Have Your Say on Disaster-Resilient Communications in Peri-urban Communities

The $20 million Peri-Urban Mobile Program Round 2 (PUMP) targets longstanding mobile coverage and connectivity issues for impacted peri-urban communities by co-investing with mobile network operators on local projects.

Peri-urban fringes – where the bush meets the edges of the suburbs – create significant challenges for communications infrastructure and natural disaster risks for those living and working in those communities.

 Local communities, councils and telcos are encouraged to have their say on new guidelines to improve mobile coverage on the urban fringes of communities across Australia.

Hort Innovation unveils Strategy

Projected high industry growth, an appetite for expanded trade and increasing sustainability priorities have driven the new Hort Innovation strategy 2024-2026.  

The Strategy was informed by feedback from growers across the nation through farm visits, surveys and advice garnered through industry advisory panels and meetings. The Strategy also considers the strategic investment plans of 37 levy-paying industries and growth projections for the $16 billion horticulture sector.

Providing a roadmap for Hort Innovation investments over the next three years, the Strategy is anchored on a vision of ‘A prosperous and sustainable Australian horticulture industry built on innovation’. 

Regional Investment Framework

The Australian Government's Regional Investment Framework (RIF) sets out a new approach to supporting strong and sustainable regions.

This framework supports a joined-up and cohesive approach to delivering regional investment, coordinating across governments to make investment work better for regions and placing regions and their people at the centre of decision making.

The RIF also underpins the revised deliverables and role of the RDAs as outlined in the new RDA Charter, announced by the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories the Hon Kristy McBain MP at last week’s RDA National Forum.

A copy of the RIF diagram is now available for RDAs to incorporate in their communications, business planning and stakeholder engagement.

Selling to Government – refreshed content for businesses on supplying to the Australian Government

The Future Made in Australia Office, within the Department of Finance, has refined the Selling to Government website.  It now has updated information for businesses and suppliers on how to participate in Australian Government procurement and contracting opportunities, including:

• Where to find opportunities to sell to the Australian Government

• what rules and processes Australian Government organisations follow when procuring goods and services

• how to respond to an approach to market

• what to expect if you are awarded a contract.

Introducing the Asylum Seeker Employment Skills Support (ASESS) Program

Introducing a new program RDA Riverina is delivering in conjunction with HOST International, the Asylum Seeker Employment Skills Support (ASESS) Program.

The Program

The ASESS program is an $11.65 million initiative to assist asylum seekers to find employment.  This program aims to break down barriers to employment by providing practical support and assistance to help get a job and securing a brighter future for temporary humanitarian visa holders in NSW and their families.  The ASESS program will offer a range of initiatives to help participants develop suitable career paths and provide them with the tools required to gain sustainable and skilled employment.

Who the program helps

Anyone aged 16-66 living in Regional NSW who holds one of the following visas can apply for support:

• Safe Haven Enterprise Visa (790)

• Temporary Safe Haven Visa (449)

• Temporary Protection Visa (785)

• Temporary Humanitarian Concern visa (786)

• Bridging visa with work rights whilst applying for any humanitarian visa

How the program helps

1. We identify vocational and non-vocational barriers and work with employers, community organisations and stakeholders to meet the participant’s needs.

2. We provide culturally sensitive services.

3. Assistance is tailored to the participant’s personal circumstances, skills, abilities and aspirations.

Kylie Taylor at the RDA Riverina Wagga Office is the key contact for the ASESS program and she can be contacted via email at migration2@rdariverina.org.au or by phone at 02 5924 5861 or 0418 137 660.

Premier's Multicultural Community Medals and Honour Roll | Nominations NOW OPEN

Nominations for the Premier’s Multicultural Community Medals and Honour Roll are now open! This awards program honours significant achievements across diverse sectors including community service, youth, business, not for profit, local government, arts and culture, regional community service, sport, language services and human rights.

If you know someone who has made an outstanding contribution to our society, don’t miss out on your chance to nominate them! 

