A new $110 million initiative will back Australia’s agricultural and fisheries sector by helping them export their high-quality produce into key overseas markets, with return flights bringing back vital medical supplies, medicines and equipment. In addition, around $10 million in Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA) levies will also be waived for all Commonwealth fishers, ensuring…
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NSW Nationals Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead has welcomed the funding announcement of $7750 for Diamond Beach RFS as part of the Community Building Partnership Scheme. This is fantastic news for not only Diamond Beach RFS, but the entire local community who are kept safe from fires thanks to the Diamond Beach unit,” Mr…
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Regional seniors will benefit from reinforced and prioritised support for Meals on Wheels and similar services as people adhere to COVID-19 restrictions and stay at home. Deputy Prime Minister and Nationals Leader Michael McCormack said this $59.3 million measure was an important step to ensure some of our most vulnerable residents received the support they…
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Key engineering and environmental advisors have been appointed for the raising of the Wyangala Dam wall. NSW Nationals Water Minister Melinda Pavey announced a Stantec-GHD joint venture had been engaged for the project, which aimed to increase Wyangala’s storage capacity by 53 per cent, or an additional 650GL. Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said she…
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The Federal Government will provide an unprecedented wage subsidy to around six million workers, including many throughout regional Australia, says Nationals Leader Michael McCormack. The Deputy Prime Minister and Riverina MP said the $130 billion JobKeeper payment would shield many regional Australians from losing their jobs. “This historic announcement goes to the heart of what…
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The NSW Nationals in Government are asking people to put off non-essential travel between regional NSW towns and remote communities, telling them Easter holiday plans should be indefinitely postponed in line with the nationwide effort to slow the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Deputy Premier and NSW Nationals Leader John Barilaro said he was worried…
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The NSW Nationals have welcomed a common-sense exemption to keep freight moving, with restrictions on roadside eateries, truck driver lounges and rest stops eased. The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) and the National Cabinet approved an exemption for roadhouses, dedicated truck stop facilities and truck driver lounges to remain open so Australia’s heavy vehicle…
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Producers, farm workers and farm contractors and suppliers can now apply for a one-off $3000 payment through the Nationals in Government’s Drought Communities Support Initiative. Nationals Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan said the Commonwealth had topped up funding for the program by $82.75 million last month and now the charity dispensing the payments had been…
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The NSW Government has released the second stage of its economic package aimed at keeping people in jobs, helping businesses and supporting our most vulnerable in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Key elements of the NSW COVID-19 stage two package include: Keeping people in jobs and helping businesses stay afloat ? The creation of…
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Foreign investment review laws will be changed to ensure the interests of regional, rural and remote businesses are protected through the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. All proposed foreign investments into Australia subject to the Foreign Acquisitions and Takeovers Act 1975 (the Act) will require approval, providing a significant protection for agricultural land. By bringing the threshold…
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