Government pushes post-COVID recovery in bush

Bourke Mayor Barry Hollman and Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Adam Marshall with the council crew working on infrastructure improvements at the Back O’Bourke Exhibition Centre. Pictured l-r: Brett McInerney, Craig McKellar, Mayor Barry Hollman, Malcolm Johnson, Minister Adam Marshall and Crew Supervisor, Chris Ware. PHOTO TWH

The NSW Government is continuing its funding of infrastructure and local economies in western New South Wales, with promises of support from Deputy Premier John Barilaro and Minister for Western NSW and Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall.

During their visits to Bourke, Louth and Brewarrina last week, both Mr Barilaro and Mr Marshall said that there was optimism about the future of agriculture in the region and the employment opportunities created by various infrastructure projects.

However, they both cautioned about the looming threat of COVID-19 restrictions including border closures that were still a cause for concern.

“The border closures are serious, and the economy can’t afford to lock down again,” Mr Barilaro said.

“2020 has been tough with bushfires, drought and COVID-19, and we need to be as strong as possible on the border with Victoria.

“We have patrols on 55 access points, and we have to be vigilant.

“We are considering moving the border another 100kms inside NSW and my goodness, we don’t want to go through this again. Hopefully, we can keep NSW COVID-free by taking extra precautions.

“The opening of northern border with Queensland is important to the local economy and tourism business but this has been a guessing game, there’s no rule book and I hope we never see it again,” Mr Barilaro said.

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