More vital funding for Durack airstrips

More than $1.7 million  across 7 Durack regional airports will benefit from grants under Round 2 of the Morrison Government’s Regional Airports Program.

Federal Member for Durack, the Honourable Melissa Price  said the grants are vital to assist local regional communities maintain infrastructure and safety standards.

“Across my vast electorate of Durack, it is so important to assist communities through their local shires to have operational airstrips and air services. This round will benefit things like upgrading firefighting operations in the Moora Shire to expansion of the helipad and apron at Wongan Hills, runway taxiworks and installation of solar lights at others,” Ms Price said.

“These  grants will also fund projects like runway fencing and the installation of solar lights, that will  improve the safety of aircraft, operators and passengers, the delivery of goods and services and better meet the operational requirements of aeromedical and other emergency services across Durack,” Ms Price said.

 For a full list of successful projects and more information on the Regional Airports Program, visit infrastructure.gov.au/regionalaviation.

 Ends.

 Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.

Boosting Mobile Coverage in Durack

Durack is set to benefit from new and improved mobile coverage thanks to Round 5A of the Morrison Government’s highly successful Mobile Black Spot Program.

Federal Member for Durack, the Honourable Melissa Price welcomed the news that 8 more Mobile Black Spots are set to be addressed under this round of the Program.

“From the Kimberley to the Mid- West there will be improved mobile coverage for the local community, allowing visitors and locals alike to stay connected, access education services, conduct business and remain in contact with family and friends,” Ms Price said.

 “I look forward to working with the successful recipients so that building the mobile base station can get underway and the community can benefit from improved coverage. These base stations will improve coverage in disaster prone areas, along major transport corridors and trial new approaches to delivering coverage,” she said.

 The Morrison Government has committed $20.5 million to fund 67 new mobile base stations across Australia. This announcement brings the total number of base stations being funded under the  Mobile Black Spot Program to over 1,270 base stations, representing a total investment of over $875 million in total investment.

The 67 base stations funded under Round 5A across regional and remote Australia will collectively deliver over 12,000 square kilometres of new and improved handheld coverage. The Government is committed continuing to work with industry and state and local governments to improve mobile coverage and connectivity across Australia.

 A key priority of Round 5A is to test new approaches to supporting improved mobile coverage.

“The Liberals and Nationals Government encourage mobile network operators to deploy shared mobile infrastructure to reduce cost and provide new coverage from more than one carrier.

The full list of base stations funded under Round 5A of the MBSP is available on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications website.

 Ends.

 Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.

Missing the ‘power’ point.

The Morrison Government continues to invest in regional and remote telecommunications, to ensure that all Australians, no matter there they live, have access to communication services for business, education and staying in touch with families.

Federal Member for Durack, the Honourable Melissa Price welcomes new funding for the Kimberley for 2 new base stations to improve connectivity across the vast region.

 “This week, new funding was announced for the Kimberley for two new base stations to improve connectivity across the vast region. Additional to our previous and ongoing investment in Durack services, a new base station at Embulgan near Broome and another at Kadjina in the West Kimberley will benefit from the latest Round 5A funding under its Mobile Black Spot Program  (MBSP) outcomes,” she said

 “In the previous 12 months I am proud that we have also invested almost $7million in 17 Kimberley locations in the well-received Regional Connectivity Program (RCP including to Halls Creek, Bidyadanga, Jigalong and Kalumburu. A program specifically designed and funded by the   Morrison Government which is designed to assist and deliver place-based solutions that solve regional connectivity issues,” Ms Price said.

 I take issue at recently reported comments by the McGowan Government Transport Minister Rita Saffioti that “she would speak to her Federal counterparts about much needed upgrades to the Kimberley’s network coverage”.

“My office has heard nothing on this issue from the minister. The facts are, that many of these ongoing frustrating telecommunication issues are caused by power blackouts. A failure by the government to supply the power necessary for the telecommunication bases to operate, something the state government is entirely responsible for,” Ms Price said.

 “It is the McGowan Government and Minister Rita Saffioti missing the point. It needs to be doing some work to solve these power supply issues for the people of the Kimberley,” Ms Price said.

With the ongoing power blackout problems across Durack, and the resulting failure of base stations, the Morrison Government’s Strengthening Telecommunications Against Natural Disasters (STAND) program, has funded and installed 12-hour back-up batteries to 13 Kimberley locations.

