Disaster Assistance for Durack

Disaster assistance has been made available to help Durack communities recover from the damage caused by a tropical low that made its way across parts of the Kimberley, Pilbara and Gascoyne last weekend.  

 The Federal Member for Durack, the Hon Melissa Price, has welcomed the prompt response by the Morrison Government to assist a number of the impacted Durack communities.

 “While I am thrilled that some very dry pastoral properties in the affected regions have received really good rains, there has also been significant damage to key infrastructure that needs urgent funding and repair,” Ms Price said.

 “The Shires of Carnarvon, Upper Gascoyne and Derby-West Kimberley will be eligible to receive financial assistance through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. We will continue to work alongside local communities to ensure that they have all the support they need during this difficult time and we are ready to extend disaster assistance to those communities in need,” she said.

 Ongoing flooding means it could take weeks to assess the full extent of the damage, particularly to our extensive Durack road networks. The North West Coastal Highway is currently closed north of Carnarvon due to flooding, and I thank the community for their patience while we wait for flood waters to recede so urgent repairs can be undertaken.

 Information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at  Tropical low and associated flooding: 28 January - 8 February 2021 (disasterassist.gov.au)

 Ends.

Media Contact:

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

Building Stronger Communities in Durack

Expression of Interest Form  http://melissapricemp.com.au/s/SCP-EOI.pdf

A new round of applications is open of the Morrison Government’s Stronger Communities Programme, (SCP) Round 6.

Federal Member for Durack, the Hon Melissa Price  said this  round would fund up to 20 projects in Durack  with grants of between $2,500 and $20,000 available to cover up to 100 per cent of eligible project costs, except for local governing bodies where grant funding will be up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs.

“This SCP round in Durack is themed ‘Supporting the health and safety of Durack community groups’, so I would encourage all local organisations to consider how a grant of up to $20 000 could assist your community within that criteria,” she said.

“Some examples of that health and safety criteria might include things like the purchase of EPIRB’s SAT Phones, security screens at community shelters, or perhaps the development of technology media platforms to improve safety awareness,” Ms Price said.

 The successful community investments I have seen in Durack from this program’s previous rounds, like the upgrade to the Derby Speedway Club kitchen facilities which I was able to visit last year, have had a significant impact in local communities encouraging greater participation by improving local amenities and providing lasting upgrades of equipment .

The first stage of the SCP application is by an Expression of Interest Form which you can find here,  http://melissapricemp.com.au/s/SCP-EOI.pdf and must be submitted by Friday 19 February 2021.

Successful project applicants will then be invited through the EOI process to apply for a grant assessed against the program’s eligibility criteria.

Further information on grant guidelines, eligibility requirements and the application process can be found at www.business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/stronger-communities-programme.

End

Media Contact:

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

Pr

Preserving Durack’s Military History

A new round of recipients of the Morrison Government’s Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program has been announced.

Federal Member for Durack, the Hon Melissa Price congratulated three Durack organisations on being awarded a grant.

“I am particularly pleased that a $71,000 grant has been made available to the City of Greater Geraldton to host an event to commemorate the 80th anniversary in 2021, since the loss of the HMAS Sydney II”, Ms Price said.

“It is also good to see that another grant to the Jurien Bay RLS Sub-Branch will mean a new cenotaph can be built at Cervantes Memorial Park to commemorate the service and sacrifice of Australia’s service personnel and $10,000 funding to the Northampton Shire to restore the Kalbarri war memorial”, she said.

The Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program make an important contribution in honouring and ensuring we continue to have an awareness of a strong local connection to our nation’s military history.

“Congratulations to those organisations that received funding and I encourage organisations in Durack committed to preserving our military history to consider applying for future funding rounds,” she said.

Community groups and organisations are encouraged to apply for funding in the next round of Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program, particularly for projects and activities that commemorate the Vietnam War, with several significant anniversaries from this conflict falling in 2021.

Applications for Batch 3 of the 2020-21 Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program close on 11 February 2021. Visit the Community Grants Hub for more information.

ENDS

Media Contact:

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

Durack Councils and Community Organisations Called on to Apply for BBRF Grants

Federal Member for Durack,  the Hon. Melissa Price, has welcomed the release of  application guidelines for Round Five of the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF).

There have been many and varied projects completed in Durack  with succesful BBRF applications  and I would encourage communities  to apply.

 “There are many significant local  improvements I have seen when I visit towns and regions in my electorate that have been created using this funding. This year I have attended the opening of the Three Springs Childcare Centre, met with the Carnarvon  Shire to discuss their BBRF  recycled waterpipe development  and seen the difference an upgraded community health centre and purpose built hydrotherapy  pool has made to the Moora Community,”  Melissa Price said.

