Latest news with #DugaldSaunders
The Advertiser
29-07-2025
- Business
- The Advertiser
Almost 200 education jobs to be axed from regional areas
As several government departments undergo restructures and reduced spending, another agency is slashing jobs; this time it's education. It is understood about 195 jobs are being cut from TAFE NSW, with many expected to go in regional centres including Dubbo, Orange and Port Macquarie. In TAFE NSW's draft change management plan, which was distributed to staff and obtained by The Land, it outlines proposed jobs impacted for two sectors within the agency, the product and quality group as well as TAFE Digital. While TAFE NSW did not confirm exact numbers to The Land, a spokesperson said until the consultation, review and placement process was complete, final positions and the locations would not be known. "Importantly, no teaching positions have been identified for removal as part of the proposed changes," the spokesperson said. It comes a day after The Land reported that 165 jobs were expected to be slashed at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) in a decision that it says will enable the government to "work in a sustainable and responsible way". And just last week, Transport for NSW also announced in a memo that there would be about 950 staff cuts. NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders said it was disappointing to hear this government seemed "hell bent" on removing any support for regional areas, with TAFE the latest victim. "I've heard directly from local teachers about the concerns they have about another restructure, and the impact it's having on regional jobs," Mr Saunders said. "Education and training are key to attracting and retaining skilled workers in the bush, and this will have broader implications on a range of industries already struggling with mass shortages." The TAFE NSW spokesperson said last week, its employees were invited to participate in consultation on proposed changes to better align operations with the needs of students, industries, and communities. The spokesperson said TAFE NSW had transitioned to a new operating model earlier this year to more closely align educational delivery with industry needs and prioritise community engagement. "The changes proposed build on learnings from this transition to streamline processes, reduce duplication, and support more consistent delivery across the organisation," the spokesperson said. They said it was also in line with recommendations from the 2024 NSW VET Review and supports the delivery of commitments in the TAFE NSW Charter. "TAFE NSW has many roles that are location agnostic and can be performed from anywhere across the state," the spokesperson said. "The consultation process is an opportunity for all employees to provide feedback on the proposed changes." As several government departments undergo restructures and reduced spending, another agency is slashing jobs; this time it's education. It is understood about 195 jobs are being cut from TAFE NSW, with many expected to go in regional centres including Dubbo, Orange and Port Macquarie. In TAFE NSW's draft change management plan, which was distributed to staff and obtained by The Land, it outlines proposed jobs impacted for two sectors within the agency, the product and quality group as well as TAFE Digital. While TAFE NSW did not confirm exact numbers to The Land, a spokesperson said until the consultation, review and placement process was complete, final positions and the locations would not be known. "Importantly, no teaching positions have been identified for removal as part of the proposed changes," the spokesperson said. It comes a day after The Land reported that 165 jobs were expected to be slashed at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) in a decision that it says will enable the government to "work in a sustainable and responsible way". And just last week, Transport for NSW also announced in a memo that there would be about 950 staff cuts. NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders said it was disappointing to hear this government seemed "hell bent" on removing any support for regional areas, with TAFE the latest victim. "I've heard directly from local teachers about the concerns they have about another restructure, and the impact it's having on regional jobs," Mr Saunders said. "Education and training are key to attracting and retaining skilled workers in the bush, and this will have broader implications on a range of industries already struggling with mass shortages." The TAFE NSW spokesperson said last week, its employees were invited to participate in consultation on proposed changes to better align operations with the needs of students, industries, and communities. The spokesperson said TAFE NSW had transitioned to a new operating model earlier this year to more closely align educational delivery with industry needs and prioritise community engagement. "The changes proposed build on learnings from this transition to streamline processes, reduce duplication, and support more consistent delivery across the organisation," the spokesperson said. They said it was also in line with recommendations from the 2024 NSW VET Review and supports the delivery of commitments in the TAFE NSW Charter. "TAFE NSW has many roles that are location agnostic and can be performed from anywhere across the state," the spokesperson said. "The consultation process