Review of the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy underway

Joint Media Release from The Hon Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government

MEDIA RELEASE | Wednesday 16 August 2023

The review of the National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy has commenced, following agreement with state and territory infrastructure and transport ministers.

The Strategy is a holistic, coordinated and multi-modal approach to increase the safety, productivity and resilience of freight and supply chains, agreed by all jurisdictions. It sets an agenda for government and industry action across all freight modes to 2040 and beyond.

Australia’s supply chains are critical to our future economic success and to strengthening the connections between our regions and urban centres.

That is why infrastructure and transport ministers across Australia have responded to calls from industry to commence the first review of the Strategy.

The review will ensure the Strategy remains fit-for-purpose for the Australian freight and supply chains industry.

We know this industry has experienced unprecedented and compounding disruptions over the past four years including a global pandemic, extreme weather events, geo-political tensions, skills shortages and more.

The review is a critical opportunity to take stock of what has changed and what has been achieved since 2019. It will help build a more effective Strategy that is better equipped to address Australia’s growing and changing freight task.

The review will assess if there are gaps in the Strategy’s goals and identify priorities for the next five-year National Action Plan.

Stakeholder engagement will be an important part of identifying these gaps and priorities. The review will undertake stakeholder consultation and consider public submissions. In late August, I am looking forward to hosting a round table to hear directly from industry how the strategy can be strengthened.

The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts will lead the review in close collaboration with industry and state and territory governments.

Ministers will consider the recommendations of the review by the end of this year.

For more information, including to make a submission to the review, visit: www.freightaustralia.gov.au/2023-review.

$22 million to deliver pioneering Wodonga TAFE heavy vehicle technology precinct

Joint Media Release from The Hon Kristy McBain MP, Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, the Hon Carol Brown, Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, The Hon Harriet Shing MP, Victorian Minister for Regional Development, and Phil Paterson, Wodonga TAFE Chief Executive Officer

MEDIA RELEASE | Thursday 17 August 2023

The Albanese Government is delivering $22 million towards a nation-leading Heavy Vehicle Training and Experimentation Precinct in Wodonga, Victoria - as part of its $80 million investment in the Albury Wodonga Regional Projects (AWRP).

The innovative facility at Wodonga TAFE Logical Innovation Precinct will transform how heavy vehicle operators are trained, improving safe driving practices and better equipping them for the rapidly evolving transport and logistics industry.

This investment will support construction of a heavy vehicle obstacle circuit, a heavy vehicle repair and maintenance workshop, a main client building and car park, along with upgrades to external infrastructure, and the installation of a state-of-the-art cyber range for simulated courses.

The upgraded facility will support Wodonga TAFE to expand its Heavy Vehicle Technology Program, which is expected to attract up to 1,200 students in four years, and generate more than $70 million in gross regional product.

The Victorian Government also backed the project, with funding of $450,000 delivered last year through Regional Development Victoria, to support Wodonga TAFE fast track the necessary planning.

Construction of the facility will commence in 2024, and is expected to be completed in 2026.

It is just one of eight projects funded through the AWRP initiative, with the Albanese Government also investing:

• $20 million towards infrastructure that supports better health outcomes

• $15 million towards housing and accommodation for essential workers

• $10 million for the Albury Entertainment Centre redevelopment

• $5 million for the Albury Airport expansion

• $5 million towards the Gateway Island and the Murray River Experience

• $1 million to support First Nations priority projects

• $2 million for advanced manufacturing to accelerate the region’s economic development

The Australian Government will continue to work closely with the New South Wales and Victorian Governments, the City of Wodonga and Albury City Councils, and key regional stakeholders to implement these transformative projects.

For more informaiton on the Heavy Vehicle Training and Experimentation Precinct project, visit: Logical Innovation Precinct (wodongatafe.edu.au).

Free broadband initiative extended until April 2024 in cost-of-living boost

Joint Media Release from The Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Minister for Communications and Senator The Hon Murray Watt, Minister for Emergency Management

MEDIA RELEASE | Thursday 17 August 2023

More eligible families across Australia will have the opportunity to benefit from 12 months free NBN following an extension to the nomination period, under the Albanese Government’s School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI).

