Become a Net-Zero Hero!

A new initiative has been launched, designed to help not-for-profit leaders cut greenhouse gas emissions and respond to climate change.

The Net Zero Heroes website includes help sheets about key climate change concepts, mitigation and adaptation strategies, and tools to help not-for-profits take action, including a free funding discovery portal.  

The site focuses on three key strategies for cutting greenhouse gas emissions: 

1.     Shifting to green power 

2.     Installing solar and batteries 

3.     Transitioning car fleets to hybrid and electric vehicles  

Deals developed specifically for the not-for-profit sector will be added in coming weeks. 

ICDA’s Community Directors Council chair Susan Pascoe AM says not-for-profit leaders must consider climate change as a serious governance issue.  

“The new ICDA site is not just for environmental organisations – every single not-for-profit needs to be shifting to cut their emissions, and every single not-for-profit organisation should be planning for climate change,” she said.  

“Climate change will affect everything. Whether you’re a sports group or an arts group or a charity working with vulnerable Australians – every single organisation has a responsibility to understand what climate change means for their mission, their operations and their constituents.” 

Visit the Net Zero Heroes site at communitydirectors.com.au/zero.

EnergyConnect Project Update

Second half of nation’s biggest electricity grid project approved as construction powers ahead

Transgrid has welcomed the NSW Government’s final environmental approval for the eastern section of the nation’s biggest transmission project EnergyConnect, as works in the western section accelerate.

CEO Brett Redman said “We are pleased the NSW Minister for Planning has cleared the path for us to progress the second half of our $1.8 billion interconnector project.

"The Government has completed a thorough review of the Environmental Impact Statement for the around 540km eastern section of the project - just as we accelerate the construction efforts in the west of NSW.

“Works on the western section of Australia’s largest electricity transmission project are progressing well, with the construction of a 30-hectare camp to house hundreds of workers at Buronga, near Mildura, before crews prepare to assemble and erect the first of 1,500 steel towers.

“We are building the energy superhighway and EnergyConnect is the biggest project yet for Transgrid. The interconnector will enable sharing of energy between NSW and South Australia and Victoria for the first time, enable the integration of renewable generation and help the Federal Government achieve its climate change targets.

“EnergyConnect will also save NSW customers $180 million per year, create up to 1,500 jobs and contribute $4 billion in net benefits.”

Transgrid’s construction partner SecureEnergy JV started works in June, 2022 on the 135km western section of the project, between Buronga and the South Australian border. More than 200 people are already on the project, with delivery expected in late 2024.

A 30-hectare accommodation camp and laydown with office facilities is taking shape at Buronga, to accommodate up to 340 workers. The existing Buronga substation will also be expanded to become one of the largest in Australia. Another camp to house an additional 160 personnel is being built on Renmark Rd. Later this year, crews will build the foundations needed to erect the first of 1,500 towers, which will use approximately 30,000 tonnes of steel.

“Today’s planning approval adds momentum to this once in a generation transmission project that will reshape the National Electricity Market, making it possible for Australians to access cleaner and cheaper energy,” Mr Redman said.

The project is now proceeding for assessment by the Commonwealth Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

Course | Wine Tourism Ready - Learn how to build a profitable tourism business

Wine Tourism Ready is a self-paced online course that teaches you how to attract more international travellers and develop a profitable tourism trade.

While much of the focus for wineries is on domestic tourism, attracting international visitors allows you to diversify your markets and create new avenues for business. But where do you start? What markets should you target? How do you navigate the different industry players and promote your tourism product globally?

This comprehensive course answers these key questions and more. 

Developed in partnership with the Australian Tourism Export Council, Wine Tourism Australia and Fastrack Asian Solutions

There are six modules in total. Work through the lessons, templates and activities step by step to create your own wine tourism plan in module 6, or simply skip to the topics you’re interested in.

Module 1: Capitalising on the visitor economy

Module 2: Setting up your tourism experiences

Module 3: Using B2B channels to bring in business

Module 4: Mastering your consumer marketing

Module 5: Pricing for profit

Module 6: Delivering your tourism growth strategy

A bright future for agriculture: DAFF joins the digital revolution

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has launched a new online Export Service. The service makes it quicker and easier for export businesses to do their work.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) plays a vital but often overlooked role in Aussie exports. It negotiates the technical access requirements for importing agricultural goods into another country. Having agreed on the logistic requirements, it’s then up to DAFF to regulate Aussie exporters. 

