Latest news with #BlackSummerBushfires
The Advertiser
7 hours ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Climate change costs hit regions and budget hard
Frequent bushfires and floods have exploded natural disaster recovery and relief costs as 3.2 million regional residents are promised upgraded hospitals, new preschools and better roads. As communities in northern NSW continue cleaning up from floods in May and the memories of February's Cyclone Alfred fade, Treasurer Daniel Mookhey on Tuesday set aside another $4.2 billion towards future and past disaster relief. That figure, outlined in the 2025/26 state budget, was "likely to increase in response to both previous and potentially new natural disasters", he said. It comes amid yearly disaster relief spending of $1.6 billion since the 2019/20 Black Summer Bushfires, a 10-fold increase on the prior six years. Several areas have been hit twice, including the northern rivers smashed by record-breaking floods in 2022 and significant flooding in March. Some $2.3 billion will be specifically allocated to repair cratered local and state roads damaged in Lismore and surrounding towns, as well as in the Hunter. Another $63 million will be dedicated to relocating locals in the northern rivers looking for safer residential options, while $27 million is being injected into water and sewer infrastructure in central west NSW. Feral pest management funding has been carried over by a $9 million top-up to cull feral pigs and deer but groups such as the Invasive Species Council said a more comprehensive and scientifically grounded program was needed. Drought-affected farmers, selling their sheep and cattles at record rates, are left empty-handed for now. "Areas around the Riverina, Cootamundra council areas have been in drought now for literally 12 months ... no recognition from this government around what that means," Nationals leader Dugald Saunders said. "In the last month, there's been a little bit of rain, but that does not make the season and there's concerns about that drought spreading." He also attacked a record $1 billion injection in biosecurity measures saying it was "paltry" amid myriad threats from fire ants, cattle tick, varroa mites and foot-and-mouth "knocking on the door". Labor's budget also targets a more environmentally-minded future with a focus on renewable energy. Some $2.1 billion over four years will primarily support five renewable energy zones, unlocking billions more in private investment. Farmers and agribusiness will get $45 million to help digital technology and on-farm connectivity while $48 million will boost mobile phone coverage on highways. An additional $2.1 billion will be invested in building and upgrading regional schools. Amid difficulties getting doctors out to the bush and remote communities, more than $1 billion will be invested to build hospitals, reduce overdue surgeries and set up new targeted programs. These include a new hospital in Gunnedah and a statewide mental health infrastructure program to boost in-patient services. About $1 billion will be splashed to build four special business precincts in Parkes, Moree, Wagga Wagga and the Snowy Mountains that play to each region's strengths, from freight and logistics to horticulture. Frequent bushfires and floods have exploded natural disaster recovery and relief costs as 3.2 million regional residents are promised upgraded hospitals, new preschools and better roads. As communities in northern NSW continue cleaning up from floods in May and the memories of February's Cyclone Alfred fade, Treasurer Daniel Mookhey on Tuesday set aside another $4.2 billion towards future and past disaster relief. That figure, outlined in the 2025/26 state budget, was "likely to increase in response to both previous and potentially new natural disasters", he said. It comes amid yearly disaster relief spending of $1.6 billion since the 2019/20 Black Summer Bushfires, a 10-fold increase on the prior six years. Several areas have been hit twice, including the northern rivers smashed by record-breaking floods in 2022 and significant flooding in March. Some $2.3 billion will be specifically allocated to repair cratered local and state roads damaged in Lismore and surrounding towns, as well as in the Hunter. Another $63 million will be dedicated to relocating locals in the northern rivers looking for safer residential options, while $27 million is being injected into water and sewer infrastructure in central west NSW. Feral pest management funding has been carried over by a $9 million top-up to cull feral pigs and deer but groups such as the Invasive Species Council said a more comprehensive and scientifically grounded program was needed. Drought-affected farmers, selling their sheep and cattles at record rates, are left empty-handed for now. "Areas around the Riverina, Cootamundra council areas have been in drought now for literally 12 months ... no recognition from this government around what that means," Nationals leader Dugald Saunders said. "In the last month, there's been a little bit of rain, but that does not make the season and there's concerns about that