RDA Riverina New Chair Announced

Brett Stonestreet PSM - Chair of RDA Riverina, February 2026

RDA Riverina is delighted to announce the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories of Australia, the Hon. Kristy McBain MP’s appointment of Brett Stonestreet PSM as the new Chair of RDA Riverina, succeeding Dianna Somerville after nearly five years of dedicated service in this role.

Brett Stonestreet PSM brings more than 40 years of local government experience to his new role as Chair of RDA Riverina, having held leadership roles in several councils across NSW and Victoria. Brett was recognised in 2023 with a Public Service Medal for outstanding service to the community of Griffith. Well-known for his long tenure as General Manager for Griffith City Council until 2025, Brett has earned a reputation as a steady and respected leader, guiding major projects and championing community-focused decision-making.

From building a private hospital to driving new housing initiatives, Brett has always found fulfilment in delivering projects that respond directly to community needs. He is equally inspired by the Riverina itself—its people, its ingenuity, and the lifeblood of the river systems that sustain the region. Above all, Brett’s work reflects a deep respect for place and a commitment to leaving the region stronger for future generations.

RDA Riverina is excited to welcome Brett Stonestreet back to the organisation, where he previously served from 2012 to 2018.

Business Conditions Survey

Credit: Business NSW

With interest rates on the rise, many businesses are now managing higher repayments, tighter cashflow, and customers with less capacity to spend. But the real story goes beyond rate increases, it’s about the everyday pressures and changing conditions businesses are navigating right now.

Business NSW is conducting a statewide survey to better understand how businesses are being affected. The goal is to build a clear picture of what’s happening on the ground by hearing directly from business owners and managers.

Through the survey, participants can share insights on:

• Cost pressures and day‑to‑day challenges

• Cashflow constraints and operational impacts

• Opportunities or shifts emerging in local markets

• Barriers to growth, including insurance costs, energy prices and regulatory requirements

Your feedback helps inform the broader conversations taking place about business confidence, changing conditions, and the types of support businesses may need next.

Telstra Upgrading 4G/5G Coverage in Junee

Credit: Telstra

Telstra will be commencing a planned outage in Junee from 9 February to 12 February 7am - 5pm to improve the 4G/5G services. The upgrade will increase the mobile site’s capacity, helping deliver faster download speeds, smoother streaming and less congestion for local users. These works will also prepare the site for future enhancements to Telstra’s 5G network.

While the upgrade is underway, Telstra mobile coverage in the Junee area may be temporarily impacted. Telstra has advices that the mobile site will only be switched off when required, services will be restored as quickly as possible. Customers will also receive text notifications ahead of the planned disruptions.

Telstra has confirmed that landline, NBN, Satellite services and mobile coverage from other providers will not be affected during this outage period.

Triple Zero emergency calls from a Telstra mobile will still connect - your call will automatically switch to another available mobile network if the Telstra site is offline.

To stay connected during the works Telstra recommends:

• Enabling Wi-Fi Calling on your mobile phone. This free feature allows you to make and receive calls and texts over a Wi-Fi connection.

• Businesses using EFTPOS should speaking with their bank about temporarily switching their terminals to an NBN or Wi-Fi Connection.

To read the full media release from Telstra, use the button below.

Advanced Diploma of Public Safety (Emergency Management) at TAFE NSW is now Open for Enrolments

Image Credit: TAFE NSW

The Advanced Diploma of Public Safety (Emergency Management) - PUA60120 is now available for those looking to step into senior roles within the emergency management sector. This nationally recognised qualification prepares learners to manage complex emergency situations, lead multi-agency teams, and coordinate organisational and community responses before, during, and after incidents or disasters.

This Advanced Diploma is designed for individuals taking on high-level emergency management responsibilities within an organisation or across multiple agencies. The course focuses on building the capability to plan, manage, and evaluate emergency management activities, including prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery.

Learners will develop expertise in areas such as:

• Facilitating emergency risk assessments

• Designing and evaluating emergency management exercises

• Coordinating multi-agency operations

• Managing community and stakeholder engagement

• Implementing emergency planning processes

• Working within complex emergency management environments

This qualification is suited to those with existing experience in emergency management who are ready to progress to senior leadership roles. Applicants should be able to demonstrate the ability to:

• Assist with managing incidents, emergencies, or disasters

• Coordinate resources, personnel, and inter-agency activities

• Work autonomously and take responsibility for technical and operational tasks

• Lead teams and make strategic decisions under pressure

Suitable entry pathways include completion of the Diploma of Public Safety (Emergency Management) core units, or a minimum of five years’ industry experience within the emergency management environment.

