Real FM Local News

NSW Farmers has welcomed the additional $3.7 million in funding to extend the popular Quad Bike Safety Improvement Program to June 2023. New guidelines are also being set to make the program more accessible to farmers and rural businesses servicing farming communities. NSW Farmers president, James Jackson, says “There is no longer a limit on the number of applicants per ABN for the $2,000 safety rebate, making the program more accessible”. The rebate program also promotes adopting a “range of safety solutions including helmets, operator protection devices, and side by side vehicles", says Mr Jackson. This also supports farm worker's ability to access a helmet rebate worth up to $90. The rebate form can be found on the NSW Farmers Association website: https://www.nswfarmers.org.au/QuadBikeRebate/News/printable_application_form.aspx?WebsiteKey=f1d57a20-175d-4362-92e6-621cf4c0273a   Image sourced: https://www.nswfarmers.org.au/  

While COVID numbers continue to grow with the Sydney outbreak, NO COVID CASES have been detected in the Western NSW area. Local Health District Chief Executive, Scott McLachlan, says that testing is available for people who have even mild symptoms that are associated with COVID-19, including: fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, runny nose, loss of taste or smell. He says that it is important to maintain high testing rates to identify as many cases in the community as quickly as possible. Close to 1200 tests have been done in the Mudgee area in the past 4 weeks, with reports that the Mudgee Clinic has seen an increase in daily testing numbers. Bookings for the Mudgee Covid testing clinic is open 7 days on 0417 072 652 Executive Mr McLachlan also says that “demand for vaccination is high”. However, the advice remains NOT to call your local hospital for vaccine information, rather use the Eligibility Checker at The Western Public Health Helpline: 1300 066 055. The...

Mid-Western Regional Council have issued a Boil Water Alert for Clandulla. In an issued statement, local Council says recent water main breaks has resulted in the draining of Clandulla Reservoir, which in turn impacted the Charbon and Clandulla water supply. MWR-Council also says that Charbon water supply has returned to normal, however, Clandulla residents remain impacted.   Once water supply is returned to Clandulla residents, there will be unknown water quality in the Clandulla reticulation system. In so, Council advises Clandulla residents to boil town water supply until further advice is distributed, which is expected to take up to several days. Water used for drinking or food preparation should be brought to a rolling boil to make it safe. Kettles with automatic shut off switches can do this.  Water should then be allowed to cool and stored in a clean container with a lid and refrigerated.    Bottled water or cool boiled water should be used for drinkin...

A Mudgee man who was arrested earlier this month, as part of ‘Operation Ironside’, which saw a house raid and the seizure of firearms, drugs and further prohibited items - faced court again yesterday. David John Walker reappeared in court via video link where he was granted strict conditional bail. Some of those conditions include that Walker reside in Mudgee, and not leave that address from 9PM until 5am daily, not leave the Mid-Western or Dubbo council areas, can only possess one mobile device, of which the particulars are supplied to Police. He must also not attempt to contact any witnesses. Further conditions apply under the bail terms. Walker is due to reappear once again on the 6th of July.    

The NSW Government has announced that applications are now open for the 2021 round of the Community Grants Program. Not-for-profit day care services, mobile preschools and community preschools in NSW are eligible to apply for grants of up to $10,000 to support initiatives at their service. Member for Dubbo, Dugald Saunders, says the program is helping to promote educational access, and supporting increased participation for Aboriginal children and children experiencing vulnerability and disadvantage. For more information, including further eligibility criteria, you can refer to the Community Grants program guidelines.  

A man has been charged with multiple traffic offences following an investigation into a fatal crash in the region last month. Police say that around 10.30am on the 25th of May, a car and a truck collided at the intersection of Fairfield Road and The Golden Highway, in Dunedoo. The driver of the car, a 53-year-old woman died at the scene. The 46-year-old male truck driver was taken to hospital for mandatory testing. Following an investigation, he attended Wyong Police Station last Thursday, June 17th, where he was charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, negligent driving occasioning death, and drive behind other vehicle too closely to stop. The man was issued a future court attendance notice to appear before Mudgee Local Court on Wednesday the 25th of August.     

A Major development at 50 Broadhead Road was approved by Mid-Western Regional Council last night at their June meeting, despite a range of councillors noting their concerns over the intensity. The development on the former Living Earth Site, will see a total of six (6) single storey dwellings comprising either 3 or 4 , four (4) attached dual occupancies comprising either 3 or 4 bedrooms, nine (9) single storey multi-dwelling housing units comprising either 3 or 4 bedrooms and Construction of a child care centre to cater for up to 52 children. A separate subdivision of 25 lots off Robertson Road was also approved by council, despite a large number of objections. Speakers a council open day raised concerns over water runoff during rain, length of a proposed cul-de-sac and the water pressure in the area. And development for a Function Centre, Amenities Building and Change of Use to Bed and Breakfast Accommodation at Spring Flat Road was also approved by councillors.