drought spreading." He also attacked a record $1 billion injection in biosecurity measures saying it was "paltry" amid myriad threats from fire ants, cattle tick, varroa mites and foot-and-mouth "knocking on the door". Labor's budget also targets a more environmentally-minded future with a focus on renewable energy. Some $2.1 billion over four years will primarily support five renewable energy zones, unlocking billions more in private investment. Farmers and agribusiness will get $45 million to help digital technology and on-farm connectivity while $48 million will boost mobile phone coverage on highways. An additional $2.1 billion will be invested in building and upgrading regional schools. Amid difficulties getting doctors out to the bush and remote communities, more than $1 billion will be invested to build hospitals, reduce overdue surgeries and set up new targeted programs. These include a new hospital in Gunnedah and a statewide mental health infrastructure program to boost in-patient services. About $1 billion will be splashed to build four special business precincts in Parkes, Moree, Wagga Wagga and the Snowy Mountains that play to each region's strengths, from freight and logistics to horticulture. Frequent bushfires and floods have exploded natural disaster recovery and relief costs as 3.2 million regional residents are promised upgraded hospitals, new preschools and better roads. As communities in northern NSW continue cleaning up from floods in May and the memories of February's Cyclone Alfred fade, Treasurer Daniel Mookhey on Tuesday set aside another $4.2 billion towards future and past disaster relief. That figure, outlined in the 2025/26 state budget, was "likely to increase in response to both previous and potentially new natural disasters", he said. It comes amid yearly disaster relief spending of $1.6 billion since the 2019/20 Black Summer Bushfires, a 10-fold increase on the prior six years. Several areas have been hit twice, including the northern rivers smashed by record-breaking floods in 2022 and significant flooding in March. Some $2.3 billion will be specifically allocated to repair cratered local and state roads damaged in Lismore and surrounding towns, as well as in the Hunter. Another $63 million will be dedicated to relocating locals in the northern rivers looking for safer residential options, while $27 million is being injected into water and sewer infrastructure in central west NSW. Feral pest management funding has been carried over by a $9 million top-up to cull feral pigs and deer but groups such as the Invasive Species Council said a more comprehensive and scientifically grounded program was needed. Drought-affected farmers, selling their sheep and cattles at record rates, are left empty-handed for now. "Areas around the Riverina, Cootamundra council areas have been in drought now for literally 12 months ... no recognition from this government around what that means," Nationals leader Dugald Saunders said. "In the last month, there's been a little bit of rain, but that does not make the season and there's concerns about that drought spreading." He also attacked a record $1 billion injection in biosecurity measures saying it was "paltry" amid myriad threats from fire ants, cattle tick, varroa mites and foot-and-mouth "knocking on the door". Labor's budget also targets a more environmentally-minded future with a focus on renewable energy. Some $2.1 billion over four years will primarily support five renewable energy zones, unlocking billions more in private investment. Farmers and agribusiness will get $45 million to help digital technology and on-farm connectivity while $48 million will boost mobile phone coverage on highways. An additional $2.1 billion will be invested in building and upgrading regional schools. Amid difficulties getting doctors out to the bush and remote communities, more than $1 billion will be invested to build hospitals, reduce overdue surgeries and set up new targeted programs. These include a new hospital in Gunnedah and a statewide mental health infrastructure program to boost in-patient services. About $1 billion will be splashed to build four special business precincts in Parkes, Moree, Wagga Wagga and the Snowy Mountains that play to each region's strengths, from freight and logistics to horticulture. Frequent bushfires and floods have exploded natural disaster recovery and relief costs as 3.2 million regional residents are promised upgraded hospitals, new preschools and better roads. As communities in northern NSW continue cleaning up from floods in May and the memories of February's Cyclone Alfred fade, Treasurer Daniel Mookhey on Tuesday set aside another $4.2 billion towards future and past disaster relief. That figure, outlined in the 2025/26 state budget, was "likely to increase in response to both previous and potentially new natural disasters", he said. It comes amid yearly disaster relief spending of $1.6 billion since the 2019/20 Black Summer Bushfires, a 10-fold increase on the prior six years. Several areas have been hit twice, including the northern rivers smashed by record-breaking floods in 2022 