‘We regulate to help Australian businesses prosper,’ says David Hazlehurst, Deputy Secretary of the Agricultural Trade Group at DAFF. ‘Through our international network of Agriculture Counsellors, and digital tools, we want to make it as easy as possible for exporters to comply with the requirements of another country. Otherwise, their goods won’t be accepted at the other end.’ 

DAFF has sponsored the Australian Export Awards for 7 years. ‘It is fantastic to see the level of commitment and innovation that our regional exporters are contributing to Australian agriculture,’ says Hazlehurst. 

‘As a longstanding supporter of the Awards’ regional exporter category, we are proud to recognise the outstanding work that these businesses do in promoting growth in regional Australia.’ 

The future is digital for export regulation 

Hazlehurst says that in 2022, you can’t think about regulation without thinking digital as ‘the two don’t exist in isolation.’ 

DAFF recently launched the new online agriculture Export Service. The service allows registered businesses to start conducting their transactions with the department digitally. 

As part of the streamlined service, Aussie exporters can look forward to:

• simpler and reduced touchpoints with DAFF

• more autonomy in completing regulatory requirements for export

• automated, paperless documentation and reporting

• more export opportunities based on risk and return

• simpler ways to comply, meaning less unintentional non-compliance.

‘The world is complex enough, and markets are changing and changeable,’ says Hazlehurst. 

‘If we’re able to be more responsive as a regulator, exporters will be able to respond faster to changes, too.’ 

Building resilience through digital transformation 

In the next 12 months, Hazlehurst says DAFF’s work will increase the security and resilience of digital systems crucial to keeping Australia’s goods moving across the globe. It will help businesses spend less time and money dealing with government. 

‘A digital and regulatory partnership means DAFF’s export offerings are more effective, efficient, and valuable to those who use them,’ he says. ‘The move better empowers exporters to get on with business.’ 

DAFF predicts the Export Service will benefit industry by allowing them to get their products to market faster and with reduced administrative effort.

Making life easier for honey and dairy exporters 

The digital service is still in its infancy. DAFF is intentionally building in increments, releasing new features often so they can start adding value immediately. ‘It’s already making life easier for people who are using it,’ says Hazlehurst. 

One of the improvements enables self-service capabilities for dairy and honey exporters. Businesses choosing self-service can request export permits and certificates from the department directly. 

This means they no longer need to purchase software or rely on agents to act on their behalf. It empowers exporters, giving them better visibility and control of their export journey. It also removes the need for manual documentation. 

From paddock to plane: a Future Traceability Hub 

'The work being done around traceability is particularly exciting,' says Hazlehurst. 

‘Connecting data sources so we can easily say “we know where this shipment has come from and can trace it right back to the grower” is a game changer.’ 

DAFF’s Future Traceability Hub is currently looking at organic red meat certification. The project will identify traceability pain points and use data to improve this system. This project can also be scaled up to include other credentials, like grass-fed or sustainable production. 

‘We expect this project will provide us with insights to inform data standards and future-ready systems,’ says Hazlehurst. 

A bright future for the agriculture sector 

Hazlehurst notes that agricultural trade reform involves making improvements across all the pieces of the trade puzzle. 

‘We’ve learned a lot in building the Export Service,’ he says. ‘We’re sharing what we’ve learned with other departments through the Simplified Trade System initiative'. 

‘This digital transformation and related trade reform work are critical. They will support our agriculture sector to meet its Agriculture 2030 goal of $100 billion in farm‑gate returns. We’re proud to support farmers, producers and exporters to meet this goal.’

Expanded access to Japanese encephalitis vaccine

NSW is further expanding free access to Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine to Murrumbidgee residents to protect those most at risk

A new seroprevalence survey by NSW Health found that one in 11 people who took part showed evidence of previous infection.

In addition to the current group of people who work with pigs or mosquito or in specialised laboratories, Communicable Diseases Network Australia’s (CDNA) national priority groups, and some international travellers, JE vaccine is now also recommended for people who:

• live and work in any of the following Local Government Areas (LGAs) within the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD): Albury, Berrigan, Carrathool, Edward River, Federation, Greater Hume, Griffith, Lockhart, Murray River, Temora, AND

• are aged 50 years or older AND

• spend significant time outdoors (four hours per day).

