Get the latest news and see what our Members have been up to in their electorates.

Final design ready for new Wallendbeen bridge

Construction is expected to begin later this year after the final design for the new permanent bridge at Wallendbeen was completed. Nationals Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said this is welcome news for residents and transport operators who have been living with a temporary single-lane steel bridge after a wet weather event severely damaged the…

Funding boost for local libraries

Four small town libraries are slated for upgrades after Tamworth Regional Council received $170,792 in funding from the NSW Nationals in the state government’s Public Library Infrastructure Grant program. Libraries in Barraba, Kootingal, Manilla, and Nundle will share in the funding that sees improvements to shelving, seating, and furniture and the introduction of Aboriginal placemaking…

$67 million for education flood recovery

Schools, early childhood education and care services, and vocational training services across the Northern Rivers and North Coast will receive a $67 million boost to help their recovery from the devastating floods. The package focuses on replacing educational resources, staff wellbeing, and trauma training to support students, including: • $10 million hardship fund for families…

Nats to deliver Muswellbrook bypass

The NSW Nationals in the federal government have committed $268.8 million to build the Muswellbrook bypass on the New England Highway, which will create hundreds of jobs and slash travel times for freight operators. Construction on the project is expected to commence in early 2023 and be completed by late 2027. Once complete, it will…

Grants strengthening Riverina and Central West communities

The Cowra Information and Neighbourhood Centre plans to install a soft-tiled and disability-safe basketball and netball court after receiving approval for a NSW Nationals in the Federal Government’s Stronger Communities Programme (SCP) grant. Member for Riverina Michael McCormack said the centre has been approved for a $20,000 SCP grant, which was the total estimated cost…

Game changer for Blackhead Tennis Club

The Myall Lakes will benefit from $60,000 in community funding to light Blackhead Tennis Club under the NSW Nationals in the state government’s Infrastructure Grants program. Nationals Member for Myall Lakes, Stephen Bromhead, said the funding will help make the sport accessible to more people. “Installing lighting at Blackhead Tennis courts will be a game…

Communities to benefit from Covid-19 recovery funding

Community events and initiatives that are focused on wellbeing will be eligible for a share of $5 million in grants, as part of the NSW Nationals in the state government’s $130 million COVID-19 mental health recovery package. The COVID-19 Community Connection and Wellbeing Program will support projects that promote social connection, resilience and wellbeing in…

Paws for celebration as biosecurity Detector Dog Program marks 30 years

Australia’s biosecurity detector dog program is celebrating 30 years of dedication and detection on Australia’s biosecurity frontline. Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment and Australia’s Director of Biosecurity, Mr Andrew Metcalfe AO, said detector dogs have become a critical part of the department’s biosecurity detection capability. “The first barks about employing…