To achieve the Advanced Diploma, students must complete:

• 10 core units, including emergency risk assessment, emergency planning, exercise design, project management, and multi-agency coordination.

• 5 elective units, offering specialisations such as business continuity planning, high-level written communication, public information management, and political awareness

Training is delivered through a combination of online and face-to-face learning, ensuring flexibility while maintaining practical, scenario-based skill development.

Delivery & Key Details

• Location: Virtual classroom (off-campus) with scheduled in-person assessments at the West Wollongong campus

• Duration: 2 years

• Study Mode: Combination of online learning and on-campus workshops

• Start Date: 10 February 2025

• Study Commitment: Approximately 10 hours per week

• Funding: VET Student Loans available

• Training Provider: TAFE NSW National Centre for Emergency Management

For further information, contact the National Centre for Emergency Management:

• Email: ncems@tafensw.edu.au

• Phone: 02 7920 8831

• Website: tafensw.edu.au/national-centre-for-emergency-management

Review Your Energy Rates and Enter Zembl’s Giveaway

As many businesses return to full operations, energy usage can jump quickly, that’s why Zembl is currently offering a free business energy review, and participating also puts businesses in the draw to win one of two $5,000 energy bill credits.

How the Offer Works

1. Review

Submit your latest energy bill, and Zembl’s Energy Experts will compare your current rates and usage against competitive offers from their trusted Australian retailer panel.

2. Switch

If they find a better option, Zembl can manage the switching process—only with your approval.

3. Save

You could secure lower energy costs for 2026 and automatically go into the draw to win a $5,000 energy bill credit.* Two winners will be selected.

Funding Available to Boost Heavy Vehicle Safety on Australia’s Roads

Image Credit: Zetong Li

Media Release: Assistant Minister for Regional Development

The Australian Government and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) have announced $4.4 million in grants will be dedicated to the industry led projects aimed at improving road safety for the heavy vehicle industry. The funding is available through round 11 of the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI), with the aim of supporting projects that improve compliance and deliver safety benefits for the transport and logistic sector.

Central to the funding will be projects that harness new and emerging technologies to build capability and knowledge across the sector, delivering long term benefits for Australia’s freight and logistics network.

Steel Deliveries Underway for HumeLink East

Image Credit: Adam Hilles

One of NSW’s largest energy infrastructure projects, HumeLink, is progressing with significant activity in the Riverina region. The project will deliver approximately 365 kilometres of new 500kV transmission lines, connecting Wagga Wagga, Bannaby, and Maragle, strengthening the state’s electricity network and supporting future energy needs.

From December 2025, convoys of heavy vehicles are delivering up to 1,000 tonnes of transmission tower steel every fortnight to sites along the eastern alignment between Bannaby and Wondalga. Daily deliveries of up to eight trailers are expected, supporting the timely assembly and erection of transmission towers.

During this time, you can expect:

• Increased heavy vehicle movements on local roads, including B-double trucks traveling from Sydney via the Hume Highway.

• Construction work during daylight hours:
  7am–6pm Monday to Friday, 8am–1pm Saturdays.
  Truck deliveries may also occur on weekends.

• Temporary traffic control measures and signage will be in place to ensure safety.

• Noise and dust management strategies will be implemented throughout the works.

Following steel deliveries, crews will begin assembling towers using cranes and heavy machinery, alongside foundation works involving excavation and concrete pouring. Environmental and heritage monitoring will continue throughout construction.

Residents can register for SMS alerts and find detailed updates via the HumeLink East project page. For inquiries, contact the Community and Stakeholder Engagement team on 1800 317 367 or email humelink@transgrid.com.au.

Australians Urged to Prevent Mosquito Bites as Temperatures Rise

Source: The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Public Health

Date: 17 December 2025

Australians are being urged to protect themselves from mosquito bites this summer, following new research that shows warmer temperatures significantly increase the risk of Ross River Virus outbreaks, particularly in riverland and coastal regions. The study found that infections are most likely when temperatures range between 17°C and 31°C, with cases peaking around 26°C.

Ross River Virus is one of Australia’s most common mosquito-borne diseases, with around 3,000 cases reported annually. It can be spread by more that 40 mosquito species, and hosts can include kangaroos, wallabies, bats, horses, and dogs.

