Previously, farmers attending an approved training course (costing up to $510) received a rebate of $310. In March, the Government doubled the rebates to $1000 for the purchase of a side-by-side vehicle, $500 for the retrofitting of operator protective device to an existing quad bike and $90 for the purchase of an approved helmet. Farmers can apply for two rebates, up to the value of $2000, recognising that farmers often have more than one quad bike. See SafeWork.nsw.gov.au for more information.

The NSW Government is conducting a comprehensive review of the Travelling Stock Reserve (TSR) network across NSW.  The review will examine the current and future needs of the TSR network for livestock producers and include a thorough assessment of other important land uses such as cultural, Aboriginal, social and environmental purposes.  It’s important to note that the review is not about a sell off of TSRs, it’s about getting solid evidence about what TSRs are used and valued for today.  

The 2013 review of Crown land found many TSRs are no longer used for their original purpose and with over 6,500 parcels of Crown land covering about 2 million hectares it’s important we increase our knowledge and understanding of this significant public asset.  The Government is calling for submissions from stakeholders and interested community members from across the state.  Submissions can be made online at: nsw.gov.au/improving-nsw/have-your-say/

Fraudulent behaviour by social housing tenants is being targeted by the NSW Government with the commencement of a social housing amnesty run by the Department of Family and Community Services (FACS).  The amnesty provides social housing tenants with an opportunity to report undisclosed income, financial assets, property and unauthorised occupants without fear of prosecution to ensure the system is fair for all.  Any FACS Housing or Aboriginal Housing Office tenant that makes a declaration falling under one of our protected amnesty categories will not face consequences.  

The current amnesty was based on the positive outcomes of similar programs run in 2013 and 2014, which resulted in increased annual revenue of more than $10 million that has been reinvested into public housing.  This is money that goes back into the social housing system to deliver better quality services to more people.  I encourage all social housing tenants to take this opportunity to declare or report a change in circumstances to FACS without fear of prosecution or being charged back rent.

The amnesty will run until 11 June 2017. During the amnesty period tenants and members of the public  can provide declarations or information 24 hours, 7 days a week by filling out our form online at www.facs.nsw.gov.au/amnesty, contacting 1800 422 322 or emailing amnesty2017@facs.nsw.gov.au.

Solar households and businesses in Barwon could receive higher prices for the power they feed-in to the grid, following release of a new draft tariff by IPART.  IPART’s draft determination of a fair value for solar more than doubles the previous tariff of 5.5 - 7.2 cents per kilowatt hour, proposing an increase to 11.6 - 14.6 c/kWh.  This will help customers negotiate a better deal from energy retailers and help deliver lower energy bills for NSW’s 350,000 solar households.  In Barwon 10,398 households and businesses are generating power from solar systems – more than any other electorate.  

I welcome the fairer tariff and encourage retailers to offer a competitive deal to their customers.  Feed-in tariffs are a payment for excess generation fed into the grid.  The benchmark range is lower than the amount charged for electricity by retailers as it excludes distribution costs as well as retail services, metering and billing.  The final tariff determination will be issued in June following consultation. View IPART’s draft report on www.ipart.nsw.gov.au/Home

Thumbs up to the NRL, NSWRL and CRL who have joined forces with the NSW Government in an effort to save more lives on country roads.  Someone is killed or seriously injured in a crash on our roads every 85 minutes – about the same time it takes to play a game of rugby league.  The Knock-on Effect campaign, which talks to the harrowing effects road trauma is having on local communities, will get underway this week as the NRL Country Roadshow visits schools and communities ahead of the City v Country game this weekend.  For more information about the partnership visit www.theknockoneffect.com.au