 “This Round Five has $100 million of targeted support for tourism-related infrastructure to get regional tourism back on its feet, while maintaining $100 million for broader community infrastructure and investment,” Ms Price said.

 The launch of the program guidelines means prospective applicants can now begin planning their project applications for assessment.

 They can be found at www.business.gov.au/bbrf.

 Applications open on 12 January 2021 and close on 5 March 2021.

 Successful applicants are expected to be announced in mid-2021.

 Ends.
MEDIA CONTACTS:

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

Extending battery back-up for regional phone towers in Durack

Mobile phone towers in Durack will be able to keep operating longer during power blackouts thanks to a major new investment by the Morrison Government.

 The Federal Government is funding mobile phone towers to extend the battery back up at 30  towers in Durack to provide up to 12 hours of back-up power.

The Federal Member for Durack, the Hon. Melissa Price has welcomed the improvement for more reliable telecommunications which need reliable power sources to operate.

 “This investment will allow mobile phone towers to keep operating for at least 12 hours after the power goes out, making a real difference for Durack communities during and after an extended loss of power supply,” she said. 

 “A number of Durack Shires and communities have sought a solution like this to extend the battery life of their local mobile phone towers to improve  telecommunications resilience  during longer power blackouts, so I am pleased stage one of this program will assist,” Ms Price said.

 A list of the 30 confirmed Durack locations under stage one of this program is attached here, or available on my website at ‘Latest News’,  www.melissapricemp.com.au.

 The Government is providing a total of $13.2 million to Telstra, Optus and TPG to extend the      battery back up at 467 mobile phone towers across Australia, under stage one of the program through the first stage of the Government’s $18 million Mobile Network Hardening Program.

. More information on the program 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.

Ardath

Kondut

Konnongorring

Manmanning

Marchagee

Pantapin

Piawaning

Rowland Avenue

South Yelbini

Tenindewa Yuna Road

Wongoondy Tardun Road

Yallallie

Beacon

Burracoppin Road, Cramphorne

Coomberdale

Elabbin

Bodallin

Horrocks

Koolanooka

Latham

Maya North

Merkanooka

Ucarty

Womarden

Wongamine

Yallabatharra

Yandanooka

Kalannie North (Glamoff Road) (replacement site for Grey)

Wilroy (replacement site for Cundinup)

Bryant Road (Marchagee East) (replacement site for Red Bluff)

Christmas comes early for Durack Agricultural Shows and Field Days

Shows and field days cancelled because of COVID-19 are about to get some Australian Government funding to ensure they can bounce back in 2021.

 Federal Member for Durack, the Hon. Melissa Price is thrilled that 9 of these Durack events will receive more than $190,000 for administrative support.

 “I am a huge fan of the many annual Ag shows held in Durack and I am so glad the first payments under the ‘Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days’ program will roll out before Christmas to support these terrific events,” Ms Price said.

 This significant package ‘Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days’ program will reimburse eligible costs for shows and field days who had to cancel because of COVID-19.

 “Many of these events are run by community volunteers and it was important that the Morrison Government offer practical support to these local Durack organisations to cover ongoing costs like rates, insurance and telecommunications,” Ms Price said.

 The Morrison Government is keen to ensure show societies and field day organisers are in the best shape possible to continue in 2021 and beyond.

 “These events bring our families and farmers together, build community spirit and help bridge the divide between country and city. They also help farmers stay competitive by providing an opportunity to share innovation and new ways of doing business,” Ms Price said

 This package is additional to more than $1 million of support already received by 6 Durack Agricultural Societies through the Australian Government’s $20 million Agricultural Show Development Grants program to upgrade, maintain or build new infrastructure.

 A full list of the 9 Durack recipients is attached below.

 Ends;

Media Contact:

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

 Durack Recipients of the ‘Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days’ program.

• Merredin Show Inc.
  (Merredin Show)$6,543.20

• Chapman Valley Agricultural Society Incorporated
  (Chapman Valley Show)$54,112.00

• Quairading Agricultural Society Inc.
  (Quairading Show)$2,700.15

• Northampton District Agricultural Society Incorporated
  (Northampton District Show)$3,250.77

• The Yilgarn Agricultural Society Inc.
  (Yilgarn Show)$1,904.53

• Mingenew Midwest Expo Inc.
  (Mingenew Midwest Expo)$15,000.00

•  Mullewa District Agricultural Society
  (Mullewa Show)$3,869.61

•  Dowerin Events Management (Inc)
  (Dowerin Machinery Field Days)$43,414.69

•  The Kununurra Agricultural Society (Incorporated)
  (Kununurra Show)$64,118.89

Men’s Sheds Grants Open

Men’s Sheds across Durack are being invited to apply for funding as part of the latest round of the National Men’s Shed Development Programme (NDSP).

