Guidelines release for transformative regional partnerships program

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

MEDIA RELEASE | Thursday 24 August 2023

The Australian Government’s $400 million regional Precincts and Partnerships grants program is now open for applications.

The regional Precincts and Partnerships Program (rPPP) will provide grant funding for precincts that seek to deliver transformative investment in regional, rural and remote Australia based on the aims of unifying regional places, growing their economies and serving their communities.

The program will focus on a partnership approach, bringing together governments and communities to deliver regional precincts that are tailored to local needs and have a shared vision for how that precinct connects to the region.

Regional precincts or ‘places of purpose’ are areas with a specific shared need or theme. They support better land-use integration and ensure infrastructure investment considers and complements the broader region, its surrounding communities, spaces, transport and activities.

The Government has allocated $400 million to the rPPP over three years, with $100 million available for 2023-24, and $150 million for each of 2024-25 and 2025-26.

The program will be delivered through two streams supporting both the development of precincts and delivery of construction-ready precinct projects:

• Stream One: Precinct development and planning. Grants of between $500,000 to $5 million will be available for master planning, consultation, design, business cases and partnership establishment.
   

• Stream Two: Precinct delivery. Grants of between $5 million and $50 million will be available to help deliver one or more elements of a precinct. This could be enabling public infrastructure (roads, pathways, underground infrastructure), open spaces between elements, or a building that catalyses or complements other investment within the precinct.

Applications are open to state, territory and local government agencies or bodies, regional universities (which may be for-profit), and incorporated not-for-profit organisations.

With the program now open for applications, the first tranche of successful applicants will be announced later in the year.

The program design for the urban Precincts and Partnership Program (uPPP) is currently underway and will be available to applicants who are not in the statistical boundary for the rPPP. Together, these two programs will work to deliver precincts across the nation.

Further information on the program, including the Grant Opportunity Guidelines for streams one and two, is available on the GrantConnect website.

Commonwealth Changing Places Initiative

The Department of Social Services is offering up to one-third of the cost to build Changing Places facilities in Local Government Areas (LGAs) that currently do not have one.

Changing Places are accessible toilets with extra features and more space to meet the needs of people with disability and their carers.

This funding offer can supplement other sources of funding, including from various levels of government, community grants and private enterprises.

Applicants are encouraged to consider including a Changing Places facility in upcoming community infrastructure plans.

Learn more: Changing Places and fact sheet (below)

Contact: Changing.Places@dss.gov.au

Industry projects to drive heavy vehicle safety with $5.5 million investment

Joint Media Release from Senator the Hon Carol Brown, Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport and Sal Petroccitto, National Heavy Vehicle Regulator Chief Executive Office

MEDIA RELEASE | Tuesday 22 August 2023

Twenty-one new industry-led projects will receive vital funding from the Australian Government through the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator’s (NHVR) Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative (HVSI).

$3.8 million will be invested into 12 heavy vehicle safety initiatives through Round 8 of the HVSI program, including for roadside health and wellness screening, driver training and increasing vulnerable road user safety.

A further nine projects have been selected to receive funding as part of $1.7 million in once-off funding to Chain of Responsibility (CoR) training and education projects.

The new projects under Round 8 address key issues in the transport and logistic sector and provide workable solutions, to reduce road trauma and save lives.

The CoR projects will help organisations develop training content and resources that will help participants improve the safety of their heavy vehicle transport activities and meet their obligations under the law.

Successful projects include the development of CoR training targeting executives and managers, training tailored for international freight forwarding and logistics, and training aimed at businesses that are not transport companies, but that send and receive goods using heavy vehicles.

The Government has invested in 132 other HVSI projects since the program began in 2016, delivering safety benefits to the heavy vehicle industry and other road users.

• For more information on the HVSI program, visit www.nhvr.gov.au/hvsi

• For more information on CoR, visit www.nhvr.gov.au/cor

Public release of submissions to postal services modernisation consultation

Joint Media Release from The Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Minister for Communications and Senator The Hon Katy Gallagher, Minister for Finance, Women, and Public Service.

