RESOURCES FOR REGIONS ANNOUNCED
SINGLETON was centre of attention for Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Paul Toole, to announce Resources for Regions round eight funding last week.
Thank you to the Singleton Greyhounds for hosting the Deputy Premier and myself to unveil funding for enhancements to the Singleton Rugby League Clubhouse including new female amenities and a new function area.
Latest Resources for Regions funding provides $75 million to 93 projects, with almost $17.5 million going toward 24 new projects in the Upper Hunter electorate.
Singleton has 16 projects receiving over $8 million, Muswellbrook’s $6.39 million goes toward its Regional Entertainment and Conference Centre, Upper Hunter Shire’s six projects share over $1m and Liverpool Plains Shire Council has $1.98 million for its Waste Strategy Stage 2 Acceleration.
For further information, go to http://www.nsw.gov.au/resourcesforregions
COMMUNITY BUILDING PARTNERSHIPS
The wait is over for the Upper Hunter electorate’s 2021 Community Building Partnership (CBP) applicants with 25 projects sharing $400,000 funding from the NSW Government program.
Public schools and sporting groups are among the recipients in Merriwa, Murrurundi, Scone, Singleton, Quirindi, Dungog and Gloucester.
Successful projects includes an upgrade of Muswellbrook PCYC’s female and male bathrooms, a Dojo Room refresh at Singleton PCYC, Gloucester High School P&C Association can assist with an outdoor classroom project and Paterson River Netball Club has funds for an undercover area.
Applications for CBP 2022 will open early next year with more information about the program available at www.nsw.gov.au/cbp
MUSWELLBROOK BYPASS LATEST
Residents and motorists can comment on revised plans for the Muswellbrook Bypass to better connect the New England Highway to the town centre.
Community feedback informed design changes to the project, including the full central connection at Coal Road.
The design includes five bridges and features a 367-metre-long bridge spanning Sandy Creek Road, Sandy Creek and the Main North railway line, plus adjustments to local roads.
Transport for NSW will hold online information sessions on November 24 & 25 with early work on the project expected to start in late-2022.
Comment can be submitted using the online submission form available on the project website, via email at Muswellbrook.Bypass@aecom.com, by mail to Locked Bag 2030, Newcastle NSW 2300 or by calling the project line 1800 517 222.
View the project website for more details https://nswroads.work/muswellbrook
HELP EXTENDS FOR COVID IMPACTED TENANTS
The NSW Government has extended its commitment to helping COVID impacted tenants and landlords meet their payments by making the Residential Tenancy Support Package more accessible.
Tenants are now able to apply directly for a rebate of up to $4,500, assuming their rent has been reduced by at least that much, whereas previously the landlord was required to initiate the application.
To be eligible for the Residential Tenancy Support Payment or land tax benefit, landlords will need to provide proof of a tenancy agreement and have agreed to reduce or waive rent payable from 14 July 2021 for a COVID-19 impacted tenant.
Tenants making a claim will need to provide proof of a tenancy agreement and have evidence to show they are or have been COVID-19 impacted since 14 July 2021 including that their household income has reduced by 25 per cent or more compared to the four weeks before 26 June 2021.
Claims for the extended Residential Tenancy Support Payment close on 31 December 2021 at https://www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au/resource-library/publications/coronavirus-covid-19/property/moratorium
MENTAL HEALTH RECOVERY PACKAGE
A new $130 million NSW Government package will provide immediate access to help for anyone whose mental health has been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The funding boost will work to cut headspace waitlists, provide more access to psychology, psychiatry and other allied health services, and introduce community led wellbeing programs and events.
It will launch a state-wide suicide prevention training program for 275,000 parents, high school teachers, sports coaches, community leaders and youth workers.
One of the biggest suicide prevention training programs ever undertaken, the package focuses on making sure people young and old can turn to trusted people in every corner of their community for support.
KEY STATISTICS ON WOMEN TOGETHER FOR THE FIRST TIME
NSW now has a Gender Data Dashboard shining a light on women’s experiences across a range of key areas.
The new online database provides up-to-date statistics on topics such as the gender pay gap, maternal health and higher education completions for women.
It brings together publically available data in one place for the first time, transforming the way people access and use it and will be updated throughout the year.
You can explore the NSW Government Gender Equality Dashboard by visiting; https://www.women.nsw.gov.au/resources/nsw-gender-equality-dashboard/nsw-gender-equality-dashboard.
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