In this New England Times investigation by RK Crosby, we look at how bad numbers, assumptions and guesses, and misrepresentations of old documents, have led to plans at all levels of government being not worth the paper they are printed on.
Roy Butler
Posted inEnergy, Tourism
Fuel crisis raises tourism concerns ahead of easter
Rising concern about the impact of the ongoing fuel crisis on regional tourism has prompted some to urge city residents not to cancel their country Easter holiday plans.
Posted inLocal News, Money, NSW Politics
Push to cut rego costs for rural drivers introduced to Parliament
A proposal to cut vehicle registration costs for country drivers has been introduced to NSW Parliament, with Barwon MP Roy Butler arguing the current system unfairly penalises people living in rural areas.
Posted inArmidale, Energy, Federal Politics
Government still in denial on fuel supply issues
One retailer in Armidale has increased its prices over a three dollars a litre, while others have run out, and the government insists there is no supply issue.
Posted inAgriculture, Local News
Tasman and Corinya Station acquisitions spark community concerns
Two newly acquired properties in western NSW have been added to the national park estate without local consultation, prompting criticism from Member for Barwon Roy Butler
Posted inFederal Politics, NSW Politics, Roads and Infrastructure
Labor abandons controversial plan to drop speed limits on rural roads
Federal Government has quietly abandoned its proposal to cut default speed limits on unsigned country roads, following overwhelming backlash from regional Australia.
Posted inMoree, Sport, Tamworth
Call for Parliamentary Inquiry into GRNSW
Barwon MP Roy Butler is calling for a parliamentary inquiry into Greyhound Racing NSW after a report recommended shutting down 15 country tracks, including Tamworth and Moree.
Posted inLocal News, New England Surrounds, NSW Politics, Roads and Infrastructure
Locally made, smart road signs now live, making journeys through outback NSW safer
The State Government has flicked the switch, activating 13 new smart road signs to make travel through western and outback NSW safer, fairer and more reliable.
Posted inGood News, Grants and funding, Narrabri, Roads and Infrastructure
Community lobbying pays off with Rangari Road to be completed
Persistent community lobbying has paid off, with the final unsealed section of Rangari Road set to be completed under a $9 million investment from the NSW Government.
Posted inCrime, NSW Politics
Crime down in New England but fears remain
Despite the encouraging drop in crime statistics revealed this week, locals say the statistics are cold comfort, pointing to high rates of violence compared to the rest of New South Wales and shocking recent incidents like the stabbing of a Moree motel owner.