and significant flooding in March. Some $2.3 billion will be specifically allocated to repair cratered local and state roads damaged in Lismore and surrounding towns, as well as in the Hunter. Another $63 million will be dedicated to relocating locals in the northern rivers looking for safer residential options, while $27 million is being injected into water and sewer infrastructure in central west NSW. Feral pest management funding has been carried over by a $9 million top-up to cull feral pigs and deer but groups such as the Invasive Species Council said a more comprehensive and scientifically grounded program was needed. Drought-affected farmers, selling their sheep and cattles at record rates, are left empty-handed for now. "Areas around the Riverina, Cootamundra council areas have been in drought now for literally 12 months ... no recognition from this government around what that means," Nationals leader Dugald Saunders said. "In the last month, there's been a little bit of rain, but that does not make the season and there's concerns about that drought spreading." He also attacked a record $1 billion injection in biosecurity measures saying it was "paltry" amid myriad threats from fire ants, cattle tick, varroa mites and foot-and-mouth "knocking on the door". Labor's budget also targets a more environmentally-minded future with a focus on renewable energy. Some $2.1 billion over four years will primarily support five renewable energy zones, unlocking billions more in private investment. Farmers and agribusiness will get $45 million to help digital technology and on-farm connectivity while $48 million will boost mobile phone coverage on highways. An additional $2.1 billion will be invested in building and upgrading regional schools. Amid difficulties getting doctors out to the bush and remote communities, more than $1 billion will be invested to build hospitals, reduce overdue surgeries and set up new targeted programs. These include a new hospital in Gunnedah and a statewide mental health infrastructure program to boost in-patient services. About $1 billion will be splashed to build four special business precincts in Parkes, Moree, Wagga Wagga and the Snowy Mountains that play to each region's strengths, from freight and logistics to horticulture.
7NEWS
10 hours ago
- Business
- 7NEWS
2025 NSW budget thin on cost-of-living relief amid growing global uncertainty
NSW residents struggling with cost-of-living pressures have been left disappointed, as the 2025 state budget offers no new relief. Treasurer Daniel Mookhey unveiled the $128 billion 2025-2026 state budget on Tuesday, focusing on housing, essential workers, and protecting vulnerable communities. Mookhey reported a $5.7 billion deficit for 2024-25, with a forecast deficit of $3.4 billion for the 2025-2026 financial year. He acknowledged that 'a lot needs to go right' to return the state to surplus but said the finances were improving. The budget papers highlight growing uncertainty from unpredictable global policies that could weigh on the Australian economy, including US President Donald Trump's tariff regime. These impacts are expected to downgrade NSW's payroll tax revenue by $512.3 million over the four years to 2028-2029. Other drags on the budget include workers compensation, which the government has been unable to reform before premiums increase on July 1, and natural disasters. Disaster relief spending has leapt tenfold since the 2019-2020 Black Summer Bushfires, when compared to the six years prior, now costing $1.6 billion annually. Speaking to 7NEWS on Tuesday, Mookhey expressed concern that water bills could increase. With the current toll relief scheme set to expire at the end of this year, a few cost-of-living measures will remain to support NSW residents. Renters NSW's 2.3 million renters continue to benefit from fee-free rent payment options, a ban on upfront tenancy fees, limits on rent increases to once per year, and the introduction of Australia's first Portable Rental Bonds Scheme. First home buyers Eligible first home buyers in NSW can access stamp duty exemptions on properties under $800,000 and concessions on homes up to $1 million, along with a $10,000 grant for new builds under $600,000 or house-and-land packages under $750,000. Energy support The NSW Budget extends the $150 national Energy Bill Relief payment to the end of 2025, delivered in $75 quarterly instalments automatically applied to electricity bills for all households and eligible small businesses, in partnership with the Australian Government. Education A range of education support measures are in place, including up to $4347 in preschool fee relief for families with 3-to-5-year-olds, nearly 45,000 fee-free training places for apprentices and trainees, subsidised vocational education for in-demand skills, and additional travel, accommodation, and scholarship support for eligible apprentices facing hardship. Transport Beyond the $60 weekly toll cap running until the end of the year, NSW drivers can also benefit from the M5 South-West Cashback Scheme. The daily to weekly Opal Card travel caps continue to offer savings for commuters.
