Phase 1B COVID-19 vaccine rollout begins in Durack next week.

Phase 1B of the rollout will begin across Durack next week, with a focus on the elderly, indigenous people, those with underlying medical conditions and more healthcare workers. 

Federal Member for Durack, the Honourable Melissa Price, said services will begin from next Monday, March 22.

“Phase 1B of the rollout will see 6 facilities initially available in Durack including the Broome Respiratory Clinic, Broome Regional Aboriginal Medical Service and in Kununurra at the

Ord Valley Aboriginal Health Service, and Wunan Health and Geraldton’s Respiratory Clinic”, she confirmed.

“Nationally over 100 Aboriginal Health Services and 130 Commonwealth operated GP-led Respiratory Clinics, who have been instrumental partners in the COVID-19 response to date will be progressively added as additional vaccine providers,” Ms Price said.

 Those  eligible for Phase 1B will be able to find a vaccination provider through the new national vaccination information and location service, at the Department of Health website. 

 This will enable people to locate their nearest general practice providing General Practice Respiratory Clinic vaccinations and link through to their online booking system or phone number to make the appointment.

 Appointments on the service finder will increase as general practices establish their systems and vaccine supply. More appointments will become available as more clinics come on-board.

 People will still be able to book their vaccine appointments directly at a participating general practice – as they do now, for instance, to get a seasonal flu vaccine.

As the rollout moves into Phase two, additional general practices and selected community pharmacists will also participate in the program. No-one will miss out, whether they live in a city or country town or a very remote area.  

If you prefer not to use the online option, you can call the National Coronavirus and COVID-19 Vaccination Helpline on 1800 020 080.

 Ends.

Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.

A Birdie in Broome with a World Class View

Broome is set to benefit with today’s opening of its new golf club facilities overlooking beautiful Roebuck Bay.

The Federal Member for Durack, the Honourable Melissa Price, said for at least a decade there was local understanding of the undervalued facility and location, so today represents an important step forward for locals and the tourism industry.

“The project to redevelop the club house facilities and establish a restaurant café to provide more attractive amenities and increase patronage of the club was a significant investment in building a stronger tourism industry and driving jobs for the long term”, Ms Price said.

“Importantly as the year turned out with COVID-19, the construction provided extra employment opportunities including 47 jobs, and additional support to local businesses and supplies, supporting the local economy at a vulnerable time”, she said.

The project received $5,115,645 to upgrade the club under the Building Better Regions Fund – Infrastructure Projects stream.

The Australian Government is investing $1.04 billion from 2017-18 to 2023-24 in the Building Better Regions Fund. The Building Better Regions Fund aims to create jobs, drive economic growth, and build stronger regional communities into the future.

Ends:

MEDIA CONTACT:

Rose Crane 0427 587 395. Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au

A Win for Durack Education

The opening of the rebuilt Moora Residential College today is a significant event for all families and educators in Durack. I congratulate everyone that has contributed to this great result.

Federal Member for Durack, the Honourable Melissa Price, said it was the Morrison Government who fought to stop the McGowan Government’s negligence when it announced in 2017 it was going to close this important facility, basically putting it in the ‘too hard’ basket by a city centric government.

“Without the sustained community campaign that was mounted to fight this decision by the McGowan Government, with little recognition of the importance of this facility, this education option for Durack families would have been lost. I fought very hard to secure the Federal funding to save the residential college. But all credit goes to the powerful campaign of the Moora locals and the thousands of Western Australians who understood what was at stake”, Ms Price said.

“It was an expedient decision that made me angry at the time, and one that I and many others knew we had to fight. Today we celebrate a wonderful community victory for country education and common sense. This is a $8.7 million dollar Morrison Government vote of confidence in regional families”, she said.

The project was funded under the Community Development Grants Programme and included the demolition of ageing student dormitories, and the construction of new recreational and accommodation facilities for 50 students who attend Central Midlands Senior High School, adjacent to Moora Residential College.

This project is expected to increase the number of enrolments at the college and therefore increase the number of families remaining in the region and attract new families to the region to live. This results in future socio-economic benefits for the area.