The Morrison Government continues to fund improvements to mobile coverage and connectivity in Northern Australia. Under the MBSP to date, the Government has committed $34 million (GST exclusive) to fund 181 mobile base stations across northern Australia, including four under Round 5A. In the 2021-22 Budget, $68.5 million in dedicated funding was allocated to improve telecommunications infrastructure across Northern Australia through the MBSP and the Regional Connectivity Program (RCP).

Please see investment list attached.

ENDS.

Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.

Record Financial Assistance for Seroja Recovery

Clean up and recovery support that was approved in principle in May, and is detailed in the following packages:

More than $100 million has been committed to further assist the long and challenging recovery of the Mid West communities impacted by ex - Tropical Cyclone Seroja in April.

Federal Member for Durack, the Honourable Melissa Price said the largest disaster recovery package in the state’s history is necessary to continue to rebuild and important recognition by the Morrison Government.

“I have been in two of the most heavily impacted communities this week, Kalbarri and Northampton, and while there has been great progress there is still a lot to do. When Prime Minister Morrison and I visited Kalbarri within days of the disaster, we declared our ongoing and long-term support to help these communities rebuild. I am proud today that this record funding commitment is evidence of that unwavering commitment,” Ms Price said.

 “Importantly it is not just these 2 communities that will have access to this funding but 16 local government areas across the affected areas through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA),” she said.

The package includes:

·         Community Welfare and Outreach Program

·         Recovery and Resilience Grants for Insured Residents up to $20,000

·           Primary Producer Recovery Grants of up to $25,000

·         Small Business Recovery Grants of up to $25,000

·         Clean-Up and Restoration of Community, Recreational, Cultural and Heritage Assets

·         In-principle support for assistance with establishing workers’ accommodation to enable rebuilding 

“The record package developed to provide tailored recovery initiatives reflects my advocacy for these communities to ensure they are not forgotten, nor the extent of damage across a vast area of the Mid-West, Gascoyne and Wheatbelt regions, never before been seen in Western Australia,” she said.

This community recovery package is in addition to support already being provided by the WA and Commonwealth governments under the DRFA.

Information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at disasterassist

Ends.

Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au

Microgrid Muscle for Durack

The Morrison Government is committing $25.6 million to back 20 microgrid feasibility studies under Round Two of the Regional and Remote Communities Reliability Fund.

Federal Member for Durack, the Honourable Melissa Price said the fund is ideal for remote locations in Durack.

“The studies will investigate whether establishing a microgrid, or upgrading existing off-grid technologies, would better meet the energy needs of regional and remote communities. I am really pleased that there are three companies and locations in Durack who have been successful grant recipients,” she said.

The successful recipients are

• Regional Power Corporation

$650,000 to support the transition to a cleaner, lower cost energy mix in six remote Mid West towns; Cue, Meekatharra, Mount Magnet, Sandstone, Wiluna and Yalgoo to 100% renewable energy.

• Sunrise Energy Group Pty Ltd

$1,377,101 Mullewa Microgrid Feasibility Study project. The Project aims to develop a commercially sound, technically and economically feasible solution to significantly improve energy reliability, improve amenity for Mullewa residents and to retain and attract business to the town.

• Generators & Off Grid Energy Pty Ltd

$357,593 Providing reliable energy solutions to WA Indigenous outstations in Kimberley Remote Indigenous communities and achieving emissions reduction

 Microgrids reduce regional communities’ reliance on diesel generation, bringing down the price of electricity bills for households and businesses and cut emissions.

Ends

Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.

More funding for headspace in Durack

More funding for a dedicated headspace employment program will assist young people in Durack experiencing mental illness to join the workforce, with extra funding of almost $2 million over the next three years.

 Member for Durack, the Honourable Melissa Price said the Geraldton and Broome headspace services would run the Individual Placement and Support Program to address barriers preventing people with mental illness from finding and keeping a job.

 “I have always been a strong advocate of headspace and have consistently fought for extra funding and services.  I am particularly pleased to see this program has been extended to Geraldton headspace and the Broome service has been re-funded to assist young people increase their employment opportunities,” Ms Price said.

 “The Morrison Government continues to be a strong supporter of headspace too and this investment  will be a  boost to local mental health and employment services in key Durack regions  by integrating educational and workforce support with clinical mental health services,” she said.

 Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston said the onset of mental illness in young people can significantly affect their ability to transition from study to work.

 “This investment will provide local career assistance hand-in-hand with clinical support to help young people with mental illness enter the workforce and reach their full potential,” Minister Ruston said.

Nationally, the Individual Placement and Support Program will allow more than 6,000 Australians under the age of 25 experiencing mental illness to access a range of specialist vocational and employment support services.

 Ends.

 Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.