JE vaccine is available through local General Practitioners (GPs). People who meet the above criteria should make an appointment with their GP and let them know it is for the Japanese Encephalitis vaccine. GPs may require a few days’ notice so they can order the vaccine.

MLHD Public Health Director Tracey Oakman extended her thanks to the more than one thousand (1,048) participants from communities across Griffith, Temora, Corowa, Balranald and Dubbo who provided blood samples in the survey. These areas were selected on the basis of JE virus activity.

One in 11, or 80 in 917 people, showed antibodies, indicating past infection with JE virus that would not have been acquired in another country.

As the purpose of the survey was understanding the risk of being infected with the JE virus in NSW, the remaining 131 participants were excluded as they had received a JE vaccine before, travelled for more than one month in, or were born in, a country where JE is commonly found.

To date, 13 people in NSW have been clinically diagnosed with JE in NSW this year and two of those people sadly died. All were estimated to have acquired the virus between mid-January and the end of February 2022.

“The results of this serosurvey provide us with valuable insight into the prevalence of past JE infections in these communities after it was first detected earlier this year,” Ms Oakman said.

“Vaccination is an important part of the public health response, but currently, global supply of JE vaccine is very limited. So we’re urging people to protect themselves by avoiding mosquito bites altogether, particularly as we head into warmer months.”

JE is a serious disease caused by the JE virus, however only around one per cent of people infected with the JE virus will experience symptoms.

JE is spread to humans by infected mosquitoes. People are not able to pass the virus to other people. Humans also cannot get infected with the virus by touching an infected animal or eating animal products, including pork products.

Australian mosquitoes can carry a range of viruses for which there are no vaccines, so it is vital to avoid mosquito bites.

Protect yourself and your family by:

• covering openings such as windows and doors with insect screens and checking there are no have gaps in them

• removing items that might collect water (such as old tyres, empty pots) outside your house where mosquitoes can breed

• improving drainage on your property so that water does not become stagnant

• wearing light, loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts, long pants and covered footwear and socks, especially around dusk and dawn

• applying repellent to all areas of exposed skin, using repellents that contain DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus

• re-applying repellent regularly, particularly after swimming, being sure to always apply sunscreen first and then apply repellent

• using insecticide sprays, vapour dispensing units and mosquito coils to repel mosquitos (mosquito coils should only be used outside).

In line with national reporting structures, NSW Health reports any new cases and case locations on the NSW Health website. According to the CDNA criteria, asymptomatic people found to have JE antibodies through serosurvey studies do not meet the case definition for JE disease, unlike those who were clinically diagnosed.

For further information on JE virus and ways to protect yourself go to: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/jevirus

Regional target of 11 million people by 2032

The Regional Australia Institute (RAI) has set a target of 11 million people living prosperously outside the capital cities by 2032, a key goal announced as part the Regionalisation Ambition 2032 launched at its National Summit in Canberra today (13 September 2022).

Achieving this target will see an extra 500,000 people living in the regions, above the estimated prediction of 10.5 million.

RAI CEO Liz Ritchie said the Regionalisation Ambition 2032 – a Framework to Rebalance the Nation, was a national first. It places 20 key targets at the centre of strengthening our regions which will close the divide between life in the city and the country.

It focusses on regional housing, education, health, jobs and skills, digital inclusion, transport, childcare, community participation, migration, climate, innovation and the resilience of regional communities – as well as population.

“Today marks an historic day, and the start of a collective national movement to see a more productive and liveable Australia,” Ms Ritchie said.

The Regionalisation Ambition 2032 sets out the goals and targets under 5 key pillars - Jobs and Skills, Liveability, Population, Productivity and Innovation and Sustainability and Resilience.

After 11 years of research, these are the areas the RAI says are holding regions back. The Regionalisation Ambition 2032 aims to put regional Australians on a ‘level playing field’.

“Regionalisation is about delivering on the potential of regional Australia and rebalancing our nation,’ Ms Ritchie said.

We’ve seen more than a 100 percent jump in job vacancies in the last 2.5 years. More than 3.7 million regional Australians live in a ‘childcare desert’. Regional home building approvals have declined in five out of the last 10 years. Remote students do half as well as their metropolitan counterparts in NAPLAN.

“These issues are all interlinked, complex and equally as important, so the development of a holistic and integrated framework is a momentous step forward to achieving better outcomes for all,” Ms Ritchie said.