MEDIA RELEASE | Friday 11 August 2023

The Albanese Government has today released submissions received as part of its public consultation on modernising of postal services and supporting the long-term financial stability of Australia Post.
 
Over 1,000 submissions – including from individuals, community organisations, charities, businesses, and all levels of government – outlined views and opinions on how postal services are currently used and what is needed for the postal service in the future.
 
The Government launched its discussion paper and consultation process earlier this year to ensure Australia Post continues to provide quality services for small businesses, is well-adapted to changing consumer trends, supports its workforce, and meets the needs of both metropolitan and regional communities.
 
Australia Post is a cherished national and publicly-owned institution that provides essential services and supports stable employment for tens of thousands of Australians.
 
The consultation highlighted that the way many Australians use postal services continues to evolve, and change is needed ensure that a high quality and sustainable letters service is maintained.
 
The responses indicated broad support for a package of reforms that continue to support the delivery of traditional postal services, supports growing the business and providing new products and services in the competitive parcels business, and underpins the long-term financial sustainability of Australia Post.
 
These submissions will help inform the Government’s next steps in considering options to modernise postal services in Australia, which will include further consultation with stakeholders.
 
For more information about the submissions to the consultation visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/postal-services-modernisation
 

The Barrel is back! | McWilliam’s Wines reopens the doors of its newly refurbished Hanwood Cellar Door

Media Release | 21 August 2023

One of Australia’s most recognised wine names, McWilliam’s Wines, has just announced the grand reopening of its newly refreshed Hanwood Cellar Door, with doors of the iconic ‘barrel’ opening on August 11. As one of an exclusive few oversized tourist landmarks around Australia, McWilliam’s expansive barrel-shaped cellar door was first opened in 1973, and this year celebrates its 50th anniversary.

The ambitious project breathes new life into the much-loved wine destination with extensive upgrades to its interiors and exciting new wine experiences for guests to enjoy.

McWilliam’s Wines Cellar Door was designed by Glen McWilliam 50 years ago to the precise scale of a wine barrel and a fig tree was planted at the front of the building. Whilst these two features remain today, its new owners, the Calabria family, have worked with a team of local designers and suppliers during the past 12 months to oversee the extensive renovations that were completed by Bill Calabria.
For over a century, McWilliam's Wines has played an integral role in Australia's winemaking legacy, particularly in the craft of fortified wines. The Hanwood Estate, where vines were first planted in 1913, and was the pioneering force in establishing the Riverina wine region.

“Many people associate the name McWilliam’s with the Barrel and the many fond memories of rich fortified tastings inside it. The building has become a landmark in the Riverina and was a hub for much of the great history behind the McWilliam’s name. This reopening feels like a new era for us and a great opportunity to reconnect with friends and visitors with some incredible new wine experiences,” second generation Winemaker & Managing Director Bill Calabria, AM said.

Elevated interiors inside the barrel

While maintaining the iconic barrel-stave shell, extensive upgrades have transformed the interiors into a modern, lodge-style haven which the McWilliam’s team deems its ‘fortified house’ style. Generous seating, including cozy deluxe leather lounges and a long 16-seater table, allows the space to accommodate up to 35 guests comfortably. The centrepiece of the sophisticated fit-out is the 360° Cheminee Cast Iron Fireplace from Sculpt Fireplaces, perfect for warming up and unwinding with a glass of Shiraz.

The space also includes an exclusive private tasting room; the ‘Friar Room' pays homage to the winery's retro novelty Friar mascot, offering groups an intimate setting for private tasting experiences. The new custom tasting bar allows visitors to engage with their knowledgeable hosts while sampling McWilliam’s diverse selection of premium wines.

