Photo caption: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton pictured during the tender announcement of the $261 million Newell Highway Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrade. Work is now beginning on the new rest stop north of Narrabri.
New rest stops
Adequate rest stops along long stretches of highway in the bush are so important, which is why I’m pleased the Australian and NSW governments are jointly funding an upgrade to a rest stop on the Kamilaroi Highway between Walgett and Brewarrina.
The $1.75 million upgrade to Yambie Lagoon Rest Area, about 60 kilometres east of Brewarrina, will involve building toilet and shelter facilities as well as picnic tables and parking for heavy and light vehicles on both the eastbound and westbound shoulders.
This will provide truck drivers, tourists and all road users with the opportunity to stop along this remote stretch of highway, helping to reduce driver fatigue and ensure they arrive at their destination safely.
I’m also excited that work has started on the new heavy vehicle rest area about 12-kilometres north of Narrabri on the Newell Highway. The new rest area will feature eight heavy vehicle parking spaces for short and long-term parking, 10 light vehicle and caravan parking spaces for short-term parking, accessible toilet facilities, a picnic shelter and solar lighting, rubbish bins, and tree planting and landscaping.
This is part of the $261 million Newell Highway Heavy Duty Pavement Upgrade project which was funded by the former Coalition Federal and NSW governments.
Glyphosate ruling a win for farmers
I welcome the Federal Court’s recent ruling that glyphosate does not cause cancer.
The class action against Roundup companies Monsanto and Bayer claimed exposure to glyphosate caused non-Hodgkin lymphoma, however following a lengthy trial, Justice Michael Lee said the plaintiffs failed to prove the chemical causes cancer.
This will be welcome news for farmers across Australia, as glyphosate is one of the most commonly used products to combat weeds. It allows farmers to be more productive and sustainable through no or minimal till farming which protects soil structure, moisture and nutrients, and ultimately increases the storage of soil carbon.
I personally saw a huge change in the health of the soil on my property as a result of using glyphosate and was able to retain important topsoil that would otherwise be lost. Glyphosate is integral to the Australian farming landscape and if farmers are to continue to be the efficient, innovative and productive operators they are today, glyphosate must play a leading part.
Bangladesh conflict
The Parkes electorate has a large Bangladeshi community, particularly in Dubbo, and I stand by them in calling for the current civil unrest in Bangladesh to come to an end.
More than 150 people have died as a result of escalating unrest and violence following anti-government protests that began at university campuses in response to the government’s job quota system.
I’ve been approached by members of the Bangladeshi community in my electorate who are very concerned about the situation unfolding in their home country.
A nationwide communications blackout has meant many people have been unable to contact loved ones back in Bangladesh. It’s understandably very upsetting and I’d like to express my support for the local Bangladeshi community. Hopefully a peaceful solution can be reached imminently.
Be prepared for 3G closure
As the 3G closure gets closer, it’s so important that everyone impacted is prepared and has updated their devices ahead of time.
Anyone can text ‘3’ to ‘3498’ to check whether their mobile device will be impacted by the 3G switchover. If your device is impacted, you must upgrade it now, otherwise you will not be able to make calls, including to 000, after the 3G networks close.
Telstra will close its 3G network on 31 August and the 3G Optus network will shut down in September. TPG/Vodafone has already switched off its network.
For more information about the 3G closure, visit: https://amta.org.au/3g-closure/