is an opportunity for all employees to provide feedback on the proposed changes." As several government departments undergo restructures and reduced spending, another agency is slashing jobs; this time it's education. It is understood about 195 jobs are being cut from TAFE NSW, with many expected to go in regional centres including Dubbo, Orange and Port Macquarie. In TAFE NSW's draft change management plan, which was distributed to staff and obtained by The Land, it outlines proposed jobs impacted for two sectors within the agency, the product and quality group as well as TAFE Digital. While TAFE NSW did not confirm exact numbers to The Land, a spokesperson said until the consultation, review and placement process was complete, final positions and the locations would not be known. "Importantly, no teaching positions have been identified for removal as part of the proposed changes," the spokesperson said. It comes a day after The Land reported that 165 jobs were expected to be slashed at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) in a decision that it says will enable the government to "work in a sustainable and responsible way". And just last week, Transport for NSW also announced in a memo that there would be about 950 staff cuts. NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders said it was disappointing to hear this government seemed "hell bent" on removing any support for regional areas, with TAFE the latest victim. "I've heard directly from local teachers about the concerns they have about another restructure, and the impact it's having on regional jobs," Mr Saunders said. "Education and training are key to attracting and retaining skilled workers in the bush, and this will have broader implications on a range of industries already struggling with mass shortages." The TAFE NSW spokesperson said last week, its employees were invited to participate in consultation on proposed changes to better align operations with the needs of students, industries, and communities. The spokesperson said TAFE NSW had transitioned to a new operating model earlier this year to more closely align educational delivery with industry needs and prioritise community engagement. "The changes proposed build on learnings from this transition to streamline processes, reduce duplication, and support more consistent delivery across the organisation," the spokesperson said. They said it was also in line with recommendations from the 2024 NSW VET Review and supports the delivery of commitments in the TAFE NSW Charter. "TAFE NSW has many roles that are location agnostic and can be performed from anywhere across the state," the spokesperson said. "The consultation process is an opportunity for all employees to provide feedback on the proposed changes." As several government departments undergo restructures and reduced spending, another agency is slashing jobs; this time it's education. It is understood about 195 jobs are being cut from TAFE NSW, with many expected to go in regional centres including Dubbo, Orange and Port Macquarie. In TAFE NSW's draft change management plan, which was distributed to staff and obtained by The Land, it outlines proposed jobs impacted for two sectors within the agency, the product and quality group as well as TAFE Digital. While TAFE NSW did not confirm exact numbers to The Land, a spokesperson said until the consultation, review and placement process was complete, final positions and the locations would not be known. "Importantly, no teaching positions have been identified for removal as part of the proposed changes," the spokesperson said. It comes a day after The Land reported that 165 jobs were expected to be slashed at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) in a decision that it says will enable the government to "work in a sustainable and responsible way". And just last week, Transport for NSW also announced in a memo that there would be about 950 staff cuts. NSW Nationals Leader Dugald Saunders said it was disappointing to hear this government seemed "hell bent" on removing any support for regional areas, with TAFE the latest victim. "I've heard directly from local teachers about the concerns they have about another restructure, and the impact it's having on regional jobs," Mr Saunders said. "Education and training are key to attracting and retaining skilled workers in the bush, and this will have broader implications on a range of industries already struggling with mass shortages." The TAFE NSW spokesperson said last week, its employees were invited to participate in consultation on proposed changes to better align operations with the needs of students, industries, and communities. The spokesperson said TAFE NSW had transitioned to a new operating model earlier this year to more closely align educational delivery with industry needs and prioritise community engagement. "The changes proposed build on learnings from this transition to streamline processes, reduce duplication, and support more consistent delivery across the organisation," the spokesperson said. They said it was also in line with recommendations from the 2024 NSW VET Review and supports the delivery of commitments in the TAFE NSW Charter. "TAFE NSW has many roles that are location agnostic and can be performed from anywhere across the state," the spokesperson said. "The consultation process is an opportunity for all employees to provide feedback on the proposed changes."