An extended menu of premium drops

The newly curated cellar door wine menu allows visitors to indulge in an extensive array of top-tier offerings from the family winery, including its 660, Alternis, Single Vineyard,  and 1877  collections, as well as the winery’s pinnacle release Eliza Jane Shiraz. The menu also boasts an impressive range of aged fortified, and limited cellar door releases like Topaque, Apera and Ruby Reserve.

For those after a light bite to complement their wines, an assortment of snacks and shareable food items, including dips and cheese platters, are available.

Unforgettable new experiences

The new cellar door experiences reflect McWilliam’s Wines’ wealth of fortified winemaking expertise and give visitors a taste of Australian wine history.

 The ‘Fortified Discovery Tasting Experience’ is a new winemaker-led vertical tasting showcasing a line up of aged tawny to include, 5, 10, 20 & 30 year old.

For cocktail connoisseurs, the ‘Fortified Cocktail Made to Mix Experience’ explores cocktail-ready tawny paired with various tonics to create the ideal flavour combinations.

Finally, guests looking for something a little sweet can indulge in the self-guided  ‘Fortified & Cuvee Chocolate Flight’ exploring a four fortified styles paired with Cuvee chocolates.

Booking information

The newly renovated McWilliam's barrel is located on Jack McWilliam Road, Hanwood, NSW, and will officially be reponed from August 11 and will be open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm. Wine enthusiasts are encouraged to secure their tasting experiences in advance by booking online at mcwilliams.com.au.

For more information about McWilliam’s Wines, visit www.mcwilliams.com.au.

Follow McWilliam’s on Instagram at @mcwilliamswines.

Thousands take up new uncapped satellite broadband in rural and regional Australia

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

MEDIA RELEASE | Tuesday 22 August 2023

Almost half of all Sky Muster Plus customers in rural and regional areas have taken up new uncapped satellite broadband made possible by the Albanese Government’s investments to deliver a better NBN.
 
Since its launch on 1 June, more than 21,000 homes and businesses have signed up to the new Sky Muster Plus Premium service which offers customers uncapped data 24 hours a day and faster speeds of up to 100 Mbps.
 
The service responds to increasing demand for more data and faster speeds from satellite users caused by the growing use of video streaming, and people working and studying from home.
 
The uncapped service has been enabled by the Albanese Government’s $480 million investment to upgrade the NBN Fixed Wireless network. The upgrades are moving around 120,000 premises from satellite to fixed wireless, freeing up capacity on Sky Muster.
 
The Sky Muster Premium product complements the Albanese Government’s commitments to improving NBN technologies in regional areas, including by investing $2.4 billion to expand full-fibre NBN to an additional 1.5 million premises – over 660,000 of which will be in regional areas.
 
The product was launched following a trial over 10,000 Sky Muster Plus customers earlier this year that reported greater user satisfaction when customers could access increased evening speeds and uncapped data.
 
NBN Co is now consulting with industry on the introduction of more uncapped data plans at lower price points and further improvements to speeds.

Further information about Sky Muster Plus Premium product is available at www.nbn.com.au/skymusterplus

National Housing and Homelessness Plan | Issues Paper

The Australian Government, in collaboration with state and territory governments, is developing the  National Housing and Homelessness Plan (the Plan) to help more Australians access safe and affordable housing.

The Plan will set out a shared national vision to improve housing outcomes and help address homelessness  in Australia, and identify reforms needed across the responsibilities of different levels of government to achieve this vision.

A consultation process has started, as the Government works with stakeholders to identify areas of focus for the Plan. An Issues Paper has been also released as part of this process.

Read: National Housing and Homelessness Plan Issues Paper

Have your say: Make a submission

Submissions close: 11:59PM AEST Friday 22 September 2023

Help: HousingandHomelessnessPlan@dss.gov.au  

Innovate with NBN back for another year

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

MEDIA RELEASE | Monday 21 August 2023

Applications are now open for the latest round of the Innovate with NBN grants program, which supports individuals, businesses and organisations across regional and remote Australia to take their technology-led ideas to the next level.
 