Durack child care gets a boost

Child care services in regional, remote and disadvantaged communities in Durack will share in more than $7 million to help improve access to care and increase workforce participation.

The Community Child Care Fund (CCCF) gives approved services critical funding that may be needed to keep them operating and increase the number of children they can care for.

Federal Member for Durack, the Honourable Melissa Price said the Morrison Government was committed to giving Durack families access to quality child care, regardless of where they live with 43 successful Durack recipients in the latest round of the Community Child Care Fund grants.

“In some remote areas, there may only be one or two childcare services operating and it is critical we keep these open so families can access the care they need,” Ms Price said.  

“While staff shortages and accommodation continue to be issues in parts of Durack impacting on place availability, the Morrison Government stays focused on funding facilities so more families in a regional or disadvantaged area can access care if they choose. It will also help achieve our Closing the Gap targets by increasing participation of Indigenous children in early childhood education,” she said.

The Morrison Government has allocated more than $220 million to over 1,000 childcare services through the Community Child Care Fund since 2018.

More information on the Community Child Care Fund can be found on the Department of Education, Skills and Employment website.

Ends.

Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.

Photography, painting and poetry in Durack

New Regional Arts Fund Project grants will provide opportunities for Durack artists and arts workers to cultivate creative community engagement with the arts as we emerge from the pandemic – reconnecting regional communities.

The Federal Member for Durack, the Hon. Melissa Price said she is impressed by the diversity of the Durack recipients in this latest round of grants.

“Kimberley poet Nandi Chinna, who was shortlisted for the Prime Ministers Literature Award in 2020,  to create a suite of poetry responding to Martuwarra (the Fitzroy River), Carnarvon’s Miranda Plum for a Street Art Mentorship and  a year-long mentoring  ‘New Voices in Photography’ program for Kimberley women are among the recipients,” Ms Price said.

“As well, Broome’s Dinosaur Stomp will be a collaboration between artists and scientists to create earth shaking, fun making, bone rattling, in your face street puppets and Kununurra’s Waringarri Aboriginal Arts will draw inspiration from the traditional knowledge of plants to deliver a creative development framework for the next generation of artists and arts workers,” she said.

I congratulate the 5 Durack recipients and look forward to the creative and economic contribution these artists and projects will bring to Durack. This is a major boost supporting local artists and is part of the Government’s investment towards a sustainable, thriving, and diverse arts sector across regional and remote communities,” she said.

Each year the Government provides around $3.6 million through the Regional Arts Fund, supporting sustainable cultural development in regional and remote communities.

For more information about the Regional Arts Fund and to view the full list of Project grant recipients visit: www.arts.gov.au/funding-and-support/regional-arts-fund

 Ends:

Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.

Major Project Status to Durack Potash Project

The Morrison Government is supporting development of a major potash production and export project in a remote part of Western Australia’s Pilbara, expected to bring hundreds of jobs to the region.

Federal Member for Durack, the Hon. Melissa Price has welcomed the project’s recognition of Major Project Status.

 “It emphasises the importance of the project to Australia’s economy and exports and will help the project deal with Government approvals for this crucial agricultural fertiliser ingredient,” Ms Price said.

Reward Minerals has been granted the status for its $450 million Lake Disappointment Brine and Sulphate of Potash project, located about 320 kilometres east of Newman in northern Western Australia.

“It is expected that the Durack project will produce around 400,000 tonnes of sulphate of potash a year from mining and brine evaporation facilities at Lake Disappointment, providing employment of 230 jobs during construction and 200 direct jobs during operations,” she said.  

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Christian Porter has also welcomed this decision.

“The Lake Disappointment project will strengthen the security of Australia’s agriculture sector and support the Government’s Ag2030 agenda to boost Australia’s agricultural production to $100 billion a year by 2030 once completed,” he said.

The Lake Disappointment project has an initial life of 25 years. The project is also expected to create new opportunities to export potash to expanding markets in Southeast Asia, India and potentially East Africa.

Major Project Status helps companies access extra support, coordination, and information services from the Major Projects Facilitation Agency which acts as a single-entry point into the Australian Government regulatory approvals pathway.

Ends;

 Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.

More safe places for women and children in Durack

New funding will allow for the renovation, building or purchase of accommodation to support women and children experiencing family and domestic violence in Karratha.

 The Federal Member for Durack, the Hon Melissa Price said this funding is an opportunity for a significant upgrade of emergency accommodation by the Salvation Army.

“This $5.5 million Safe Places program funding will allow for improved options to support women and children experiencing family and domestic violence in the Pilbara,” Ms Price said.

