.

The Nationals: Cr Alison Davey - Candidate for Cessnock
Date: 04-Dec-10
Author: The Nationals - NSW
Alison Davey is an extraordinary local champion. She has lived in Cessnock for forty years and has passionately pursued a teaching career over that time, teaching at West Cessnock and East Maitland Public Schools.

Hickey outspoken in farewell
Date: 04-Dec-10
Author: Michelle Harris (The Herald)
CESSNOCK MP Kerry Hickey has farewelled state parliament in a speech that spanned his start in politics almost 20 years ago, a shorter-lived ministerial role, criticisms of privatisation, and the controversy surrounding his retirement.
Mr Hickey was among departing MPs to give valedictory speeches this week, as the parliament wound down ahead of the March state election.

Six Cessnock councillors in the running for State preselection
Date: 15-Sep-10
Author: The Advertiser
In what is developing into an absorbing contest for the Seat of Cessnock at next year's State elections, up to six Cessnock City Councillors could be in the in the running.

Official 'boo hoo' from Cessnock Labor Councillors
Date: 10-Sep-10
Author: NSW Privileges Committee
The submission referred to statements made by Ms Sylvia Hale concerning Cessnock City Council during the adjournment debate in the House on 24 June 2010.2 The President, having considered the submission under standing order 202(2), referred it to the Privileges Committee on 31 August 2010.

Cheating MP Kerry Hickey drops out of NSW election race
Date: 06-Sep-10
Author: Andrew Clennell (Daily Telegraph)
STATE MP Kerry Hickey, who fathered a child during an affair with a parliamentary staffer, will not run for NSW parliament at next March's election. The Cessnock MP told local branch members yesterday, Labor sources confirmed.

Another NSW Labor MP resigns
Date: 06-Sep-10
Author: Business Spectator (AAP)
NSW Premier Kristina Keneally says state MP Kerry Hickey has resigned in the best interests of himself and his family.

Mr Hickey announced he would not recontest his seat of Cessnock in the Hunter Valley during a branch meeting on Sunday, citing personal reasons for his decision.

Hickey plans to step down
Date: 06-Sep-10
Author: Louise Hall and Neil Goffet (The Herald)
Kerry Hickey, the state Labor MP who lied about having a baby with a parliamentary staffer, will not stand at the election. No obvious replacement is waiting in the wings but Cessnock City councillor James Hawkins was one name being put forward, as was Port Stephens Council employee Clayton Barr.

Greens MP resigns from NSW Parliament
Date: 31-Aug-10
Author: ABC News
There is more movement on the Upper House benches of New South Wales parliament, with yet another resignation. Greens MLC Sylvia Hale was not planning to contest next March's state election but she has decided to leave early and will formally hand in her resignation on Friday. Her party has already selected her replacement - Sydney lawyer David Shoebridge.

Spouse in Hickey affair may run against MP
Date: 28-Aug-10
Author: Joanne McCarthy (The Herald)
THE man who raised Kerry Hickey's baby for six months until uncovering the Cessnock MP's affair with a parliamentary staffer has slammed Premier Kristina Keneally's "shameful" response and threatened to stand against Mr Hickey at the state election.
An outraged David Kuta called for a public apology to himself after Ms Keneally failed to mention him in a statement released to the Newcastle Herald on Thursday.

The power of one
Date: 28-Aug-10
Author: Frances Thompson (The Herald)
Electoral backlash against the major parties could work for independents at the state poll, writes FRANCES THOMPSON. VOTER disapproval is forming against Labor in the Hunter Region and jostling has already begun in two vulnerable seats - Cessnock and Newcastle - that may see a wave of independent candidates at the March 2011 state election.

Pollution package ignores calls for health study
Date: 27-Aug-10
Author: Di Sneddon (Singleton Argus)
The state government says they are listening to community concerns, but they aren't listening closely enough.

ALP challenged in Cessnock
Date: 27-Aug-10
Author: Donna Sharpe (The Herald)
Fed up with Cessnock's "political soap opera", Cr Dale Troy will stand against sitting member Kerry Hickey at the March state election. Cr Troy said yesterday that the thought of Mr Hickey retaining the seat for another four years was more than he could bear and said the people of the electorate deserved better.

"I want to be the people's representative in parliament, not the parliament's representative to the people," Cr Troy said.

Shock over MP's actions
Date: 20-Aug-10
Author: Joanne McCarthy (The Herald)
Cessnock MP Kerry Hickey will almost certainly face preselection challenges from within the Labor Party after Tuesday's confirmation that he lied about having a baby with a parliamentary staffer, and had planned to retire from politics.
While Labor members contacted by the Newcastle Herald accepted his new relationship and the birth of his daughter were a private matter, his retirement plans - reversed within 30 minutes of talking to Premier Kristina Keneally - were a shock.

Hickey's preselection challenge
Date: 20-Aug-10
Author: Joanne McCarthy (SMH)
THE state MP for Cessnock, Kerry Hickey, will almost certainly face Labor preselection challenges after it was confirmed on Tuesday that he lied about fathering a parliamentary staffer's baby, and planned to retire from politics. Labor members accepted his new relationship and the birth of his daughter were a private matter but his retirement plans - reversed within 30 minutes of talking to the Premier, Kristina Keneally - were a shock. "It's been a huge surprise... but I hope it all calms down," said James Hawkins, a Cessnock councillor and the Bellbird Labor branch secretary.

Secret love child exposes Labor MP Kerry Hickey
Date: 19-Aug-10
Author: Andrew Clennell (The Daily Telegraph)
THIS is the child Kerry Hickey thought he could keep a secret ... then the mother's boyfriend walked in.

David Kuta was the partner of parliamentary research officer Stephanie Hesford when he came home early from work one day last August to find Mr Hickey in his underwear playing with the child Mr Kuta thought was his daughter on the floor.

MP admits lying over paternity: I'm the dad
Date: 18-Aug-10
Author: Joanne McCarthy (The Herald)
Cessnock MP Kerry Hickey said yesterday he would stay in politics after a dramatic day in which he admitted lying about having a baby with a NSW parliamentary staff member, called NSW Premier Kristina Keneally to give her the news, and reversed a decision to retire.
''Of course I lied,'' he said yesterday about a Newcastle Herald report last month in which he said he and the woman were friends, and the baby girl born in February last year was not his.