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…

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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…

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$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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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Submissions open for NSW flood inquiry

Submissions have opened to the 2022 NSW Flood Inquiry. Professor Mary O’Kane AC and Michael Fuller APM will lead the six-month independent Inquiry, which will review the preparation for, causes of, response to and recovery from the 2022 catastrophic flood event across the state of NSW. The inquiry will play a critical role in providing…

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New Back Home grants for flood-damaged properties

The NSW Nationals in the state government will provide flood-impacted renters, landlords and homeowners with cash grants as part of a new $112 million Back Home program that will help make their homes safe and habitable again by contributing towards the cost of replacing appliances, reconnecting utilities and making necessary repairs. Under the Back Home…

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Call for tenders for new Dubbo bridge

A major milestone has been reached in the New Dubbo Bridge project with tenders called for the lead construction contractor to build the $220 million project, which is being funded by the NSW Nationals in the state and federal governments. Tenders will be invited on April 28, 2022 and will be open for eight weeks,…

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Masterplan for new $80 million Moree District Hospital redevelopment

Nationals MP for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall has unveiled the $80 million Moree District Hospital redevelopment draft masterplan, which will include a new hospital and clinical services building. The redevelopment will deliver nurses, doctors, allied health staff and the local community with upgraded clinical facilities, services and health infrastructure. The redevelopment includes a new clinical…

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Labor’s raid on the regions – Barnaby Joyce

In a campaign pitch to the nation, the Labor Party’s Anthony Albanese last night launched Labor’s raid on the regions. The Labor leader’s 36-minute Budget reply speech failed to include any mention of regional projects the Labor Party intends to fund, nor did it include Labor’s support for the nation-building infrastructure projects our government is…

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