“We know that you can’t solve the jobs crisis without addressing housing. We know you can’t solve the skills deficit, without improving education standards. Healthcare can’t be improved without focussing on digital connectivity.

“But achieving the targets we have set for 2032 is a challenge not just for the RAI, or even government. For regionalisation to be truly realised, it needs to be a collective effort, a national effort to rebalance the nation - and all Australians have a part to play,” Ms Ritchie said.

Economic modelling commissioned by the RAI also shows when regional Australia reaches 11 million people, national output will reach $2.3 trillion by 2032.

“This is $13.8 billion more than under a ‘business as usual’ scenario,” Ms Ritchie said.

“People are voting with their feet and looking for a different life beyond our capitals. Move to More is now more apparent than ever before. But we can’t shift the population dial further if the critical issues facing regions aren’t addressed,” Ms Ritchie said.

At Federation, just under two thirds of Australia’s population lived in the regions. Now, just under two thirds of Australia’s population is living in the capitals, and the cities of Sydney and Melbourne on a trajectory to ‘megacity’ status – more than 10 million – by the middle of this century.

“Our research tells us that a megacity future isn’t the right outcome for Australia. We know as a nation we will be happier, more sustainable and more productive if we alter the path we are on,” Ms Ritchie said.

The Framework was developed in conjunction with RAI’s members: leading Australian businesses, local governments and other regional changemakers.

“Today, we also launch the pledges our members have made to bring the ambition to life. During the past 12 months, we have been working with these key players, to show the country what is possible when collective action is undertaken to help achieve the goals set out in the Regionalisation Ambition 2032.

“We are now calling on industry, government, the private sector and community representatives to show their support, by pledging here.

Each year, the RAI will release a progress report outlining an update of pledges and the collective actions undertaken to reach each target by 2032.

The Regionalisation Ambition 2032 will be launched at the RAI’s National Summit - Regionalisation – Rebalancing the Nation at Hotel Realm in Canberra. The Hon. Catherine King, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government will open the Summit at 8:00am Tuesday 13 September.

For a full copy of the Regionalisation Ambition 2032 can be found here. For more information about the National Summit, please click here.

Vale Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

Regional Development Australia - Riverina staff and Board members extend our deepest sympathies to the Royal family, following the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who has passed away at the age of 96.

The Premier of New South Wales, Dominic Perrotet, has released a statement on behalf of the people of New South Wales:

“Today we reflect on the remarkable life of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

The young Princess Elizabeth became Queen of England at the age of 25 after the death of her adored father, King George VI, in 1952. Her Coronation took place in Westminster Abbey on 2 June 1953.

Her official title was Her Majesty Elizabeth the Second, by the Grace of God, Queen of Australia and Her other Realms and Territories, Head of the Commonwealth.

Queen Elizabeth II went on to become the longest-reigning British monarch, Australian sovereign and leader of the Commonwealth of Nations, which she navigated for seven decades - with dignity, courage and commitment.

She has been an inspiration to the global community and here in New South Wales, visiting our State 12 times.

As the first reigning monarch to visit our nation, Queen Elizabeth set foot for the first time on Australian soil in 1954 at Farm Cove in Sydney Harbour where an unprecedented crowd of more than one million people greeted her.

The public’s overwhelming jubilation and enthusiasm at seeing the young monarch was the beginning of the state’s long-held joy in her frequent visits.

Her Late Majesty will forever be connected to pivotal moments in our State’s history.

She officially opened the Parliament of New South Wales in 1954, Sydney Opera House in 1973, Parramatta Stadium in 1986, and Darling Harbour in 1988.

She also visited NSW regional areas including Newcastle, Lismore, Orange, Dubbo, Armidale, Tamworth and Wagga Wagga, drawing huge crowds of well-wishers.

While we mourn her passing, it is the occasion for the people of NSW to offer thanks for a lifetime of public duty to the Crown, the Commonwealth, and to millions of people across the globe.

More information on how NSW will pay tribute and observances will be provided later today at nsw.gov.au.”

2026 Road Safety Action Plan

The 2026 Road Safety Action Plan features new targets to halve deaths and reduce serious injuries by 30% on NSW roads by 2030. This will be achieved by building on the success of the Road Safety Plan 2021 and will focus on stronger local government action, engagement and education programs and using technology in the fight to end road trauma.