“Local business was also able to demonstrate clearly at the time that a loss of a boarding facility like this in the community would also impact on the boost local business relied on from parents of students at the college shopping and accessing services while in town”, Ms Price said.

The completion of this project demonstrates the Morrison Government’s commitment to supporting rural and regional students to have access to secondary education, ensuring they have the same opportunities as metropolitan students.

End:

Media Contact: Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.a

Opinion Piece – Strong PM steers the ship

Published in The West Australian, Wednesday 24 February 2021

Give me strength.

When I read the headline on an opinion piece by Labor MP Patrick Gorman in last Wednesday’s edition of The West Australian claiming “ALP stands for stronger WA”, I nearly fell off my chair.

And I am not going to let it slide.

Like Patrick Gorman, the West Australian MPs in the Morrison Government know that WA is the engine room of the Australian economy.

But what Mr Gorman blatantly fails to acknowledge is that it has been the Federal Government’s assistance to WA that has ensured the State’s economy has been able to continue firing on all cylinders during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tourism and hospitality businesses, particularly in my Durack electorate in the State’s north-west, were brought to their knees by border closures and other restrictions on travel, and many remain on their knees.

Few sectors in the economy were hit harder, yet it was our Government’s JobKeeper that kept them afloat.

That story is repeated across the State. No program has ever provided this level of support – indeed, at $90 billion it is the most expensive support program in Australia’s history – and about 250,000 West Australians have now graduated off JobKeeper since September.

That is a fall in the number of West Australians requiring JobKeeper payments of about 70 per cent – an extraordinary result and clear sign of our economic recovery.

It is strong evidence of how successful we have been in providing those WA workers and about 520,000 businesses that have graduated off JobKeeper across the country with a level of support that has enabled them to ride out the COVID-19 storm.

Overall, the Morrison Government has injected more than $13.4 billion in direct economic support to thousands of households and businesses in WA, with more to come. This includes $7 billion in JobKeeper and $3.4 billion in cash flow boost payments.

This is on top of the significant indirect support provided through tax cuts, business investment incentives and JobMaker Hiring Credit. 

Make no mistake – the Morrison Government has the backs of West Australians more than ever, and no one can deny that we have done all of the heavy lifting to aid the State’s economic recovery.

We were the ones who fixed the GST distribution to make sure WA got its fair share. Because of us the State will not receive less than 70c for every $1 it raises in GST revenue.

That GST revenue has helped Mark McGowan achieve his $3.1 billion Budget surplus.

It would be wonderful if more of that surplus could be spent in our north-west, where people I speak to feel they have been deserted by the McGowan Government and are an irrelevance to Federal Labor.

In my Defence Industry portfolio, Austal has the contract to build 21 Pacific Patrol Boats, BAE is conducting a major upgrade of our eight Anzac-class frigates, and Luerssen is already building the first two of 10 Offshore Patrol Vessels to be built in WA in Civmec’s giant new shed.

This is all happening here at Henderson, south of Perth. Not surprisingly, this shipbuilding hub is a hive of activity given these projects form such a critical part of our $183 billion Naval Shipbuilding Plan.

I was at Henderson late last month to get a first-hand look at progress on the OPVs and spoke to some of the many hundreds of workers who will work on this project over the journey.

It is our Government’s multi-billion dollar investments that have created these opportunities for those workers to participate in our growing defence industry.

Then there are roads and infrastructure, towards which we continue to deliver billions of dollars and in turn, sustain thousands of jobs.

Since coming to office in 2013, we have committed about $900 million per year for infrastructure projects in WA.

Contrast that with the previous Labor government, which had an average investment of less than $500 million per year during its time in power.

Our significant outlay is a crucial part of the Government’s strategy to bust congestion, better connect our regions, improve safety on our roads and meet our national freight challenge.

Among the many billions of dollars going towards road projects, we’ve committed $929 million towards Tonkin Highway upgrades, which started in last November and are expected to be completed in mid-2024.

In the south-west, in the electorate of my close friend and colleague, Nola Marino, about $681.6 million is securing the Bunbury Outer Ring Road (stages 2 and 3), a project that started construction last month and is expected to be finished in early 2024.