Funded by the Morrison Government, Round 21 of the NSDP will specifically prioritise applications with a strong health, wellbeing or safety emphasis, in acknowledgement of the impact of COVID-19 and the needs of Sheds in the recovery period and beyond.

Federal Member for Durack, the Honourable Melissa Price, encouraged all Sheds in Durack to apply.

“Now more than ever, Sheds offer men a critical avenue for social support and engagement, this new funding round will provide financial support to assist in both setting up and maintaining Men’s Sheds across Durack,” Ms Price said.

“I appreciate every opportunity I get to visit the many superb Men’s Sheds in Durack and witness the social and health benefits the sheds provide. This funding can help deliver programs with a strong health, wellbeing or safety focus,” Melissa Price said.

Men’s Sheds can apply for financial support across the following funding categories:

• Category 1: Health, Wellbeing, and Events $8,000 maximum

• Category 2: Shed Improvements $8,000 maximum

• Category 3: Equipment $5,000 maximum

Since 2013, the Coalition Government has provided $5.4 million to support Men's Sheds across Australia. Applications for the current funding round close Friday 27 November.

For more information, visit https://mensshed.org

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

Boosting Investment Opportunities in Durack

New measures in the 2020-21 Budget will make it easier for projects in Durack to access Australian government funding to help create jobs and economic development across northern Australia.

Federal Member for Durack, the Honourable Melissa Price, has welcomed the reforms following a review of the Northern Australian Infrastructure Facility (NAIF).

“The reforms will speed up funding decisions and widen the scope of projects eligible for funding. The changes followed a widespread review of the $5 billion NAIF program, and the government decision in July to extend NAIF’s operations for five years until mid-2026,” Ms Price said.

“We have listened to communities across the north and we are making changes to ensure NAIF has the flexibility it needs to further drive economic activity, create jobs, drive population growth and open up new opportunities for people across northern Australia,” Melissa Price said.

NAIF funding has already made a significant impact on developments in Durack, assisting operations like Strandline Resources Gascoyne development, one of the world’s largest mineral sands projects, announced in July.  

The changes to NAIF will make sure more factors, including local jobs, regional income, and opportunities for local suppliers, Indigenous business and communities are considered.

To date, NAIF has invested around $2.4 billion in projects in health, education, resources, energy and agriculture, supporting more than 7,200 jobs in Australia’s north and supporting around $4.4 billion in total project value.

Ends

Media contacts:

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

Federal Budget 2020 to Drive Economic Growth in Durack

The Federal Member for Durack, the Honourable Melissa Price has welcomed the Morrison Government’s budget as a plan to support hard working Durack constituents with a plan for future employment opportunities and tax relief that will benefit many.

I believe the focus on minimising the impact on younger workers across my electorate coming out of the COVID-19 crisis and building a local economy for jobs growth reflects a budget focused on recovery.

“There is no budget recovery without a jobs recovery. This budget is all about jobs. The new JobMaker hiring credit to encourage businesses to hire younger Australians will have a positive impact across Durack,” Ms Price said.

The Jobmaker hiring credit will be payable for up to twelve months and immediately available to employers who hire those on JobSeeker aged 16-35. It will be paid at the rate of $200 per week for those aged under 30, and $100 per week for those aged between 30-35. New hires must work for at least 20 hours a week.

“We have also committed an additional $1.2 billion to create 100,000 new apprenticeships and traineeships, with a 50 per cent wage subsidy for businesses who employ them,” she said.

There has also been $39.8 million to improve the education and employment prospects for up to 12,500 young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, by funding additional places with the Clontarf Foundation.

Our support for apprentices and trainees includes the $1.2 billion Boosting Apprenticeship Commencement Scheme with 50 per cent wage subsidy to all businesses who take on new apprentices from 5 October 2020 and will support 100,000 new apprentices and is available until 30 September 2021.

“I also believe the $16.3 million over two years from 2020-21 to create temporary incentives in the income support system to encourage recent school leavers to undertake seasonal horticultural work and help address the expected critical workforce shortages for the upcoming harvest season, is very helpful for Durack,” she said.

As well as those employment incentives, many already working in Durack will benefit from the more than 11 million taxpayers who will get a tax cut backdated to 1 July this year. Lower- and middle-income earners will this year receive tax relief of up to $2,745 for singles, and up to $5,490 for dual income families compared with 2017-18.

