Monthly Archives: February 2023

Goulburn Mulwaree and Wingecarribee Shire Council are two of the 36 Councils sharing in more than $250 million dollars’ worth of infrastructure funding to support the delivery of thousands of new homes across NSW.

Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman, said $36 million of the funding, delivered through the third round of the NSW Government’s Accelerated Infrastructure Fund (AIF), will be for the Goulburn electorate with Goulburn Mulwaree Council receiving $11.26 million and Wingecarribee Shire Council receiving $25 million.

“This funding will see the delivery of in funding for Goulburn Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade Project (Stage 2), which will support 4884 houses and Moss Vale Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrade which will support 4000 houses,” Mrs Tuckerman said.

“Our area is growing and it’s important that we unlock the land needed for new homes and ensure there is the right infrastructure in place to support that growth long term and get people into homes faster.”

A total of 36 council and agency-led projects have been selected for AIF funding to speed up the delivery of important local infrastructure plans, including new cycleways and active transport options, upgrades to sewerage systems, road and bridge improvements, and more.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the new funding builds on a $215 million investment from the Government in the first two rounds of the program, with eligibility extended to regional councils for the first time.

“We know that getting infrastructure right is the key to unlocking land for housing in regional NSW, which is why we have allocated almost $120 million for regional councils in this round, including fast growing areas in the Central West and the Mid-North Coast” Mr Toole said.

“The areas eligible for this funding account for 94 per cent of NSW’s total population growth over the next 10 years, according to the latest population projections.

“Towns across regional NSW are booming, with more and more people moving away from the city. These projects will help set the foundations for future growth.”

Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said the councils successful in this round of the AIF will also provide their own funding for projects, amounting to a combined $517 million worth of infrastructure on the way for NSW.

“We had an outstanding response from regional councils eager to work in partnership with the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government to unlock land for new homes faster and boost economic growth. We share their ambition and look forward to working together,” Mr Roberts said.

For further details and the complete list of projects visit the AIF webpage here.

Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman MP has announced that 35 graduate nurses and midwives will begin their careers in Goulburn Health and Crookwell Hospital this year, in what will be a major boost for the local community.

Mrs Tuckerman that the new graduates are amongst a record 3,600 nurses and midwives set to commence working across 130 NSW public hospitals and health services this year.

“The work that nurses and midwives do is at the very heart of the public health system, caring for people in our hospitals, at home and in our communities,” Mrs Tuckerman said.

“The commitment, compassion and skills they bring to the role make a huge difference and contribute greatly to the health and wellbeing of the people of the Goulburn electorate.”

“I am incredibly pleased to welcome the new recruits to Goulburn Health and Crookwell Hospital and know that they will make a big difference to the health and wellbeing of our community.”

Minister for Health Brad Hazzard extended a warm welcome to the new nursing and midwifery recruits, many of whom start work across NSW public hospitals this month.

“The dedication and professionalism of our nurses and midwives across the state is nothing short of extraordinary,” Mr Hazzard said.

“These enthusiastic graduates have a unique opportunity to play a vital role in our healthcare system at a time when it continues to adapt and innovate to the changes and challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said more than a third of the record number of graduates beginning their careers with NSW Health have chosen to work in our rural and regional hospitals.

“It is so wonderful to see so many nurses and midwives either choosing to move to the bush or returning home so they can care for their communities,” Mrs Taylor said.

“As someone who spent the best part of their nursing career at a regional hospital, I know the skills and experience these new nurses will gain will set them up for success into their future nursing career.

“On behalf of our regional communities, I am thrilled to welcome this next generation of nurses and midwives and wish all our new starters the very best of luck as they embark on their new career.”

The latest statewide intake of graduate nurses and midwives is an 18 per cent increase on last year. It is also the largest intake of any state or territory in Australia.

NSW Health has the largest health system in the country and employs more than 53,000 nurses and midwives, more than ever before.

Overall, between mid-2012 and mid-2022 NSW Health increased its workforce by an additional 25,700 full time equivalent staff – an increase of 25.2 per cent, including 9,340 more nurses and midwives, 4,140 more doctors, and 2,490 more allied health staff.

The NSW Government recently announced the largest workforce boost in the nation’s history in the 2022-23 Budget with a $4.5 billion investment over four years for 10,148 full-time equivalent (FTE) staff to hospitals and health services across NSW.

Goulburn Mulwaree Council’s Connect, Support and Empower Youth Program is one of 68 projects across the State set to become a reality thanks to a $40 million investment in the next generation of regional youth by the NSW Government.

Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman MP said the ‘Our Region, Our Voice’ Regional Youth Investment Program will provide $583,578 in funding for the youth-focused project delivered by Goulburn Mulwaree Council.

“The Connect, Support and Empower Youth Program will work with young people who have, or are at risk of, disengaging from family, education, or community to identify their health, career and wellbeing needs and goals.

“The program will empower young people to engage with a Youth Support Worker to determine the appropriate individual pathway to achieve their goals and address, reduce and overcome any barriers to future success,” Mrs Tuckerman said.

“This funding will give Council the opportunity to further educate and empower our youth. It will help Council fill the gap of not having early intervention support services – and this has been an issue for a long time.