“I congratulate The Salvation Army. I am anticipating that this funding will provide more urgent emergency accommodation to help protect women and children in crisis with 10 self-continued units to be built with 2 and 3 bedrooms,  who require a safe place to stay for up to 3 months,” she said.

 Minister for Families and Social Services and Minister for Women’s Safety Anne Ruston said the Safe Places program was originally designed to help more than 6,000 Australian women and children.

“Women and children in regional and remote communities face specific challenges and often stay with family and friends to escape violent situations, though this is not always an option,” Minister Ruston said.

 The Salvation Army has thanked local member Melissa Price for her visit to their facility in Karratha last year and her subsequent advocacy for assistance.

"The allocation of funds means we can address the demand and create the most beneficial service for the women and families we support,” The Salvation Army's WA Commander, Major Brad Potter said.

This funding forms part of the Morrison Government’s record $1.1 billion commitment to women’s safety in the 2021-22 Budget.

 For more information on the Safe Places Emergency Accommodation grants, visit the Community Grants Hub.

 Ends;

 Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.

Cheers to Cheaper Power for Durack Hotels

Small and medium hotels across Durack are receiving support from the Morrison Government’s Hotel Energy Uplift Program to cut their energy costs so they can invest in their business and get ahead.

Federal Member for Durack, the Hon. Melissa Price has welcomed the energy saving benefits for 9 Durack grant recipients.

“I am particularly pleased to see the cross section of outlets benefitting from this program across Durack, like the community run Bolgart Hotel to Wyndham’s Parry Creek Farm - Tourist Resort & Caravan Park,” Ms Price said.

“Through the $10.2 million Hotel Energy Uplift Program, the recipients will be able to  lower their energy bills by upgrading to more energy efficient air-conditioning, refrigeration and equipment, improving the building through double glazing and insulation, carrying out energy audits or installing energy monitoring equipment,” she said.

 The Hotel Energy Uplift Program was announced in the 2020-21 Budget and is part of the Government’s $1.9 billion investment in new energy technologies which will create new jobs now and into the future, reduce emissions and ensure all Australians have access to reliable and affordable energy.

 The list of successful Durack applicants.

•  Bolgart Hotel  Supply and install air conditioning  $25,000.00 

• Bayside Holiday Apartments  Energy Efficiency Roadmap Broome $25,000.00 

• The Dalwallinu Wheatland Motel  Energy Audit And Installation Dalwallinu  $24,592.00 

• Redgum Village Dandaragan  $25,000.00 

• Ocean Centre Hotel Geraldton  Energy Efficient Window Replacement  $24,500.00 

• API Pelican Beach Front Apartments Kalbarri Energy Saving Window Installation $24,742.00 

• Koorda Hotel  Energy efficiency upgrade  $25,000.00 

• Olympic Motel Upgrade Guest Laundry & Room Windows Merredin  $25,000.00 

• Parry Creek Farm - Tourist Resort & Caravan Park  Upgrade equipment to reduce energy consumption  Wyndham  $18,650.00 

Ends;

Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587 395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.

2021 Powering Communities Grants Program

2021 Powering Communities Grants Program. Grants of $5,000 to $12,000 are available to help not-for-profit community organisations reduce energy use, improve energy productivity and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. EOI FORMS available in the ‘Online Office’ file on this page.

Applications close Friday June 18,

Safety First in Durack

The Morrison Government is providing up to $20 million in funding for early intervention projects and up to $10 million for security infrastructure through Round Six of the Safer Communities Fund.

The Federal Member for Durack, the Hon. Melissa Price said this funding will help ensure people in our local community feel safe as they go about their daily lives.

 “We’ll continue to work closely with local councils and community organisations to identify infrastructure projects that can be supported through this funding,” Ms Price said.

“There are two streams to this funding round, with the early intervention funding stream providing support for at risk young people to help them turn away from crime and build positive relationships and skills. The infrastructure stream will support funding applications to improve security and protect communities through projects such as CCTV, fencing and bollards,” she said.

The early intervention grant opportunity is open today, closing 22 July 2021.

The security infrastructure grant opportunity opens on 15 June 2021, closing 5 August 2021.

“Durack communities have really benefited from previous rounds of the Safer Communities Fund, including almost $3 million to assist Police and Community Youth Centres in Broome, Geraldton, Carnarvon and Roebourne,” Ms Price said.

Grant opportunity guidelines for the early intervention and infrastructure funding streams will be available on the opening dates at www.business.gov.au. Guidelines will include information about how to apply, eligibility and assessment criteria.