Building on the successful expansion of the Instant Asset Write Off during the COVID crisis, the Morrison Government will now provide the largest set of investment incentives any Australian Government has ever provided. Over 99 per cent of businesses will be able to write off the full value of any eligible asset they purchase for their business.

Around 7 million Medicare subsidised mental health services have been delivered since March. Access has been improved for Durack residents with a doubling of the number of Medicare funded psychological services through the Better Access Initiative, from 10 to 20. We are also providing more funding for Lifeline, headspace, Beyond Blue and Kids Helpline.

I welcome the extra 2 payments for pensioners who will receive an additional $250 payment in December and a further $250 payment in March next year, while for those in Durack with the dream of homeownership, can receive more assistance with an additional 10,000 first home buyers being able to purchase a new home sooner under our First Home Loan Deposit Scheme.

Indigenous Business Australia will receive an additional investment of $150 million over three years to deliver 360 home loans for new housing construction in regional Australia. The extension of Indigenous Business Australia’s Indigenous Home Ownership Programme will support over 1,000 jobs by unlocking financing for shovel-ready construction projects in regional Australia and increase the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in appropriately sized housing.

Tourism support and infrastructure will benefit from the next round of Building Better Regions Fund announced in the budget along with recent changes to make backpacker visa requirements working in the north more flexible.

For Durack agriculture, the Secondary Freight Network has had another $80 million committed, while the On-Farm Emergency Water Infrastructure scheme has been extended. The Bureau of Meteorology has received extra funding of $254.6 million to be provided over four years from 2020-21 to help ensure the long-term financial sustainability of Durack’s farmers.

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

Infrastructure Investment Laying the Foundations for Durack's Economic Recovery

The Morrison Government will continue supporting job-creating, economy-boosting infrastructure, as part of our Economic Recovery Plan for Australia, rebuilding our economy to secure Durack’s future. The Government’s record $110 billion transport infrastructure program will support local jobs and businesses at the time it is needed most.

Federal Member for Durack, the Honourable Melissa Price, said the Government would invest an additional $2 billion for a new road safety program which will support upgrades.

“Improving road safety in Durack is a core priority for the Government and that is why this additional investment builds on the $500 million we are already delivering for targeted road safety works,” Melissa Price said.

“Our community-led recovery plan empowers local governments nation-wide to deliver roads and community infrastructure through an additional $1 billion for the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

“Across Durack, all 51 Shires will share in more than $25 million to build shovel-ready local priorities, supporting local jobs and local business, commencing in 2020-21. This investment, together with the new Road Safety Program, will support around 10,000 jobs nationally over the life of the projects and I look forward to locals in Durack benefiting from the local procurement this investment brings,” Ms Price said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Budget delivered on our economic plan for a stronger and more resilient Australia.

“The Budget includes new and additional funding in the 2020-21 Budget for projects and initiatives, supporting more than 30,000 direct and indirect jobs over the life of the projects, to get Australia back to work and back in business following the pandemic,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the Government was driving the delivery of major infrastructure projects to build the economy and provide certainty for business over the long term.

Ends. Media Contacts:

Deputy Prime Minister – Joanne Williamson 0418 475 668 | Dean Shachar 0418 202 860

Minister Tudge – Michael Bennett 0434 782 923

Minister Price – Rosemea Crane Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au 0427587 395

More than two million dollars for Kimberley Tourism

Durack will be receive $2.6 million of investment in nine of our best Kimberley and West Coast attractions, for environmental restoration and recovery measures through the $1 billion COVID Relief Fund.

Federal Member for Durack, the Honourable Melissa Price, said this very welcome investment will create jobs, boost local tourism and preserve our environment as part of our economic recovery plan.

“The visitor’s centre at the iconic East Kimberley Purnululu National Park will receive a $350 000 upgrade, while West Kimberley attractions including Danggu Geikie Gorge will have a visitor facilities upgrade, a walkway and lookout built at Miluwindi Conservation Park and a redevelopment at Reddell Beach will be significant improvements to assist local tourism operators and visitors. We want to bring people closer to our wonderful Durack natural environment and we want to be part of protecting and promoting it,” Melissa Price said.

“Importantly this funding will play an important role in helping the local tourism economy, particularly in the northern parts of Durack who have been severely hit by the impact of COVID-19. These initiatives invest in projects that sustain jobs and local businesses, improve facilities and encourage people to visit regional communities when they are able to do so,” she said.

Projects in Durack have received more than half the $5.1 million dollars allocated to Western Australia under this program, creating an estimated 12 extra jobs.

Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley said that the announcements showed the Morrison Government is delivering practical and lasting environmental outcomes, partnering with both State and Territory governments. Please see a full list of Durack investments attached.

Ends;

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

Purnululu National Park - Visitor Centre upgrade (Current building) Upgrade the current Visitor Centre including plumbing, electrical and internal fit out works. This will provide improved visitor experience and cultural heritage information to increase the awareness of local Aboriginal culture and other heritage values. Use of local builders, supply of materials, transport contracts, use of local design contractors. $350,000

West Kimberley Danggu Geikie Gorge National Park - Re-develop the Visitor Hub including construction works, landscaping and interpretation signage. This will increase visitor awareness and experience of cultural significance of Danggu and other heritage values. Provides local Aboriginal employment and supports commercial tour operators, construction contracts, IT contracts and transport contracts. $556,000

West Kimberley Miluwindi Conservation Park (Kind Leopold Conservation Park) - Design and construction of Lennard Gorge Walkway and Lookout Design and construct a new walkway and lookout. It will provide an improved experience to visitors by allowing safe access to gorge views, preventing damage to the Gorge. Commercial tour operators, construction contractors, materials suppliers, aviation companies, engineering companies will benefit. $320,000

Shark Bay World Heritage Area - Mia Rejuvenation Project interpretation signage Monkey Mia Rejuvenation Project -Interpretation signage $50 000

Shark Bay World Heritage Area - Monkey Mia Trail and Landscape works. $200 000

West Kimberley - Reddell Beach (Jabarragun) - precinct redevelopment to provide visitor infrastructure ,Redevelop the Reddell Beach precinct including landscaping and construction works. It will result in increased visitor awareness and experience of the cultural significance of the place. Benefits through construction contracts, cultural heritage surveys, local Indigenous suppliers, employment and training for Aboriginal rangers. $800 000

Lesueur National Park- Universally accessible walking trail at Cockleshell Gully Picnic Area. Construct a universally accessible walking trail at Cockleshell Gully Picnic Area, particularly for those with mobility restrictions and the elderly. Benefits through construction contracts and increased visitors to the local area. $40,000

The Ningaloo Coast - Development of a Ningaloo Marine Park Kayak Trail Design and construct a new kayak trail including signage and digital tools. It will raise awareness and enhance the presentation of heritage values. Additional tourism attractions in the area such as this could increase visitor length of stay providing economic flow on within the region. $150,000

The Ningaloo Coast - Refurbishment of the Milyering Discovery Centre, Cape Range National Park Refurbishment of the Milyering Discovery Centre. It will raise awareness and enhance the presentation of heritage values, plus involve construction contracts and potential increased visitor spend and economic flow on into the region.$150,000

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Durack Show Society Grant Recipients 2020

Kellerberrin and Districts
Agricultural Society
$315,878.00
Project: Construct a new multipurpose
exhibition hall at Kellerberrin Showgrounds. 

Kununurra Agricultural Society
(Incorporated)
$124,999.00
Project: Safety and utility upgrades
to main building structure, ablution block repairs, new building and repairs
to equestrian facilities, and show building replacement and upgrades at the
Kununurra Agricultural Showgrounds.

Mullewa District Agricultural Society
$77,820.00
Project: Extend the toilet block at Mullewa Recreation Centre to provide compliant disability access facilities, and upgrade lighting in the main exhibition to LED lighting. 

Mullewa District Agricultural Society
$256,000.00
Project: Repair ageing and damaged roofs (main pavilion and lower level roofs) at the Mullewa Recreation Centre, and repave bitumen surfaces on the showground’s perimeter access road and parking area outside a livestock pavilion. 

Mt Marshall & Districts
Agricultural Society (Inc.)
$90,000.00                                                                                                                   
Project; Provide an accessibility ramp to the main building, carry out works to construct a permanent outdoor bar structure, security for the indoor bar, provide a new ticket booth and provide a new water fountain with disabled access.

Quairading Agricultural Society Inc.                                                                                 
$81,710.00                                                                                                                 
Project; Provide sealed flooring for the covered entertainment space (the Ag Shed) at the Quairading Agricultural  Showgrounds and Greater Sports Ground, purchase dome shelters, purpose built trailer to store and transport the shelters, purchase portable light towers, a mobile cool room, and portable tiered seating.

Chapman Valley Agricultural Society Incorporated
$124,700.00
Project: Upgrade the Nanson Showgrounds dining hall kitchen, establish an outdoor dining extension, and provide a communal outdoor BBQ kitchen and establishment of WIFI capability.