A new fire shed will be built for the Yass River-Nanima Rural Fire Service (RFS) thanks to a $17,500 investment by the NSW Government.
Member for Goulburn Pru Goward said the new facility would better equip the volunteers who support the local community.
“Since 2004, the number of RFS volunteers has more than doubled to around 60, outgrowing the original facility,” Ms Goward said.
“This new shed will see a communications station installed, improving responsiveness during an emergency, and will provide greater training opportunities for volunteers.
“A brand new kitchen will also be built to make meals and refreshments for on-duty workers as well as those participating in training.”
Since being established in 1957, the role of the Yass River-Nanima RFS has expanded which means volunteers need regular training to ensure they can respond effectively to emergencies.
Liberal Candidate for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman welcomed the announcement for the RFS.
“The RFS doesn’t just respond to fires – it could be a car accident or a range of other dangerous scenarios. This means these volunteers now need a broader skill-set,” Ms Tuckerman said.
“It cannot be understated the importance of ensuring the assets of the RFS are housed appropriately and the volunteers are well supported in the work they do.
“This new facility will also double as a community shelter in times of emergency so having a modern kitchen will help make any stays more comfortable,” Ms Tuckerman added.
Minister for Racing Paul Toole said the grant was funded through the Clubgrants Category 3 Infrastructure Grants program. “More than $50 million in funding is being provided during this current term of government for projects across sport and recreation, emergency preparedness, and arts and culture,” Mr Toole said.
These grants are funded by a contribution from the state’s registered clubs to reinvest profits from gaming machines back into community projects.
Author Archives: wendytuckerman
SCHOOL MAINTENANCE BACKLOG IN GOULBURN WIPED TO ZERO
Every school in the Goulburn Electorate will have its maintenance backlog wiped to zero, ensuring students enjoy the best possible learning environments.
Member for Goulburn Pru Goward joined Liberal Candidate for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman to make the announcement.
“The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government would clear every maintenance job currently outstanding in the Goulburn Electorate’s public schools by July 2020.
“Over the past four years this Government has worked tirelessly to collaborate with our schools to ensure they are kept in the best condition,” Ms Goward said.
“We’re now wiping the slate clean and ensuring all outstanding maintenance jobs at our schools such as carpeting, roof maintenance and painting works will be carried out,” Ms Tuckerman said.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government inherited a $1 billion school maintenance backlog from the former Labor government.
“We have worked hard to reduce the maintenance backlog and I am delighted to confirm we will now clear it completely,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“It is only because of the strong economic management of the NSW Liberals & Nationals that we are in a position to keep our schools in their best possible condition, and fix the problems created by Labor.
“When Labor was last in Government, they closed schools, sacked teachers and racked up a huge maintenance liability as our schools fell into disrepair.”
Education Minister Rob Stokes said the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government will invest a further $449 million to clear the backlog by July 2020, bringing the total investment to nearly $1.3 billion.
“We are making the largest investment into public school infrastructure by any State government in Australian history. This investment shows our commitment to maintaining existing schools as well as building new ones,” Mr Stokes said.
“We’re delivering more than 170 new and upgraded schools across the State and we will ensure that each school provides the world-class facilities that our students and teachers deserve,” he added.
SAFETY IMPROVEMENT WORK STARTS ON ILLAWARRA HIGHWAY NEAR BURRAWANG
Work has started on important safety improvements at the intersection of the Illawarra Highway and Sheepwash Road near Burrawang, east of Moss Vale.
Member for Goulburn Pru Goward joined Liberal Candidate for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman to inspect the progress on Thursday.
Ms Goward said the NSW Government provided $2.4 million for a roundabout at the intersection, which will reduce the risk and severity of road crashes and improve driver awareness.
“In the five year period from July 2010 there were nine crashes at the intersection, resulting in 23 people being injured,” Ms Goward said.
Ms Tuckerman said the roundabout will improve safety for motorists and maintain traffic flow.
“Work will also include road widening, improvements to the turning lanes of the intersection and additional lighting.
“The new intersection which will be built over the existing road is due be completed by late 2019.
“Work started on Monday 11 February, and will be carried out between 7am and 5pm on week days. Night work may also be carried out during this time.”
Motorists are advised to allow additional travel time, follow the direction of traffic controllers and signs and keep to the reduced speed limit.
Roads and Maritime Services thanks the community for its patience while work is carried out.
FUNDING FOR GOULBURN MASONIC CENTRE
The Goulburn Masonic Centre has secured $12,500 in funding for new carpet and seating through the NSW Government’s 2018 Community Building Partnership (CBP) Program.
Member for Goulburn, Pru Goward joined Liberal Candidate for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman and Masonic Centre Public Officer Geoff Smith on Tuesday at the Goulburn Masonic Centre to inspect the refurbishment.
Ms Goward said the State Government funds have provided much-needed improvements to the Masonic Centre with replacement of carpet and delivery of new chairs for meetings and events.
“The CBP program is fantastic for the Goulburn electorate – the grassroots funding means the Masonic Centre can help create a more vibrant and inclusive local community in Goulburn,” Ms Goward said.
Ms Tuckerman said the NSW Government’s strong economic management ensures we are in a position to invest in these important local projects like the Masonic Centre.
“I congratulate Geoff Smith from the Goulburn Masonic Centre and all of the organisations that were successful in their Community Building Partnership applications – I look forward to seeing how these projects make a real difference for community groups in the area,” Ms Tuckerman said.
Mr Smith thanked the NSW Government for providing the funding.
“The new carpet has made an incredible difference to the Centre, it used to be very dilapidated and all sorts of colours. Our chairs were a mix of plastic garden chairs and salvaged railway seats – it was not comfortable to be here or welcoming for potential new members,” Mr Smith said.
The Community Building Partnership program has funded some 13,800 community projects since it commenced nearly a decade ago.
For more information about the NSW Government’s 2018 Community Building Partnership Program, visit http://www.nsw.gov.au/cbp
AJAX COLTS HOCKEY CLUB KEEPER EQUIPMENT FUNDED
Member for Goulburn Pru Goward last week joined Ajax Colts Hockey Club President, Lauren Whalan and Liberal Candidate for Goulburn, Wendy Tuckerman to announce $3,310 of funding for the clubs littlest goal keepers.
The grant comes from NSW Government’s 2018/19 Local Sport Program, which has allowed seven Goulburn electorate clubs to purchase new equipment, uniforms and improve their facilities.
Ms Whalan welcomed the funding to assist increase participation in the sport.
“It can be hard to get kids to play goalie, especially if they are uncomfortable or have to wear old equipment – it doesn’t make for much fun.
“The new goal keeping equipment will hopefully make it a bit less of a chore for kids to have their go as goalie,” Ms Whalan said.
“The main aim of this program is to increase regular and on-going participation opportunities in sport and active recreation in NSW,” Ms Goward said.
“Hockey has a proud tradition in our region – this grant will help keep it going,” Ms Goward added.
“Sport is a huge part of our way of life and the NSW Government recognises how important it is to our communities, for both social and health reasons,” Ms Tuckerman said.
“The NSW Government is committed to delivering the best infrastructure to the people of NSW and I look forward to seeing the benefits of this upgrade for the community,” Ms Tuckerman added.