The Morrison Government announced $35 million (including program administration costs) from 2020-21 to 2023-24 to fund round six of the Safer Communities Fund in Budget 2020-21.

Ends,

Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.

Stronger Communities for a Stronger Durack

Eleven Durack communities will have improved local facilities and safety equipment, following another successful grant round of the successful Stronger Communities Programme (SCP).

Federal Member for Durack the Hon. Melissa Price congratulated all the recipients who will share in more than $136, 000 to fund projects as varied as the purchase of defibrillators to be available for various community facilities to improved safety balustrading at a local speedway.

“The criteria for this Stronger Communities Programme Round 6, was supporting the health and safety of Durack community groups so I am pleased to see the positive outcome of this round. There will be benefits for organisations from Broome to Westonia across my electorate, which is a very pleasing result,” Ms Price said.

“I have seen these SCP grants of up to $20 000 have a significant impact in local communities including encouraging greater community participation and safety providing lasting improvements to important community amenities,” Ms Price said. 

This program has already committed funding to over 10,000 projects across Australia, locally driven projects which make a real difference in our communities.

Please find attached a list of successful Durack projects, SCP Round 6.

More information about this grant programme is available here.

www.business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/stronger-communities-programme

Ends.

Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.

Stronger Communities Round 6 Durack Recipients

Project

• Broome Basketball Assoc.                      

$18,500.00 Capital upgrade of storage shed at BRAC- this would include lining the shed and upgrading electrical and fit out with suitable security.

• Westonia Progress Assoc.                      

$3,825.00 To ensure that all sporting and cultural facilities have access to defibrillators and medical kits.

• Merredin Military Museum                       

$2,600.00 Purchase a defibrillator, cabinet and wall mount first aid kit for the museum.

•  Geraldton City Speedway                       

$20,000.00 Upgrading of the safety balustrades of the upper landing viewing platform of the canteen.

•  Feed the Little Children Inc – Broome      

$5, 082.00 This project will improve First Aid, PPE and visibility for volunteers and vision for vehicle drivers - thereby improving our duty of care to volunteers.

• Geraldton Golf Club

$20,000.00 To upgrade facilities and provide inclusive access by installing a disabled access changeroom/bathroom.

• Jabot Dance Inc – Port Hedland

$17,620.00 Upgrade studio foyer area with security roller shutters, cabinetry and furnishings.

•  Merredin Fine Arts Society

$11,000.00 Kitchen renovation to keep mice out,  and to create a safer place for members including disabled and surviving cancer patients.

•  Port Hedland Motorcycle Club

$8,049.00 Canteen and spectator area upgrades, gas cook top to allow for better food options, fume extractors to comply with TOPH and sun protection for patrons.

• Broome Speedway Club Inc

$18,739.00 The club is seeking funding to ensure it stays compliant with Speedway Australia standards.

•  Hedland Toy Library Inc. - Port Hedland

$10,000.00 We wish to fill a gap in the current availability of disability/delayed development toys.

Ends.

Increased Assistance for Cyclone Seroja Clean-Up

As we mark Volunteers Week 2021, it is important to thank and acknowledge the very  impressive clean-up efforts by community volunteers, shires, the Australian Defence Force and State Emergency  Service members across the vast coastal and inland Mid-West regions impacted by ex-Tropical Cyclone Seroja.

Federal Member for Durack, the Hon. Melissa Price has welcomed the Morrison Government  extension of its support to the many who continue to clean up and rebuild their lives since ex TC Seroja hit the coast near Kalbarri and cut across over 130, 000 square kilometres from the coast to inland in April.

“I have visited many of the impacted communities again recently and I am impressed at the progress that had been made. I am proud that these committed communities will now have access to more financial assistance through the further extension of the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA),” Ms Price said.

The expanded DRFA is available in the local government areas of Carnamah, Chapman Valley, Coorow, Dalwallinu, Dandaragan, Greater Geraldton, Mingenew, Morawa, Mount Marshall, Northampton, Perenjori, Shark Bay and Three Springs.

The Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements had already been activated in the immediate response to Severe Tropical Cyclone Seroja. This extension now includes Category C and Category D measures which increases the level of assistance available including to small business, farmers, restoration activities for community, recreational, cultural, heritage and environmental assets. 

“The expanded level of assistance will fund a clean-up program and community recovery support package for 13 local governments affected with costs covered on a 50:50 basis by the Australian and Western Australian Governments,” she said.

 This support includes five community recovery officers will be employed over two years to work across the impacted local government areas and support the long-term recovery of those communities. The recovery officers will establish a local presence and work with local governments and not-for-profit organisations.

