Primary production is one of NSW's biggest industries, generating millions in export income and employing tens of thousands of people. Working with producers and businesses will enable focused and practical reform and we are committed to simplifying the process for our region to enable a streamlined approach to planning.

I encourage interested stakeholders to review the proposal and submit their comments for consideration. The changes will mean approvals are not needed for essential small scale, low impact activities like temporary housing or feeding of animals, routine maintenance of irrigation infrastructure, and stock containment facilities. The changes will also support feral goat depots. 

The proposed policy changes are now on public exhibition for an extended eight-week period until 18 December. Interested landowners, individuals, and industry operators are encouraged to make a submission and share their views on the proposed changes. To view the proposed changes or make a submission, visit www.planning.nsw.gov.au/PrimaryProductionSEPP

I call on community organisations in Barwon to apply for a share of $1.2 million in funding to help build or improve community facilities for social housing tenants and the wider community. Round 4 of the Social Housing Community Improvement Fund (SHCIF) opened on November 16, 2017 with grants of $35,000 to $50,000 made available to councils, not-for-profit organisations and private sector organisations across NSW.

The SHCIF was designed to not only improve social housing facilities for tenants, but also create better linkages between social housing and the broader community. Projects funded under the SHCIF not only improve the liveability and amenity of social housing for our tenants, but also reduce the isolation that can exist between residents of social housing and the broader community.

All grant applications must be for projects that can be completed within 12 months or by no later than March 30, 2019.  To apply or to find further information about eligible locations and projects, please visit: www.facs.nsw.gov.au/SHCIF.

With temperatures rising and summer just around the corner, it is timely to announce $1 million in water safety grants to help prevent drowning deaths. This round of funding benefits culturally and linguistically diverse groups, parents of infants and young children and regional communities. 

I am committed to working with water safety organisations, community groups and research bodies to better prevent drowning deaths. This $1 million investment is being shared across initiatives such as new technology, swimming lessons, CPR training and school programs, and will reach coastal and in-land regions. For further information on the Water Safety Grants program please visit: www.watersafety.nsw.gov.au/Documents/Programs-and-applications/water-safety-fund-community-grants-2017-18.pdf.

Thumbs Up to everyone who has nominated a worthy Barwon recipient in the 2018 NSW Women of the Year Awards! I call on Barwon to nominate women who have achieved great things for our community. It’s an excellent initiative to recognise the many women and young women in Barwon who are leading the way in their chosen fields, and making outstanding contributions to local life.

Nominations for 2018 close Monday, 18 December 2017. Visit: www.women.nsw.gov.au.