And in my electorate, close to $304 million is ensuring an upgrade to the Karratha to Tom Price Corridor (Manuwarra Red Dog Highway), which started in October 2019 and is expected to be completed in mid-2023.

Then there is METRONET, the game-changing project for Perth’s public transport network for which we have provided the lion’s share of funding – a whopping $2.33 billion.  

Make no mistake – Prime Minister Scott Morrison could not be more alert to the fact that WA is critical to our nation’s prosperity.

He knows, like all of the WA Liberal MPs and Senators, that the most important thing we can do right now is deliver the COVID-19 vaccine and continue to work harder than ever to cement our economic recovery by creating jobs – and more jobs.

2021–22 Commemorative Grants Open to Durack Applicants

A new year means the opening of the 2021-22 Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program, with applications now welcome from organisations in Durack.

The Federal Member for Durack, the Honourable Melissa Price, said the program was now entering its 25th year and had already supported thousands of projects.

“It gives me great pleasure to let the community know that applications for the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program are now open, as I have seen first-hand the amazing work that results from this grant funding,” Ms Price said.

 “Durack has a rich military history and each year many community organisations contribute much, to ensure we remember those who served and their efforts in defending our nation and its allies.

“Commemoration is at the heart of our community, something we see on display each Anzac Day and Remembrance Day, and I encourage organisations to apply for funding through the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program”, she said.

There are 2 categories of grants available under the program, Community Grants (STS-CG) to a maximum of $10,000 are available for local, community-based projects and activities and Major Grants (STS-MG)  between $10,000 and $150,000 are available for major commemorative projects and activities that are significant from a national, state, territory and/or regional perspective.

 The Grant Opportunity Guidelines have been revised for 2021–22, which includes more information around coronavirus support and new opening and closing dates.

 For more information, including access to the lasted guidelines and information on how to apply, visit the Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program | Community Grants Hub

 End

Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.

Call for new Local Drug Action Teams in Durack

Community organisations in Durack are being invited to form a partnership to tackle drugs and alcohol, with funding from the Morrison Government.

 Federal Member for Durack, the Honourable Minister Price, said applications were now open for registration of new Local Drug Action Teams (LDATs) to prevent and minimise harm from ice, alcohol and other drugs.

 “Alcohol and other drugs, including ice or crystal methamphetamine, are issues for communities, not just for individuals,” Ms Price said.

 “Community action is effective because many of the factors influencing drug-related harm can only be targeted at the community level, like social connections, education and a sense of belonging,” Ms Price said.

 This recruitment round aims to approve 40 new LDATs, which can apply for $10,000 in initial funding to support prevention and health promotion activities, with further funding available.

 There are currently 238 local teams doing great work in all states and territories, who in partnership with the Alcohol and Drug Foundation are developing Community Action Plans to target their local needs.

 The LDAT program has received more than $29 million since it began in 2016 and the Morrison Government has already committed more than $800 million over four years to reduce the impact of drug and alcohol misuse on individuals, families and communities.

Applications from new LDATs are now open on the LDAT Community Hub: https://community.adf.org.au and close on Friday 5 March.

The hub contains extensive information about the program and how to apply and prepare a strong application.

 -Ends-

 Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au

Disaster Assistance for Durack

Disaster assistance has been made available to help Durack communities recover from the damage caused by a tropical low that made its way across parts of the Kimberley, Pilbara and Gascoyne last weekend.  

 The Federal Member for Durack, the Hon Melissa Price, has welcomed the prompt response by the Morrison Government to assist a number of the impacted Durack communities.

 “While I am thrilled that some very dry pastoral properties in the affected regions have received really good rains, there has also been significant damage to key infrastructure that needs urgent funding and repair,” Ms Price said.

 “The Shires of Carnarvon, Upper Gascoyne and Derby-West Kimberley will be eligible to receive financial assistance through the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. We will continue to work alongside local communities to ensure that they have all the support they need during this difficult time and we are ready to extend disaster assistance to those communities in need,” she said.