More information, https://www.disasterassist.gov.au

Ends.

Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.

Many Budget Benefits for Durack

This week’s Morrison Government sets the nation on course to secure Australia’s strong economy with a focus to create more jobs and set the country up for future prosperity.

 As a result of the hard work of the Federal Government and many in Durack during this challenging time, I am thrilled that there will be some direct tax benefits out of Budget 2021-22.

“Around 60,500 taxpayers in Durack will benefit from tax relief of up to $2,745 this year. This budget extends the low- and middle-income tax offset to 2021-22 and brings forward Stage 2 of the Government’s tax relief plan. This is additional to the Government’s Tax Plan that has already benefited 74,400 people in Durack,” Ms Price said.

'‘An extended and expanded JobTrainer Fund will support 500,000 new places to upskill jobseekers and young people. We already have 4,335 apprentices in Durack and these new measures will lead to more opportunities for apprentices and trainees with expanded wage subsidies,” Ms Price said.

 In support of Durack agriculture and a broad range of businesses, the Morrison Government is continuing tax incentives that will allow around 20,000 businesses in Durack to write off the full value of any eligible asset they purchase. 

“As well, the 160 million Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements - Package 1 will cover a lot of the Durack Ag regions creating the opportunity for various rail upgrades and local roads impacted by grain freight and other heavy industry. There is a total commitment of $530 million for major infrastructure roadworks crucial to agriculture, tourism and resources across Durack,” Ms Price said.

 As a member of the Prime Minister’s Cabinet Women’s Sub-Committee, I am particularly proud of this budget’s investment of $3.4 billion in women’s safety, health, and economic security.

“This includes almost $354 million for women’s health including more than $100 million for improvements to cervical and breast cancer screening programs. Importantly for rural and remote women, the Breast Cancer Network Australia also has more funding to operate its advice helpline,” Melissa Price said.

 Assisting Durack families, there is a very welcome increase to childcare subsidies available with more than one child aged five and younger in childcare, and the removal of the $10,560 cap.

The Morrison Government is providing additional investments in respiratory clinics, pathology testing and tracing, and the continuation of telehealth services. In Durack there have been 135,463 telehealth consultations through Medicare since the start of the pandemic and these services are now being extended

“The record investment in Aged Care will help the 18,182 senior Australians living in Durack. This investment will deliver more home care places, more funding for residential aged care and increases the amount of time residents are cared for while strengthening regulators to monitor and enforce the standards of care,” Ms Price said.

“At the other end of the age spectrum, unfortunately suicide remains the leading cause of death for Australians between the ages of 15–44 years. The Morrison Government has recognised this, by investing $2.3 billion in the National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan to lead landmark reform in mental health support and treatment for Australians in need. This includes treatment centres for adults, youth and children through the Head to Health and headspace programs,” Ms Price said.

With Durack’s large Indigenous population, I welcome some of the very constructive job and education reforms.

“To ensure employment services fit the changing job market in remote Australia and meet the unique needs of job seekers in remote communities, the Government will introduce a new remote jobs program in 2023. It will replace the Community Development Program (CDP). This new program will be developed in partnership with communities and will complement the broader New Employment Services Model being rolled out in the latter half of 2022,” Ms Price said.

I welcome the steadfast leadership of Prime Minister Morrison and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg which has created a budget for our times as the economy continues its pandemic recovery, with many benefits for my Durack constituents.

 Ends.

Media Contact: Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.

Driving the Durack Economy

The Durack economy will be boosted by a $530 million infrastructure investment package, with more funding for the massive and vital road network in next week’s Federal Budget.

 Federal Member for Durack, the Hon. Melissa Price said these projects will make WA roads safer, reducing travel times and supporting thousands of jobs across Durack.

 “From the north to the south of my vast Durack electorate, I am thrilled that many will benefit with the investments in the continued upgrading of  the Great Eastern Highway in the Wheatbelt to the Great Northern Highway in the Kimberley,”  Ms Price said. 

 “The Morrison Government’s ongoing funding commitment is boosting businesses and communities across Durack, as part of the Government’s National Economic Recovery Plan. This includes a regional focus on the ‘WA Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements’ project to better connect Durack’s world-class farmers to domestic and international markets,” Ms Price said.

 “Regional WA is the backbone of our state, the powerhouse of our economy, and by backing supply chain improvements, we are supporting mining, tourism and agriculture to continue to lead our State’s recovery,” she said. 

 Key projects to be funded include:

 •       $200 million, Great Eastern Highway Upgrades – Coates Gully, Walgoolan to Southern Cross and Ghooli to Benari

 •       $160 million for the WA Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements – Package 1

 •       $48 million Great Northern Hwy, Broome - Kununurra.

