Articles Archives - Page 121 of 424

Almost $8 Million For New Bridge At McGrane Way

February 24, 2023 by Roxane Manley

NSW Nationals Candidate for Orange Cr Tony Mileto, Parkes Shire Council Deputy Mayor Cr Neil Westcott, MR354 Committee Member Fiona Aveyard, President of the MR354 Committee Gary Langley, Parkes Shire Council Director of Operations Ben Howard, Transport for NSW Western Manager Kristine Boggs and Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway.

The long awaited announcement has been made that the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will invest almost $8 million to build a new bridge at Graddle Creek on The McGrane Way through the latest round of the Fixing Country Roads Program.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the new bridge will improve safety and ensure the community and truckies have better access during times of extreme wet weather events.

“This will ensure local freight operators and farmers in the region can get our region’s great produce to international and domestic markets sooner and more safely, which will keep our state moving forward,” said Sam Farraway.

Mayor of Parkes Shire Ken Keith OAM said the community is very excited and very grateful for the near $8 million that has been allocated for a new bridge at Graddle Creek and realignment works on The McGrane Way through the Fixing Country Roads Program.

“This road is a vital route for transporters connecting the west to Narromine and Dubbo, producers to grain silos, saleyards and mining operations,” Ken said.

“The new bridge will be more resilient, replacing a narrow causeway that is subject to frequent flash flooding which has posed a serious safety risk for the community.

“This project will deliver safer and more reliable journeys for all road users across the region, helping to keep moving the more than 800,000 tonnes of freight transported each year along The McGrane Way.”

Member of the MR354 Committee and local farmer Fiona Aveyard thanked the NSW Government and said the investment was a big win for the community.

“We are grateful to the NSW Government for this investment of close to $8 million,” Fiona said.

“This investment will keep freight moving, get families home safe and will keep Tullamore, Parkes and regional NSW moving forward.”

“We’ve Been Playing Russian Roulette With Lives”

February 24, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The plans to upgrade The McGrane way between Tullamore and Narromine.

We caught up with the very passionate President of The McGrane Way Committee, Gary Langley who explained that The McGrane Way is the main access road from Narromine to Tullamore, and links up with other shires including Hillston and Condobolin.

There has been an increase in traffic on The McGrane Way since the road was sealed, as provides access to Dubbo, Newcastle and Brisbane.

“People are coming through with caravans, and the corner is so sharp that we lost about nine or ten hay trucks during the drought, they turned over,” said Gary.

Gary went on to praise Minister for Regional Transport Sam Farrawy MP: “Sam Farraway has been excellent, even before he was minister. We met up with him in Tullamore, four to five years ago to lobby him, and he secured us an audience with Deputy Premier and leader of the Nationals, Paul Toole”.

Gary explained how this upgrade will help those who travel The McGrane Way. “Once this project is finished it’s not going to matter how much rain we get because it is going to be out of the flood zone, the bridge will be up high and people will not be cut off anymore after a shower of rain.”

Sam Farraway spoke after his announcement and said of the plagued McGrane Way: “Unfortunately we saw a tragic death here only a few months ago, and it just reminds us that if it’s flooded, forget it!”

“In 2022 this road was closed for over 150 days, we need to make sure this infrastructure is upgraded for tomorrow not just today.” said Sam Farraway.

Safer Cars For Rural Kids

February 24, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Mitchell McMahon, Logan Frost, Daniel Liondis and Lucius Oldfield from Canowindra High School are amongst many rural kids who could benefit from $5,000 towards a safer vehicle.

Young drivers in regional NSW will be given a cash incentive to help them buy a newer, safer vehicle under a state-first program by the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government.

The new Safer Cars for Country Kids program will provide a $5,000 subsidy for up to 1,000 young drivers to help them purchase a safer car. “We will get old and unsafe cars off our country roads and make it easier for young drivers to get behind the wheel of a safer car,” Mr Perrottet said.

Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Police Paul Toole said the initiative recognised that young drivers are much more likely to inherit the old family car, or buy an older, cheaper or less safe vehicle as their first car. “This landmark trial will provide a helping hand to young drivers to buy a safer set of wheels – and give their families greater confidence in their safety every time they’re on the road,” said Mr Toole.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government will first trial up to 50 young people in selected areas, before rolling out in phases to all regional areas across the state.

More information on can be found at https://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe/vehiclesafety/safer-cars-country-kids.html

$250 Hip Pocket Bonus For Regional Apprentices And Trainees

February 24, 2023 by Roxane Manley

More than 50,000 regional apprentices and trainees can now apply for the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government’s $250 Regional Apprentice and University Student Travel Card.

Premier Dominic Perrottet said the initiative would help ease budget pressures for apprentices, trainees and university students in the bush.

“We know that young people in our regions are faced with greater travel costs than those in the city, often having to travel long distances to work or training,” Mr Perrottet said.

“This card will reduce travel costs by providing a $250 boost to the budgets of young apprentices and trainees in the bush, covering the cost of fuel, taxis and public transport.

