Councils in the Richmond electorate are being invited to apply for a share of the $360 million Bridges Renewal funding programme to have ageing bridges repaired.
The Commonwealth Government’s Bridges Renewal programme has opened a third round of funding where the government will meet up to half the cost of the repair according to the Nationals Duty Senator for Richmond John Williams.
He said whilst Councils can nominate bridges that need upgrading, local residents should also contact their local council with suggestions.
State, territory and local governments are eligible to apply for up to 50 percent of project costs to a maximum of $5 million.
The Coalition Government has launched a comprehensive review to boost outcomes for regional, rural and remote students not just at school, but also as they go on to further study, training and employment.
The review will hear stories and feedback about regional and rural education from across the country and Nationals Duty Senator for Hunter John Williams says he hopes educators, students, families, employers and the local community will have their say.
Senator Williams said location shouldn’t be a liability, and this review delivers on the Nationals commitment to tackle the unique challenges people face in areas like Muswellbrook, Singleton, Denman, Cessnock and Broke and it will come up with solutions to better support students in school and into pathways beyond school.
A Senate inquiry is the perfect opportunity for people in the Singleton, Muswellbrook, Cessnock and Lake Macquarie areas and all towns in the Hunter electorate to lobby for the relocation of a Commonwealth agency to their area.
The Nationals Senator for NSW John Williams said the Senate Finance and Public Administration References Committee will be holding an inquiry into the operation, effectiveness and consequences of relocating corporate Commonwealth entities, as well as the economic, environmental and capability implications.
The Coalition Government is delivering on its election commitment to appoint a National Rural Health Commissioner.
Australia’s first National Rural Health Commissioner will be an independent and high-profile advocate for regional, rural and remote health.
The Nationals Senator for New South Wales John Williams welcomed the introduction of legislation into the House of Representatives by the Nationals Assistant Minister for Health, Dr David Gillespie, to establish the role of the Commissioner as part of important reforms to regional and rural health in Australia.
A week-long programme that will involve advocacy, leadership and participation in the democratic process is being offered to young Indigenous Australians.
The Nationals Duty Senator for Richmond John Williams says 50 young Indigenous people will be selected to take part in the National Indigenous Youth Parliament in May this year in Canberra, where all aspects of the democratic process will be explored.
Senator Williams said highlights will include a two-day simulated parliament in the House of Representatives chamber and discussions with Ministers, Shadow Ministers, Indigenous leaders and senior public servants on leadership and contemporary youth issues.
He said 50 candidates aged between 16 and 25 will be selected comprising six from each state and territory and two from the Torres Strait.
Applications close on the 3rd of March and further details are at www.aec.gov.au/Indigenous/niyp.
Figures released by Tourism Research Australia reinforce the north coast as a popular holiday destination for Australian holidaymakers.
The National Visitor Survey reveals just over 5 million people visited locations in the Richmond electorate in the 12 months to the end of September this year, an increase of 11% on the previous 12 months and 15% increase over 3 years.
The Nationals Duty Senator for Richmond John Williams said the visitation was a massive boost to the economy.
He said it is estimated the holidaymakers spent $2.775 billion or an average $546 per head.
This was a 12% increase on the preceding year and 14% increase over three years.
Senator Williams said it is good to see more Australians preferring to holiday at home because it helps create more jobs.