Funded through the October 2022-23 Budget to narrow the digital divide and promote greater inclusion for disadvantaged families, the SSBI identifies eligible families through third-party nominating organisations who work with vulnerable communities.

To provide these organisations the best opportunity to offer this assistance amid continuing cost of living pressures, the period for which families can be nominated for a free service has been extended until 30 April 2024.

Over recent months, a number of additional organisations across Australia have joined the SSBI to identify and nominate families who could benefit from free internet at home.

This demonstrates the strong cross-sector support for SSBI, including state and territory governments, education authorities, community organisations in regional and low socioeconomic areas, social housing providers, right down to individual schools.

Over 1,500 families are now connected – up from 1,000 in July 2023 – with the connection milestone helping more students get the educational opportunities they deserve.

NBN Co is leading the implementation of the initiative. To be eligible, a family must:

• Have a child living at home that is enrolled in an Australian school in 2023.

• Be referred by a nominating organisation.

• Have no active broadband service over the NBN network.

• Live in a premise where they can access a standard NBN service. 

Eligible families receive a voucher from a nominating organisation that they can use at a participating internet retail provider to receive 12 months of free internet. The 12 months of free service begins from the day the service is activated and is available across all NBN technologies.

For more information about the SSBI, visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/SSBI

City of Wagga Wagga | Have your say on the Community Roadmap for Net Zero Emissions

Wagga Wagga City Council is urging residents to have their say on its Draft Community Net Zero Emissions (NZE) 2050 Roadmap which is now on public exhibition.

The Draft Community Roadmap was endorsed by Council at its Ordinary Meeting on Monday and went on exhibition Friday 11 August 2023.

Members of the public will have 42 days to make a submission.

Net zero refers to the amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere within our Local Government Area being equivalent to the amount that are absorbed. When an equal balance is reached, net zero has been accomplished.

The Roadmap outlines key pathways that local individuals, businesses, and groups may choose to follow and participate in achieving the community net zero emissions targets.

This document is not a policy or a basis for consideration for future fees, charges or planning documents, rather the Roadmap is a guide only, that Council welcomes all community members to read and provide feedback on.

Members of the community can view these initiatives to discover more about their options to contribute to climate action at home, in their community, and in their workplace.

The Draft Community NZE 2050 Roadmap  is on exhibition until Friday 22 September 2023.

For more information regarding the City of Wagga Wagga’s Community Roadmap for Net Zero Emissions, click Learn More.

Applications open for new $50 million program to boost telco resilience during disasters

Joint Media Release from The Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Minister for Communications and Senator The Hon Murray Watt, Minister for Emergency Management

MEDIA RELEASE | Monday 14 August 2023

Applications are now open for projects that improve the resilience of telecommunications network during natural disasters, particularly in rural, regional, remote and First Nations communities.
 
The Albanese Government’s new $50 million Telecommunications Disaster Resilience Innovation (TDRI) program will accelerate the development and deployment of new and innovative solutions to address communications issues during natural disasters.
 
There are two concurrent rounds under the TDRI that are now open for applications:

• The $30 million Power Resilience Round will fund solutions that reduce the impacts of power outages – the leading cause of telecommunications disruptions during natural disasters. This includes stand-alone off grid power solutions, deployable power supplies, and technology to extend how long backup power gives to telco infrastructure; and
   

• The $20 million Innovation Round will fund innovative earlier-stage technologies to improve the resiliency, redundancy and availability of telecommunications during disasters. This includes new or enhanced satellite connectivity – like Low Earth Orbit Satellites (LEOSats) – and new ways to monitor networks and share critical information with emergency services.

Grants are generally available for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), Mobile Network Infrastructure Providers (MNIPs), NBN Co, or companies with an ABN with relevant expertise or experience.
 
Reliable communications is vital in emergencies and natural disasters to ensure Australians can contact Triple Zero, receive emergency information, and stay in touch with family and friends.
 
The TDRI program is part of the Albanese Government’s $1.1 billion Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia. The Plan includes $656 million to improve mobile and broadband connectivity and resilience in rural and regional Australia.
 
This new program complements work taken by the Albanese Government to boost the resilience of ABC broadcasting towers across Australia through its $20 million Broadcasting Resilience Program, and work to boost the resilience of mobile networks under the $15 million Mobile Network Hardening Program (MNHP).
 