News.com.au
29-07-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
NSW government to cut 165 roles at only dedicated regional department
The state government has come under fire over plans to slash up to 165 jobs from the only department dedicated to regional NSW. The Department of Primary Industry and Regional Development (DPIRD) is expected to reduce its staff by about 4 per cent. More than 75 per cent of the department's staff live and work outside Sydney, with the headquarters based in Orange in the state's central west. NSW Nationals leader Dugald Saunders described the cuts as 'cruel' and a 'slap in the face to an agency that does immeasurable work' in the community. 'It's no secret Chris Minns and his government has a complete disregard for anyone who lives outside the city,' the opposition spokesman for regional NSW said. 'Some of the teams where these redundancies will come from include agriculture and biosecurity, regional development and delivery in the regional programs.' The Dubbo MP said it was 'concerning' the cuts would also impact the enabling services of the Rural Assistance Authority (RAA). The RAA is the lead agency responsible for providing financial assistance to rural and regional businesses, including after natural disasters. 'We've seen devastating floods on the mid-north coast and drought impacting much of southern NSW,' Mr Saunders said. 'How can the government possibly justify this decision.' In a statement, a DPIRD spokesperson said the changes would 'enable us to work in a sustainable and responsible way, while maintaining service levels'. 'The changes will include a realignment of staff structures in several divisions across the department,' the spokesperson said. 'Some staffing changes are related to temporary roles. 'Other impacts include back office administrative roles and roles where duplication exists.' The spokesperson said all impacted staff would be supported, and ongoing employees would have the opportunity to be redeployed elsewhere in the public service. 'Comprehensive consultation will be undertaken with impacted staff and public sector unions, with feedback incorporated into final plans,' the spokesperson said. 'The number of staff impacted will be determined following the consultation and feedback process. At this stage, no final decisions have been made. 'There will be no changes to Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development office locations.' The number of staff at DPIRD has swelled in recent years by more than 1000 to about 4700 full-time employees by July 2023. Senior executive roles also increased. The cuts come after Transport for NSW secretary Josh Murray announced almost 1000 senior roles would be slashed. The Minns Labor government pledged in the lead-up to the 2023 state election to cut senior executive roles in the public service by 15 per cent. It is understood that both cuts to TfNSW and DPIRD are in pursuit of the state government's target.
ABC News
29-07-2025
- Business
- ABC News
NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development to cut 165 jobs
The state government has come under fire over its plans to cut 165 jobs from the only department dedicated to regional New South Wales. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) said the proposed changes would result in a 4 per cent reduction of staff. More than 75 per cent of its workforce is based outside of Sydney, with its headquarters in Orange. The department said the majority of the cuts would be made in regional areas. DPIRD secretary Steve Orr said it was a "challenging decision" that was "not taken lightly". Mr Orr said DPIRD, previously Regional NSW, had swelled by 1,000 staff to more than 4,700 full-time equivalent workers under the Coalition government and following the COVID-19 pandemic, floods and bushfire events. "Those [disaster] programs have come to an end but our workforce has remained reasonably high," he said. NSW Nationals leader and shadow agriculture minister Dugald Saunders described the move as "cruel" and "gut-wrenching" for country communities. "It's a double whammy, we lose people with capacity in employment in regional NSW and also the people they're supposed to be helping. "Some of the teams where these redundancies will come from include agriculture and biosecurity, regional development … and enabling services in the Rural Assistance Authority (RAA) which is concerning." He said the move was in direct contradiction of the DPIRD's aim of growing the primary industries sector and helping with economic development in the regions, by supporting the agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining industries. In a February budget estimates hearing, NSW Agriculture Minister Moriarty foreshadowed the need to reduce staff numbers due to budget challenges. The move was expected to save the department approximately $22 million and improve its fiscal sustainability. Mr Orr said the job cuts were set to affect roles that were made permanent despite only having temporary funding, back office administrative roles and duplicate management positions across several divisions. "We've reduced our temporary workforce, our casual workforce. The challenge has very much been on our permanent workforce," he said. He said the proposed job cuts would impact a small number of roles within the Rural Assistance Authority (RAA), which administers financial assistance to rural businesses and people during times of hardship, such as flood and drought. He said there was no plan to reduce any RAA roles in grant administration. Changes to Local Land Services and Fisheries and Forestry have been ruled out. "In terms of the direct services and front-line services which the department offers, there won't be impact on those particular services," Mr Orr said. The number of senior executive roles has already been reduced by 15 per cent over the past two years, which rose by more than 50 to 192 between 2019-2023. Mr Orr said it was only a proposal at this stage and that no final decisions have been made. The DPIRD will undertake consultation over the next fortnight with impacted staff and public sector unions. The total number of staff that will be affected is to be determined afterwards. DPIRD said in a statement that affected staff would be offered redeployment opportunities within the state's public service. The ABC has contacted NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty for comment.
The Advertiser
24-06-2025
- 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.
The Advertiser
24-06-2025
- 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.