Symptoms may include:

• Rash

• Fever

• Joint pain (arthralgia)

While most people recover within weeks, joint pain can persist impacting quality of life.

How to protect yourself:

• Wear light coloured clothing outdoors

• Apply mosquito repellent to exposed skin

• Use mosquito nets when camping

• Avoid areas with stagnant water

For tips on prevention of mosquito bites, visit the Australian Centre for Disease Control website here: Preventing mosquito bites | Australian Centre for Disease Control

To read the full research and learn more, use the button below.

Opening of Flavourtech New Head Office in Griffith

On Tuesday 9 December, RDA Riverina Staff Marg Couch and Katie Pastro, had the privilege of celebrating the opening of Flavourtech's new Head Office in Griffith, marking a significant milestone in the company's growth.

The event honoured the visions of founders Ron Potter and Andrew Craig in 1987 and highlighted Flavourtech's evolution into a leading global technology manufacturer serving the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries.

RDA Riverina extends its gratitude to Flavourtech for its innovation and commitment to fostering a collaborative workplace culture that develops local talent. As Chairman Leon Skaliotis noted, this success reflects the dedication of the people who have supported Flavourtech's journey. Our region is fortunate to have business leaders who prioritise workforce development and community partnership.

L-R Robert Lansdown, Investment NSW, Marg Couch, RDA Riverina, Serena Hardwick, Business NSW, and Katie Pastro, RDA Riverina

L-R Monica Armani, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Katie Pastro, RDA Riverina, Nicola James, AusIndustry, Leon Skaliotis, CEO Flavourtech, Marg Couch, RDA Riverina, and Helen Dalton, MP Member for Murray

L-R Nicola James, AusIndustry, Monica Armani, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Leon Skaliotis, CEO Flavourtech, and Marg Couch, RDA Riverina

Celebrating National Ag Day in the Riverina

L-R: Zoe Lamont, Founder, Farm Door Wagga Wagga, Alesha Bennet, Young White Suffolk Breeder, Jessica Ryan, NSW Young Farmers Chair

On Friday, 21 November 2025, we celebrated National Agriculture Day with the theme “Stand with the Land”, honouring the resilience and innovation of Australia’s farmers and rural communities. This year’s event was proudly hosted by RDA Riverina in partnership with AgriFutures, AgriPark, Charles Sturt University, Local Land Services, and NSW DPI at the Mawambul Training Centre, CSU Wagga Wagga.

National Ag Day is a call to recognise the people who feed and clothe us, even through floods, droughts, policy challenges, and trade disruptions. Agriculture is the backbone of the Riverina economy, and this day reminds us of its vital role in sustaining communities and driving innovation.

The luncheon brought together over 60 attendees, including producers, researchers, and community leaders. It featured a panel of inspiring speakers who shared insights on sustainability, leadership, and the future of farming:

• Jessica Ryan – NSW Young Farmers Chair (Harden)

• Zoe Lamont – Founder, Farm Door (Wagga Wagga)

• Alesha Bennett – Young White Suffolk Breeder & Emerging Ag Leader (Tarcutta)

These voices reflected the diversity and strength of our agricultural sector, from grassroots farming to entrepreneurial innovation.

National Ag Day is more than a celebration—it’s a movement. At RDA Riverina, we continue to champion initiatives that strengthen our agricultural backbone, from paddock-to-plate projects to workforce development and regional innovation. Let’s keep standing with the land, today and every day.

RDA RIVERINA AGM AND END-OF-YEAR Celebrations

L-R: Sue Molyneaux - Board Member, Dallas Tout - Board Member, Mark Hillis - Board Member, Melanie Reeves - Board Member, Dianna Somerville - Chair, Rachel Whiting - CEO, Amanda Cappello - Operations Manager, Melissa Boxall - Board Member, Isabel Virgona - Board Member, David Bardos - Board Member, Ray Willis - Board Member, Absent: Patricia Wilkinson - Deputy Chair.

On 18 November, RDA Riverina Board Members gathered at PCYC Wagga Wagga for the Annual General Meeting, followed by the final Board Meeting of 2025 to review key updates and set priorities for the year ahead.

During the afternoon, the board received a presentation from Transgrid, reinforcing the shared commitment to support the Riverina region.

