G’day folks,
This week, Parliament returns for the first of two consecutive sitting weeks – most likely the last for the year. It should be a busy couple of weeks as the government gets through its final pieces of legislation for the year.
Mayors from Barwon meet with the Premier
In the October sitting period, I asked the Premier during Question Time whether he would be prepared to receive a delegation of representatives from Bourke, Brewarrina, Coonamble and Walgett Shire Councils to discuss diversionary programs and solutions to reducing youth crime.
The meeting took place on October 28 and included Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon. Discussion focused on greater accountability, collaboration and community-led approaches, recognising that local leaders are best placed to understand what works in their towns.
There was general agreement that one-size-fits-all strategies are ineffective. I thank the Premier, the Police Commissioner and Attorney General Michael Daley for their support for this more reasoned, long-term approach.
Call for artists to exhibit in Parliament
Art plays an important role in promoting the best of Barwon. I am always pleased to showcase local artworks in my office, and visitors to the electorate are often surprised by the creativity in our region.
The NSW Parliament’s Fountain Court is an excellent space for public exhibitions, hosted by Members of Parliament. I encourage Barwon art communities and organisations to apply to exhibit. Works must have significance to Barwon or NSW. There is no fee to exhibit.
Find out more here:
https://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au/visit/Pages/Exhibiting-at-Parliament-House.aspx
Cobar mine tragedy
The community of Cobar is still grieving the loss of two miners, Holly Clarke and Ambrose McMullen, in the recent explosion at the Endeavour Mine. My condolences go to all affected, and my thoughts are with Mackenzie Stirling, who was injured.
Her family has set up a GoFundMe page to assist with her recovery:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/mackenzie-sole-survivor
Joint Standing Committee on Road Safety
As part of the Staysafe Committee, I’ve been involved in an inquiry into reducing road trauma in regional NSW. The committee is examining research on crashes, the effectiveness of current strategies, and new proposals to reduce speeding, fatigue, and impaired driving.
The inquiry coincides with the Federal Government’s proposal to reduce the open road default speed limit from 100 km/h. For many in Barwon, this would only make travel longer. Rather than lower limits, we need safer roads – lowering them because roads need work is a cop out.
Club Grants
Congratulations to the recent recipients of the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Grants Program:
- Walgett Aboriginal Medical Service – $250,000
- Central Darling Shire Council – $85,000
- Broken Hill City Council – $193,440
This funding reinvests gaming profits from registered clubs back into community projects.
Movember begins
We’re well into Movember and my moustache is coming along. Join Team Barwon to raise awareness and funds for men’s health.
You can support or join here:
https://au.movember.com/team/2457418
Rangari Rd sealing to be completed
Good news for Rangari Rd connecting Manilla to Boggabri. The NSW Government will provide $9 million from the Rural and Regional Roads Fund to seal the remaining 9.64 km stretch.
This long-awaited upgrade will improve safety, reduce dust and support local industries and tourism.
$4 million for PFAS treatment in Narrabri
PFAS contamination in Narrabri’s water supply will be addressed with $4 million in NSW Government funding.
The project includes a portable treatment plant for the contaminated bores and new production bores to expand supply. I toured Sydney Water’s Cascades Plant, and I’m pleased this proven system will soon serve Narrabri.
Crown Reserves Improvement Fund
There’s $13.5 million in funding available for projects on Crown land through the 2025–26 grant round.
- General Projects: $50,000–$1,000,000
- Pest & Weed Management: $500–$200,000
Applications close 5 December 2025 at 5 pm.
Apply here:
https://www.crownland.nsw.gov.au/reserve-manager/finance/crown-reserves-improvement-fund
Grandad Roy
On a personal note, I’m thrilled to announce I recently visited Port Macquarie to meet my first grandson, Eli. Both mum and baby are doing well – now we just have to decide what I’ll be called: Grandad, Pop, or something else!
Civics – Jury service
Jury service is one of our civic duties as Australian citizens. Though it might seem daunting, being judged by a jury of peers is a right that evolved from centuries of democratic reform.
Serving on a jury offers a firsthand look at how our justice system works and ensures fairness through community participation.
Learn more or apply for exemption here:
https://sheriff.nsw.gov.au/jury-service/how-do-i-apply-to-be-excused-from-jury-service.html
Kind regards,
Roy Butler MP
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