G’day folks,
Only a couple weeks out from Christmas and things are looking very festive across Barwon and everywhere else in NSW. I am certainly enjoying the “silage Santas” and “Holiday Hay” sculptures I have seen.
Over the last couple of weeks, I have been busy with committee work and events in Sydney, as well as meetings in Canberra, and trips to the electorate. Next week I will be heading back out west.
Canberra Meetings
Directly after an Investment, Industry and Regional Development Committee hearing in Sydney on November 25, I jumped in the car with one of my team to head down to Canberra. I had a series of meetings scheduled with Ministers to discuss a range of things relating to Barwon.
There was a long list of things to talk about including:
- Wilcannia Weir: A federal contribution to building the weir wanted by the town.
- Services & Infrastructure: The need for more crisis DV accommodation, the Northern Basin Tool Kit, and the need for Post Office Banking to replace closing bank branches.
- Connectivity: Improving digital connectivity in regional areas.
- Water & Manufacturing: Federal contributions to domestic water and waste water projects, the Cobar Pipeline, domestic regional manufacturing, and local content in manufacturing.
- Agriculture & Drought: Developing a structured approach to drought, Farm Management Deposit schemes, getting a doppler radar for the Far West, and Drought Hubs.
- Indigenous Affairs: Securing funding to open the Baaka Cultural Centre, giving communities back control for indigenous decisions, Maranguka in Bourke, and youth diversionary programs.
I just want to assure everyone that I was not in Canberra to discuss running for a federal seat. I was there to ensure that Barwon’s issues are front and centre for the federal Government.
Win on the Proposal to Lower Speed Limits
Among the meetings I had while I was at the Federal Parliament was one with the Federal Minister for Regional Development, Kristy McBain MP. I talked to the minister about the impact reducing speed limits would have on country road users regarding a departmental proposal started in 2018.
Fortunately, after a petition I launched garnered thousands of signatures, and after discussions with State Minister for Regional Roads and Transport Jenny Aitchison, that proposal has been scrapped. I want to thank everyone who signed the petition and I also want to thank the state and federal ministers for listening to the concerns of regional NSW.
Club Grants
The latest round of Category 3 Clubs Grants is now open. Grants are open to local government and non-for-profit groups to fund the costs of construction, alteration, renovation, and fit-out of buildings and community infrastructure to deliver outcomes for disadvantaged NSW communities.
The grants are offered in four categories: Community Infrastructure, Sport and Recreation, Disaster Readiness, and Arts and Culture. For more details on eligibility and how to apply, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/clubgrants-category-3-fund.
Have Your Say on the Narrabri Lateral Pipeline
Since before I was elected, I have been campaigning against the Narrabri Gas Project. As part of the project, Santos wants to build a 55 km long gas pipeline connecting the Narrabri Gas Project to the Hunter Gas Pipeline. This will run through the protected Pilliga Forest and through productive farmland.
There is no evidence that the project will lower power prices; the gas it produces will cost twice as much as other fields and even Santos knows this. But you can still have your say to stop the project. Submissions close on December 18 and can be made at: www.planningportal.nsw.gov.au/major-projects/projects/narrabri-lateral-pipeline.
Some Close Shaves
Movember was still going when I submitted my head to the barbering skills of several parliamentary colleagues during the last sitting week in November. Several parliamentarians were good enough to take up the clippers in the name of raising money for Headspace in Broken Hill.
After having my head shaved, a few days later I was able to rid myself of my mutton chops moustache. The hair is growing back, but the mo will stay shaven until next November. Thanks to everyone who donated to Movember.
To donate to Headspace Broken Hill:
- Account: RichmondPRA Ltd
- BSB: 332 084
- Acc: 553571487
Central Darling Shire Council First Meeting
Last week Central Darling Shire Council held its first historic meeting since coming out of twelve years in administration. The new council is a transitional model established to address the unique challenges of larger remote councils. The Councillors were sworn in before the meeting and it all took place in an orderly and civil fashion, which bodes well for its smooth operation in future.
One of the first official acts was the election of Councillor Daniel Fusi to the role of Deputy Chair. I want to thank the Minister, Ron Hoenig, for his work on this and his willingness to engage with the communities of the shire.
Brilliant Barwon Students
I would like to give a shout out to two Barwon students who recently shone in their endeavours.
- Milly Cohen (Cobar Public School): Milly’s delightful drawing of a Christmas scene was selected as the winner of the Deputy Premier and Education Minister Prue Car’s Christmas Card Competition.
- Jonah Grimshaw (Condobolin High): Congratulations to 17-year-old Jonah who came second in the state final of the NSW Parliament’s 2025 Regional Speaking Competition. He gave an impressive showing, speaking about what it is like living out in Western NSW.
Civics – Committees
You would probably have noticed that I have been doing a lot of work involving Parliamentary Committees. I am chair of the Investment, Industry and Regional Development committee and a member of the Joint Select Committee on the NSW Reconstruction Authority and the Staysafe Committee.
Committees are groups of Members of Parliament that examine different subjects and issues, gathering information and holding the government to account. They take submissions from the public, which can be as simple as an email talking about someone’s personal experience. Much of the work of committees goes on in the public eye, with public input, and it is an important part of our democracy.
Got something on your mind? Go on then, engage. Submit your opinion piece, letter to the editor, or Quick Word now.