The RDA Riverina Board then toured Wagga Wagga’s PCYC contemporary facilities, offering the opportunity to hear how the centre serves as a hub for youth engagement and community programs. The facilities feature a climate-controlled, multi-court indoor stadium, a fully equipped gym, flexible spaces for group fitness, and well-appointed meeting spaces with video conferencing alongside a welcoming café area. The site also includes out-of-school-hours care and a youth hub, reflecting PCYC’s mission - delivered in partnership with NSW Police - to empower young people, build leadership, and reduce and prevent youth crime.

It was a productive close to the year, before joining stakeholders for our end-of-year stakeholder drinks at Food I Am. A focus of the event was wishing farewell to RDA Riverina Chair, Dianna Somerville. Dianna has served almost 5 years as Chair of the organisation, leading us through the many flow on effects the COVID-19 pandemic had on our region, nationally and globally. Through those unprecedented times we grew as an organisation in staff numbers, in impact, in purpose, and in our drive to better the region.

Later, a small group continued the conversation over dinner in a relaxed setting. Food I Am has held a special place in RDA Riverina’s story. In 2011, the partnership began as part of an initiative to showcase the Riverina’s rich food culture and culinary talent, efforts that became Taste Riverina. Over the years, Food I Am has become more than a venue - it is renowned as a platform for celebrating local produce, fostering regional identity, and creating memorable experiences for stakeholders and visitors alike. It was fitting that we celebrated the year at Food I Am, together celebrating the achievements of founder Tania Sibrey.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our stakeholders for their ongoing support and collaboration throughout 2025. Your commitment and partnership have been instrumental in driving positive outcomes for the Riverina region. As we look ahead to 2026, we are excited to continue working together to build on this momentum, strengthen regional opportunities, and deliver impactful initiatives. RDA Riverina wishes everyone a safe and joyful festive season and a successful year ahead.

RDA Riverina end of year lunch

L-R: Marg Couch, Manager Griffith Projects and Local Connector, Melanie Renkin, Research Officer, Kayla Cherry, Assistant Communications Officer, Sophie Ackland, Administration Officer, Katie Pastro, Project and Communications Officer, Rachel Whiting, CEO and Director of Regional Development, Sara Johnston, Communications Coordinator, Amanda Cappello, Operations Manager, Jayadev Ajayakumar, Local Connector

Marg Couch, Manager Griffith Projects and Local Connector with Amanda Cappello, Operations Manager

The RDA Riverina team wrapped up another successful and extremely busy year at the Coolamon Hotel for an end of year lunch, squeezing in a tour of the venue’s recently renovated function space and accommodation facilities. As we reflected on the year that was, our heartfelt thanks and best wishes were directed at our Operations Manager, Amanda Cappello, who is moving at the end of the year. Amanda has been a much valued member of our team for the past three years, applying her strategic mindset across the wide range of programs and initiatives run by RDA Riverina, and overseeing an enhancement of internal and external policies and procedures. Although we are fortunate to keep her on staff remotely for the transition period, we will all miss her energetic and enthusiastic presence in the Wagga office.

Lunch was held in The Glasshouse, a stunning space blending natural light with period features and seasonal charm. Local produce featured in delicious bistro-style dishes with the personalised service you can expect from the historic Coolamon Hotel. Sated, the staff were treated to a guided tour of the venue from the owner, starting with the upstairs function space, The Long Room. Thoughtful touches and a blend of modernity with historic elegance gives the space a breezy yet cosy feeling. A cocktail bar with a grand chandelier greets visitors on entry, pressed metal ceilings combine with soft wall lighting, fireplaces, palms and cane chairs to create an inviting room with a capacity of 80 patrons. Doors lead out to the expansive verandah for warm nights sipping cocktails with friends.

The tour ended with a look at the newly opened accommodation, featuring a well supplied communal kitchenette, 4 large bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms and more of that timeless style combined with modern conveniences such as in room controls for air conditioning and even the ability to play your own media through the room speakers. The staff were very impressed with the renovated venue and accommodation, all of which is wheelchair accessible, and were excited to consider the prospect of another great Riverina venue for meetings, presentations and forums.

As we wind up activities for the year, we thank all of our stakeholders, partners and collaborators for the work you do to make this region the thriving hub of activity and enterprise that it is. We look forward to seeing what 2026 brings, and continuing to work with you all to develop the region.