All nominations must be submitted by 5pm Thursday 7 September 2023.

Medal Categories 

• Community Languages Teacher Medal  

• Youth Medal  

• Arts & Culture Medal 

• Lifetime Community Service Medal 

• NSW Human Rights Medal  

• Regional Unity Medal  

• Stepan Kerkyasharian AO Community Harmony Medal  

• Corporate Business Excellence Medal  

• Dr G.K. Harinath OAM Not for Profit Business Excellence Medal  

• Local Government Business Excellence Medal 

• Sports Medal  

• Language Services Medal

Multicultural Honour Roll 

The Multicultural Honour Roll is a permanent public record of the exemplary contributions to our multicultural society by people who have passed away in the last year. This posthumous recognition marks the legacy of those people who have made a lasting contribution to the community in New South Wales.

The judging panel will assess each entry according to the selection criteria, taking into account all information provided.

Consultation opens on new $30 million program to accelerate ag-tech uptake

Media Release from The Hon Michelle Roland MP, Minister for Communications

MEDIA RELEASE | 02 August 2023

Public consultation is now open on the draft program guidelines for the Albanese Government’s new $30 million On Farm Connectivity Program (OFCP) funded in the October 2022 Budget.
 
This innovative $30 million program will enable primary producers to extend connectivity to boost productivity, improve health and safety and support sustainable resource management.
 
Rebates of up to $30,000 will be available for a wide range of technologies, including external antennas, boosters and repeaters to extend coverage, and a range of devices to optimise and automate such as soil moisture probes, plant growth monitors, valve and irrigation controllers, and livestock monitoring systems.
 
Feedback on the guidelines will ensure the program is fit-for-purpose for Australia’s agriculture, forestry, and fisheries industries.
 
The consultation follows an earlier initial canvassing of industry interest in supplying connected machinery and connectivity equipment for primary producers, which resulted in over 80 applications from suppliers to participate.
 
The OFCP forms part of the Albanese Government’s $1.1 billion Better Connectivity Plan, which is improving mobile and broadband connectivity and resilience in communities across the country.
 
Interested parties are encouraged to have their say on the draft Guidelines before they are finalised and Round 1 opens for applications.
 
Consultation on the program guidelines is open until 23 August 2023 at 5pm AEDT.
 
To view the draft guidelines or to make a submission, please visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say

New national road safety grants now open

Media Release from The Hon Carol Brown MP, Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport

Media Release | Friday 28 July 2023

Applications are now open under the first two focus areas of the Australian Government’s new National Road Safety Action Grants Program. 

The grant program, announced in the 2023-24 Budget, will provide vital funding to non-infrastructure road safety projects and programs across the country.  The launch of the program comes at a time where more Australians are being killed on our roads than in years before, with the road toll sitting at 3.2 per cent higher than this time last year. 

Grants of between $20,000 and $1.5 million are available for the Community Education and Awareness, which includes workplace road safety, as well as the Vulnerable Road Users focus areas. Grant funding is available for projects up to 2025-26 and anyone seeking funding for, or completing, road safety activities over the next three years are encouraged to now apply.

The Community Education and Awareness stream will fund campaigns, programs or other education and awareness initiatives to support young or disadvantaged drivers to get their licence and have a safer start on our roads, reduce risky behaviours such as drink driving, improve workplace road safety, increase compliance with road rules, and ensure safer interactions between heavy and other vehicles. 

The Vulnerable Road Users stream will support projects that improve road safety for pedestrians, people with a disability, young children, older Australians, motorcyclists, and cyclists. This can include developing technology and research that support these vulnerable road users to safely access our roads, as well as initiatives encourage other road users to better share the roads with them.  

The Government has committed $43.6 million for the program, which will deliver grants across a total of five key focus areas critical to reducing deaths and serious injuries on Australia’s roads.  The program is open to a range of organisations including not-for-profit and research, as well as Local, State and Territory Governments. Applications for these first two focus areas close at 11.59pm on 25 August 2023. The next two focus areas, First Nations road safety and Technology and Innovation, are expected to open for applications later this year – with the final focus area of Research and Data set to open early 2024. 