 Ongoing flooding means it could take weeks to assess the full extent of the damage, particularly to our extensive Durack road networks. The North West Coastal Highway is currently closed north of Carnarvon due to flooding, and I thank the community for their patience while we wait for flood waters to recede so urgent repairs can be undertaken.

 Information on disaster assistance is available on the Australian Government’s Disaster Assist website at  Tropical low and associated flooding: 28 January - 8 February 2021 (disasterassist.gov.au)

 Ends.

Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au

Building Stronger Communities in Durack

Expression of Interest Form  http://melissapricemp.com.au/s/SCP-EOI.pdf

A new round of applications is open of the Morrison Government’s Stronger Communities Programme, (SCP) Round 6.

Federal Member for Durack, the Hon Melissa Price  said this  round would fund up to 20 projects in Durack  with grants of between $2,500 and $20,000 available to cover up to 100 per cent of eligible project costs, except for local governing bodies where grant funding will be up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs.

“This SCP round in Durack is themed ‘Supporting the health and safety of Durack community groups’, so I would encourage all local organisations to consider how a grant of up to $20 000 could assist your community within that criteria,” she said.

“Some examples of that health and safety criteria might include things like the purchase of EPIRB’s SAT Phones, security screens at community shelters, or perhaps the development of technology media platforms to improve safety awareness,” Ms Price said.

 The successful community investments I have seen in Durack from this program’s previous rounds, like the upgrade to the Derby Speedway Club kitchen facilities which I was able to visit last year, have had a significant impact in local communities encouraging greater participation by improving local amenities and providing lasting upgrades of equipment .

The first stage of the SCP application is by an Expression of Interest Form which you can find here,  http://melissapricemp.com.au/s/SCP-EOI.pdf and must be submitted by Friday 19 February 2021.

Successful project applicants will then be invited through the EOI process to apply for a grant assessed against the program’s eligibility criteria.

Further information on grant guidelines, eligibility requirements and the application process can be found at www.business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/stronger-communities-programme.

End

Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.

Pr

Preserving Durack’s Military History

A new round of recipients of the Morrison Government’s Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program has been announced.

Federal Member for Durack, the Hon Melissa Price congratulated three Durack organisations on being awarded a grant.

“I am particularly pleased that a $71,000 grant has been made available to the City of Greater Geraldton to host an event to commemorate the 80th anniversary in 2021, since the loss of the HMAS Sydney II”, Ms Price said.

“It is also good to see that another grant to the Jurien Bay RLS Sub-Branch will mean a new cenotaph can be built at Cervantes Memorial Park to commemorate the service and sacrifice of Australia’s service personnel and $10,000 funding to the Northampton Shire to restore the Kalbarri war memorial”, she said.

The Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program make an important contribution in honouring and ensuring we continue to have an awareness of a strong local connection to our nation’s military history.

“Congratulations to those organisations that received funding and I encourage organisations in Durack committed to preserving our military history to consider applying for future funding rounds,” she said.

Community groups and organisations are encouraged to apply for funding in the next round of Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program, particularly for projects and activities that commemorate the Vietnam War, with several significant anniversaries from this conflict falling in 2021.

Applications for Batch 3 of the 2020-21 Saluting Their Service Commemorative Grants Program close on 11 February 2021. Visit the Community Grants Hub for more information.

ENDS

Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587 395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.

Durack Councils and Community Organisations Called on to Apply for BBRF Grants

Federal Member for Durack,  the Hon. Melissa Price, has welcomed the release of  application guidelines for Round Five of the Building Better Regions Fund (BBRF).

There have been many and varied projects completed in Durack  with succesful BBRF applications  and I would encourage communities  to apply.

 “There are many significant local  improvements I have seen when I visit towns and regions in my electorate that have been created using this funding. This year I have attended the opening of the Three Springs Childcare Centre, met with the Carnarvon  Shire to discuss their BBRF  recycled waterpipe development  and seen the difference an upgraded community health centre and purpose built hydrotherapy  pool has made to the Moora Community,”  Melissa Price said.

 “This Round Five has $100 million of targeted support for tourism-related infrastructure to get regional tourism back on its feet, while maintaining $100 million for broader community infrastructure and investment,” Ms Price said.

