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The NSW Government will invest more than $1 billion in economic, social and environmental programs to build more resilient and stronger primary industries in the 2022-23 State Budget. Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Dugald Saunders said the NSW primary industries sector was valued at $20.9 billion last year, and the investments being made in this year’s Budget will help protect that record, while creating opportunities for future growth. “The NSW primary industries sector has the aspiration of reaching a value of $30 billion by 2030. Today’s budget supports these aspirations,” Mr Saunders said. “Stronger primary industries are critical to […]

Patients across the Dubbo electorate are set to benefit from an expansion of the Isolated Patients Travel and Accommodation Assistance Scheme (IPTAAS), with the NSW Government investing an additional $149.5 million as part of the 2022-23 NSW Budget. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders welcomed the funding boost which will see more people eligible for subsidised travel and accommodation if they need to leave their communities to receive specialist care. “We understand travel and accommodation can be expensive and we’re committed to doing what we can to ease the financial pressure on patients,” Mr Saunders said. “The devastating reality

Farmers around the State will be supported to adopt additional sustainable practices through a groundbreaking $206 million program delivered in the NSW Budget. Treasurer Matt Kean said this landmark investment will reward farmers who voluntarily reduce their carbon emissions and protect biodiversity. “This is great news for farmers and the environment. This funding will help improve biodiversity and lower emissions across NSW, and our farmers will receive tangible benefits for sustainable land management practices,” Mr Kean said. Mr Kean said NSW has an early mover advantage to secure a leading position in the emerging global marketplace for low carbon food

The NSW Government has unveiled a record $28 million Farm Forestry package as part of the 2022/23 State Budget to bolster on-the-ground support for producers, drive innovation and promote best practice in sustainable farm forestry businesses.  Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the funding boost follows the introduction of new Farm Forestry Codes of Practice earlier this year, and provides increased support to farmers through enhanced education and training. “This investment will fund a suite of programs and partnerships to facilitate and expand the development of the State’s sustainable Farm Forestry industry,” Mr Toole said. “This

Farmers across NSW will have ongoing support to build resilience when it comes to future droughts and other natural disasters, thanks to a multi-million dollar commitment in the 2022-23 NSW Budget. Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean said the NSW Government, in partnership with the Commonwealth, will provide $12.1 million to continue the popular Farm Business Resilience Program until June 2024, following the positive response and take-up of the pilot program. “Following the extreme weather events that have occurred across NSW over the past several years and a global pandemic, our farmers continue to face challenges and uncertainty when it comes to the management of

Construction has begun on a multi-purpose Platypus Conservation Centre that will play a vital role in sustaining platypus population numbers, thanks to an $8.8 million investment from the NSW Government. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders said the project, co-funded by Taronga Conservation Society Australia, will provide refuge for a significant number of platypuses during severe environmental events such as drought. “The centre will support about 65 platypuses and will include a refuge facility, research centre to observe and understand platypus breeding behaviour, rehabilitation and release facilities, and a public viewing area to educate guests,” Mr Saunders said. “A

The NSW community, environment and economy will be better protected against growing biosecurity threats with a record $163.9 million in the 2022-23 NSW Budget. Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said focusing on biosecurity measures is critical when it comes to the protection and ongoing strength of regional communities. “The regions continue to make a remarkable recovery after a really difficult few years, however a biosecurity incursion that could put our agricultural industries in jeopardy could reverse all of the hard work that has been done to get our communities back on their feet,” Mr Toole said.

The region’s most outstanding apprentices, trainees, students and teachers were recognised today at the Western NSW 2022 NSW Training Awards. Member for the Dubbo Electorate Dugald Saunders said Mudgee local Shane Martin took out the Apprentice of the Year at the regional ceremony held in Mudgee yesterday. “Shane’s enthusiasm and commitment to learn his trade and his outstanding work ethic saw him selected as the Skillset Gordon Hawkes Apprentice of the Year in 2021 from a field of more than 200 apprentices,” Mr Saunders said. “Through his VET course Shane has learnt the skills and knowledge needed to work in

Local families will soon be able to cut their energy bills with solar and home appliance upgrades, thanks to a $128 million Energy Bill Buster program in the 2022-23 NSW Budget. Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders today welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement of the program. “The NSW Government is committed to easing cost of living pressures for local families by equipping them with the appliances that will help drive down their energy bills,” Mr Saunders said. “The Energy Bill Busters program allows eligible households to swap their annual Low Income Household rebate for a lump sum contribution to