The NSW Labor Government has sped up delivery of more than $64 million to councils in western NSW to repair roads and trans­port infrastructure damaged during natural disasters.

This funding comes as Lithgow, Cabonne, Weddin, Forbes, Lachlan and Parkes local government areas were among the first in the state to sign a pioneering pilot funding agreement with the NSW Reconstruction Authority and Transport for NSW, stream­lining the distribution of disaster recovery funds.

Through the newly established Tripartite Agreements, councils can access advance funding, from the NSW and Australian Gov­ernments through Disaster Recovery Fund­ing Arrangements (DRFA), at the onset of each reconstruction phase.

The Tripartite Agreements mean less fi­nancial pressure on councils, faster road repairs for communities and enhance col­laboration between government agencies.

Councils receiving funding under this ini­tiative include:

• Lithgow City Council: $33.75 million

• Cabonne Council: $10.86 million

• Weddin Shire Council: $4.59 million

• Forbes Shire Council: $3.43 million

• Lachlan Shire Council: $9.05 million

• Parkes Shire Council: $2.51 millionThe Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Jenny Aitchison said “For too long councils have struggled to get timely access to disaster road recovery funding.

“The Tripartite Agreements have been a huge success as Transport for NSW was able to deliver $296 million into councils’ bank accounts in the last three months alone. Prior to the 2022 natural disasters, a normal budget would have around $190 million per year for natural disaster road re­covery funding.

“With the $3.3 billion in the budget allo­cated over the next four years for natural disaster road recovery funding, we will be rolling out funding faster than ever before.

“Regional communities will be able to re­build roads and restore vital transport links more quickly thanks to the collaborative ef­forts of councils, Transport for NSW and the NSW Reconstruction Authority.”

Parkes locals Tom and Aimey Ward opened their business Get Glossed Detailing in June 2020 with an aim to deliver a modern detailing service to the Parkes community. “We wanted to show people that there’s a whole different level of detailing out there. Tom has always been passionate about showing people the right way to take care of their cars,” said Aimey Ward.

“Detailing is a skills-based industry, with knowledge, experience, techniques and product quality all having an impact on the overall quality of work produced and we strive to keep all these points at the highest possible standards.”

Three years ago, Get Glossed Detailing was recognised as an accredited detailer by ‘Gtechniq’ a world leader in Vehicle Protec­tion Products, gaining access to their limited use paint protection.

“In the wrong hands these products could be detrimental to some­one’s paint, they’re not something that’s available to the public. We feel very fortunate that our training and experience have allowed this highly renowned brand to become available to us,” said Aimey.

Thanks to the support of the Parkes community, the business has exceeded Tom and Aimey’s expectations, allowing them to recently start operating full-time. They offer a variety of detailing services, but are particularly passionate about paint protection and educat­ing clients about correct maintenance techniques. When Tom and Aimey aren’t detailing, they’re spending time with their two children.

Five year old Reggie says he’d love to run Get Glossed one day! You can find Get Glossed Detailing on Facebook to view their work or contact 0437 963 512 or info@getglosseddetailing.com.au

The NSW Opposition is calling on the State and Federal Labor Governments to ensure regional communities won’t be cut off after REX Airlines went into administration.

NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders said it’s the second regional carrier facing the possibility of collapse, after Bonza sus­pended operations in April.

“This news is very concerning and will have a flow on effect for anyone who lives and works in the bush,” Mr Saunders said.

“Being a regional MP, I’m one of the sev­en million Australians that relies on com­panies like REX to access the services we need.”

“The Premier needs to pick up the phone to his federal counterparts and make sure there’s a clear plan to mitigate the impact this will have on our communities.”

Shadow Minister for Regional Transport Dave Layzell said the move could impact connections between the most remote parts of NSW and the rest of the State.

“Around 2.5 million people fly with REX every year,for work trips, to see loved ones or tgo on holidays,” Mr Layzell said.

“It’s also played a role in freight and the aerial transport of medical personnel and patients.”

Australians living and working in regional, rural and remote communities have under a week to have their say on telecommu­nications issues as part of the Australian Government’s Regional Telecommunica­tions Review.

The Hon Alannah MacTiernan, Chair, Regional Telecommunications Independ­ent Review Committee, has urged peo­ple to spread the word about the Review to friends, family and colleagues across regional Australia before it closes on Wednesday 31st July at 11:59pm.

People can have their say in a number of ways:

1. Making a submission online, or in writing to: Regional Telecommunications Re­view, GPO Box 594, CANBERRA ACT 2601

2. Completing a short survey which takes 10 minutes.

Previous Reviews have led to policy ini­tiatives and programs such as the Mobile Black Spot Program and the National Audit of Mobile Coverage; all a ­result of commu­nity feedback.

For information on the Review, making a submission, or completing the survey, visit https://www.rtirc.gov.au/consultation