Prepared with ongoing dry conditions
The NSW Government and the NSW Rural Fire Service (NSW RFS) are reminding the public to remain vigilant to the threat of fire, with more than 11,000 bush and grass fires recorded across the state so far this bush fire season.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Fires ignite and spread quickly, which is why it is so important that you discuss and have a written bush fire survival plan. This way the entire family knows what to do and where you will go in the event of an emergency.
I want to thank the firefighters and personnel from all of our emergency service agencies, as well as the support staff and volunteers, who have worked tirelessly this season and whose effort and dedication we will again rely on in the coming months.
First home buyers taking up stamp duty relief
I am pleased to report that first home buyers are continuing to take up stamp duty relief from the NSW Liberals and Nationals Government as new figures were released for December and January.
New figures released by Revenue NSW show that take up of the First Home Buyers Assistance Scheme has now reached more than 19,000 since July 2017 when the package commenced as part of the NSW Budget.
The package means that first home buyers for both new and existing homes for properties priced up to $650,000 are exempt from paying stamp duty and can access a reduction in stamp duty for first homes priced between $650,000 and $800,000.
Spotlight on boating safety compliance
This time of the year continues to be popular for waterskiing, wake boarding, knee boarding and tubing in our electorate, so it is crucial safety comes first for all involved. Operation Safety First will be rolled out on all NSW waterways from 17 February, focusing on compliance with safe boating laws relating to towing, speeding and wash.
The operation starts on Saturday, February 17 and continues until sundown on Sunday, February 25.
Event funding opportunity on offer for Barwon
I encourage organisers of new and second-year events, located in the Barwon electorate, held between July and December 2018 to apply for the NSW Government’s 2018 Incubator Event Fund, which supports events held in rural and regional NSW.
The Fund offers a one-off grant of up to $20,000 for new and existing smaller-scale events. This is a fantastic opportunity for the event owners in our region who need extra support to help their event get off the ground or help it grow into something bigger.
Applications for round two of the 2018 Incubator Event Fund are open until Sunday, March 18. To lodge an application and to view the criteria visit, www.destinationnsw.com.au/rfep.
Community resilience innovation program
The Community Resilience Innovation Program (CRIP) is a scheme under the Natural Disaster Resilience Program, funded by the New South Wales and Commonwealth Governments through the National Partnership Agreement on Natural Disaster Resilience.
The CRIP supports a broad range of community-led projects designed to increase all-hazard disaster preparedness and build community capacity and resilience. CRIP projects are based on collaboration and partnership between local community organisations and emergency management agencies.
I encourage applicants to discuss their proposal with the Office of Emergency Management before completing the application. This can be done by either calling the Office of Emergency Management on (02) 9212 9241 or emailing crip@mpes.nsw.gov.au.