For more information, including the grant guidelines to check your eligibility and apply, visit www.roadsafety.gov.au or GrantConnect. 

Nearly $1.8 billion relief for disaster impacted councils

Joint Media Release from The Hon Kristy McBain MP, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories; Senator Tony Sheldon, Special Envoy for Disaster Recovery; and Councillor Linda Scott, President, Australian Local Government Association (ALGA)

Media Release | Friday 30 June 2023

Councils across Australia will be able to fast-track local repair works following two devastating years of floods, fires and cyclones, with the Albanese Government to advance nearly $1.8 billion in disaster payments to the states. The payments will help all levels of government get on with the massive job of repairing roads and essential public assets after years of disasters.

Since January 2022, jointly funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) have been activated for 65 disasters in 332 unique Local Government Areas (LGA). This represents over 61 per cent of Australia’s 539 LGAs recognised by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

Advance payments totalling almost $1.8 billion will be paid to the majority of states under the Commonwealth and state funded DRFA. The funding program was offered to all disaster-impacted states with reconstruction costs passing the threshold for Commonwealth contribution, with most accepting the offer.

Under the DRFA, payments are generally made after a state has submitted an audited claim for financial assistance, following reconstruction works.However, in the last two years we have seen compounding, concurrent natural disasters across every state in Australia, with recovery hampered by COVID and all the challenges that have come with it. In recognition of these exceptional circumstances, the Albanese Government is making these funds available up front. The payments represent 40 per cent of the estimated amount the Albanese Government would contribute under the DRFA for 2021-22 and 2022-23.

Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain said the funding allocation was in response to calls from the states, local governments and peak bodies. “During the Australian Council of Local Government conference in Canberra this month, mayors and council representatives were clear about the growing need for more up-front help, and I’m very pleased the Albanese Government has been able to deliver that so quickly,” Minister McBain said. “Councils are on the frontline of disasters, and we need to ensure they are adequately supported both in planning for and recovering from disasters.”

Special Envoy for Disaster Recovery, Senator Tony Sheldon said the one-off advance payment would assist all levels of government to focus on community recovery. “With many communities suffering from reoccurring disasters, it’s clear the financial burden is weighing on flood-impacted regions,” Senator Sheldon said. “When I visit communities, undoubtedly the recovery workload, and the costs associated with that are creating challenges for local councils – they’re finding it particularly difficult to keep up with repairs to roads and other infrastructure such as bridges, culverts, levees, bike lanes and footpaths.

“The Albanese Government has listened to local councils, and in close partnership with the states, we will assist regions to access the support they need, when they need it. These payments have already been delivered to the states, and we’ve made it clear that we expect it to be hitting the ground quickly. I want to thank the states for taking up this offer and jointly recognising the real community need on the ground. Having safe and functional infrastructure is important, and we will continue to work with all levels of government to ensure that the assistance on offer is fit for purpose.”

Australian Local Government Association (ALGA) President Councillor Linda Scott said the advance payments would be welcomed by disaster-impacted councils, especially in regional and remote areas. “This fast-tracked federal funding will play a key role in helping our disaster-impacted communities recover and rebuild,” Cr Scott said. “We have consistently advocated for the need for faster disaster recovery payments, and we are thrilled that the government has heard our call and responded with this once-off advance payment. It’s also fantastic to see this announcement is a direct and positive response to the Government re-establishing the Australian Council of Local Government.”

An independent review, commissioned by the Albanese Government, is currently underway into disaster funding arrangements. More information about the Review is available here: Independent Review into Commonwealth Disaster Funding | NEMA

Customer Service Guarantee for fixed voice set to continue

Media Release from The Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Minister for Communications

Media Release | 07 June 2023

The Minister for Communications, the Hon Michelle Rowland MP, today announced her intention to continue the Customer Service Guarantee (CSG), which regulates the timeframes for connection, repairs and appointments for fixed telephone services.
 
