Delivering jobs, growth and opportunity for local residents

The 2015-16 Budget is a ‘have a go’ Budget that will help local families and small businesses.   The Budget will help build a strong, safe and prosperous future for all Australians. It will deliver jobs, growth and opportunity in a way that is responsible, measured and fair. Highlights of the Budget include: The $5.5…

Stronger Regions Fund delivers $10 million for Bunjil Place

I am delighted that the Australian Government is providing $10 million to develop the Casey Cultural Precinct, now known as Bunjil Place. This is a terrific outcome for the community and I look forward to seeing Bunjil Place inject a new cultural hub for the community to enjoy. In particular, I have been working with…

$179 million boost to Green Army and $100 million for Reef Trust

The 2015 Budget is part of the Commonwealth Government’s plan to build a strong, safe and prosperous future for all Australians. The 2015 Budget delivers an increase in funding of $179 million over four years compared to last year’s Budget as part of the Government’s commitment to continue growing the Green Army. We have already…

Reef Trust boost for Great Barrier Reef protection

New projects worth more than $15 million will strengthen protection and management of the Great Barrier Reef under Phase II of the Federal Government’s Reef Trust. Projects include remediating gullies in grazing landscapes to control erosion, a competitive tender to reduce fertiliser run-off from sugar cane farms in the Burdekin region and a further $7…

Engaging seniors in the digital age

I am delighted that seniors are getting the assistance they need to move into the digital age with $1.3 million invested in the Broadband for Seniors program. After hosting a seniors forum this week, I am well aware our older residents are increasingly taking up new technology and seeing the benefits. Many of our older…

20 Million Trees and the Green Army deliver a more liveable West Melbourne

Melbourne’s west is set to benefit from on-ground action as part of a joint 20 Million Trees and Green Army initiative to re-establish green areas across west Melbourne. Lead West – a partnership of local councils, major businesses and organisations in west Melbourne – will plant one million trees as part of the initiative, while…

Cumberland Conservation Corridor plan delivers election commitment and 700 hectares of bushland rehabilitation and protection

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE WITH FIONA SCOTT MP, FEDERAL MEMBER FOR LINDSAY & LOUISE MARKUS, FEDERAL MEMBER FOR MACQUARIE The Australian Government will restore or protect approximately 700 hectares of Cumberland Plains woodlands through future land covenants, land acquisition and activities under the Green Army and the 20 Million Trees Programme. This builds on the approximately…

Landcare grants open in Cape York

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE WITH HON WARREN ENTSCH MP, FEDERAL MEMBER FOR LEICHARDT Land managers and community groups across Cape York are now able to apply for Australian Government grants for projects to help care for the region’s nationally significant wetlands and waterways. Traditional Owners, landholders and Landcare groups are invited to register an expression of…

Joining forces to keep the historic Kokoda Track open and safe

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE WITH THE HON DR STEVEN MILES MP, QUEENSLAND MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT Australia and Papua New Guinea’s historic partnership to maintain the value of the Kokoda Track continues today, with geospatial mapping being undertaken to ensure its safety. The Kokoda Track Authority in Papua New Guinea is working in partnership with officers…