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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 […]

The NSW Opposition has slammed the Minns Labor Government for leaving regional communities defenceless against the escalating youth crime crisis, as it pours all its focus into Moree. The Premier announced an additional $2m over the next four years to go towards an existing pilot program in the region, while other areas are still no closer to a solution. NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders said the Government’s narrow approach is failing to protect residents and families. “Youth crime isn’t just a Moree problem, it’s a regional NSW problem. It’s gripping every corner of every rural and remote community, and it’s

Residents of the Dubbo electorate are encouraged to celebrate the positive role seniors play in the community by nominating them for the 2024 NSW Seniors Festival Local Achievement Awards.  Local MP Dugald Saunders said the festival and the awards celebrate the contributions and achievements of seniors.  “If you know a senior who helps make our community diverse, inspiring and active, then I encourage you to nominate them for acknowledgement of their contribution.   “This annual festival is about celebrating the positive impact of older people in our families and society,” Mr Saunders said.  Nominations are now open for the awards

Children across the Dubbo electorate have once again unleashed their creativity in this year’s Christmas card design competition, with the theme of “your sporting Christmas” 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 Laurence’s primary school in Dubbo took out first place!  Brianna Perera (11) was awarded the top prize with her amazing drawing of Santa playing cricket, along with a range of local references to sport.  Second place was taken out by Zoe Dalby (11) from Cudgegong

Six new probationary constables have started duties at the Orana Mid-Western Local Police District after attesting at a formal ceremony at the Goulburn Police Academy last Friday. Four officers are based in Dubbo, one in Coonamble and one in Coonabarabran.   Class 364 comprised of 298 new probationary constables including 218 men and 30 women.   Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said this region is a great place to start policing.  “I am delighted to welcome our newest police officers and commend them for choosing to serve our communities,” Mr Saunders said.  “Their commitment to fostering a safe and thriving

NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders has vowed to make the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) its own separate business unit again if the Coalition is re-elected in 2027. He made the remarks during an address at the NSW Farmers Conference today, warning DPI is being watered down, after it was completely absorbed by the Department of Regional NSW (DRNSW). Mr Saunders labelled the changes made under Labor’s functional review as unfair, unreasonable and unnecessary.“DPI needs autonomy, and we have shown that’s what works best as we go through the cycle of droughts, floods, fires and major biosecurity outbreaks,” Mr Saunders

The NSW Opposition is calling on the Minns Labor Government to reverse a decision to replace hardwood power poles with composite poles. NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders visited Coffs Harbour Hardwoods in Glenreagh today, alongside Shadow Minister for the North Coast Gurmesh Singh, Member for Clarence Richie Williamson, Member for Oxley Michael Kemp and industry representatives. They called on Environment Minister Penny Sharpe to intervene, to prevent a further increase in power prices, and to provide certainty to the timber industry.“Hardwood has been hard done by here. Not only will this untested product be worse for the household budget by

The NSW Opposition is calling on the Minns Labor Government to come clean on itsbiosecurity announcement that showed no new money across several key areas. The majority of the funding provided to respond to major agricultural threats in the2024/25 budget is leftovers from the 2023/24 allocation. Last year’s budget papers for example included $80m for the Red Imported Fire Antsresponse, but after just $25m was spent, the Agriculture Minister has re-announcedthe remaining $55.3m today. The same goes for supporting industries affected by varroa mite which had $36.2m ofthe initial $77.2m left over, while $6.2m of the $10.2m in white spot