Ensuring a Sustainable National Broadband Network

Media Release: Minister for Communications, Minister for Sport

Image Credit: Jackson Sophat

Carriers will be able to deliver better services to customers, with the Regional Broadband Scheme charges slashed. The Scheme ensures transparent and sustainable funding for essential fixed wireless and satellite broadband services delivered by NBN Co in rural, regional and remote Australia by changing fixed-line broadband networks a monthly charge for each service they provide.

Under legislation, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) must provide advice to the Minister for Communications about the monthly charge amount under the Scheme every 5 years.

In line with the ACCC’s advice, the Minister will reduce the amount to $2.17 per chargeable premises, for 5 years from 2025-26. It will continue to be CPI-indexed annually.

Regional Energy Accord: Riverina & Murray Shaping Australia’s Energy Transition

L-R: Ray Willis, RDA Riverina Board Member, Malkah Lara Muckenschnabl, Associate Partner YoBou, Rachel Whiting, CEO and Director of Regional Development, Sabiene Heindl, CEO The Energy Charter, Sarimah Hellyer, CEO RDA Murray, Bryce Ives, Principal Consultant YoBou, Mark Hillis, RDA Riverina Board Member

On Thursday, 27 November 2025, Regional Development Australia (RDA) Riverina and Murray, in partnership with The Energy Charter, hosted two pivotal events at the Local Land Service Mawambul Training Centre, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga: the Regional Energy Accord Business Workshop and the Regional Energy Accord Roundtable. These events followed strategic engagement with local landholders the day before.

Why a Regional Energy Accord?

The Riverina and Murray regions are at the forefront of Australia’s energy transition, hosting major renewable infrastructure and experiencing both the opportunities and challenges that come with change. Local communities are navigating new impacts on land, business, and daily life as the energy landscape evolves. The Regional Energy Accord is a national initiative designed to ensure this transition occurs in partnership with communities, not to them. It’s a voluntary agreement, co-designed by regional voices, industry, and government, setting out shared principles and practical steps for collaboration that reflects the priorities and aspirations of our region.

Elevating Regional Voices

The landholder engagement meetings heard from local people impacted by renewable energy developments. Sharing of stories and listening to concerns is part of true regional engagement. The morning Business Workshop brought together business leaders from across the Riverina and Murray, providing a platform to share insights and contribute to the Accord’s development. Discussions focused on trust, fairness, and the need for visible local benefits—emphasising that commitments must be delivered, not just promised. Participants agreed that regional expertise and leadership are essential for ensuring the energy transition delivers genuine, lasting value. Engagement also occurred with a group of young community leaders. The importance of hearing voices from all demographics in our community was highlighted.

Shaping a Fair and Inclusive Transition

The afternoon Roundtable built on these conversations, gathering community leaders, industry representatives, government officials, and stakeholders from diverse sectors. The agenda included mapping the region’s energy story, identifying guiding principles, and developing practical commitments that reflect local values and priorities. The collaborative format encouraged open dialogue, creative thinking, and a shared commitment to shaping a fair and inclusive energy future.

A National Effort, Grounded in Local Experience

Supported by The Energy Charter and facilitated by YoBou Pty Ltd, the Accord aims to unite stakeholders around shared principles and practical steps for collaboration. The process is grounded in authentic local listening, with the goal of building trust, supporting local leadership, and turning good intentions into visible actions on the ground. The Riverina and Murray Roundtable is the fourth in a series, adding local priorities and insights to the national Accord.

Lasting Impact

By hosting these events, RDA Riverina and RDA Murray have ensured that the perspectives of local business and community leaders are central to the development of the Regional Energy Accord. The outcomes will inform a national framework designed to deliver real, measurable benefits for regional Australia—ensuring that communities are not left behind, but are active partners in shaping the future.

Biosecurity Training Strengthens Renewable Energy Development in the Riverina

On 25 November 2025, Regional Development Australia (RDA) Riverina partnered with EnergyCo and Charles Sturt University to deliver the first Biosecurity Training for the Renewable Energy Industry at the AgriPark on Charles Sturt University’s Wagga Wagga Campus.

This initiative is a vital step in ensuring renewable energy projects in the South-West Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) meet stringent biosecurity standards while respecting the needs of local landholders.

Why Biosecurity Matters

As renewable energy projects expand across rural NSW, maintaining strong biosecurity practices is essential to protect agricultural land and livestock. The training addressed risks such as weed and pest spread, soil contamination, and vehicle hygiene—critical issues for developers working in farming communities.

