Round Three of Remote Airstrip Upgrade Programme now open

Applications are now being sought for Round Three of the $33.7 million Remote Airstrip Upgrade Programme, with the programme set to improve access for remote communities across the Parkes electorate.    Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, said the funding allocated by the Government under the Programme showed its support for remote communities.   “As…

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Green Army team leading the way in Condobolin

Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton, was delighted to attend the launch of the Mid-Lachlan Lakes, Woodlands and Cultural Heritage Restoration Green Army project in Condobolin last week.    The launch forms part of the first round of inaugural Green Army projects with the team in Condobolin commencing on-ground works in May 2015.   Mr…

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VET FEE-HELP loan reforms give students more protection

Vocational education and training (VET) providers and brokers will be required to give students more information and more time to consider their payment options, following the Federal Government’s changes to the VET FEE-HELP scheme.   Federal Member for Parkes, Mark Coulton said the vast majority of training providers delivered high quality training that gave students…

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COULTON’S CATCH UP 6TH JULY

Over the weekend, the Coalition Government released its much anticipated Agricultural Competitiveness White Paper.   This White Paper delivers on a key Coalition election commitment and sets the future direction of agricultural policy to drive long-term growth and prosperity across rural and regional Australia.   For the first time, Australia has a long-term plan to…

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Fuel excise change a major boost for local roads

Local Councils across the Parkes electorate are set to receive a major boost in funding towards local roads and streets thanks to extra revenue that will be raised through fuel excise indexation over the next decade.   $1.105 billion extra funding will be made available to councils across Australia for vital road upgrades through the…

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COULTON’S CATCH UP 29TH JUNE

Rural and regional Australia are once again benefiting from significant funding announcements from the Coalition Government.   Last week’s Mobile Black Spot Programme announcement was of enormous importance to local residents.  Mobile phone coverage is no longer a luxury and this Government is committed to making sure that the people of rural and regional Australia…

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COULTON’S CATCH UP 22ND JUNE

The 21st National General Assembly of Local Government (NGA) was held in Canberra last week.    At the NGA, the Australian Rural Road Group (ARRG) held its Annual General Meeting.  I was pleased to be invited by the ARRG to speak at their meeting.   The ARRG is a non-political organisation of over 100 rural…

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Golden Wattle’ comes to Walgett and Narrabri

The Australian Government Mobile Service Centre ‘Golden Wattle’ has hit the road to give people in the Walgett and Narrabri Shires convenient, local access to essential government payments and services in late June and early July.    The Mobile Service Centre will visit Rowena, Burren Junction, Pilliga and Wee Waa to offer Centrelink and Medicare…

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