BUILDING BACK BETTER IN NORTHERN NSW

Following last year’s devastating foods, $312.5 million was committed by the Albanese and Perrottet Toole Governments to help rebuild damaged roads and transport infrastructure for 26 disaster-declared councils in northern NSW, with successful projects announced today.

The Regional Road and Transport Recovery Package means roads can be not just rebuilt, but also improved to withstand future extreme natural weather events

A total of 57 projects that will improve the resilience of roads, bridges and causeways have been successful under this package, which will greatly beneft local communities now and into the future.

The Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package is equally co-funded by Federal and NSW governments under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Further information about the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package, including the full list of successful projects, is available here: https:// nswroads.work/rrtrp.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King: This program is about restoring roads in foodimpacted communities, but also making sure they’re more capable of withstanding future natural disasters. This will ensure communities are safer, and will also reduce repair costs in the future.

The Albanese Government is committed to projects that will make a difference long term, and it’s great to see that result here.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt: Straight after the foods, the Commonwealth and NSW Governments activated disaster recovery funding to help councils with emergency repair work, to help regions get back on their feet. But we know that longerterm support to build back better is really important to make sure communities are better prepared for future natural disasters. Under this program, roads and transport infrastructure will be rebuilt to a higher standard, making it more resilient to future disasters.

Quotes attributable to NSW Regional Transport and Roads Minister Sam Farraway: The NSW Government is moving our state forward by building back better the infrastructure projects needed to withstand future extreme weather events and emergencies. It is an enormous change to the way governments respond to natural disasters and is the frst time we have built improved resilience into our natural disaster recovery programs. It made little sense to see, for example, a road washed away in one food and for a council to repair it, only for it to wash away again in the next. e Momentum Program is Funded by the NSW Government and is a program collaboration between Real Futures, Path nders and ACE Community Colleges. Designed to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait peoples overcome the most common obstacles to nding lasting employment.

This program is just one part of the NSW Government’s comprehensive plan to ensure our transport infrastructure is resilient to withstand future disasters, reduce recovery costs, keep our communities connected and keep our supply chain operational and effcient.

A number of sing up events will be held this year across NSW in Taree, Foster, Port Macquarie, South Tweed Heads, Banora Point, Yamba, Maclean, Newcastle, Singleton, Maitland, Tuggerah, Kurri Kurri and Cessnock.

• Do not have a Birth Certi cate

• Do not have a Driver’s Licence

• Are currently not employed Momentum is FREE to join. Once you have been approved to join the Momentum program we will help you apply for your birth certi cate on the day, please bring any ID you have available with you. Acceptable ID: Medicare Card, Health Care Card, Certicate of Aboriginality, Student ID card, Health Care Card, or Pension Card.

Tuesday, 14 March | 9:30am - 3:00pm

• Gurehlgam Corporation, 18 – 26 Victoria Street

Momentum provides free support to assist successful applicants with birth certi cate applications, attending driving lessons to obtain a Driver’s Licence, and nding lasting employment.

• Are Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander

• Aged between 16-55 years of age

Wednesday, 15 March | 10:00am - 2:00pm

• South Gra on Aboriginal Land Council, 50 Wharf Street Sth Gra on