The Minister will now develop new instruments in consultation with the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to give effect to this decision. The intention to continue this long-standing retail consumer protection follows a thematic review of the CSG undertaken earlier in the year, which was due to sunset on 1 October 2023.

Continuing the CSG for a minimum of three years, with necessary updating and some minor revisions, will give consumers on Telstra’s legacy networks ongoing protections. At the same time, complementary protections at the wholesale level will be bedded down while longer-term arrangements are being considered.

Submissions to the thematic review set out the varying perspectives of stakeholders on the CSG but agreed that timeframes for connections, repairs and appointments remain important for telecommunications consumers. This is clearly the case where Telstra is providing services on its legacy copper and wireless networks outside NBN Co fixed line footprint.
 
The submissions also placed a strong emphasis on these matters being dealt with effectively at the network or wholesale level, with mixed views about the long-term need for retail CSG arrangements in this future environment. The Government will continue to consider the long-term regulatory consumer safeguards framework.
 
Submissions and information on the thematic review of the CSG can be found at Thematic Review of the Customer Service Guarantee (CSG) | Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts

Have your say on changes to rental laws in NSW

Do you live in, rent out or manage a rental property in NSW? The NSW Government is now seeking feedback about changes to rental laws. The changes aim to deliver on the NSW Government’s key election commitments to improve the renting experience. 

Share your views on changes that would require a reason to terminate a lease, make it easier for renters to keep pets, protect renters’ personal information and privacy and make it easier to transfer rental bonds from one property to another, as well as other ways to make the system fairer.

Click the button below, to have your say by completing a survey or uploading a submission. You can also find out more information and access the consultation paper. Your feedback will help improve rental laws and make renting fairer for all in NSW.

Have your say by 5pm Friday, 11 August 2023

The AgTech Revolution - exploring the transformative power of technology in Australia's agricultural sector

Episode 1 of The AgTech Revolution, a new online series exploring the transformative power of technology in Australia's agricultural sector, is available to watch now. Episode 1 features Chief Scientist Professor David Lamb, alongside Ben van Delden (Deloitte), Andrew Bate (SwarmFarm), and John Harvey (AgriFutures). 

Call for comments on disaster-resilient communications in peri-urban communities

SUBMISSIONS CLOSE: 16th AUGUST2023

Local communities, councils and telcos are encouraged to have their say on new guidelines to improve mobile coverage on the urban fringes of communities across Australia.

The $20 million Peri-Urban Mobile Program Round 2 (PUMP) targets longstanding mobile coverage and connectivity issues for impacted peri-urban communities by co-investing with mobile network operators on local projects.

Peri-urban fringes – where the bush meets the edges of the suburbs – create significant challenges for communications infrastructure and natural disaster risks for those living and working in those communities. 

PUMP complements other initiatives helping to increase telecommunications and broadcasting disaster resilience across Australia, including through its $20 million Broadcasting Resilience Program to safeguard ABC broadcast towers and its $15 million Mobile Network Hardening Program.

• Have your say: PUMP Round 2 guidelines

• Submissions close: 5:00PM (AEST) Wednesday 16 August 2023

ABC Heywire Competition - NOW OPEN

Heywire is a chance for regional and rural young people to have their voices heard. This annual storytelling competition, run by the ABC, showcases what it’s like to live in regional, rural and remote Australia. If you’re aged between 16-22, this is your opportunity to share with the nation what life is like in your part of the world. Up to 40 winners from across Australia will work with ABC producers to have their story told on the ABC and see the impact their story can have.

Entries are open now and close on Friday 1 September 2023.

Order of Australia Awards - Nominations Open

The Order of Australia is our nation’s highest honour for outstanding achievement and service. It belongs to all Australians, and it’s uniquely ours.

Every year, hundreds of Australians are celebrated through the Order of Australia. People from all backgrounds, all parts of Australia and who have contributed in all areas are honoured and celebrated through the Order.

By nominating, we have a say in who is celebrated, and the types of service and achievements that matter to us – in our local communities and beyond. Don’t leave it to someone else – have your say today by nominating someone you know who goes above and beyond, inspires and has an impact locally, nationally and/or internationally. Visit www.gg.gov.au today to nominate someone you know who makes a difference. Order of Australia nominations can be submitted at any time.

2024 Australian of the Year Award Nominations

Nominations for the 2024 Australian of the Year Awards  are open until 31 July 2023. If you know an amazing Aussie doing great things in their community let us know.

The Department of Home Affairs partners with the National Australia Day Council and supports active citizenship by sponsoring the Local Hero category in the Australian of the Year Awards. The Local Hero Award acknowledges extraordinary contributions made by Australians in their local community.

 Please note: Nominations are open all year round - nominations received after 31 July 2023 will be considered for the 2025 Australian of the Year Award.

Roxy Community Theatre – Works continue with Local Trades Stepping Up

Image from Leeton City Council website Roxy Community Theatre – Works continue with Local Trades Stepping Up Leeton Shire Council | (nsw.gov.au)

Media Release from Leeton City Council

MEDIA RELEASE | 21 JULY 2023

Council is pleased to announce that construction works on the Roxy Community Theatre are set to continue with local trades stepping up to complete the remainder of the build under the direction of Council’s newly formed Roxy Project Management Office (PMO).

After the news of the Lloyd Group's voluntary liquidation, Council was faced with the challenge of picking up the pieces. An interim PMO was set up to carry out extensive inspections across all disciplines to assess where the build was at, estimate the cost to complete, and recommend how best to move forward. In May 2023, Council determined to proceed as Principal instead of procuring a new Head Builder as this would have added significantly to the cost.

From there, significant effort was focused on re-engaging local contractors, with repricing of over 45 different trades being undertaken. Council is delighted that the local trades required for the redevelopment project will continue to work with Council. Council has also sourced some new local trades for elements that were previously being done by companies in metropolitan Australia.

In addition, the Roxy PMO has been working extensively towards implementing a construction sequence that considers the complexities of restoring the Roxy – a heritage-listed building of scale.

“Demolition works to create openings for adjoining buildings will be one of the first tasks undertaken. During this delicate operation, the Structural Engineer will be on-site to ensure that the demolition sequence is strictly adhered to,” explained Construction and Contract Manager, Peter Salisbury.

Mayor Cr Tony Reneker said that Work, Health & Safety (WHS) and financial accountability to the community are Council’s top priorities in assuming the role of Principal for the Roxy Redevelopment Project.

“We have gone to great lengths to ensure that our contractors will be working in a safe yet productive environment,” said Mr Reneker.

Project Manager Gideon Vos said a key focus has been on developing WHS plans and ensuring all legislative requirements are being met. “In addition to this, SafeWork will undertake on-site audits to ensure compliance in all areas and provide suggestions for improvements where necessary,” said Mr Vos. It is anticipated that works will commence the week after SafeWork has visited.

This WHS risk mitigation will also include the implementation of Traffic Management Plans around the Roxy (both Wade Avenue and Roxy Lane) which will be amended as required to reduce any lengthy disruptions. “We understand that this will be an inconvenience at times but want to thank the community for their support and understanding in getting this project to its long-awaited completion,” said Mr Vos.

Mayor Cr Tony Reneker is looking forward to seeing the Roxy building site become a hive of activity again. “I would like to express my gratitude to our local trades and businesses who have enabled us to get this significant community project back on track. They have all demonstrated their unwavering commitment to the community in these difficult and unprecedented circumstances with their typically unassuming ‘let’s get the job done’ attitude,” he said.

Deputy Mayor and Portfolio lead for Arts & Culture, Cr Michael Kidd, said that Council will keep the community abreast of the project’s progress via regular updates on social media, Council’s website and the newspaper.

“We hope to soon be able to invite the community back on site once we are given the safety all clear – the tours were popular before and we look forward to giving residents the chance to view the progress in person,” he said.

