From my Desk

Last week saw some great funding announcements to help councils in the Dubbo electorate deliver for their communities! I was joined by Member for Parkes The Hon Mark Coulton, as well as representatives from Dubbo Regional Council, to announce funding from the NSW Government’s Fixing Local Roads Program. This round of funding sees the Mid-Western LGA receive $5.3 million to complete the resealing of Aarons Pass Road, along with a series of projects to finish the sealing of all Collector Bus routes. More than 50 roads in the Dubbo Regional LGA will benefit from $4.86 million, including the Old Mendooran […]

What a week it has been for the Dubbo Electorate! Last week I was very proud to announce that Dubbo would be home to a branch of the newly formed Department of Regional NSW, with up to 100 new jobs heading our way! This reaffirms what we already know – Dubbo is the capital of western NSW! We know that government jobs are a great way of supporting industry, and strengthening and diversifying regional economies. Not only is this a huge win for Dubbo, it’s also a great result for the rest of western NSW, with more decisions to be

Last week I spoke in Parliament on the Government’s Constitution Amendment (Water Accountability and Transparency) Bill 2020. This bill will require all 135 Members of the NSW Parliament to declare what type of water license they own and if they trade water. It will also begin the process of reforming the public register, whilst protecting the privacy of mum and dad farmers. You can hear my full contribution to the debate at https://youtu.be/cQmTi9HD-tg There has been some misinformation circulated by certain people that my Nationals colleagues and I voted against this bill. It’s ridiculous to suggest the Nationals voted against

What terrific news over the weekend that, from July 1, restrictions in NSW will ease ever further! From July 1: The number of people allowed inside indoor venues will be determined by the ‘one person per 4 square metres’ rule, with NO UPPER LIMIT. This includes function centres and places of worship. All activity must be seated only. Cultural and sporting events at outdoor venues with a maximum of 40,000 will be allowed up to 25 per cent of their normal capacity. Events must be ticketed and follow strict guidelines. All other restrictions including 20 guests inside the home and 20 for outdoor gatherings

With travel restrictions eased, it was great to see people visiting our regions over the long weekend, while adhering to the COVID-19 restrictions. Visitors from all over the globe have enjoyed our world-class attractions including Mudgee’s wineries, the Gulgong Gold Experience, the Wellington Caves, Dubbo’s Taronga Western Plains Zoo, and the Narromine Aviation Museum. Now we’re encouraging everyone in NSW to discover what makes our part of the world so special! If we can seize this opportunity to have that money spent here in NSW – that will be the boost our tourism operators need to start to bounce back

Our region’s tourism and other businesses are set for a massive boost now that travel has reopened across NSW. I’ve been calling for this step forward for many weeks now, and I’m thrilled that after years of severe drought – followed by bushfires and flooding in some areas – and now COVID-19, businesses across the Dubbo Electorate might finally be able to start to bounce back. We’ve done the hard yards to help flatten the curve by following the rules, and now we look forward to welcoming tourists, which will mean more money for businesses and more jobs for our

The region’s tourism and other businesses are set for a massive boost from 1 June as travel within NSW reopens. I’ve been calling for this step forward for many weeks now, and I’m thrilled that after years of severe drought – followed by bushfires and flooding in some areas – and now COVID-19 businesses across the Dubbo Electorate might finally be able to start to bounce back. Taronga Western Plains Zoo will be able to welcome visitors on 1 June for the first time since late March, and I hope to see other attractions, from the wineries of Mudgee to

Pubs and clubs in regional NSW had a big win last week with our decision to allow them to open as restaurants from Friday, 15 May. This was a great result for the industry, and for the regional MPs – including myself – who have been working hard to make sure that any easing of restrictions will support businesses in the bush – not just those in Sydney. I have heard from a large number of café, restaurant and pub owners who were concerned about how their businesses would survive during COVID-19 restrictions, and I referred those concerns directly to

Last week I was really proud to announce almost $25,000 from the Community Building Partnerships program for Macquarie Homestay to construct walking paths, shaded seating areas and sensory gardens in the grounds. Macquarie Homestay is already a home away from home for many people needing to travel to Dubbo for medical treatment. This funding will enhance that by enabling guests to enjoy some time outside with their family and friends. ** Last week saw the official handover of the new Mudgee Hospital – which has been fast-tracked in light of COVID-19 – to the Western NSW LHD. This is an

As we continue to navigate our way through the COVID-19 pandemic, it was great to join with my Federal colleague Mark Coulton and staff from Dubbo Medical and Allied Health as they put the finishing touches on the respiratory clinic that has been established in Dubbo. The Brisbane Street clinic is now taking patients who are symptomatic for testing, and it’s hoped this will take some of the strain off our hospital system. Anyone who is experiencing a fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose or other symptoms can book by visiting the HotDoc app or website, or by calling 6815