The Advertiser
11 hours ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Cost of climate change hits regions and budget hard
Frequent bushfires and flooding have exploded natural disaster recovery and relief costs as 3.2 million regional residents are being promised upgraded hospitals, new preschools and better roads. As communities in northern NSW continued cleaning up from inundating floods in May and the memory of February's Cyclone Alfred faded, Treasurer Daniel Mookhey on Tuesday set aside another $4.2 billion towards future and past disaster relief. That figure, outlined in the 2025/26 state budget, was "likely to increase in response to both previous and potentially new natural disasters", he noted. It comes amid yearly disaster relief spending hitting $1.6 billion since the 2019/20 Black Summer Bushfires, a 10-fold increase on the prior six years. Several areas have been hit twice, including the northern rivers smashed by record-breaking floods in 2022 and significant flooding in March. Some $2.3 billion will be specifically allocated to repair cratered local and state roads damaged in Lismore and surrounding towns, as well as in the Hunter. Another $63 million will be dedicated to relocating locals in the northern rivers looking for safer residential options. while $27 million is being injected into water and sewer infrastructure in central west NSW. But feral pest management funding has been slashed 30 per cent while drought-affected farmers, selling their sheep and cattles at record rates, are left empty-handed for now. "Areas around the Riverina, Cootamundra council areas have been in drought now for literally 12 months ... no recognition from this government around what that means," Nationals leader Dugald Saunders said. "In the last month, there's been a little bit of rain, but that does not make the season and there's concerns about that drought spreading." He also attacked a record $1 billion injection in biosecurity measures saying it was "paltry" amid myriad threats from fire ants, cattle tick, varroa mites and foot-and-mouth "knocking on the door". Labor's budget also targets a more environmentally-minded future with a focus on renewable energy. Some $2.1 billion over four years will primarily support five renewable energy zones, unlocking billions more in private investment. Farmers and agribusiness will get $45 million to help digital technology and on-farm connectivity while $48 million will boost mobile phone coverage on highways. An additional $2.1 billion will be invested in building and upgrading schools in Dapto, Broken Hill and elsewhere. Amid difficulties getting doctors out to the bush and remote communities, more than $1 billion will be invested to build hospitals, reduce overdue surgeries and set up new targeted programs. These include a new hospital in Gunnedah and a state-wide mental health infrastructure program to boost in-patient services. About $1 billion will be splashed to build four special business precincts in Parkes, Moree, Wagga Wagga and Snowy Mountains that play to each region's strengths, from freight and logistics to horticulture. Frequent bushfires and flooding have exploded natural disaster recovery and relief costs as 3.2 million regional residents are being promised upgraded hospitals, new preschools and better roads. As communities in northern NSW continued cleaning up from inundating floods in May and the memory of February's Cyclone Alfred faded, Treasurer Daniel Mookhey on Tuesday set aside another $4.2 billion towards future and past disaster relief. That figure, outlined in the 2025/26 state budget, was "likely to increase in response to both previous and potentially new natural disasters", he noted. It comes amid yearly disaster relief spending hitting $1.6 billion since the 2019/20 Black Summer Bushfires, a 10-fold increase on the prior six years. Several areas have been hit twice, including the northern rivers smashed by record-breaking floods in 2022 and significant flooding in March. Some $2.3 billion will be specifically allocated to repair cratered local and state roads damaged in Lismore and surrounding towns, as well as in the Hunter. Another $63 million will be dedicated to relocating locals in the northern rivers looking for safer residential options. while $27 million is being injected into water and sewer infrastructure in central west NSW. But feral pest management funding has been slashed 30 per cent while drought-affected farmers, selling their sheep and cattles at record rates, are left empty-handed for now. "Areas around the Riverina, Cootamundra council areas have been in drought now for literally 12 months ... no recognition from this government around what that means," Nationals leader Dugald Saunders said. "In the last month, there's been a little bit of rain, but that does not make the season and there's concerns about that drought spreading." He also attacked a record $1 billion injection in biosecurity measures saying it was "paltry" amid myriad threats from fire ants, cattle tick, varroa mites and foot-and-mouth "knocking