Great news for everyone who loves using the enormously successful Bathurst Bullet train service with this week's NSW Government budget giving the green light for a second Bullet to start operating before the end of the year.
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The additional service will operate seven days a week and will include additional stops at Tarana and Rydal.
Digital connecting regional Australia
The Bathurst electorate and its communities need access to the very best mobile phone and internet services. These are essential digital infrastructure for homes, businesses and emergency services.
I'm pleased to announce the NSW Government has allocated $400 million over the next four years to significantly improve data services throughout the regions.
This unparalleled investment is a turning point in connectivity for our region. The program will deliver faster internet speeds, better mobile phone coverage, and a potential future of 5G connectivity and will focus on three priority areas:
- Internet and data - to investigate the design of data hubs and fibre-optic cables to make internet connectivity faster and more reliable;
- Farm and water - infrastructure to enhance competitiveness and productivity for our farming industry;
- Mobile - eliminating mobile black spots where people live and work.
The program will provide access to services you need, from emergency services to agribusiness and farming industries, without the worry of whether they have mobile phone reception, or a strong enough internet signal.
The Connect Regional NSW program is being funded by the $4.2 billion Snowy Hydro Legacy Fund, which is dedicated to being spent on transformative infrastructure in regional NSW.
Visit http://www.nsw.gov.au/connectregionalnsw for more information.
Rebates to beat winter chill
Families across the state can stay warm and save money on bills this winter, thanks to a range of NSW Government programs helping to reduce energy costs.
We all tend to use more energy in winter heating our homes. That's why I want to remind NSW families there is government support available to keep costs down.
Statistics show there could be more than 450,000 customers eligible for support - but haven't taken it up yet.
Our Family Energy Rebate helps mums and dads cover the costs of household energy bills.
The Low-Income Household Rebate can also help those with eligible Department of Human Service Health Care Cards or Pensioner Concession Cards.
There are more than 70 rebates and savings measures available, and I urge everyone to make sure they know what other cost of living savings they may be eligible for by going to the Service NSW website or visiting a centre in person.
For more energy saving tips visit the Energy Saver website and for cost of living help, visit the Service NSW website.