Applications for both streams of the TDRI program are open until 5:00pm AEDT Friday 20 October 2023.
 
For more information on the Power Resilience and Innovation Rounds of the TDRI program, please visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/media-communications-arts/phone/telecommunications-disaster-resilience-innovation-program  
 

Griffith's Southern Industrial Link now open

Joint Media Release from The Hon Carol Brown MP, Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Chris Minns, Premier of New South Wales, Doug Curran, Mayor of Griffith and Phil King, Griffith City Council Director Infrastructure and Operations

MEDIA RELEASE | Wednesday 09 August 2023

Transport operators are facing smoother and safer journeys with the official opening of the Griffith Southern Industrial Link (GSIL).

The project has been rolled out in stages since 2017 and is around 11.7 kilometres long connecting Thorne and Bromley Roads southwest of Griffith, around the town centre to Kidman Way and Irrigation Way.     

The GSIL, which was officially opened by NSW Premier Chris Minns on Monday 7 August, now provides a direct link for transport operators to access key local freight networks of Kidman Way, Irrigation Way and Burley Griffin Way and while bypassing the Griffith CBD. 

NSW Premier Chris Minns said the Griffith Southern Industrial Link Road would mean safer, more efficient journeys for truck drivers and other road users.

“It’s wonderful to see this key link road now open and working. The Griffith region is a crucial part of the state’s transport system, and this route provides a direct link for truck drivers to access key local freight networks while bypassing the Griffith CBD.

“This is a great example of all three levels of government working together for the benefit of the community. I commend Griffith City Council on its vision and delivery of this important project.”

Council’s Director Infrastructure and Operations, Mr Phil King said he was pleased to see this work completed.

“The completion of these stages of the Southern Industrial Link is a significant milestone for Griffith,” he said.

“The project has involved the widening and construction of the existing roadways, the construction of three roundabouts at existing intersections and realignment to two existing intersections.”

Griffith Mayor, Councillor Doug Curran said the work carried out will help improve connections to freight networks and the safety for all road users, including heavy vehicle drivers.

“The GSIL has been a massive undertaking that Council is proud to have achieved over the past seven years,” Councillor Curran said.

“With so much activity coming out of the Griffith region, it is pleasing to see infrastructure that will remove very large vehicles from our city centre.”

Federal Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Carol Brown said “The Australian Government is proud to be partnering with the NSW Government and Griffith City Council to deliver this much-needed heavy vehicle corridor to enhance freight transport services for the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area.

“The Griffith Southern Industrial Link will streamline heavy road freight movements around Griffith and take heavy freight vehicles away from Banna Avenue and the city centre,” she said.

“Projects like this one which bypasses Griffith, will enable more efficient freight transport deliveries and improve safety for truck drivers.

“This combined funded program will make a real difference for motorists and industry alike by making transport routes safer and smoother, and I look forward to seeing the benefits from these latest projects flow. 

“I’m pleased that the Australian Government is a major funding partner for this project which will make the heavy freight movements far safer and more efficient around Griffith while improving safety for all other road users too.”

“This rural road freight link provides a safer and more efficient heavy vehicle transport connection avoiding the busy city centre of Griffith, delivering the improved infrastructure truckies and residents deserve.”

Council is now planning for Stages 3 and 4a of the GSIL which involve upgrades to Kurrajong Avenue and Thorne Road from Kidman Way to Murrumbidgee Avenue.

Food Agility CRC AgTech Finder Podcast | Episode 5: Avaliable NOW

Episode 5 of the AgTech Finder Podcast is out now! This week host Olivia Calver delves into precision agriculture, an area of agtech that has been around for 30 years but is continuing to grow in accuracy, affordability, and applicability.

• Series regular Professor David Lamb (Food Agility CRC), himself an award-winning precision ag innovator and researcher, returns to explore the importance of balancing human knowledge with artificial intelligence.

•  Next, Dr Steven Scheding, director and co-founder of Green Atlas, a company which has created precision ag technology to help decision-making in the horticulture industry.

•  And finally, horticulture consultant Nic Finger joins the discussion to inform us how the Green Atlas cartographer is helping to target labour resources in his clients’ orchards. 