 •       $48 million Marble Bar Road Upgrade

 •       $44 million Indian Ocean Drive, Jurien Bay to Brand Highway

 This year’s Budget is a key plank of the Government’s plan to help Australia bounce back stronger than ever from the COVID-19 pandemic. The Morrison Government will continue our strong record of infrastructure delivery as we lay the economic foundations for the future. 

 For more information on investments in Western Australia visit http://investment.infrastructure.gov.au.

Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.

Improved digital connectivity for Durack

People living and working in Durack can now look forward to new and improved telecommunication services thanks to the Morrison Government’s Regional Connectivity Program (RCP).

More than $14 million has been allocated to 9 place-based digital connectivity solutions in Durack through a range of mobile and broadband services, in some particularly challenging and remote locations.

Federal Member for Durack, the Hon. Melissa Price said the Morrison Government has taken a collaborative approach in delivering the RCP engaging with the telecommunications industry and regional communities to find solutions.

“This funding has focused on solving some of the more challenging connectivity issues in Durack, including more than $5 million for the Wireless Wheatbelt Project  comprising eleven 45m towers to increase broadband connectivity to Dalwallinu, Moora and Wongan-Ballidu Shires to Halls Creek NBN fibre to the  premises in some very isolated communities,” Ms Price  said.

“I am thrilled that more residents, businesses and education providers in Durack will enjoy the benefits and opportunities that improved digital connectivity brings. This investment will improve broadband services and data, delivering fast, affordable and reliable connectivity,” Ms Price said.

The Regional Connectivity Program is providing targeted upgrades to connectivity in regional areas that need it the most, ensuring that more Australians can access high-speed, reliable broadband and mobile services, with collaborative community solutions. The RCP is part of the Morrison Government’s ongoing commitment to bring the digital economy to the regions, complementing the National Broadband Network and the Mobile Black Spot Program.

The program is a key component of the Government’s response to the 2018 Regional Telecommunications Review, and the delivery of successful projects under the program will begin in the coming weeks with projects expected to be completed by June 2022.

Please see list of successful Durack projects.

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Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.

•  Central Midlands Region R.A.N: Wireless Wheatbelt Project - Central Midlands Fixed wireless network comprising eleven 45m towers to increase broadband connectivity to Dalwallinu, Moora and Wongan-Ballidu Shires, supporting uptake of ag tech and precision agriculture, employment in key industries, and increased access to essential services. $5,299,784

• Central Wheatbelt Region, CRISP Wireless, Central Wheatbelt Connectivity Backhaul. Fixed wireless broadband network comprising 28 repeater stations across the Central Wheatbelt, connecting to the existing CRISP Wireless network to the northeast. Improved connectivity will support significant productivity to local farming and non-farming businesses through uptake of ag tech, cloud services and other digital tools. $3,773,000

• Coral Bay, Telstra, Coral Bay. Upgrade to existing Telstra 4G base station at Coral Bay to expand optic fibre transmission capacity and increase 4G bandwidth and throughput. $515,868

• Cygnet Bay ,Telstra, Cygnet Bay. New Telstra 4G Small Cell at Cygnet Bay, a popular tourist location on the Dampier Peninsula, will provide dedicated, localized coverage and improved mobile voice and data services to the area, which includes a working pearl farm. $75,981

• Halls Creek, Shire of Halls Creek (NBN Co), Halls Creek Satellite to Fibre to the Premise Technology Change. Upgrade to NBN access technology from Sky Muster to FTTP in the predominantly Aboriginal ‘service hub’ community of Halls Creek. The proposed footprint is expected to cover over 500 premises. $1,775,341

• Halls Creek LGA, Comscentre WA, Radio Access Network: Shire of Halls Creek. Radio access network to deliver reliable high speed broadband services and free public Wi-Fi to remote Aboriginal communities at Balgo (Wirrimanu), Billiluna (Mindibungu), Mulan and Ringer Soak (Kundat Djaru). $1,897,500

• Jigalong, Australian Private Networks, Jigalong Community WIFI and Telephone Service. Fully managed public WiFi and VoIP telephone solution utilising satellite backhaul, providing voice and data coverage to the Aboriginal community of Jigalong. $606,790

• Kalumburu, Australian Private Networks ,Kalumburu Community WIFI and Telephone Service. Fully managed public WiFi and VoIP telephone solution utilising satellite backhaul, providing voice and data coverage to the Aboriginal community of Kalumburu. Improved connectivity will support business development in the local tourism sector and through the Kalumburu Aboriginal Corporation $664,000

• Lagrange, Telstra, Bidyadanga. Upgrade to existing Telstra 4G base station in the Bidyadanga Aboriginal community to increase bandwidth and throughput. $151,313

Funding Takes Flight for Remote Airstrip Upgrades

 A number of Durack communities in will benefit from better airport facilities thanks to the Australian Government’s Round 8 of the Remote Airstrip Upgrade (RAU) program.