“Council will now be able to provide our youth with the support and guidance they are seeking, as they navigate the troubles of life and transiting into adulthood”, Goulburn Mulwaree Council Mayor, Peter Walker said.

Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the ‘Our Region, Our Voice’ program will improve the lives and wellbeing of young people across regional NSW.

“This is an investment in the next generation – an investment in projects and initiatives that matters to them and that will help regional youth reach their potential,” Mr Toole said.

“This investment is a testament to the Liberals and Nationals’ ongoing commitment in ensuring regional youth are empowered to build their own future. I’m excited to see these very important programs and initiatives start rolling out.”

Minister for Regional Youth Ben Franklin said nearly 2,000 young people were consulted to help determine the priorities for investment.

“This is an investment that has been shaped for youth, by youth and is based on findings from Regional Youth Insights – the largest regional youth research project ever commissioned by the NSW Government,” Mr Franklin said.

“The Liberals and Nationals are committed to creating opportunities to support young people to live, work and achieve in regional NSW whether that’s through developing career pathways, improved health and wellbeing services, extracurricular activities or a newfound connection to culture and community.”

For further information about the NSW Government’s Regional Youth Insights, go to: http://www.nsw.gov.au/regionalyouthinsights.

For further information on the ‘Our Region, Our Voice’ Regional Youth Investment Program, go to: http://www.nsw.gov.au/regionalyouthinvestmentprogram.

Goulburn Mulwaree Council is one of 23 local councils across the state being provided with NSW Government grants to revitalise underused public spaces and prevent graffiti vandalism.

Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman said Goulburn-Mulwaree Council has been awarded $71,517 to support its Goulburn Graffiti and Art Mural Project.

“The Goulburn Graffiti and Art Mural Project helps address graffiti vandalism by installing a mural at the Tarlo Street Bridge in Goulburn, with local youth being encouraged to help inform the design – expected to begin in April and finish in October this year.

“It is fantastic to see the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government supporting councils to beautify streetscapes and allow the community to reclaim and enjoy previously underused public spaces, which are often prone to illegal graffiti,” Mrs Tuckerman said.

“Projects like the Goulburn Graffiti and Art Mural also add to the local environment in a way that the community can enjoy, create opportunities to bring people together and even boost the local economy.”

“The Goulburn Mulwaree Local Government Area has many murals throughout that gives our Region a presence in the arts community. Council thanks the State Government for supporting the Goulburn Graffiti and Art Mural Project which will address the graffiti and vandalism in our region. It is disappointing that we have these issues, however hopefully this will assist with making our region look much smarter,” said Goulburn Mulwaree Council Mayor, Peter Walker.

Attorney General Mark Speakman said the NSW Government’s graffiti management program funds projects that activate public spaces, support local artists and reduce the incidence of crime, like graffiti.

“This funding allows councils to to deliver tailor-made solutions for their streetscapes, drawing on grassroots knowledge and expertise to make public areas safer, more visually appealing and more enjoyable for their communities,” Mr Speakman said.

“I am looking forward to seeing the colour and life that these 23 new projects will inject into streetscapes around our state.”

The objectives of the NSW Government’s Graffiti Management Program include preventing and minimising graffiti vandalism and reducing the social, environmental and economic impact of graffiti vandalism.

One of the Australia’s most respected and renowned graffiti and street artists, Tim Phibs, says public art has so many positive benefits beyond the purely visual.

Phibs has more than three decades of large scale walls to his name and several of his works have been acquired by the National Gallery of Australia for its permanent collection.

“Street Art contributes to creating unique vibrant communities, bringing pleasure and colour into the lives of residents,” Phibs said.

“I really believe that art is meant to be enjoyed by everyone and anyone. I’m very passionate about Street Art and educating and informing people about this art form – what it means to the people who create it and how it can add value to local communities.”

A total of $1.9 million has been allocated for 23 councils in the latest grants round.

A re-elected NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will slash energy bills by $250 and help households in the Goulburn electorate and unlock up to $400 in further savings by switching to a better deal.

The NSW Energy Bill Saver program will allow households to receive $250 off their energy bills by simply comparing their current energy deal. They could also unlock up to $400 in further savings by switching energy plans to a lower deal.

Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman said the Liberals and Nationals will deliver energy bill relief to hardworking NSW families.

“We know households are feeling the pressure on their budget which is why we’re delivering immediate bill relief as well as helping them get a better energy deal in the future,” Mrs Tuckerman said.

“This $250 short-term saving is relief for today while also helping families slash their bills into the future.”

Eligibility will be open to every household in NSW, including existing rebate recipients.

The comparison tool will be provided by Service NSW and households will still receive $250 off their energy bill even if they don’t switch plans.

Households are encouraged to shop around for a better deal right now by heading to the Energy Made Easy website. Switching providers between now and 1 July won’t prevent households from being eligible for the $250 if they search again when the program launches.

Up to two million households are expected to take up this program, with the Liberals and Nationals committing $500 million to the NSW Energy Bill Saver.

The NSW Energy Bill Saver will be available from 1 July through to 31 December 2023.