FIRST CASH TO FLOW TO HELP FIX LOCAL ROADS
The first round of the $500 million Fixing Local Roads program is now open and will close on 2 December 2019. Successful applications will be announced from February 2020.
Funding was available to councils to repair, maintain or seal local roads in a bid to help reduce the backlog.
The funding is a key election commitment and removes the need for local roads in regional NSW to meet a benefit cost ratio to receive funding.
Projects will need to be delivered within two years of receiving funding, to ensure that local communities are benefiting sooner.
GIVE THE BEST GIFT THIS CHRISTMAS AND #BUYREGIONAL
Sydneysiders keen to help drought-stricken towns can easily buy Christmas presents and produce direct from regional retailers, with the help of a new NSW Government campaign that connects city shoppers with rural sellers.
Buy Regional is an online hub that showcases regional shops and sellers together in one place, to make it easy for shoppers to find the perfect Christmas gift and support regional NSW.
The Buy Regional for Christmas hub is at: www.nsw.gov.au/buyregional.
CUTTING COSTS FOR NSW DRIVERS
Groundbreaking new rules will give the NSW Government the power to claw back excessive insurer profits from Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance and return the money to motorists through cheaper Green Slips. The new rules are already applicable.
Insurer profits will be capped at 10 per cent by the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA), keeping costs to motorists down while also encouraging the industry to be more innovative.
Based on current premiums, for every one per cent of excess profit recovered from insurers, more than $15 million will be returned to NSW vehicle owners through lower Green Slip prices.
VOCATIONAL TRAINEESHIPS TO BE FEE FREE FROM JANUARY 2020
The NSW Government has launched a new $54.3 million NSW Government Budget initiative to make government-subsidised traineeships fee-free.
Traineeships, through the NSW Smart and Skilled vocational education and training (VET) system, will join apprenticeships in being fee free from 1 January 2020.
This means the NSW Government would be picking up the tab for the fees on all new traineeships, including school-based traineeships.
ENSURING THE FUTURE OF RELIABLE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY FOR NSW
The Commonwealth and New South Wales Governments are delivering reliable and affordable energy, making the New South Wales-Queensland Interconnector (QNI) happen.
Both Governments will jointly underwrite up to $102 million of the QNI upgrade to ensure the security of electricity in NSW.
This will allow TransGrid, the network transmission service provider for NSW, to fast track critical early works for QNI ahead of the final regulatory determination of the Australian Energy Regulator (AER).
SYDNEY’S SOUTH ON THE MOVE WITH THE NEW M6
Connecting one of the missing links in Sydney’s motorway network is a step closer to delivering benefits to the residents and businesses of Sydney’s south and the Illawarra.
Companies vying to build the underground motorway from Arncliffe to Kogarah, now known as M6 Stage 1, can now express their interest in a project expected to create 5,300 jobs throughout its life.
It is expected that a contract will be awarded in December 2020, construction will begin by early 2022 and open to motorists by the end of 2025.
TOUGH NEW LAWS ON ILLEGAL FIREARM MANUFACTURING
The NSW Government will introduce laws to crack down on illegal firearm manufacturers, including those who supply the firearm parts or allow their premises to be used to manufacture weapons.
The new offences will apply to anyone who ‘takes part’ in the illegal manufacture of firearms, similar to laws in place for taking part in the supply or manufacture of illicit drugs.
It will also ensure the maximum penalty for illegal manufacturing will be 20 years. The legislation would not apply to law abiding firearm dealers or authorised commercial enterprises that are permitted to manufacture firearms.
The NSW Government will introduce a bill to Parliament early next year.
$1.2 MILLION SPORTS FUND TO TACKLE RURAL MENTAL HEALTH
NSW-based sporting bodies wanting to improve mental health and wellbeing in regional drought-stricken areas can apply for a share of a new $1.2 million Mental Health Sports Fund.
NSW sporting bodies can apply for funding to expand an existing program, team-up with a mental health service provider on a new program or support their local member clubs to run community wellbeing events.
For further information and how to apply please visit the Office of Sport NSW website: https://sport.nsw.gov.au/clubs/grants/Mental-Health-Sports-Fund.
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