The NSW road network gives all of us access to work, school, friends, families and the services we need. For many, it’s a workplace, and for all, it’s a fundamental part of everyday life that keeps the economy moving.

But sadly, lives are lost, and people are seriously injured on our roads, every day. Each year, over two-thirds of fatalities in NSW happen on country roads.

The 2026 Road Safety Action Plan continues to adopt the internationally recognised Safe Systems approach, which is holistic and proven approach that considers how people, vehicles, speeds, and roads work together to create a safe system. The system acknowledges that:

• The human body has physical limits to withstanding the impact of a crash.

• People sometimes make mistakes – but this shouldn’t cost anyone their life.

• Roads, roadsides, travel speeds and vehicles need to be designed to help avoid a crash or reduce the impact of a crash if it happens.

• Road safety is a shared responsibility. We all need to make decisions with safety in mind, from the design of our roads and vehicles, investment, laws and education, to each road user acting safely every day.

Taking action to save lives, over the next five years the NSW Government will deliver across five priority areas:

1. Creating safer country roads and urban places

2. Enhancing road safety in local communities

3. Increasing the safety of light vehicles, heavy vehicles and protective equipment

4. Making safer choices on our roads

5. Ensuring the safety of vulnerable and other at-risk road users

Road safety actions over decades have saved thousands of lives. From the introduction of mandatory seatbelts in the 1970s to the establishment of the Community Road Safety Fund, there have been a number of initiatives introduced that have helped us get closer to our goal of zero lives lost on NSW roads. 

Road Safety Plan 2021 outlined proven initiatives to move NSW closer to the target, and the 2026 Road Safety Action Plan builds on the success we have seen. As part of the Future Transport Strategy, NSW has set a target of zero fatalities and serious injuries on our roads, and you can find out more about what they have delivered and continue to deliver as they roll-out the new plan.

Transgrid Civil Engineering Scholarship

Charles Sturt University has partnered with transmission network leader Transgrid to develop the new Transgrid Civil Engineering Scholarship Fund. The new Transgrid Scholarship fund will support 100 Charles Sturt engineering students over a four-year period and will supply them with $20,000 each to put towards the cost of their study.

The $2 million-dollar multi-focused scholarship is open for ALL first-year students undertaking a Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) (Honours) or a Bachelor of Technology (Civil) / Master of Engineering (Civil) at Charles Sturt.

The scholarship funds are distributed annually post-census, over four years, ($5000 per year) for the successful students to use as needed. The funds can be spent however it’s needed – whether that’s the costs associated with your study, living expenses or learning resources.

To be eligible for this scholarship you must be:

1. A first-year student, applying for the Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) (Honours) or a Bachelor of Technology (Civil) / Master of Engineering (Civil) post census 2023 (deferral not permitted)

2. Full time student only

3. ATAR of 75 or equivalent

4. On campus Bathurst student only

5. An Australian citizen, a New Zealand citizen, a permanent Australian resident or a student with an Australian permanent visa

Preference may also be given to regional students, First Nations and women looking to enter the STEM industry.

We encourage all students who are considering studying engineering at Charles Sturt to apply before 11.59pm Friday 25 November 2022.

AgSkilled Vocational Training Program

AgSkilledTM is a vocational training program for the cotton, grains, rice, viticulture and production horticulture industries, funded by the NSW Government with industry partners.

AgSkilled seeks to upskill NSW’s cropping and horticulture industries to manage the challenges of the future by providing relevant training in production, technology, business and safety skills. Find out more about AgSkilled here.

Contact a regional training coordinator

Southern region
Kellie Goring
Skills Training Coordinator, Yanco
Phone: 02 6951 2501, 0417 791 171
Email: kellie.goring@dpi.nsw.gov.au

My First Speech competition is now open

My First Speech competition aims to raise awareness of the federal Parliament amongst young Australians. The competition is open to school students in years 10, 11 and 12, giving them an opportunity to voice their opinions as if they were making a first speech in the House of Representatives.

My First Speech competition is similar to what happens when a new Parliament is opened. It is when newly elected Members have the chance to make a first speech in the House of Representatives and outline what they hope to achieve while in office.

Members' first speeches are as diverse as the people they represent in their electorates. Many Members choose to express their political views and goals in their first speeches. While others thank their supporters or speak about personal experiences. Members may also mention specific issues affecting the people in their electorates, such as health or education, or speak about financial or economic matters.