 Federal Member for Durack, the Hon. Melissa Price said the funding for the upgrades is recognition by the Morrison Government of the vital role functional airstrips play in the lives of many Durack communities.

 “The upgrades to things like airstrip lighting and fencing are important for providing safe landing and departure for aircraft. The air service facilities are essential to many Durack communities for maintaining medical requirements as well as access to goods and services, like mail and food,” Ms Price said.

 “I congratulate the 5 successful recipients of the popular grants program, which has delivered more than 650 thousand dollars in this round to improve regional aerodrome facilities in Durack,” she said. 

·         Wirrimanu Aboriginal Corporation, $248, 000 towards re-sheeting Balgo Hill runway

·         Shire of Trayning, $67, 500 for fencing of Kununnopin airstrip

·         Shire of Carnarvon, $157, 938 towards safety and compliance project.

·         Shire of Meekatharra, $148, 449 repair and resealing of airstrip

·         Shire of Murchison $34, 570 floodlighting of airport taxiway

RAU is a competitive, merit-based grants program supporting safety and access upgrades at remote airstrips across Australia.

 The Federal Government funding approved for remote airstrip amounts to upgrades worth $70 million for 343 projects since 2013, demonstrating the government's ongoing commitment to improving infrastructure in regional, rural and remote communities.

 Ends.

Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.

A Big Win for WA Agriculture

A new drought resilience adoption and innovation hub in Western Australia

• A Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub launches in Western Australia

• Grower Group Alliance to lead transformational drought resilience delivery

• An $8 million Australian Government investment, with $12.2 million contribution from Hub members

• This is one of eight hubs to be established around the country through the Australian Government’s $5 billion Future Drought Fund.

A new Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub based in Merredin, Western Australia is set to transform the way that farmers and communities prepare for and respond to drought.

 The Australian Government will invest $8 million to establish the Hub with $12.2 million to be contributed by Hub members.

 Member for Durack, Melissa Price, said that Hub lead, the Grower Group Alliance, would oversee the co-design and delivery of innovative projects and practices aimed at boosting drought resilience and agricultural productivity.

 “For the first time, this WA Hub will bring together researchers, farmers, industry, supply chain experts, traditional owners, entrepreneurs, agribusiness and other stakeholders to take on the challenges of drought,” Ms Price said.

 “Through the Hub, they will design and deliver innovative tools and strategies for Western Australian famers and their communities, boosting drought resilience and future proofing our regional communities.

 “The Hub will be a shopfront for farmers to access innovative technologies and practices that enable them to be more prepared and resilient to drought.

 Ms Price said that in addition to the core site at the Merredin Dryland Research Institute, regional nodes will be located in Carnarvon, Geraldton, Northam, Bunbury, Manjimup, Albany, Katanning and Esperance. This will provide extra shopfronts and increase the reach to farmers and communities with boots on the ground and creating jobs in the regions.

 “The Hub will bring together organisations like Mingenew Irwin Group, WA Farmers, Farmers2Founders, Australian Women Wheatbelt East and Wheatbelt Development Commission with universities.”

 Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management David Littleproud said the South West Western Australia Hub is one of eight across the country to be established that will support development and uptake of innovative technologies and practices that improve drought resilience.

“Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hubs have come about through the forward-thinking Future Drought Fund – a long term, sustained investment of $100 million each year to build drought preparedness,” Minister Littleproud said.

“Drought is a natural part of the Australian landscape and these hubs will play a critical role in helping farmers and agricultural communities to be better prepared.”

Fast Facts:

• This is one of eight Hubs to be established around the country through the Australian Government’s $5 billion Future Drought Fund.

• The Hubs are the centerpiece of the Australian Government’s $86 million Future Drought Fund Research and Adoption Program.

• They will become flagship precincts for agricultural innovation.

• The Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment will lead the
  co-ordination of the Hubs, supporting them to become interconnected agricultural innovation precincts.

• Find out more by visiting www.agriculture.gov.au/ag-farm-food/drought/future-drought-fund/research-adoption-program

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MEDIA CONTACT:

Rose Crane 0427 587 395.  Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au