Visit to Menindee with Deputy Prime Minister Last Thursday (7 February) I travelled to Menindee with my friend and colleague, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, The Hon Michael McCormack MP. It was thoroughly productive to take part in discussions with local residents and key groups at a public…
A week of milestones Several great milestones have been achieved this week, with the opening of Macquarie Home Stay in Dubbo, a celebration of the extensive upgrades at Dubbo Airport, and of course the wonderful news on Australia Day that seven deserving recipients in the Parkes electorate have been named in the Australia Day 2019…
Funding for pests and weeds Applications are open now for a new grants program that offers funding for pest and weed management projects. All 18 local councils in the Parkes electorate can apply via a competitive process to deliver projects under the Communities Combating Pests and Weed Impacts During Drought Program – Biosecurity Management of…
Apply now – drought small grants Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) is offering drought funding to assist communities in the region. WNSW PHN will provide small grants within the range of $5,000 and $50,000 under the Australian Government’s Empowering our Communities Program. These grants will support wellbeing initiatives, upskill workers in the delivery…
Menindee fish kill Readers would now be aware of the recent fish kill at Menindee Lakes. This is a concerning issue and I continue to monitor the situation closely. I am advised that the deaths appear to be linked to the short spell of cooler weather before Christmas that caused algae to die. This meant…
A positive week for infrastructure and health Last week was momentous with the official sod turn of the nation-building Inland Rail project taking place near Parkes on Thursday – a project which compelled me to get off the tractor on the farm near Warialda and join politics. Inland Rail is a 1700km rail line between…
Parliament sitting comes to a close Last week was the final Parliamentary sitting week for 2018, and I will return to Canberra again early next year. With the break comes a chance to travel across the electorate with commitments at community events and meetings with constituents. It is always enjoyable getting back to my electorate…
Protect against Q fever Q fever is an infectious disease that is almost always related to direct or indirect contact with animals including cattle, sheep or goats. Unfortunately the prevalence of this disease has been amplified recently due to increased hand-feeding and other management practices required on-farm during the drought. At the moment, Q fever…
Recognising sporting talent – Dubbo Sports Awards It was a pleasure to host the 16th annual Dubbo Regional Sports Awards on Friday evening at the Dubbo RSL Club. Member for Calare, Andrew Gee, joined me in conjunction with the Dubbo Regional Sports Council to shine a light on the outstanding achievements of the most talented…
Greater access for regional students Those in regional and remote communities will have greater access to higher education, as a result of the Coalition Government’s recent announcement of an additional $134.8 million. Every Australian should have access to our world-leading higher education system. Our Government’s investment will give students in my electorate greater choice and…