Iemma Eyes The Bush In Funding Push
Sun Herald
Sunday October 29, 2006
A MULTIBILLION-dollar package of programs was offered to regional NSW by Premier Morris Iemma yesterday as he geared up for "the biggest test by far" at the March poll.
A $60 million bridges upgrading project, more than $6 million for regional skills and a pilot program to attract public servants to regional areas featured in the suite of measures targeting rural constituencies.Announcing the measures at the Country Labor conference at Queanbeyan, Mr Iemma also flagged further drought assistance would be announced on Tuesday, including more funds for drought-support workers, improved mental health services and improved emergency-household support."The purse strings will remain open until the crisis ends because our drought-stricken farmers deserve nothing less," he said.Eleven timber bridges in communities as varied as Bungendore, Wisemans Ferry, Lismore and Parkes will share in $60 million, in a three-year partnership program with local government. Rural and regional technical colleges around NSW were given $6.35 million to improve facilities.Mr Iemma said public servants who took up jobs in the bush would be helped to buy or rent a home, a $5000 cash bonus at the end of each year of service, and a home computer and internet access.
© 2006 Sun Herald