“Slashing travel costs will make a real difference to young people in the bush who clock up the miles travelling to work or to university.

“This $250 hip pocket bonus for regional apprentices and trainees is only possible thanks to the Liberal and Nationals long-term economic plan to keep our state moving forward.”

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Successful applicants will receive a $250 prepaid debit card within weeks.

Around 51,000 regional apprentices and trainees, aged between 16 and 66, can start taking up this offer right now by applying through Service NSW and save $250 on fuel, taxis and public transport to help with the cost of traveling to work or study.

Applications for university students will open from the end of April when enrolments are confirmed. Apprentices and trainees have until 30 November to apply for the 2023 card.

The initiative will run as a two-year trial until the end of 2024.

Forbes To Share In More Than $4.4 Million To Fix Roads

February 24, 2023 by Roxane Manley

The NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has announced Forbes, Cabonne and Orange City Councils will receive more than $4.4 million to help councils fix the roads used by local communities every day.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said the work is being funded through the latest round of the $500 million Fixing Local Roads program.

“In the last month, we’ve committed almost $17 million to help councils in Orange, Cabonne and Forbes tackle the backlog of roads maintenance and reconnect communities,” said Sam Farraway.

“The funding is going towards projects like sealing, resurfacing, road maintenance, drainage improvements and patching. These are small projects making a big difference to the wellbeing of regional communities. The program has supported more than 6,000 jobs.”

Forbes Shire Mayor Phyllis Miller welcomed the additional funding which would go toward road maintenance and rehabilitation of West Plains Road, Forbes.

“The level of support we have received from the State Government has been fantastic,” Phyllis said.

“Manpower has also been an issue for us and all of NSW, which is why we were grateful the state government redeployed 200 Transport for NSW road crews to help us with the clean-up and repair. Hopefully the Prime Minister matches the funding and helps our regional communities.”

Tony Milleto Revisits Old Forbes Stomping Grounds

February 24, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Former Forbes police officer Tony Milleto, still feels at home here in Forbes.

Former Forbes resident, Tony Mileto, took us to a few of the places around Forbes that holds the fondest memories for him.

Born in Sydney and raised on the Central Coast of NSW, Tony moved to Orange at the age of 12, where he completed his schooling and eventually followed his long time ambition of becoming a Police officer.

Upon following through with his dream of joining the Police Force, Tony chose to be stationed at Forbes Police Station where he served for just over three years.

“I thoroughly enjoyed my time here, Forbes was a 24-hour police station back then, it’s not anymore,” said Tony.

Whilst reminiscing about his time as a police officer in Forbes, Tony went on to talk about why he initially joined the police force: “I chose to be a police officer because there is no greater honour or privilege than to represent your community, and that is what I wanted to do, serve the community. That’s what I enjoyed during my time in Forbes,” said Tony.

During his time with Forbes Police, Tony was also the School Liaison Officer and described himself as passionate about working with kids at risk. He knows many kids come from challenging backgrounds and beleives it is always worth investing time in our youth as they are our future.

During Tony’s three year stay in Forbes, he proudly talks about his time spent enjoying local sport. Tony said he spent two years playing with the Forbes Magpies reserve grade team and then one year playing with the Forbes Platypi, stating “I thoroughly enjoyed playing with both clubs”.

After his three years in Forbes, Tony returned to Orange, where he continued his work with local youth while working at Orange PCYC, before moving into more mainstream police work.

Tony worked in different specialist areas of the police force until he was unfortunately involved in a serious motor vehicle accident while on duty. Tony was in a police vehicle when another driver drove head first into his vehicle. Whilst he eventually recovered, that accident ended Tony’s police career. He went on to become a Factual Investigator, which involves investigating serious motor vehicle accidents.

“My life changed when I came across a motor vehicle accident where three young boys were killed at Billpin,” said Tony. Following this, he committed himself to making our roads safer, for young people and the community as a whole.

In 2017, Tony joined Orange City Council, so that he could have a platform to make a positive difference in his community, and that is where his political journey started.

Tony is extremely passionate and dedicated to serving the communities in his region which include Parkes, Forbes and surrounds. Tony explained that in order to actually make things happen, “You need to do it at the highest level, and that is why I have joined up with a strong political party like The Nationals who I know can deliver.”

NSW Nationals Candidate for Orange Cr Tony Mileto and his campaign signage which you may have noticed around the region.

Tony recalls fondly, the mateship and comradery he ex-perienced being part of the Forbes rugby union and rugby league community.

Applications Now Open For Inaugural $10,000 Military History Prize

February 24, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Applications are now open for the inaugural $10,000 Anzac Memorial Trustees Military History Prize – a new annual award within the prestigious NSW Premier’s History Awards.

Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney, David Elliott said the establishment of the award highlighted the importance of recording our military history to honour and remember our veterans.

“Capturing our military history is vital in ensuring future generations are educated on the service and sacrifice of Australians in armed conflicts,” Mr Elliott said.

“I encourage all historians with an interest in our military history to apply for this award as it will help future generations learn about and understand the bravery, dedication and legacy of our veterans,” Mr Elliott said.

The Military History Prize is for a work of non-fiction on the involvement of Australians in wars, campaigns, battles and/or peacekeeping operations which are represented in the Anzac Memorial’s Hall of Service.

For more information: www.sl.nsw.gov.au/awards/nsw-premiers-history-awards

Forbes Artist On Display

February 24, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Exciting news for local creatives who are invited to showcase their work as part of the upcoming Unknown Art Exhibition, hosted by the Forbes Arts Society.

Based on the national Incognito Art Show, Unknown is an inclusive, community art exhibition – with a twist.

So, what’s the twist? All artworks are exhibited anonymously. Only once an artwork is purchased will the artist’s name be revealed to the buyer on the back of the artwork.

All artworks are 30.5cm x 30.5cm in size. Every piece of artwork will go on sale for $100, regardless of artist – beginner, emerging or professional.

Residents from Forbes, Parkes and Eugowra are welcome to register for free, and will be supplied with a canvas. 3D entries that fit within 30cm x 30cm x 30cm will also be accepted.

An exhibition opening event will be held on Friday, 31st March. The exhibition will then be on public display until Monday, 3rd April (location TBC).

For more information and for the conditions of entry, head to www.forbesartssociety.com.

Snippets…

February 24, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Rare opportunity to purchase the Parkes Arbour Shopping Centre.

Popular Parkes Arbour Hits The Market: Parkes Arbour Shopping Centre has been listed for sale, presenting investors the opportunity to acquire a Coles anchored neighbourhood shopping centre with multiple value add strategies.

Developed in 2006 and refurbished in 2017, Parkes Arbour is a central retail precinct in the Parkes CBD. The Centre offers convenient access with four street frontages to both Clarinda Street and the Newell Highway and over 298 on-grade and basement car parks.

Expressions of interest for Parkes Arbour Shopping Centre close on Tuesday, 14th March.

Murray Valley Encephalitis Virus Detected In Western Nsw: Communities across Western NSW are encouraged to take measures to protect themselves against mosquito bites following the detection of Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE) virus in mosquitoes at Macquarie Marshes and in sentinel chickens at Forbes.

Priscilla Stanley, Western NSW Local Health District’s Director of Public Health, is urging the community across Western NSW to take all actions possible to avoid being bitten as summer continues.

“People are still enjoying the warm weather and spending plenty of time outdoors, so it is incredibly important that everyone takes appropriate steps to protect against mosquito bites,” Ms Stanley said.

Fostering The Next Generation Of Planners: NSW Department of Planning and Environment Executive Director, Planning Delivery Unit, Tom Kearney said the statewide Strong Start – Planner Mentoring Program would benefit councils and students by connecting students and graduates with experienced planners, providing them with skills, guidance, and opportunities.

“Planners are vital to building and shaping the communities we live in, and we want to ensure this important profession thrives,” Mr Kearney said.

Mr Kearney said the initiative is one way to help address a major shortage of planners. “This will assist councils which have been struggling to find planners, with some positions remaining vacant for several years,” he said.

“This program is about creating more opportunities for students and graduates and more staff for councils to clear backlogs, speed up assessment times for development applications, and deliver better outcomes for our communities.”

For more information, visit planning.nsw.gov.au/strong-start

The Strong Start – Planner Mentoring Program will assist in training the next generation of planners.

Australia’s Sheep Flock To Reach Largest Size In Over 15 Years

February 17, 2023 by Roxane Manley

Meat and Livestock Australia spokesperson, Ripley Atkinson.

The Australian sheepmeat industry is set for another bumper year in 2023 as the national sheep flock grows to its highest level since 2007 at 78.75m head, according to the latest Sheep Industry Projections update from Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA).

Driving this increase are optimal breeding conditions, a genetically superior flock, improved lambing percentages and medium-term industry confidence.

Meat and Livestock Australia spokesperson, Ripley Atkinson said, “Lamb slaughter is forecast to reach 22.6m in 2023 as a result of large numbers of breeding ewes and strong marking rates. This is a rise of 595,000 head or 2.7% year-on-year.

“2022’s slaughter performance showed that small stock processors had a greater ability to increase their throughput in line with higher supply, a trend MLA expects will continue in 2023.”

Carcase weights are also forecast to increase in 2023. This is primarily due to structural genetic investment and productive improvement in the national flock over the past two years.

The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast that the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) will enter a positive phase in 2023. A positive IOD results in less rain across southern Australia, where most of Australia’s sheep population is located.

According to Mr Atkinson, a decline in the New Zealand sheep flock size presents an opportunity for the Australian sheepmeat industry.

“New opportunities may be made available to Australian producers and exporters as New Zealand flock size decreases, wool and lamb production become less profitable compared to dairy production, and land availability decreases.”

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