 The launch of the program guidelines means prospective applicants can now begin planning their project applications for assessment.

 They can be found at www.business.gov.au/bbrf.

 Applications open on 12 January 2021 and close on 5 March 2021.

 Successful applicants are expected to be announced in mid-2021.

 Ends.
MEDIA CONTACTS:

Rose Crane; 0427 587 395  Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au

Extending battery back-up for regional phone towers in Durack

Mobile phone towers in Durack will be able to keep operating longer during power blackouts thanks to a major new investment by the Morrison Government.

 The Federal Government is funding mobile phone towers to extend the battery back up at 30  towers in Durack to provide up to 12 hours of back-up power.

The Federal Member for Durack, the Hon. Melissa Price has welcomed the improvement for more reliable telecommunications which need reliable power sources to operate.

 “This investment will allow mobile phone towers to keep operating for at least 12 hours after the power goes out, making a real difference for Durack communities during and after an extended loss of power supply,” she said. 

 “A number of Durack Shires and communities have sought a solution like this to extend the battery life of their local mobile phone towers to improve  telecommunications resilience  during longer power blackouts, so I am pleased stage one of this program will assist,” Ms Price said.

 A list of the 30 confirmed Durack locations under stage one of this program is attached here, or available on my website at ‘Latest News’,  www.melissapricemp.com.au.

 The Government is providing a total of $13.2 million to Telstra, Optus and TPG to extend the      battery back up at 467 mobile phone towers across Australia, under stage one of the program through the first stage of the Government’s $18 million Mobile Network Hardening Program.

. More information on the program is available on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications website.

 Ends;

 Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.

Ardath

Kondut

Konnongorring

Manmanning

Marchagee

Pantapin

Piawaning

Rowland Avenue

South Yelbini

Tenindewa Yuna Road

Wongoondy Tardun Road

Yallallie

Beacon

Burracoppin Road, Cramphorne

Coomberdale

Elabbin

Bodallin

Horrocks

Koolanooka

Latham

Maya North

Merkanooka

Ucarty

Womarden

Wongamine

Yallabatharra

Yandanooka

Kalannie North (Glamoff Road) (replacement site for Grey)

Wilroy (replacement site for Cundinup)

Bryant Road (Marchagee East) (replacement site for Red Bluff)

Christmas comes early for Durack Agricultural Shows and Field Days

Shows and field days cancelled because of COVID-19 are about to get some Australian Government funding to ensure they can bounce back in 2021.

 Federal Member for Durack, the Hon. Melissa Price is thrilled that 9 of these Durack events will receive more than $190,000 for administrative support.

 “I am a huge fan of the many annual Ag shows held in Durack and I am so glad the first payments under the ‘Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days’ program will roll out before Christmas to support these terrific events,” Ms Price said.

 This significant package ‘Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days’ program will reimburse eligible costs for shows and field days who had to cancel because of COVID-19.

 “Many of these events are run by community volunteers and it was important that the Morrison Government offer practical support to these local Durack organisations to cover ongoing costs like rates, insurance and telecommunications,” Ms Price said.

 The Morrison Government is keen to ensure show societies and field day organisers are in the best shape possible to continue in 2021 and beyond.

 “These events bring our families and farmers together, build community spirit and help bridge the divide between country and city. They also help farmers stay competitive by providing an opportunity to share innovation and new ways of doing business,” Ms Price said

 This package is additional to more than $1 million of support already received by 6 Durack Agricultural Societies through the Australian Government’s $20 million Agricultural Show Development Grants program to upgrade, maintain or build new infrastructure.

 A full list of the 9 Durack recipients is attached below.

 Ends;

Media Contact:

Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.

 Durack Recipients of the ‘Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days’ program.

