Planning is underway on making an 11-kilometre tunnel the central component of an upgraded Great Western Highway between Katoomba and Lithgow. Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the proposed tunnel, which would be the longest of its kind in Australia, would transform the state by better connecting the Central West to the east coast. “We have…
NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway has announced $500,000 in funding for the new Quirindi library under the 2020/21 Public Library Infrastructure Grant program. Mr Farraway was joined by NSW Nationals Education Minister Sarah Mitchell to see the progress of the new library site as well as look at what this extra funding will…
Outback pubs and regional theatres will benefit from a boost to live music from the Nationals in government. The NSW Nationals in the federal government have announced 100 venues across the country will share in round two of the Live Music Australia program. The program, which opened in August last year, will deliver annual funding…
Female sporting teams across regional NSW will benefit from new and improved facilities, thanks to the $100 million Stronger Country Communities Fund from the NSW Nationals in the state government. Deputy Premier John Barilaro, NSW Nationals Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor and NSW Nationals Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning Sarah Mitchell said applications…
Drone technology is helping the NSW Nationals in the state government fast-track assessment of damage and rebuilding efforts following devastating floods earlier this year. Deputy Premier John Barilaro said data gathered by drones was providing a clear picture of the massive amount of soil and debris that needed to be removed and helped in developing…
Increasing numbers of doctors are training to become GPs in regional, rural and remote areas, which will deliver significant benefits to patients and communities in the bush. The NSW Nationals in the Australian Government’s 2021 Australian General Practice Training program selection process has seen the largest number of acceptances – 1434 doctors – in several…
A new safety campaign has been launched to reduce the number of dangerously loaded trucks operating on regional roads. Deputy Prime Minister and Nationals leader Michael McCormack has welcomed the project, which was initiated by the Parkes, Forbes, and Lachlan Shire Councils, and which is funded under the Federal Government’s Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative. “This…
Students are being encouraged to study in regional Australia, with the third round of the NSW Nationals in the federal government’s Destination Australia scholarship program now open. Regional universities and vocational education providers can apply to offer scholarships at their institutions for up to $15,000 per student a year, and for qualifications ranging from a…
A $500,000 grant from the Regional Job Creation Fund will help the expansion of The Little Big Dairy Company at Rawsonville near Dubbo and provide new job opportunities. NSW Nationals Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders said the grant will go towards building a new shed for storage and office space, as well as the purchase…
The $250 million redevelopment of Griffith Base Hospital is a step closer, with NSW Health Infrastructure lodging the State Significant Development application for the work. The hospital will provide the Griffith area with: an expanded Emergency Department; a significant increase in aged care and rehabilitation beds; operating theatres, surgical, and medical inpatient units; maternity, medical…
The expansion of an award-winning craft distillery in the Upper Hunter is the first of 23 projects being backed by the NSW Nationals in the state government’s $100 million Regional Job Creation Fund. Deputy Premier and NSW Nationals leader John Barilaro has met the owners of Magpie Distilling at the White Hart Hotel in Murrurundi…
The NSW Nationals in the state and federal governments have announced additional assistance for communities affected by February’s devastating floods. Recovery grants of up to $50,000 for small businesses and $75,000 for primary producers are now available in Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Kyogle, Lismore, and Richmond Valley. Previously, support was available for communities impacted by…
More than 300,000 people across NSW have signed up for the Regional Seniors Travel Card, just three months after the 2nd round of applications opened. NSW Nationals Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson said it was fantastic to see the keen response to the $250 pre-paid Visa card, which benefited more than 337,500 seniors and their…
NSW Nationals Education Minister Sarah Mitchell is cracking down on schools that don’t spend their funding on students. The new rules for public school principals mean they must spend all their record education funding on the students it is intended for. “Public schools in NSW are better funded than at any point in history,” Ms…
NSW Nationals candidate for Upper Hunter Dave Layzell and NSW Nationals Regional Transport Minister Paul Toole have met Dungog Shire Council officials to outline how the NSW Nationals in Government plan to continue to assist in fixing local roads and bridges. Mr Layzell said local roads have been a massive issue for Dungog Shire for…