Delivered by NBN Co in partnership with the Regional Australia Institute, the grants will support innovators and entrepreneurs deliver game-changing projects that enhance the digital capabilities of communities and businesses.
 
Successful grant recipients will receive up to $15,000 to support their innovative projects, with the overall champion to receive $20,000. The total prize pool for this round is $125,000.

Grant categories include Health, Agriculture, Tourism, Arts, Education, Indigenous Business and Women in Business – with winners to demonstrate the outstanding digital creativity and vision.

Previous rounds have supported projects like regional Victoria’s TerraLab who developed the STA Logger, an innovative system to digitally manage invasive weeds on farms.

Applications open on 21 August, and close at midnight on Friday 29 September 2023.
 
The Albanese Government is committed to improving the digital capability of individuals and businesses in regional and remote Australia. The Government has invested $2.4 billion to expand full-fibre NBN access to an additional 1.5 million premises – including over 660,000 in regional areas.
 
For more information on the program and to apply for a grant: www.nbnco.com.au/campaigns/innovate-with-nbn-grants-program. 

Albanese Government officially launches BetStop

Joint Media Release from The Hon Michelle Rowland MP, Minister for Communications and The Hon Amanda Rishworth MP, Minister for Social Services

MEDIA RELEASE | Monday 21 August 2023

Australians at risk of experiencing gambling harm will now be able to self-exclude from all licensed interactive wagering services following the launch today of BetStop – the National Self-Exclusion Register.
 
BetStop covers all Australian licensed interactive wagering service providers, – both online and telephone-based – and will mean they are not allowed to open an account or accept a bet from self-excluded individuals, or send them marketing material.
 
Australians will be able to self-exclude from a minimum of 3 months to a lifetime, by registering free-of-charge and in a single interaction.
 
Wagering service providers must promote BetStop, including on their websites and apps, and via marketing material to customers. A public awareness campaign will be run by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) to promote BetStop.
 
BetStop is the final measure of the National Consumer Protection Framework for Online Wagering. Two other measures – consistent gambling messaging and training for wagering staff – came into effect on 30 March of this year.
 
The Commonwealth will continue to work with states and territories on what comes next to reduce harm caused by online wagering.
 
The ACMA will be responsible for regulating BetStop, which is operated by IXUP Limited. BetStop has been subject to extensive testing and trialling to ensure it provides a secure and trusted environment for users.
 
Complementing the launch of BetStop, the Government will also introduce mandatory customer pre-verification, requiring wagering service providers to verify a customer’s identity when they register for a new account and before they can place a bet.
 
This will replace the existing requirement to verify a customer’s identity within 72 hours, and enhances protection for citizens, including underage or newly registered individuals who have self-excluded through BetStop.
 
This requirement is expected to be in place by the end of September 2023.
 
The two measures – BetStop and customer pre-verification – form part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to harm minimisation, and were recommended in the final report from Parliamentary inquiry into online gambling and its impacts on those experiencing gambling harm handed down in June.
   
The launch of BetStop and introduction of customer pre-verification build on the Albanese Government’s commitment to ban the use of credit cards for online wagering, and strengthen classification of gambling-like features in video games, including loot boxes and simulated gambling.
 
The Government has also already implemented mandatory monthly activity statements so those engaging in online wagering can easily see their wins and losses, nationally consistent staff training and new evidence-based taglines to replace ‘Gamble Responsibly’.

For more information or to register, visit www.betstop.gov.au

New technology making drivers and pedestrians safer

Australian drivers will have access to new life-saving technology, which will help improve the safety of other drivers and pedestrians when using or around roads.

From 1 November 2027, all new vehicles must be fitted with reversing technologies that will provide drivers with the best possible line of sight when reversing.

These aids include reversing cameras and motion sensors, and must be fitted to all new types of light, medium and heavy vehicles, from everyday cars through to heavy goods trucks.

The standard for all new vehicles is called Australian Design Rule 108/00 – Reversing Technologies.

To learn more about this new rule, go to: Saving lives on and around roads

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.