• Merredin Show Inc.
  (Merredin Show)$6,543.20

• Chapman Valley Agricultural Society Incorporated
  (Chapman Valley Show)$54,112.00

• Quairading Agricultural Society Inc.
  (Quairading Show)$2,700.15

• Northampton District Agricultural Society Incorporated
  (Northampton District Show)$3,250.77

• The Yilgarn Agricultural Society Inc.
  (Yilgarn Show)$1,904.53

• Mingenew Midwest Expo Inc.
  (Mingenew Midwest Expo)$15,000.00

•  Mullewa District Agricultural Society
  (Mullewa Show)$3,869.61

•  Dowerin Events Management (Inc)
  (Dowerin Machinery Field Days)$43,414.69

•  The Kununurra Agricultural Society (Incorporated)
  (Kununurra Show)$64,118.89

Men’s Sheds Grants Open

Men’s Sheds across Durack are being invited to apply for funding as part of the latest round of the National Men’s Shed Development Programme (NDSP).

Funded by the Morrison Government, Round 21 of the NSDP will specifically prioritise applications with a strong health, wellbeing or safety emphasis, in acknowledgement of the impact of COVID-19 and the needs of Sheds in the recovery period and beyond.

Federal Member for Durack, the Honourable Melissa Price, encouraged all Sheds in Durack to apply.

“Now more than ever, Sheds offer men a critical avenue for social support and engagement, this new funding round will provide financial support to assist in both setting up and maintaining Men’s Sheds across Durack,” Ms Price said.

“I appreciate every opportunity I get to visit the many superb Men’s Sheds in Durack and witness the social and health benefits the sheds provide. This funding can help deliver programs with a strong health, wellbeing or safety focus,” Melissa Price said.

Men’s Sheds can apply for financial support across the following funding categories:

• Category 1: Health, Wellbeing, and Events $8,000 maximum

• Category 2: Shed Improvements $8,000 maximum

• Category 3: Equipment $5,000 maximum

Since 2013, the Coalition Government has provided $5.4 million to support Men's Sheds across Australia. Applications for the current funding round close Friday 27 November.

For more information, visit https://mensshed.org

ENDS Media Contact: Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.

Boosting Investment Opportunities in Durack

New measures in the 2020-21 Budget will make it easier for projects in Durack to access Australian government funding to help create jobs and economic development across northern Australia.

Federal Member for Durack, the Honourable Melissa Price, has welcomed the reforms following a review of the Northern Australian Infrastructure Facility (NAIF).

“The reforms will speed up funding decisions and widen the scope of projects eligible for funding. The changes followed a widespread review of the $5 billion NAIF program, and the government decision in July to extend NAIF’s operations for five years until mid-2026,” Ms Price said.

“We have listened to communities across the north and we are making changes to ensure NAIF has the flexibility it needs to further drive economic activity, create jobs, drive population growth and open up new opportunities for people across northern Australia,” Melissa Price said.

NAIF funding has already made a significant impact on developments in Durack, assisting operations like Strandline Resources Gascoyne development, one of the world’s largest mineral sands projects, announced in July.  

The changes to NAIF will make sure more factors, including local jobs, regional income, and opportunities for local suppliers, Indigenous business and communities are considered.

To date, NAIF has invested around $2.4 billion in projects in health, education, resources, energy and agriculture, supporting more than 7,200 jobs in Australia’s north and supporting around $4.4 billion in total project value.

Ends

Media contacts:

Rose Crane 0427 587 395. Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au

Federal Budget 2020 to Drive Economic Growth in Durack

The Federal Member for Durack, the Honourable Melissa Price has welcomed the Morrison Government’s budget as a plan to support hard working Durack constituents with a plan for future employment opportunities and tax relief that will benefit many.

I believe the focus on minimising the impact on younger workers across my electorate coming out of the COVID-19 crisis and building a local economy for jobs growth reflects a budget focused on recovery.

“There is no budget recovery without a jobs recovery. This budget is all about jobs. The new JobMaker hiring credit to encourage businesses to hire younger Australians will have a positive impact across Durack,” Ms Price said.

The Jobmaker hiring credit will be payable for up to twelve months and immediately available to employers who hire those on JobSeeker aged 16-35. It will be paid at the rate of $200 per week for those aged under 30, and $100 per week for those aged between 30-35. New hires must work for at least 20 hours a week.

“We have also committed an additional $1.2 billion to create 100,000 new apprenticeships and traineeships, with a 50 per cent wage subsidy for businesses who employ them,” she said.

