Author name: Dugald Saunders

Regional Rail project powers ahead

The first slab of concrete has been poured for the Regional Rail Maintenance Facility at Dubbo to service a modern, new rail fleet for the bush. Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said this was a significant milestone for the NSW Government’s $2.8 billion Regional Rail Project which will replace NSW TrainLink’s ageing XPT, XPLORER and Endeavour trains with 29 new trains that will be tested, maintained and serviced in Dubbo. “This new facility will provide around 200 jobs during construction with 50 permanent jobs once the trains are in service,” Mr Toole said. “This is why we […]

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Bush to benefit from increase to Regional Growth Fund

Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has backed a $300 million increase to the Regional Growth Fund as part of the 2020-21 NSW Budget. Mr Saunders said this transformational fund will include another round of the $100 million Stronger Country Communities Fund, which was responsible for delivering projects such as the Wellington Caves Education Zone, amenity upgrades at Billy Dunn Oval in Gulgong, a new playground at Dundas Park in Narromine and the Soil2Soul program that provides opportunities to at-risk youth in Dubbo. “The Regional Growth Fund has delivered vital projects to all parts of the Dubbo electorate. This

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Red tape cut for harvest in Dubbo electorate

The harvest is well and truly under way in our region and the NSW Government has been working with farmers, grain receivers and transport operators to ensure this year’s crop is moved safely and efficiently. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said recent rains have meant a bumper season for many farmers in the region and now it is imperative that crops are moved as quickly and efficiently as possible. “The 2020/21 grain harvest is set to be one of the best in many years and my NSW Nationals colleagues and I are supporting the industry by ensuring the

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Digital registration to be mandated from November 23

Venues in the Dubbo electorate are being urged to put the safety of customers and staff first and have a system for digital registration such as a QR code that records patrons’ names and contact details in place by 23 November, or risk facing penalties. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said digital registration, including QR codes, is fast, accurate and will give customers more confidence during a pandemic. “Any local business that is serious about safety should be using digital registration, such as a QR code or other method of capturing contact details electronically. There are no excuses,”

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Funding for war memorial repairs

As Australia commemorates Remembrance Day, the NSW Government has announced that applications are now open for round two of the Community War Memorials Fund. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said grants of up to $10,000 are available for projects that repair, protect and conserve existing war memorials throughout NSW. “The Dubbo electorate will always recognise the service and sacrifice of our locals because we are proud of our military history which helped build the strong region we call home today,” Mr Saunders said. “I encourage eligible groups to take up the chance for this financial support for conservation

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$22.8 million for platypus refuge and wildlife hospital at Taronga Western Plains Zoo

A wildlife hospital and a world-class refuge facility for platypus will be established at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, thanks to $22.8 million worth of funding as part of the 2020-21 NSW Budget. This is part of a larger investment in Taronga’s capability with new hospital units operating at both Taronga Sydney and Western Plains Zoos. Together, the NSW Government has committed $37.5 million as part of the 2020-21 NSW Budget, in addition to $3.2 million previously committed. The remaining $35.9 million needed for the projects across both locations will be sought from philanthropic and private donors. The Dubbo hospital will

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Renewables Guide  

A new guidebook has been launched to help landowners and the community to better navigate and understand the transition to renewable energy.  The NSW Renewable Energy and Transmission Guide has been developed by NSW Farmers in collaboration with the Queensland Farmers Federation and the NSW Government.  It is designed to ensure landowners in NSW are better-informed as they engage with developers, government agencies and contractors in Renewable Energy Zones and beyond.  The guide will assist landowners who are considering hosting wind, solar or battery projects, and those engaging with energy companies about transmission projects in their region.   Another aim is

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Renewable Energy Zone to drive up jobs, drive down power prices

More than 9,000 jobs and $32 billion of private investment is expected to roll into the regions by 2030, under the NSW Government’s Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, released today. The Roadmap lays out the Government’s 20 year plan to deliver Renewable Energy Zones, energy storage such as pumped hydro, and on demand supply like gas and batteries, needed to reduce emissions and provide cheap, reliable electricity across the State. Deputy Premier John Barilaro said the Roadmap will deliver Australia’s first Renewable Energy Zones in the Central West and New England regions by 2030. “The stimulus the Renewable Energy Zones will provide

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Dugald with Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and Deputy Premier John Barilaro.

$7.5 million in funding confirmed for lifesaving rehab centre

Dubbo will be home to a detoxification and residential rehabilitation facility, with Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders announcing $7.5 million will be allocated to the project in the upcoming NSW Budget. Mr Saunders joined with Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Treasurer Dominic Perrottet to make the announcement, and said the facility will be a lifesaving project that will create real change in our region. “Unfortunately, too many people in the community are either directly or indirectly impacted by drug addiction and the associated societal problems, and this is a huge step forward in providing access to services that

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Free preschool program to continue into 2021

Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders has backed an initiative that will see working families and young children in the Dubbo electorate benefit from a year of free preschool. On Sunday, the NSW Government announced a $120 million funding commitment for community preschools in 2021 that will allow more than 44,000 three to five year olds attend community preschool. Mr Saunders said the free preschool program has been supporting families since the beginning of the pandemic and is providing certainty for parents into the future. “Since the initial announcement of our COVID-19 response, the free preschool program has saved

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