We need our farmers more than ever says Nats MP

NSW Nationals Upper House MP Sam Farraway has praised the hard work being done by farmers and food processors across NSW to continue to put food on supermarket shelves for Australians during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr Farraway said farmers have continued to provide Australians with three meals a day the while battling their own crisis…

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Supporting the agriculture workforce during COVID-19

The Federal Nationals in Government are making temporary changes to visa arrangements to help farmers access the workforce they need to secure Australia’s food and produce supply during COVID-19. The changes allow those within the Pacific Labour Scheme, Seasonal Worker Program and working holiday makers to continue to work in agriculture and food processing until…

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Congratulations to Shane Fitzsimmons

The NSW Nationals are thanking outgoing NSW Rural Fire Service commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons for his decades of service to the state, including 12 years as RFS leader, as he prepares to head up the newly-created agency Resilience NSW. Wagga Wagga-based Nationals Upper House MP Wes Fang congratulated the Commissioner on his new appointment. “I can…

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New Macksville hospital to open early

The new $73 million Macksville Hospital is expected to be open and operating months ahead of schedule and without any disruptions to normal service delivery. NSW Nationals Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey said the opening will help put the Mid North Coast Local Health District in a strong position to manage the operational impacts of…

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Next stage of Snowy 2.0 gets green light

More than 150 new jobs will be created and $55 million injected into regional NSW, as the NSW Government gives the go-ahead for construction of the Snowy Hydro Segment Factory – the next crucial stage of the Snowy 2.0 expansion. Deputy Premier and NSW Nationals Member for Monaro John Barilaro said the approval of the…

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Fee-free TAFE courses during pandemic

A suite of 21 fee-free TAFE NSW short courses are available online to assist anyone across the State who wants to upskill during the COVID-19 pandemic. NSW Nationals Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead said the pandemic response has had a dramatic effect on communities and working life, but these select courses will assist job…

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Local businesses join the fight against COVID-19

Junee Licorice and Chocolate Factory is among the many regional businesses answering the call to produce supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic. The family-owned business has repurposed its distillery at Corowa to make hospital grade hand sanitiser that meets World Health Organisation standards. NSW Nationals Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke congratulated them for their ingenuity and…

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Deputy PM slams petrol price gap

Nationals Leader Michael McCormack has strongly criticised petrol companies for failing to pass on price drops to regional customers. The COVID-19 pandemic is having a significant impact on the Australian economy and every motorist in regional Australia deserves price relief, Mr McCormack said. As not only Deputy Prime Minister but also Minister for Transport, Infrastructure…

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John Barilaro

Department of Regional NSW established

A dedicated Department of Regional NSW has been established to better coordinate support for communities, businesses and farmers in the bush that have endured drought, bushfire and flood and now face the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Deputy Premier, NSW Nationals Leader and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said the department will bring together…

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Prioritising safety on the Mitchell Highway

A suite of safety measures are being rolled out along the Mitchell Highway with construction of wider road shoulders, improvements to drainage and installation of new roadside barriers now underway at Cooba Road, west of Dubbo. NSW Nationals Member for Dubbo Dugald Saunders said the $1.25 million project was being delivered through the Safer Roads…

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Securing freight access for farms and fisheries

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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Diamond Beach firies benefit from community grant

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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Meals on wheels services get more support

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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Wyangala Dam project moving ahead

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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