Dr Joe McGirr MP partners with GrantGuru to provide Wagga Wagga Electorate Grant Finder

Dr Joe McGirr MP has partnered with GrantGuru to provide the ‘Wagga Wagga Electorate Funding Finder’ to all community groups, businesses and not-for-profits. This site provides a comprehensive list of grant and funding opportunities available to you.

This free service will ensure you never miss a grant opportunity again. Register to receive emailed alerts for new grants, save your favourites and access tips to help you apply.

Motherland Village Scholarship Fund Launches | Supporting rural mums experiencing financial hardship

Motherland is thrilled to announce the launch of the Motherland Village Scholarship Fund, which will enable rural mothers who are experiencing financial hardship to access the charity’s mother’s group program.

Supported by Thankful4Farmers, the fund will enable 20 rural mums from around the country to enrol in the program free of charge over the next 12 months, as part of Motherland’s commitment to reducing isolation for rural women.  

Motherland Village is a six-week personalised program delivered entirely online that matches rural mums to their own small support group. The initiative mobilises mothers from across the country and enables them to form meaningful connections and friendships.

Have your say on new policy for arts, culture & creative industries

The NSW Government is working towards the State’s first Arts, Culture & Creative Industries Policy, and they want to hear from you. 

NSW needs an inclusive, sustainable and ambitious approach to arts and culture. The NSW Government are calling on artists, creative industry practitioners, musicians, organisations and community members to contribute their insights.

 The voice of regional creatives - your voice - is critical to making sure the policy reflects and supports our region. Your feedback will help develop innovative solutions and address challenges to foster growth in the arts and cultural sector.

 If you’re in the area, join CreateNSW for A New Look at Culture - Town Hall Forum - Wagga Wagga.

When: Tuesday 8th August 🕒 12pm - 2pm

Where: Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre

Don’t miss your opportunity to have your say! Read the discussion paper, and if you can’t attend in person, make an online submission, by clicking the button below. This consultation is open for contributions until 31 August 2023.

The EMDG refocus survey closes this Friday

The EMDG refocus survey closes this Friday!

To have your say, complete the online survey by Friday 11 August 2023, 5:00 pm AEST. You can also send a submission with your feedback to EMDGPolicy@austrade.gov.au. 

The findings from this consultation and previous reviews to inform advice to the government on the EMDG program.  Thank you - we greatly appreciate your time and input.

Applications open for Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund

Media Release from The Hon Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.

MEDIA RELEASE | Tuesday 08 August 2023

State and territory governments are invited to apply for funding for new and upgraded railway crossings under the Australian Government’s Regional Level Crossing Upgrade Fund (RLCUF).

The Australian Government has committed $40 million annually over four years ($160 million total) for infrastructure projects under the RLCUF, to improve railway crossing safety in regional areas across the nation.

This funding will help make railway crossings safer by investing in safer protections such as making passive controls active (meaning drivers are actively warned of an approaching train), improving line markings, speed humps, speed reductions and increasing sight distances around railway crossings.

State and territory governments are encouraged to apply. Collaboration and co-funding from local government councils and private organisations are strongly encouraged.

Jurisdictions will be able to submit applications for consideration by 29 September 2023, with a second round of applications closing on 27 September 2024.

The funding is part of the broader Regional Australia Level Crossing Safety Program, which is investing $180 million to deliver a holistic and coordinated approach to improving railway crossing safety.

The program is also investing in education and awareness activities to promote safe behaviours around railway crossings, improved data and risk assessments, and research and trials to promote the adoption of low-cost, innovative railway crossing safety solutions.

The number of deaths and serious injuries happening around these railway crossings, particularly in regional and rural communities is tragic. Upgrading level crossings is critical to help keep regional Australians safer. 

All state and territory governments are strongly encouraged to apply.

Hort Innovation | Eyeing a future where fruit pickers are trained by virtual reality

Training fruit pickers using virtual reality equipment, employing robots to move fruit containers and wearing exoskeletons to support physical labour are all possibilities being considered by Australian berry growers to boost labour efficiency.

Delivered through Hort Innovation and led by The Growth Drivers in consultation with berry growers, the research aimed to identify practical technology-based solutions to address one of the industry’s biggest challenges. 

The identified technologies were then developed in consultation with prospective technology providers, before being validated and improved through interactions with growers, including interviews and a dedicated grower workshop.

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