MORE LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUNDING FOR RICHMOND

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Created: 17 November 2014

Second quarterly payments to Councils in the Richmond electorate are being made under the Federal government’s Financial Assistance Grants programme.

As part of $2.3 billion in quarterly payments to local councils throughout Australia, the Nationals Duty Senator for Richmond John Williams has announced that Tweed Shire Council will receive $2.35 million and Byron Shire Council will receive almost $653,000.

Senator Williams confirmed both Councils can spend the money according to their priorities including on infrastructure, health, recreation, environment, employment and roads projects.

He also announced that today both Councils will receive their initial allocation of the Roads to Recovery funding.

MORE LOCAL GOVERNMENT FUNDING IN HUNTER

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Created: 17 November 2014

Second quarterly payments to Councils in the Hunter electorate are being made under the Federal government’s Financial Assistance Grants programme.

As part of $2.3 billion in quarterly payments to local councils throughout Australia, the Nationals Duty Senator for Hunter John Williams has announced that Cessnock City Council will receive $1.75 million, Upper Hunter Shire will receive $1.10 million, and Muswellbrook and Singleton Shire Councils will each receive $844,000.

Senator Williams said councils can spend the money according to their priorities including on infrastructure, health, recreation, the environment, employment and roads projects.

ROUND TWO OF THE GREEN ARMY PROGRAMME

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Created: 13 November 2014

Applications are now open for community-led Green Army projects in Richmond.

The Federal government is providing more opportunities this financial year for community organisations, environment groups and local councils to apply for Green Projects.

In the first round announced in August, eight projects in the Richmond electorate received funding.

The Nationals Duty Senator for Richmond John Williams said Green Army projects may involve restoring and protecting native habitat, weeding, revegetation, fencing, gully remediation, soil erosion prevention, and cleaning up waterways, creeks and dams.

“Projects must run for between 20 and 26 weeks and be carried out on public or private land where there is a clear community and environmental and heritage benefit.

Successful applicants will receive a team of up to nine Green Army participants, a team supervisor and project specific materials such as seedlings, herbicide, mulch, matting and tree guards in addition to basic materials.

SENATE SUGAR INQUIRY DELAYED UNTIL MARCH

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Created: 12 November 2014

A Senate inquiry into the sugar industry will hold a hearing in Murwillumbah in March next year.

The inquiry has been instigated by the Nationals Duty Senator for Richmond John Williams and his Nationals Queensland colleague Senator Barry O’Sullivan.

Both Senators have expressed concerns for the future of the industry after meeting with canegrowers to discuss changes in marketing arrangements.

RURAL FINANCIAL COUNSELLING A VALUABLE SERVICE

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Created: 11 November 2014

A review of the Rural Financial Counselling Service (RFCS) has found the service fills an ongoing need in the rural sector although some improvements should be considered.

The National Rural Advisory Council (NRAC) conducted the review and described the RFCS as a well-respected service that is delivered by devoted, hard-working rural financial counsellors, according to the Nationals Duty Senator for Richmond John Williams.

There are 14 service providers employing approximately 125 counsellors across the States and Territories.

Senator Williams said the review found that longer-term RFCS assistance which is focused on improving financial and business management skills, and encouraging the engagement of agribusiness services, is building clients' self-reliance and improving their ability to adjust.

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS AT CHRISTMAS

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Created: 04 November 2014

As we are surrounded by family and friends this festive season, please remember we have many Australian Defence Personnel who will be on the other side of the world securing our future.

It is a difficult time for them and their families but their resolve to help bring peace and stability to other countries is undaunted.

There are various ways you can support our ADF members.

You can send a message of support via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and the messages are distributed to personnel on all operations.

You can send a Care Package until the 8^th of December to AFPO 60, Australian Defence Force, NSW 2890 – further details about these packages are available at www.defence.gov.au