About the Session

The one-day program combined classroom learning with a hands-on field component at Charles Sturt Farm. Participant explored:

• Biosecurity principles and compliance with the NSW Biosecurity Act 2015.

• Practical hygiene protocols for vehicles and machinery.

• Soil and vegetation management strategies.

• Landholder engagement and property access planning.

The session brought together participants from across the renewable energy and agricultural sectors, creating valuable opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing.

What Participants Said

• “Loved the inter-industry discussion. I felt it helped with the social licence having Ag experience in the room.”

• “Good presentation which elevated the importance of biosecurity risk to the local projects. It was good to have some Elecnor folk there who have some lived experiences and lessons they were able to pass on.”

• “This will be especially useful for construction contractors.”

Looking Ahead

The next training session will be held in Hay early 2026, targeting major contractors responsible for constructing renewable projects. These workshops are part of a broader effort to unlock 3.56 GW of clean energy capacity, create thousands of jobs, and attract $17.8 billion in private investment to the South-West REZ.

Community TV More Available Than Ever Before, With CTV+

Image Credit: Oscar Nord

Media Release: Minister for Communications, Minister for Sport

Australian stories will be even more accessible thanks to an investment from the Australian Government. Developed with the support of the Australian Government, the new CTV+ streaming app for smart TVs means community television is more available than ever before.

The Australian Government delivered $386,000 through its Community Broadcasting Program to support CTV+, making diverse voices, local content and real stories more accessible than ever.

National Road Transport Technology Strategy Plots a Course Ahead

Image Credit: Connor Wang

Media Release: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government

The Australian Government, on behalf of Australia’s infrastructure and transport Ministers, has released the National Road Transport Technology Strategy, setting out a nationally consistent approach to technology deployment and adoption in the road transport sector.

With the automotive industry rapidly changing with greater vehicle connectivity and automated driving technologies, this strategy will support the responsible adoption of these road transport technologies.

The Government recognises that these new technologies can help improve road safety and reduce fuel and energy use, but with this comes greater safety, privacy and cyber security risks.

The National Road Transport Technology Strategy outlines the policy, regulatory and investment roles of governments in supporting new road transport technologies, and provides a set of nine principles to guide nationally consistent decision-making across all jurisdictions.

Through the strategy and action plan, the Federal, State and Territory Governments are working together to ensure the community gets the best out of these technologies and the risks are managed.

Productivity Commissions Inquiry into Regional Airfares

Image Credit: Philip Myrtorp

Media Release: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government

The Australian Government released the terms of reference for the Productivity Commission inquiry into key factors that determine regional airfares.

Regional Australians deserve reliable air services at reasonable prices and that’s what this review is about.

That’s why in response to the Aviation White Paper, we tasked the Productivity Commission to look at regional airfares, including competition, pricing practices and whether profits along the supply chain are fair.

This will give state governments and the Commonwealth the nationally consistent data required to tackle the issue of regional airfares.

Delivering Stronger Oversight of Triple Zero

Image Credit: Mpho Mojapelo

Media Release: Minister of Communications, Minister for Sport

Oversight of the Triple Zero system has been strengthened by the Australian Government, with legislation passing Parliament.

The new laws give the Triple Zero Custodian the power to demand information from telecommunications providers, through the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), so it can monitor Triple Zero performance, identify risks, and respond more quickly to outages and make improvements.

It will also increase the maximum penalties faced by telcos for failing to follow the Triple Zero rules to $30 million.

The laws cement the powers of the Custodian which has been established administratively within the Department of Communications since March and will ensure end-to-end oversight of Triple Zero.

Rest Area Upgrades to Benefit Heavy Vehicle Drivers on the Newell Highway

Image Credit: Gabriel Santos

Media Release: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government

Works to upgrade two rest areas on the Newell Highway south of Moree has begun, benefiting all road users, particularly heavy vehicle drivers travelling in the state’s north-west.

The Australia Government and NSW State Government have committed $12 million to extensively upgrade the northbound and southbound rest areas either side of the Newell Highway at Tycannah.

The Tycannah rest areas upgrade work is receiving $2.4 million in funding from the NSW Government, and $9.6 in funding through the Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Rest Area initiative under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.

The existing rest areas at Tycannah service the major long-haul interstate freight route linking Melbourne and Brisbane but currently have no toilets and no turning lanes.

The upgrades will include a reconfiguration of the rest areas to better accommodate extra-long vehicles, and also deceleration lanes at the entry of the rest area to improve safety.