Provided all works going ahead as planned and there are no hiccups along the way, the build is expected to be completed by May 2024.

The full Roxy Redevelopment project value – with Council assuming the role of Principal – remains $12,182,407 with Council’s contribution being the same as it was previously ($5,284,000).

Council will also continue to seek additional grant funds to make up for elements of the project that have currently been value-managed out to keep the project within the initial voted budget.

Farming Biodiversity for a more sustainable future

Dr Louisa Mamouney, Executive Director of the Credits Supply Taskforce - NSW Department of Planning and Environment, spoke recently at workshops held in Wagga Wagga and Dubbo, on the topic of ‘Farming biodiversity for a more sustainable future’.

The workshops were the result of collaboration with NSW Farmers and Landcare NSW. In the workshops held with farmers, both the environmental and financial benefits of establishing a Biodiversity Stewardship Agreement were discussed and farmers in attendance learnt about the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme and the NSW biodiversity credits market.

A follow-up article regarding tehse workshops was published by The Farmer Magazine recently, and can be viewed by clicking ‘The Farmer Magazine - Article ‘.

Unemployment rate at 3.5 per cent in June

Media Release from Australian Bureau of Statisitics

Media Release | 20/07/2023

The unemployment rate remained at 3.5 per cent in June (seasonally adjusted), in line with the updated figure for May, according to data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS).

Bjorn Jarvis, ABS head of labour statistics, said: "with employment increasing by around 33,000 people and the number of unemployed decreasing by 11,000 people, the unemployment rate remained at 3.5 per cent.

“The rise in employment in June saw the employment-to-population ratio remain at a record high 64.5 per cent, reflecting a tight labour market in which employment has recently increased in line with population growth.

“In addition to there being over a million more employed people than before the pandemic, a much higher share of the population is employed. In June 2023, 64.5 per cent of people 15 years or older were employed, an increase of 2.1 percentage points since March 2020.”

The participation rate fell 0.1 percentage point to 66.8 per cent from last month’s record high. It fell 0.2 percentage points for women, to 62.5 per cent, and rose 0.1 percentage point to 71.3 per cent for men.

First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group finalising initial recommendations for closing the digital divide

Joint Media Release from The Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Minister for Communications and Ms Dot West OAM, Chair of the First Nations Digital Advisory Group

MEDIA RELEASE | Wednesday 12 July 2023

The Albanese Government’s First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group met in Sydney yesterday and considered proposals to support progress towards Target 17 of the National Agreement on Closing the Gap – delivering equal levels of digital inclusion for First Nations Australians by 2026.

Yesterday's meeting focused on the outcomes of the Advisory Group’s initial engagement with communities and stakeholders, including gaps in existing effort and ways to ensure better alignment across government, industry and the not-for-profit sector. The Group reiterated its commitment to place-based solutions as the foundation for making sure First Nations Australians have access to affordable and reliable connectivity, and the digital ability required to navigate the online world safely and effectively.

The proposals will form the basis of the Advisory Group’s initial report to the Australian Government, which the Group hopes to finalise shortly.

Initial policy priorities include digital mentoring in remote communities, improving support for First Nations communities to access connectivity grant opportunities, trialling emerging technologies in remote communities, and improving the national collection and use of data.

Attendees at yesterday’s meeting were the Minister for Communications and the full membership of the First Nations Digital Inclusion Advisory Group, including: Ms Dot West OAM (Chair), Associate Professor Lyndon Ormond-Parker (Deputy Chair), Professor Bronwyn Carlson, Ms Naomi Moran, and Ms Talei Elu.

The Digital Inclusion Expert Panel, which supports the Advisory Group, were also in attendance, including Ms Gillian Mailman, Dr Scott Winch, Ms Lauren Ganley, Mr Che Cockatoo Collins, Professor Ellie Rennie, Dr Daniel Featherstone and Mr Neil Turner.

For more information on the Advisory Group, visit here. Contributions to the work of the group are welcome and can be sent to FirstNationsDigitalInclusion@infrastructure.gov.au.