on the door". Labor's budget also targets a more environmentally-minded future with a focus on renewable energy. Some $2.1 billion over four years will primarily support five renewable energy zones, unlocking billions more in private investment. Farmers and agribusiness will get $45 million to help digital technology and on-farm connectivity while $48 million will boost mobile phone coverage on highways. An additional $2.1 billion will be invested in building and upgrading schools in Dapto, Broken Hill and elsewhere. Amid difficulties getting doctors out to the bush and remote communities, more than $1 billion will be invested to build hospitals, reduce overdue surgeries and set up new targeted programs. These include a new hospital in Gunnedah and a state-wide mental health infrastructure program to boost in-patient services. About $1 billion will be splashed to build four special business precincts in Parkes, Moree, Wagga Wagga and Snowy Mountains that play to each region's strengths, from freight and logistics to horticulture. Frequent bushfires and flooding have exploded natural disaster recovery and relief costs as 3.2 million regional residents are being promised upgraded hospitals, new preschools and better roads. As communities in northern NSW continued cleaning up from inundating floods in May and the memory of February's Cyclone Alfred faded, Treasurer Daniel Mookhey on Tuesday set aside another $4.2 billion towards future and past disaster relief. That figure, outlined in the 2025/26 state budget, was "likely to increase in response to both previous and potentially new natural disasters", he noted. It comes amid yearly disaster relief spending hitting $1.6 billion since the 2019/20 Black Summer Bushfires, a 10-fold increase on the prior six years. Several areas have been hit twice, including the northern rivers smashed by record-breaking floods in 2022 and significant flooding in March. Some $2.3 billion will be specifically allocated to repair cratered local and state roads damaged in Lismore and surrounding towns, as well as in the Hunter. Another $63 million will be dedicated to relocating locals in the northern rivers looking for safer residential options. while $27 million is being injected into water and sewer infrastructure in central west NSW. But feral pest management funding has been slashed 30 per cent while drought-affected farmers, selling their sheep and cattles at record rates, are left empty-handed for now. "Areas around the Riverina, Cootamundra council areas have been in drought now for literally 12 months ... no recognition from this government around what that means," Nationals leader Dugald Saunders said. "In the last month, there's been a little bit of rain, but that does not make the season and there's concerns about that drought spreading." He also attacked a record $1 billion injection in biosecurity measures saying it was "paltry" amid myriad threats from fire ants, cattle tick, varroa mites and foot-and-mouth "knocking on the door". Labor's budget also targets a more environmentally-minded future with a focus on renewable energy. Some $2.1 billion over four years will primarily support five renewable energy zones, unlocking billions more in private investment. Farmers and agribusiness will get $45 million to help digital technology and on-farm connectivity while $48 million will boost mobile phone coverage on highways. An additional $2.1 billion will be invested in building and upgrading schools in Dapto, Broken Hill and elsewhere. Amid difficulties getting doctors out to the bush and remote communities, more than $1 billion will be invested to build hospitals, reduce overdue surgeries and set up new targeted programs. These include a new hospital in Gunnedah and a state-wide mental health infrastructure program to boost in-patient services. About $1 billion will be splashed to build four special business precincts in Parkes, Moree, Wagga Wagga and Snowy Mountains that play to each region's strengths, from freight and logistics to horticulture. Frequent bushfires and flooding have exploded natural disaster recovery and relief costs as 3.2 million regional residents are being promised upgraded hospitals, new preschools and better roads. As communities in northern NSW continued cleaning up from inundating floods in May and the memory of February's Cyclone Alfred faded, Treasurer Daniel Mookhey on Tuesday set aside another $4.2 billion towards future and past disaster relief. That figure, outlined in the 2025/26 state budget, was "likely to increase in response to both previous and potentially new natural disasters", he noted. It comes amid yearly disaster relief spending hitting $1.6 billion since the 2019/20 Black Summer Bushfires, a 10-fold increase on the prior six years. Several areas have been hit twice, including the northern rivers smashed by record-breaking floods in 2022 and significant flooding in March. Some $2.3 billion will be specifically allocated to repair cratered local and state roads damaged in Lismore and surrounding towns, as well as in the Hunter. Another $63 million will be dedicated to relocating locals in the northern rivers looking for safer residential options. while $27 million is being injected into water and sewer infrastructure in central west NSW. But feral pest management funding has been slashed 30 per cent while drought-affected farmers, selling their sheep and cattles at record rates, are left empty-handed for now. "Areas around the Riverina, Cootamundra council areas have been in drought now for literally 12 months ... no recognition from this government around what that means," Nationals leader Dugald Saunders said. "In the last month, there's been a little bit of rain, but that does not make the season and there's concerns about that drought spreading." He also attacked a record $1 billion injection in biosecurity measures saying it was "paltry" amid myriad threats from fire ants, cattle tick, varroa mites and foot-and-mouth "knocking on the door". Labor's budget also targets a more environmentally-minded future with a focus on renewable energy. Some $2.1 billion over four years will primarily support five renewable energy zones, unlocking billions more in private investment. Farmers and agribusiness will get $45 million to help digital technology and on-farm connectivity while $48 million will boost mobile phone coverage on highways. An additional $2.1 billion will be invested in building and upgrading schools in Dapto, Broken Hill and elsewhere. Amid difficulties getting doctors out to the bush and remote communities, more than $1 billion will be invested to build hospitals, reduce overdue surgeries and set up new targeted programs. These include a new hospital in Gunnedah and a state-wide mental health infrastructure program to boost in-patient services. About $1 billion will be splashed to build four special business precincts in Parkes, Moree, Wagga Wagga and Snowy Mountains that play to each region's strengths, from freight and logistics to horticulture.
Perth Now
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Perth Now
Cost of climate change hits regions and budget hard
Frequent bushfires and flooding have exploded natural disaster recovery and relief costs as 3.2 million regional residents are being promised upgraded hospitals, new preschools and better roads. As communities in northern NSW continued cleaning up from inundating floods in May and the memory of February's Cyclone Alfred faded, Treasurer Daniel Mookhey on Tuesday set aside another $4.2 billion towards future and past disaster relief. That figure, outlined in the 2025/26 state budget, was "likely to increase in response to both previous and potentially new natural disasters", he noted. It comes amid yearly disaster relief spending hitting $1.6 billion since the 2019/20 Black Summer Bushfires, a 10-fold increase on the prior six years. Several areas have been hit twice, including the northern rivers smashed by record-breaking floods in 2022 and significant flooding in March. Some $2.3 billion will be specifically allocated to repair cratered local and state roads damaged in Lismore and surrounding towns, as well as in the Hunter. Another $63 million will be dedicated to relocating locals in the northern rivers looking for safer residential options. while $27 million is being injected into water and sewer infrastructure in central west NSW. But feral pest management funding has been slashed 30 per cent while drought-affected farmers, selling their sheep and cattles at record rates, are left empty-handed for now. "Areas around the Riverina, Cootamundra council areas have been in drought now for literally 12 months ... no recognition from this government around what that means," Nationals leader Dugald Saunders said. "In the last month, there's been a little bit of rain, but that does not make the season and there's concerns about that drought spreading." He also attacked a record $1 billion injection in biosecurity measures saying it was "paltry" amid myriad threats from fire ants, cattle tick, varroa mites and foot-and-mouth "knocking on the door". Labor's budget also targets a more environmentally-minded future with a focus on renewable energy. Some $2.1 billion over four years will primarily support five renewable energy zones, unlocking billions more in private investment. Farmers and agribusiness will get $45 million to help digital technology and on-farm connectivity while $48 million will boost mobile phone coverage on highways. An additional $2.1 billion will be invested in building and upgrading schools in Dapto, Broken Hill and elsewhere. Amid difficulties getting doctors out to the bush and remote communities, more than $1 billion will be invested to build hospitals, reduce overdue surgeries and set up new targeted programs. These include a new hospital in Gunnedah and a state-wide mental health infrastructure program to boost in-patient services. About $1 billion will be splashed to build four special business precincts in Parkes, Moree, Wagga Wagga and Snowy Mountains that play to each region's strengths, from freight and logistics to horticulture.
