This week will most likely be the last sitting week of the year (as I mentioned last week, unless they recall parliament for the reserve week from December 5-7).

If last week was anything to go by it should be every bit as frantic, if not more so, as the government tries to get as much done as possible before the end of the sitting year.

After that I will be getting back out and about around the electorate again, but hopefully I will also be able to have a bit of down time over Christmas before heading into a new year.

Hudson fire

While the recent storm activity across the state meant some areas have had a bit of rain, some other areas saw lightning, without rain, which, in some cases, started fires.

The worst was the Hudson fire, which burnt through about 22,000 hectares in Barwon, before it was brought under control.

Tragically the fire also resulted in the death of Captain Leo Fransen, a dedicated life member of the Diamond Beach Rural Fire Service, who was part of the Mid Coast Strike Team deployed to the region to help bring it under control.

Our deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends, loved ones and RFS colleagues.

Because of the tragedy, every member of the team he was part of was offered the opportunity to go home, but they chose instead to stay and protect lives and property.

This is an amazing and resilient bunch of people who continued to put their lives on the line to help others, despite losing a colleague.

Our emergency service volunteers do great work, going where they are needed, and, unfortunately, sometimes they pay the ultimate price for their service to humanity.

I spoke to many of the locals at the Glengarry Hilton (a legendary local watering hole), while I visited the area in the company of Jihad Dib, Emergency Services Minister. They all said very positive things about how the emergency services handled the fire.

They raised some concerns about the loss of homes and other structures, which I discussed with the minister who was supportive of the idea that despite the unconventional nature of some of the houses people live in, in areas like the Grawin, they deserve to be looked after for their loss.

I want to thank all of the emergency service workers and volunteers for their selfless service.

Minister goes west

The week before last the NSW Minister for Health Ryan Park made his way out to Broken Hill to see some of the amazing work the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia do.

The services provided by RFDS are vital to regional and remote communities.

No one else does what they do or can provide the services they do, and they are often called in to help out when other services are not up to the task.

Surprisingly a large part of their funding comes from philanthropy and fundraising, a lot of the government funding they receive is in the form of grants they need to reapply for.

They need more certainty, a steadier stream of funding. They need to be supported and maintained in New South Wales.

The minister also chose this occasion to announce the government’s investment in new health worker accommodation in Broken Hill.

This investment will help attract and keep health workers in Broken Hill ensuring the delivery of essential health services to the area.

Accommodation and housing for essential workers are a barrier to attracting professional staff, the other major one is childcare (work on this is also in progress).

Health has implemented a bonus of up to $20,000 that should serve as a good incentive to get people out west.

There is still a long way to go to get the staffing levels across Barwon up to standard, but this will help in Broken Hill.

I joined Ryan Park, Broken Hill mayor Tom Kennedy, and staff from the Far West Local Health District for the announcement at Broken Hill Hospital.

Cobb Highway sealed

I am delighted to report that the Cobb Highway is now entirely sealed.

On November 14, I joined Minister for Regional Roads Jenny Aitchison MP, representatives from Transport for NSW, and community members, to officially open the highway.

This has been a long time coming, but is very much welcomed by people who use the highway.

The work has happened over successive governments, with many ministers and local members contributing to the result.

Having driven this road many times I am personally extremely happy to see this project complete.

This is a major transport route that will now provide those who use it with more certainty during wet weather, and will make for a much smoother, faster journey.

Ivanhoe School

Ivanhoe Central School is setting an incredible example for the kids who attend the school and any other school in NSW.

Principal Greg showed me around the grounds when I was there recently, pointing out particularly the impressive veggie gardens and aquaponics set up, which uses
a tank with fish in it to help water and fertilise the plants (the fish waste, so to speak, helps fertilise the plants).

I also had a look at the chook pen and a couple of classrooms.

There are some great things happening in schools in Barwon. This is something that I think the Education Minister, Prue Car, should travel to see, in person.

Drought Resilience Fund

Many parts of the state are already experiencing drought. So, it is good to see that the NSW government has announced the Drought Ready and Resilience Fund (DRRF).

This fund will provide low-interest loans of up to $250,000 to cover products, activities and services that help you prepare for the impact of drought.

Unlike other loans previously offered, the DRRF can be used for essential items such as purchasing fodder, feeding equipment, stock transportation costs, veterinary and professional nutrition and welfare advice, fencing for rotational grazing, exclusion and cluster fencing, construction of containment feeding pens, stock shade structures, planting of trees and stock and domestic water (including its transportation).

Whilst all government support is welcome, I have long held the position that low-interest loans are not the solution to drought assistance.

Loans can be debt traps for many farmers and do not provide long-term support the way that cash-based grants can.

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