There has also been $39.8 million to improve the education and employment prospects for up to 12,500 young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, by funding additional places with the Clontarf Foundation.

Our support for apprentices and trainees includes the $1.2 billion Boosting Apprenticeship Commencement Scheme with 50 per cent wage subsidy to all businesses who take on new apprentices from 5 October 2020 and will support 100,000 new apprentices and is available until 30 September 2021.

“I also believe the $16.3 million over two years from 2020-21 to create temporary incentives in the income support system to encourage recent school leavers to undertake seasonal horticultural work and help address the expected critical workforce shortages for the upcoming harvest season, is very helpful for Durack,” she said.

As well as those employment incentives, many already working in Durack will benefit from the more than 11 million taxpayers who will get a tax cut backdated to 1 July this year. Lower- and middle-income earners will this year receive tax relief of up to $2,745 for singles, and up to $5,490 for dual income families compared with 2017-18.

Building on the successful expansion of the Instant Asset Write Off during the COVID crisis, the Morrison Government will now provide the largest set of investment incentives any Australian Government has ever provided. Over 99 per cent of businesses will be able to write off the full value of any eligible asset they purchase for their business.

Around 7 million Medicare subsidised mental health services have been delivered since March. Access has been improved for Durack residents with a doubling of the number of Medicare funded psychological services through the Better Access Initiative, from 10 to 20. We are also providing more funding for Lifeline, headspace, Beyond Blue and Kids Helpline.

I welcome the extra 2 payments for pensioners who will receive an additional $250 payment in December and a further $250 payment in March next year, while for those in Durack with the dream of homeownership, can receive more assistance with an additional 10,000 first home buyers being able to purchase a new home sooner under our First Home Loan Deposit Scheme.

Indigenous Business Australia will receive an additional investment of $150 million over three years to deliver 360 home loans for new housing construction in regional Australia. The extension of Indigenous Business Australia’s Indigenous Home Ownership Programme will support over 1,000 jobs by unlocking financing for shovel-ready construction projects in regional Australia and increase the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in appropriately sized housing.

Tourism support and infrastructure will benefit from the next round of Building Better Regions Fund announced in the budget along with recent changes to make backpacker visa requirements working in the north more flexible.

For Durack agriculture, the Secondary Freight Network has had another $80 million committed, while the On-Farm Emergency Water Infrastructure scheme has been extended. The Bureau of Meteorology has received extra funding of $254.6 million to be provided over four years from 2020-21 to help ensure the long-term financial sustainability of Durack’s farmers.

Ends;

Media contact Rose Crane 0427 587 395. Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au

Infrastructure Investment Laying the Foundations for Durack's Economic Recovery

The Morrison Government will continue supporting job-creating, economy-boosting infrastructure, as part of our Economic Recovery Plan for Australia, rebuilding our economy to secure Durack’s future. The Government’s record $110 billion transport infrastructure program will support local jobs and businesses at the time it is needed most.

Federal Member for Durack, the Honourable Melissa Price, said the Government would invest an additional $2 billion for a new road safety program which will support upgrades.

“Improving road safety in Durack is a core priority for the Government and that is why this additional investment builds on the $500 million we are already delivering for targeted road safety works,” Melissa Price said.

“Our community-led recovery plan empowers local governments nation-wide to deliver roads and community infrastructure through an additional $1 billion for the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

“Across Durack, all 51 Shires will share in more than $25 million to build shovel-ready local priorities, supporting local jobs and local business, commencing in 2020-21. This investment, together with the new Road Safety Program, will support around 10,000 jobs nationally over the life of the projects and I look forward to locals in Durack benefiting from the local procurement this investment brings,” Ms Price said.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Budget delivered on our economic plan for a stronger and more resilient Australia.

“The Budget includes new and additional funding in the 2020-21 Budget for projects and initiatives, supporting more than 30,000 direct and indirect jobs over the life of the projects, to get Australia back to work and back in business following the pandemic,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the Government was driving the delivery of major infrastructure projects to build the economy and provide certainty for business over the long term.

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Deputy Prime Minister – Joanne Williamson 0418 475 668 | Dean Shachar 0418 202 860

Minister Tudge – Michael Bennett 0434 782 923

Minister Price – Rosemea Crane Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au 0427587 395

More than two million dollars for Kimberley Tourism

Durack will be receive $2.6 million of investment in nine of our best Kimberley and West Coast attractions, for environmental restoration and recovery measures through the $1 billion COVID Relief Fund.

Federal Member for Durack, the Honourable Melissa Price, said this very welcome investment will create jobs, boost local tourism and preserve our environment as part of our economic recovery plan.

“The visitor’s centre at the iconic East Kimberley Purnululu National Park will receive a $350 000 upgrade, while West Kimberley attractions including Danggu Geikie Gorge will have a visitor facilities upgrade, a walkway and lookout built at Miluwindi Conservation Park and a redevelopment at Reddell Beach will be significant improvements to assist local tourism operators and visitors. We want to bring people closer to our wonderful Durack natural environment and we want to be part of protecting and promoting it,” Melissa Price said.

“Importantly this funding will play an important role in helping the local tourism economy, particularly in the northern parts of Durack who have been severely hit by the impact of COVID-19. These initiatives invest in projects that sustain jobs and local businesses, improve facilities and encourage people to visit regional communities when they are able to do so,” she said.

Projects in Durack have received more than half the $5.1 million dollars allocated to Western Australia under this program, creating an estimated 12 extra jobs.

Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley said that the announcements showed the Morrison Government is delivering practical and lasting environmental outcomes, partnering with both State and Territory governments. Please see a full list of Durack investments attached.

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Media Contact: Rose Crane 0427 587395, Rosemea.Crane@aph.gov.au.

Purnululu National Park - Visitor Centre upgrade (Current building) Upgrade the current Visitor Centre including plumbing, electrical and internal fit out works. This will provide improved visitor experience and cultural heritage information to increase the awareness of local Aboriginal culture and other heritage values. Use of local builders, supply of materials, transport contracts, use of local design contractors. $350,000

West Kimberley Danggu Geikie Gorge National Park - Re-develop the Visitor Hub including construction works, landscaping and interpretation signage. This will increase visitor awareness and experience of cultural significance of Danggu and other heritage values. Provides local Aboriginal employment and supports commercial tour operators, construction contracts, IT contracts and transport contracts. $556,000

West Kimberley Miluwindi Conservation Park (Kind Leopold Conservation Park) - Design and construction of Lennard Gorge Walkway and Lookout Design and construct a new walkway and lookout. It will provide an improved experience to visitors by allowing safe access to gorge views, preventing damage to the Gorge. Commercial tour operators, construction contractors, materials suppliers, aviation companies, engineering companies will benefit. $320,000

Shark Bay World Heritage Area - Mia Rejuvenation Project interpretation signage Monkey Mia Rejuvenation Project -Interpretation signage $50 000

Shark Bay World Heritage Area - Monkey Mia Trail and Landscape works. $200 000

West Kimberley - Reddell Beach (Jabarragun) - precinct redevelopment to provide visitor infrastructure ,Redevelop the Reddell Beach precinct including landscaping and construction works. It will result in increased visitor awareness and experience of the cultural significance of the place. Benefits through construction contracts, cultural heritage surveys, local Indigenous suppliers, employment and training for Aboriginal rangers. $800 000

Lesueur National Park- Universally accessible walking trail at Cockleshell Gully Picnic Area. Construct a universally accessible walking trail at Cockleshell Gully Picnic Area, particularly for those with mobility restrictions and the elderly. Benefits through construction contracts and increased visitors to the local area. $40,000

The Ningaloo Coast - Development of a Ningaloo Marine Park Kayak Trail Design and construct a new kayak trail including signage and digital tools. It will raise awareness and enhance the presentation of heritage values. Additional tourism attractions in the area such as this could increase visitor length of stay providing economic flow on within the region. $150,000

The Ningaloo Coast - Refurbishment of the Milyering Discovery Centre, Cape Range National Park Refurbishment of the Milyering Discovery Centre. It will raise awareness and enhance the presentation of heritage values, plus involve construction contracts and potential increased visitor spend and economic flow on into the region.$150,000

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