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The NSW Government has released a new eight-year strategy to enhance biosecurity and food safety in NSW and to help protect our $23 billion primary industries. Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Dugald Saunders said the Biosecurity and Food Safety Strategy 2022-2030 is a critical underpinning guide in a time of unprecedented biosecurity risks. “This year alone, we have experienced a genuine threat of Foot and Mouth Disease and Lumpy Skin Disease incursions, a Varroa mite outbreak, the emergence of Japanese encephalitis, a White Spot Disease scare and unprecedented rainfall increasing the threat of mosquito borne diseases and the spread […]

Irrigators will save water, time and money at the same time as protecting native fish populations now and well into the future, thanks to the NSW Government’s $20 million Fish-Friendly Water Extraction project. Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Dugald Saunders said as part of the program, state-of-the-art fish protection screens would be installed on 49 water pumps across the State, not just contributing to the health of the river systems and the longevity of fish populations, but also increasing farmers’ productivity. “These modern fish screens are fitted with fine mesh and self-cleaning technology that effectively filters unwanted debris and

We’re bringing a taste of the Dubbo electorate to the big smoke of Sydney this week when the two-day Buy from the Bush Christmas market pops up at The Rocks on Friday and Saturday. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said Narromine’s Dumble Collective and Dubbo’s Saddler and Co. will travel hundreds of kilometres to showcase their wares to thousands of Sydneysiders doing their Christmas shopping. “The #buyfromthebush Christmas market will be back better than ever after a COVID-induced two-year hiatus,” Mr Saunders said. “Christmas trade is usually the busiest time for bush businesses, but this year’s record floods

Guests at Taronga Western Plains Zoo will be able to see first-hand how Taronga cares for injured and sick animals at a brand new Wildlife Hospital in Dubbo. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the new $14.6 million facility is increasing Taronga’s capacity to treat and rehabilitate native wildlife and improving the Zoo’s ability to act as first responders for animals in emergencies. “Taronga Western Plains Zoo receives 300,000 visitors every year, and is home to some of the world-leading experts in veterinary medicine – now they have a hospital to match!” Mr Saunders said. “Guests will be

Avoiding scams, planning for retirement, making a will or getting financial help are just some of the topics included in the free 2023 Legal Topics for Seniors Diary, which local seniors can now collect at the Dubbo electorate office. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders is encouraging local seniors to collect a free copy of the 2023 Legal Topics for Seniors Diary to help them plan for the year ahead. “I’m thrilled to share that seniors right across our region can now pick up a free 2023 Legal Aid diary from my office at 1/18 Talbragar Street, Dubbo,” Mr

Two-hundred extra pairs of hands are now hard at work in the State’s west to support crews repairing and rebuilding the flood-affected road network. Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said Transport for NSW crews have been diverted from other parts of the State to tackle the worst-hit roads. “These extra road crews are working with those already on the ground across the west – shovelling cold mix for pothole repairs, heavy patching, extensive rebuilding of some sections, bridge inspections and drainage clearing,” Mr Toole said. “The majority of the work is taking place in the Forbes,

NSW Seniors will celebrate to the sounds of Kate Ceberano and more special performers at the 2023 NSW Seniors Festival Premier’s Gala Concerts in February. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders is encouraging seniors to join the festivities with some great Australian talent ready to entertain. “The Premier’s Gala Concerts are undoubtedly the most popular events of the festival, which has been entertaining NSW seniors for four decades,” Mr Saunders said. “A stellar line up including Kate Ceberano, Rodger Corser, Ross Wilson, Harrison Craig and Prinnie Stevens is sure to have seniors tapping their toes. “There will also be

The children of the Dubbo electorate unleashed their creativity in this year’s Christmas card design competition, according to Member for the Dubbo Electorate Dugald Saunders. Each year Mr Saunders calls for primary-school children across the electorate to help design his Christmas card, and this year St Mary’s Primary School in Dubbo excelled with students taking out first and second place! Lilly Butler (11) took out the top prize with her drawing of a family enjoying Christmas lunch on the farm, while classmate Chelsea Brook (11) was hot on her heels with her image of a bogged but festive tractor. In

Drones to detect and spray weeds will soon be deployed out to councils across the Central West as the NSW Government ramps up its war on weeds after months of wet weather. Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the NSW Government will invest $12.8 million over the next 12 months through the NSW Weed Action Program to tackle problem weeds. “Months of wet weather has not only added to the weed burden but has made it harder to undertake on-the-ground surveillance and control measures,” Mr Toole said. “Through this program, Local Land Services will roll out