State politics

Geoff Helisma. New South Wales Deputy Premier John Barilaro has relaunched the government’s 20-Year Economic Vision for Regional NSW at Sanctus Brewing Company, Townsend ... The updated vision, the government says, “identifies emerging sectors and future industries for government investment, includes 50 new priorities to drive long-term stimulus impact, underpins investment in the regions from now until 2038, sets out a plan for jobs and population growth in regional NSW and leverages remote and altered working patterns that have emerged as a result of COVID-19”.

There was no such thing as COVID-19 the last time our so-called Member for Cook Cynthia Lui visited Weipa. It’s been some 530 days since the MP last flew out of Weipa Airport after a whirlwind trip to Weipa and Napranum. That was on August 28, 2019.

A $32 million hydro-powered battery project to be located near Albury will be Australia’s first, following approval by the NSW Government. Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Rob Stokes said the hydro-powered battery will be charged by the nearby Hume Hydro Power Station that already provides power to 40,000 homes.

... Minister Kean was incredibly excited by the community-led progression towards renewable energy, and our efforts to provide energy security and insulation from fuel price shocks ... There was much discussion regarding the opportunities and the appetite for the Island to explore a transition to 100% renewable energy ...

The C.B. Newling building at Armidale, known locally as the Old Armidale Teachers’ College, will become one of four new Department of Regional NSW hubs and will house up to 100 new jobs in the New England region. Deputy Premier John Barilaro visited Armidale today and announced $2 million for initial works to establish the State Heritage-listed building as one of DRNSW’s four regional locations ... The Armidale hub will become one of four new DRNSW offices, alongside Queanbeyan, Dubbo and Coffs Harbour.

Kookaburra has noticed that the movement to create a state of Riverina has been re-charged in recent weeks. The main driver behind this movement is Mr. David Landini, a Riverina wool broker, based in Wakool ... A key issue is the Murray Darling Basin Plan which has left many rural communities very dissatisfied and fearing for their long-term survival. The reduction in the number of rural electorates is another point of focus ...

"People who want to save the bridge say 'It's not over until it's over'." State MP Janelle Saffin was quoting Tabulam cattle farmer John Cousins at the official opening of the $48 million two-lane bridge at Tabulam on Sunday.