Students across Australia in year groups 10, 11 and 12 are invited to submit their first speech on any topic they chose. Speeches must be a maximum of 90 seconds.

The winner of each year group will be announced on the My First Speech website after they have been notified by phone.

The winners will also be invited to an event at Parliament House to deliver their speeches to the Speaker, Members of Parliament, journalists and general public. The event will be streamed on the FB/myfirstspeech 

Entries close: 5:00PM AEST Wednesday 31 August 2022

Learn more: https://www.aph.gov.au/myfirstspeech/inspired and How to enter

Bright future for solar power in NSW

Revised guidelines to make the assessment of large-scale solar energy projects clearer have been released today by the NSW Government.

Treasurer and Minister for Energy Matt Kean said solar farms will play a critical role in the modern electricity system the NSW Government is building.

“NSW has some of the best renewable energy resources anywhere in the world,” Mr Kean said.

“Harnessing their power will help us deliver cleaner and cheaper electricity to households and businesses across the State, slashing energy bills and boosting industry.

“These guidelines will provide investors with the certainty they need to mobilise private capital and deliver the energy infrastructure of the 21st century.

Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said the revised Large-Scale Solar Energy Guidelines would ensure solar farms are built in the right areas to benefit the community.

“There are 83 projects that have been approved or are in the planning pipeline, with a combined capacity to power 7 million homes,” Mr Roberts said.

“That’s on top of the 18 large-scale solar energy farms, worth more than $30 million, which are operational.

“As solar energy becomes more and more common, it’s becoming increasingly important that solar farms are well-designed and in appropriate locations.

“Our revised guidelines help deal with emerging concerns and issues, and assist applicants and the community to better understand the planning and engagement process - from choosing a site, to decommissioning a project and rehabilitating the land.”

The guidelines have been updated to include guidance on key issues, including visual impacts, the use of agricultural land and community benefit sharing. This follows changes to planning rules late last year, aimed at protecting the character and future growth potential of regional cities from renewable projects.

NSW Government builds on Housing Taskforce response

The NSW Government will accept all 15 recommendations put forward by the Regional Housing Taskforce to help deliver improved housing supply and affordability in regional NSW.

The comprehensive suite of measures includes more homes for key workers, accelerating development assessments, and identifying options to use Government land for more social and affordable housing.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said the acceptance of all 15 recommendations, as well as investing $2.8 billion in housing as part of the NSW Budget, demonstrates the State Government’s commitment to addressing housing challenges.

"We are getting on with the job of easing housing pressures in the regions, both now and for the future," Mr Toole said.

"We've listened to the recommendations of the Regional Housing Taskforce and put together a comprehensive, multi-pronged plan to unlock land and drive the supply of new and affordable homes. 

“It builds on the investment we’ve made through the NSW Budget to improve housing supply and ensure locals and key workers moving to the regions have a place to call home."

Minister for Planning and Minister for Homes Anthony Roberts said regional councils will benefit from a share of $12 million to help them plan for housing that is affordable, diverse, and resilient to natural hazards.

“The councils can apply for up to $250,000 each through the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund, to help them undertake the up-front planning work needed to speed up housing delivery,” Mr Roberts said.

“The grants will help councils deliver strategic plans, housing policies and technical studies that pave the way for new homes needed to support growing communities.

“Our initial $30 million Regional Housing Fund is already helping 21 regional councils in high-growth areas deliver 25 new projects to provide services, open space and connections to fast-track a pipeline of new homes.”

The Government’s response also includes:

• Delivering around 270 more homes for key frontline workers in the regions;

• Expanding the Urban Development Program to more high-growth regional areas, to improve infrastructure coordination and delivery;

• Improving data by auditing residential land, identifying infrastructure gaps and environmental constraints, to establish a clearer housing supply pipeline;

• Identifying opportunities to use suitable Crown land for social and affordable housing development;

• Working with local government to improve assessment timeframes for new housing through the Faster Local Assessment Grant program;

• Investigating the introduction of standardised planning pathways for certain types of temporary accommodation, to address spikes in housing demand; and

• Preparing Regional Housing Delivery Plans in targeted economic areas.

Councils have until 30 September 2022 to submit their applications for the Regional Housing Strategic Planning Fund.

Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council to Demerge

Minster for Local Government Wendy Tuckerman has today (24th August 2022) made the decision to demerge Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council.

Mrs Tuckerman said she considered the recent reports published by the Local Government Boundaries Commission, which examined the demerger proposal under Section 218CC of the Local Government Act 1993.

“This is a complex decision which I’ve made after considering both the report and dissenting report,” Mrs Tuckerman said.

Mrs Tuckerman said her decision was based on the merits of the proposal put forward by Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council and the subsequent recommendations and examination by the independent Boundaries Commission.

“There are countless examples across the state of amalgamated councils performing strongly by lowering costs and delivering better infrastructure and services for residents,” Mrs Tuckerman said.

“It is disappointing that Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council has not been able to achieve this outcome.

“I’d like to thank Cootamundra-Gundagai councillors and staff for serving their communities. I will make a further announcement on next steps and transitional arrangements in due course”

“Finally, I’d also like to acknowledge the Local Council Boundaries Commission for its work”

Mrs Tuckerman said it is anticipated council elections for the de-amalgamated shires will be held in line with the local government general elections in September 2024.

Australian Government releases Jobs and Skills Summit Issues Paper

The Jobs and Skills Summit (the Summit) will bring together Australians, including unions, employers, civil society, and government, to discuss our shared economic challenges and propose both immediate and long-term solutions. The goal of the Summit is to find common ground on how Australia can build a bigger, better trained and more productive workforce; boost real wages and living standards; and create more opportunities for more Australians.  

Australia’s economy and labour market face complex challenges. While the unemployment rate is at historic lows, a tight labour market has also brought challenges including widespread and acute skill shortages. Even before COVID-19, nominal wage growth had been weak and real wages had not risen significantly for around a decade. The ongoing effects of COVID-19, high inflation, rising interest rates, global economic uncertainty and disrupted supply chains further compound these challenges, which are holding back the potential of our economy and country. 

At the same time, there is a huge opportunity to maximise jobs and opportunities from the increasing use of renewable energy, tackling climate change, digitalisation, growth in the care economy and developing our advanced manufacturing capabilities. If we work together to address these opportunities and challenges, we can meaningfully increase living standards for more Australians. 

The Summit will cover five broad themes: 

• Maintaining full employment and growing productivity.

• Boosting job security and wages.

• Lifting participation and reducing barriers to employment.

• Delivering a high-quality labour force through skills, training and migration.

• Maximising opportunities in the industries of the future.

Throughout the Summit there will be a strong overarching focus on women’s experiences of the labour market and ensuring women have equal opportunities and equal pay.  

This Issues Paper outlines the labour market challenges associated with these five themes. It is intended to provide Summit participants and the broader community with a common understanding of these issues so that we can begin working towards solutions to our shared economic challenges and ensure the labour market delivers good outcomes for all.

The Summit is the first stage in the process. Ideas raised at the Summit may also be explored further through the White Paper on Employment (the White Paper), which will map a comprehensive blueprint for Australia’s future labour market. 

RDA Riverina Board meets in Lockhart

The RDA Riverina Board and Staff met in Lockhart on 11th August 2022. The Board and Staff were hosted by Lockhart Shire Council who provided a tour of the Galore Hill nature reserve and lookout.

Following the tour, the Board met with Mayor Cr Greg Verdon, General Manager Peter Veneris, and Economic Development Officer Matthew Holt. Gordon Hinds from Better Energy presented on renewable energy projects in Lockhart Shire.

RDA Riverina thanks Lockhart Shire for their hospitality.

Spotlight on regional Australia ahead of Jobs and Skills Summit

Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain is making sure the skills shortage affecting regional Australia is a key focus of the Australian Government’s upcoming Jobs and Skills Summit.

Minister McBain is meeting with representatives from the Regional Development Australia (RDA) network and peak bodies from the local government sector throughout this week to talk through the challenges regional industries are facing in attracting and retaining skilled workers.

Key issues and themes from these roundtables will inform discussions at the Albanese Government’s Jobs and Skills Summit, to be held at Parliament House in Canberra on 1–2 September.

Skills shortages, housing supply, and how to retain and attract diverse and talented workers to regional areas are just some of the topics being explored across the online roundtables.

Minister McBain has also met with this year’s Rural Youth Ambassadors and spoke about barriers and opportunities in ensuring young people have the skills required to fill important roles in our regional communities both now and into the future.  

