Applications under Round One of the Australian Government’s landmark $1 billion National Stronger Regions Fund are now open.

The Nationals Duty Senator for Hunter John Williams says the new fund will target projects that deliver priority economic development and small scale community infrastructure at the local level throughout Australia.

He said there is a great opportunity for groups in the Hunter electorate to attract funding.

“The National Stronger Regions Fund will support a range of local and regional development initiatives that are designed to spur economic growth – from freight and transport projects to convention centres and major multi-purpose sports and community facilities.

Tweed and Byron Shire Councils will share in almost $11 million in the rollout of the Federal government’s five year $2.1 billion Roads to Recovery programme.

The Nationals Duty Senator for Richmond John Williams says Tweed Shire Council has been allocated $7.507 million over the life of the programme to 2018-19, and Byron Shire Council will receive $3.248 million.

Senator Williams said in the current financial year Tweed Shire will receive $1.251 million and Byron Shire $541,000 of the $350 million allocation for that year.

Councils in the Hunter electorate have been allocated over $19 million in the Roads to Recovery programme announced today.

The Nationals Duty Senator for Hunter John Williams says the funding for 2014-15 for Hunter Councils is $3.18 million which is part of $350 million allocated in the first year.

The 5 year Roads to Recovery programme will rollout $2.1 billion across the nation.

He said it will help to build roads and repair streets based on local needs with no interference from Canberra.

Senator Williams announced the following payments –

Today’s release of the Senate report into the operation of Australia Post and its relationship with Licensed Post Offices (LPO’s) heralds a search for a network that can remain profitable and deliver the services consumers want.

Senator John Williams, the former Chair of the Senate Environment and Communications Legislation Committee which has completed the inquiry, says postal services in Australia are at the crossroads.

Because protecting our people is the first duty of government, it’s right that I should update the House on developing challenges to our national security.

I acknowledge the commitment of all MPs to keeping our people safe and especially acknowledge the support that the Leader of the Opposition has given to the government.

On questions of national security, it’s always best if government and opposition can stand together, shoulder to shoulder.

Landcare and other community groups in the Richmond area will be able to access a helping hand with the launch of the 25th Anniversary Landcare Grants 2014-15 as part of the Australian Government’s National Landcare Programme.

The Nationals Duty Senator for Richmond John Williams says up to $5 million is available through competitive grants of up to $20,000 to support local Landcare and other local natural resource management groups.

He said these include indigenous communities, farmers, fishing groups and other land managers.