Federal Government has quietly abandoned its proposal to cut default speed limits on unsigned country roads, following overwhelming backlash from regional Australia.
Jamie Chaffey
Posted inFederal Politics, Parkes Electorate, Roads and Infrastructure
Albo, fund our Councils!
The Coalition has attacked the lack of urgency in addressing financial sustainability for Australia’s 537 local governments, as the Albanese Labor Government quietly reinstated a sustainability inquiry – something the Coalition has been calling for since early June.
Posted inAgriculture, Energy, Federal Politics, Local News
All headline, no policy: Nationals Net Zero alternative raises questions
Locals warn the Nationals move to drop Net Zero risks higher power bills and more pressure on productive farmland.
Posted inPolitics, Roads and Infrastructure, Tamworth
Default rural speed limit could drop to 80km/h under new road safety proposal
A proposal to reduce the default speed limit on roads outside built-up areas to 80 kilometres per hour has sparked debate across regional Australia, with local leaders calling for investment in safer roads rather than slower travel.
Posted inInvestigation, Local News, NSW Politics, Roads and Infrastructure
New England roads mostly ‘not safe’; beyond ‘maintenance’
There is a growing sense that regional NSW needs a fundamental rethink of how roads are funded and managed.
Posted inAgriculture, Gunnedah, Local festivals and shows
Motorists warned of heavy traffic and steaks hit the barbie as AgQuip gets underway
Traffic control, closed roads, and reduced speed limits will be in place in and around Gunnedah as the agricultural world descends for the enormous field days.
Posted inFlood, Grants and funding, Gunnedah, Narrabri, NSW Politics, Parkes Electorate
Councils dealing with new flood damage still waiting on approval for previous flood repairs
As locals recover from another major flood this month, Gunnedah and Narrabri Shire Councils are among councils still waiting for approval to undertake road repairs from floods that occurred more than three years ago.
Posted inCommunity development, Grants and funding, Local News
Dozens of community projects to benefit from federal grant
Thirteen community groups in the Parkes Electorate will share $120,000 in Stronger Communities Programme grants for projects ranging from Indigenous rugby uniforms to improved facilities and accessibility.
Posted inFederal Politics, Gunnedah, Parkes Electorate
Chaffey pledges to serve after a lifetime of challenges and dedication
Jamie Chaffey, the newly elected Member for Parkes, has delivered his first speech to Federal Parliament today, pledging to serve the people of his electorate with the same dedication and resilience that shaped his own life.
Posted inAwards, Grants and funding
Last chance to nominate for Australia Day Awards
With just hours left until nominations close, locals are being urged to put forward the unsung heroes of their communities for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards