Breakthrough genetic research aims to stamp out mice plagues

Pest management Australia-wide could be transformed with breakthrough genetic biocontrol research under the NSW Nationals in the state government’s $50 million mouse control package. Nationals Agriculture Minister Adam Marshall said the NSW government would provide $1.8 million towards the project to fast-track the delivery of next generation ‘gene drive’ technology to control the plagues of…

Nats scoring goals for Gloucester netball

The Gloucester netball community is celebrating a $300,000 funding injection for court reconstruction and a new amenities block. Federal Nationals Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie joined Gloucester Netball President Sally Maslen to announce all courts will be upgraded and rebuilt with new surfaces. Dr Gillespie said the funding, from the NSW Nationals in the…

Dogged approach to weed eradication

For the first time in the Tweed, the NSW Nationals in the state government will use a scent detector dog to uncover parthenium weed. Nationals member for Tweed Geoff Provest said the weed was suspected of growing in Palmvale, but had been difficult to find, and Connor the Springer Spaniel was now on the case.…

Regional telecommunications under review

An independent committee has been appointed to examine and review regional telecommunications services. NSW Nationals Regional Communications Minister Mark Coulton said the 2021 Regional Telecommunications Review will examine the state of telecommunications services in regional, rural and remote parts of Australia, and will report to the government with its findings and recommendations by December 31.…

Mice plague rebates backdated

The NSW Nationals in the state government have announced the rebate programme for mice baits will be backdated to February. Deputy Premier John Barilaro said backdating the program will help regional families that were impacted by mice earlier this year and will ease the financial pressure farmers and small businesses are currently facing. “By extending…

Mental health boost for NSW workplaces

SafeWork NSW’s Mentally Healthy Workplaces Strategy has been relaunched in a bid to improve workplace mental health in response to the changes brought about by COVID-19. Nationals Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson said the redesigned strategy is focused on helping every type of business become mentally healthy. “SafeWork has already done a fantastic job…

Major boost to Wagga Wagga special activation precinct

The Nationals in the NSW Government have committed a further $137 million to drive economic growth and prosperity through the Wagga Wagga Special Activation Precinct. The 4500-hectare precinct capitalises on Wagga Wagga’s location as NSW’s southern gateway while being central to Australia’s richest food and agricultural region, the Riverina. It will target businesses in freight…