The Jobs and Skills Summit will bring together Australians, including unions, employers, civil society and governments, to address our shared economic challenges.

The Summit will inform the Employment White Paper, which will help shape the future of Australia’s labour market. The wider community will be able to make submissions over the next 12 months. 

For more information, visit www.treasury.gov.au/employment-whitepaper/jobs-summit.

Quotes attributable to Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Minister, the Hon Kristy McBain MP:

“The Jobs and Skills Summit is about addressing significant staff shortages and building better-trained, more productive workforces.

“Each part of Australia has unique challenges, but there are some key themes that occur right across the board and it’s these issues that the Jobs and Skills Summit needs to address.

“Living in a regional area, I see every day how staff shortages are affecting our communities.  Whether it’s hospitality businesses closing their doors early, huge waitlists to get a tradie on a work site, delays in planning and development approvals or hundreds of job advertisements going unanswered, our regional communities are struggling with the lack of skilled staff.

“I’m working hard to hear from as many organisations and stakeholders as possible. I’ve specifically sought information from young rural Australians because often we talk about barriers to employment and training without actually listening to the young people who are tackling these issues every day.

“Regional and rural young people have fantastic ideas and they’re extremely innovative so I’m keen to tap into their collective knowledge and experience and give them a clear opportunity to contribute to the Jobs and Skills Summit.

“These roundtable discussions are an important part of making sure the voices of regional and rural communities and the local government sector are heard at the Summit.”

Fiona Phillips MP announced as Chair of the New South Wales Black Spot Consultative Panel

Fiona Phillips, Federal Labor Member for Gilmore, has been announced as the Chair for the New South Wales Black Spot Consultative Panel.

Black Spot Consultative Panels provide the opportunity for stakeholders to have a say in the project selection process, and ensure that nominations of the highest priority and importance to the local community are recommended for approval.

Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Carol Brown said “The Australian Government has committed $110 million per year to the Black Spot Program to improve road safety across the nation.

“This Government is investing in road safety right across the nation to ensure Australians get home safely every trip.”

The panel that reviews priorities for the program in New South Wales includes the representatives from the National Roads and Motorists’ Association, the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia, NSW Police Force, the Federation of Parents & Citizens Associations of NSW, the Traffic Management Association of Australia, Local Government NSW and Transport for NSW.

Federal Member for Gilmore and Chair of the New South Wales Black Spot Consultative Panel Fiona Phillips said “I am privileged to have been named as the Chair of the New South Wales Black Spot Consultative Panel.

“I look forward to working with the panel that reviews priorities for the program in New South Wales including representatives from the National Roads and Motorists’ Association, the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia, NSW Police Force, the Federation of Parents & Citizens Associations of NSW, the Traffic Management Association of Australia, Local Government NSW and Transport for NSW.

“Black Spot projects deliver safer roads throughout New South Wales.”

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First steps underway toward a new local TV prominence framework

Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, has today tasked the Future of Broadcasting Working Group to contribute to the initial design work for a new prominence framework, a key election commitment of the Albanese Government.

The new – and legislated – framework will ensure Australian TV services can easily be found on connected TV platforms.

Minister Rowland also said the Albanese Government will commence a parallel engagement process with a range of additional parties at this early design stage.

These parties will include operating system and set-top-box providers such as Google, Apple, Amazon, Foxtel, Telstra and Fetch.

These are the first steps in the development of the prominence framework and will be followed by a wider public consultation process.

Informed by the views of stakeholders and interested parties, the Government intends to make a final decision on the form and construction of a framework by mid-2023, and move through to the drafting of legislation.

The Future of Broadcasting Working Group, an industry-led forum, was established in early 2022 to consider future television technologies and related market reforms.

It is comprised of free-to-air broadcasters, consumer bodies, transmission infrastructure providers and smart television manufacturers.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP:

“This is the first stage of an ongoing process to improve the prominence of local TV in Australia and I welcome the opportunity to meet with the Working Group today to set out our views and seek their input toward the new framework.

“Broadcasting services play a crucial role in supporting our sense of cultural identity and informing and entertaining all Australians; from news services to sport to entertainment and more.

“I am committed to modernising regulation for a sector that continues to deliver value for Australian citizens and consumers, and the economy broadly, and I welcome the views of industry ahead of a broader public consultation process later this year.”