I try to put as much local content in my weekly report but this week I have been in Parliament for the handing down of the 2025-26 NSW Budget.
In terms of the Northern Tablelands, we have secured $252 million in additional funding.
This is on top of multi-electorate funding and funding previously announced. The extra funding is a result of a lot of hard work; speaking to ministers, knocking on doors, etc.
Although it is a positive result, the hard work doesn’t stop. I will continue to advocate for the Northern Tablelands so we aren’t forgotten about in next year’s budget.
Budget highlights include:
- $231 million for roads with Waterfall Way from Armidale to Bellingen, Croppa Creek Road, Caloona Road near Mungindi, I B Bore Road at North Star and Thunderbolts Way from Uralla to Inverell all receiving a large portion.
- $5.8 million to improve social housing.
- $4 million for the Reconnecting Water Course program.
- $1.3 million to continue the Keep On Track program in Moree and Armidale
- $1.8 million for Community Connectors to continue providing support to First Nations students in Armidale.
- Public preschool delivery – Toomelah and Warialda
- Moree and Glen Innes Hospital upgrades to continue
- Continuing upgrade works to Armidale City Public School and Rocky River Public School.
- Work on the Moree Special Activation Precinct to continue.
- $285,000 for school crossing safety across the electorate.
Parliamentary sittings
Although the 2025-26 NSW Budget dominated this week’s Parliamentary sittings, there has been plenty happening outside of it.
This week, I have delivered Community Recognition Statements on Moree’s Jim Crawford, St Peters Armidale, Corinne Arter, Walcha Quota Club, Jan Lemon OAM, Munro family, Tian Harris, Isabella Henderson and the Central North under 18s girls team.
I have also tabled Questions On Notice on NSW Smart Skill Initiative, GP Single Employer Model, New England Highway, Justices of the Peace (JP’s), regional road construction, affordable housing in East Armidale, the Business NSW Housing in NENW Report, and funding for the New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM).
Armidale Drama and Musical Society
I caught up with some of the cast and crew from the Armidale Drama and Musical Society who have been busy getting ready for their production of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night. It will be playing at The Armidale School’s Hoskins Centre from 4 July to 12 July.
To get tickets, visit: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1398863
The Armidale Drama and Musical Society are in the final stages of rehearsals for their production of Twelfth Night.
Community Recognition Statements
As your local member, I have the opportunity to recognise, congratulate and thank individuals or groups within our community in a one-minute statement every Parliamentary sitting day. These are known as Community Recognition Statements.
If you know of a person or group you believe worthy of recognition, or please fill out the form here or contact my office via email at northerntablelands@parliament.nsw.gov.au, phone our offices on 02 6752 5002 (Moree), 02 6772 5552 (Armidale) or 02 6728 8320 (Inverell).
Not every suggestion can receive a CRS but I will endeavour to ensure they are recognised.
Please note, Community Recognition Statements cannot contain matters of policy, advertising, requests for actions or criticisms and negative reflections on any person.
Australia Post community grants
Applications are now open for Australia Post’s 2025 Community Grants program.
Grants of up to $10,000 are available for locally led and delivered projects that improve mental wellbeing outcomes and help people meaningfully connect in their community.
This year, Australia Post is expanding its grants program with an additional $250,000 available to support projects that enhance mental wellbeing, connection and resilience in disaster-impacted communities.
Applications close 7 July with information on how to apply available at Australia Post Community Grants Guidelines.
Service NSW mobile centres
Service NSW is bringing their mobile service centre to Yetman and Deepwater.
The mobile service centre can help with driver knowledge tests, drivers licence applications and renewals, working with children check, birth, death and marriage certificates, and more.
The mobile service centre will be at Yetman Store car park 1 River Street on Tuesday, July 15 from 10am to 3pm.
The mobile service centre will be at Apex Park, 30 Young Street, Deepwater Thursday, July 17 from 9am – 11.30am.
Commentary by Brendan Moylan, Member for Northern Tablelands
