IT has been one step forward and two steps back for advancement of the region from Canberra decisions.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Jobs were given a boost with the announcement of a Dubbo-based program, which will place 200 Aboriginal people into guaranteed employment.
Dubbo will have a Vocational Training and Employment Centre (VTEC) catering for 25 locations in western NSW.
It is part of a $45-million Federal Government plan to place up to 5,000 Indigenous Australians into jobs.
It is a positive, forward step aimed at reducing Indigenous disadvantage and will help cut the region’s high unemployment rate.
A backwards move was the Senate voting down a motion supporting plans for a massive solar electricity industry in western NSW -- big enough to supply Sydney and Melbourne with power day and night.
The Solar Energy Xchange Initiative was backed by 23 inland local councils. It would need $200-million Commonwealth funding.
Backers say it would create jobs, lift the economy, cut greenhouse emissions and future power bills.
Communities earning cash by selling electricity instead of paying constantly increasing power bills. A great idea. What was the Senate thinking?
Backwards again with the federal government axing a program that gave young medical doctors the chance to work in the regions.
Rural doctors support the program, believing it is a better solution to the shortage of country doctors than importing overseas practitioners.
If only Canberra was really in the country.