Ben Franklin | Politician
Ben Franklin
Phone: +61 2 9230 3793
Reviews
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23.01.2022 Happy Australia Day! Today we celebrate all that it is to be Australian - our achievements, our tenacity and our decency. I was so proud to attend the Ballina Australia Day ceremony today and acknowledge the extraordinary service of so many members of our community. ... People like: * Citizen of the Year Barbara Swain, who has done incredible work in the mental health space. * Young Citizen of the Year Ryan Webb who gave an inspiring speech that true happiness and fulfillment are achieved by serving others. * Senior Citizens of the Year Geoff Harris and John Beasley who have given decades of service to the Lennox Head SLSC * Volunteers of the year Ballina Jet Boat Rescue and the amazing Ballina-on-Richmond Rotary Club * Jenny, Robyn and the team from Paradise FM for organising the community event of the Year alongside the Ballina RSL Sub Branch - the live broadcast of Anzac Day last year. Local resident Liz Ellis did a great job as MC and special guest James Bracey gave a very entertaining speech. But for me the highlight was hearing young Lennox Broadley perform his winning Harmony Day composition. A true triple threat, he has a very bright future ahead of him. Witnessing all of these extraordinary people - and so many others - makes me incredibly proud to be an Australian.
22.01.2022 Today, at the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, we pause to remember those who have sacrificed their life in war so we may live ours in peace. On this day, at this hour in 1918, World War I was over. 102 years has passed and Remembrance Day now stands as a time we acknowledge and thank all Australians who have died or suffered in all wars and armed conflicts. We also pay our respects to their families.... Thank you to all our servicemen and women who are currently serving in our armed forces. We are truly grateful for your unwavering commitment to our Nation. Lest We Forget.
19.01.2022 COULD THE NEXT MATILDA BE FROM THE NORTHERN RIVERS? A new talent identification and youth development program for girls in regional NSW is being established to support young women who aspire to one day play for the Matildas The NSW Government is investing $750,000 to set up training hubs across the state which will include Northern NSW, the Southern Highlands, South Coast, Riverina and Western NSW.... The program will focus on girls aged between 12 and 18 and they will be supported through training camps, support scholarships and be tutored by current and former Matildas This is an exciting new era for women’s soccer and we’re supporting pathways for aspiring players across NSW who dream of wearing the green and gold! #FIFAWWC #WomeninFootball #regionalNSW Westfield Matildas
16.01.2022 Last night I attended one of the most profound dance performances I have seen as part of the Sydney Festival at the Campbelltown Arts Centre. ‘The Complication of Lyrebirds’ is an incredible dance performance that explores the breaking away from expectations of what it means to look and sound aboriginal. It was deep, raw, evocative and took the entire audience on a journey of the experiences of many indigenous people throughout history, and today.... Choreographer and performer Jasmin Sheppard has seamlessly used a brilliant musical score, costuming, digital artistry and historical artefacts to bring this piece to life. I was truly captivated and hope to see this piece performed far and wide across NSW. A huge thank you to Director of the Campbelltown Arts Centre, Michael Dagostino for inviting me to this incredible performance His work and vision for the Centre has created an amazing space with the local community and artists at its core It was wonderful to be able to also join Sydney Festival Director Wesley Enoch at the performance in his final year directing the event. His passion has taken the Festival to new heights and it is truly a credit to his leadership that the Festival has been able to go ahead this year. A huge congratulations to everyone involved in the performance, both on stage and behind the scenes - there is a bright future ahead for the arts in NSW #sydfest #sydneyfestival #arts
16.01.2022 A BLUE LAGOON FOR THE NORTHERN RIVERS I was introduced to the most STUNNING turquoise water recently at the Bexhill Quarry. An absolute hidden gem on the Northern Rivers, this spot is picturesque ... It was great to meet with the Bexhill Quarry Parklands Group who are working to make the site more accessible and usable for the community and to attract visitors to the area. Their vision is to develop the Bexhill Quarry site into a regional park that restores natural vegetation to the area and create a recreation space for people to enjoy And since it is right next to the old rail line it could be a wonderful attraction for the Rail Trail in the future! To see how stunning this area is and plans the Group has for the future, check out the Bexhill Quarry Parklands Facebook Page. Thank you to the team for taking me on a tour, I’m looking forward to the future of the quarry site. Northern Rivers Rail Trail Supporters
16.01.2022 TRANSFORMING NATIONAL FREIGHT MOVEMENT THANKS TO NEW BRIDGE AT WARDELL For the first time EVER, B-Double Higher Mass Limit (HML) vehicles will be able to travel directly between Brisbane and Sydney on the Pacific Highway. It was great to join Minister for Regional Roads and Transport Paul Toole MP at the new bridge in Wardell to celebrate this milestone.... Now that the last of load-restricted bridges for HML vehicles has been bypassed, freight can be moved more efficiently up and down the east coast. The new bridge has allowed trucks moving the most freight on our highways to carry 15% more This means less vehicles are needed to carry the same amount, reducing transportation costs, reducing trucks on the road and improving productivity. We are SO CLOSE to the completion of all 657km of the Pacific Highway and this is one of the final steps!
15.01.2022 FREE PRESCHOOL EXTENDED TO THE END OF 2021 The NSW Government has provided an additional $120 million in funding to community and mobile preschools to support families and their children. More than 44,000 three to five year olds across NSW attending community preschools will benefit and families could save up to $2,000 per year, per child.... This makes a huge difference for parents and eases some of the financial pressures many families are facing. Thank you to Minister for Education and Early Childhood Sarah Mitchell MLC for her strong advocacy in this space. #education #preschool
12.01.2022 IT’S SHOWTIME Great news to our ears, country shows can return in 2021 I know how devastated we all were when many of our local shows had to be cancelled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but plans are underway to make sure our shows can go ahead next year in a COVID-Safe way.... NSW Health and NSW Police will be working closely with event organisers to help make sure COVID-Safe measures are in place Up to 5,000 people will be able to attend a show at any one time and there will need to be COVID-Safe plans in place which include: social distancing controlled access at entry points Service NSW COVIDSafe QR codes The NSW Government is also working with the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW to explore options for the 2021 Sydney Royal Easter Show Thank you to all of our local show societies who have kept their spirits up this year, especially when events had to be cancelled. Guidelines and checklists for country shows will be available online at www.nsw.gov.au/COVID-19 Alstonville Agricultural Show Bangalow Show Society Mullumbimby Agricultural Show North Coast National Bonalbo Show Society Casino Show Society Inc Kyogle Show - The Kyogle PA & H Show Society Murwillumbah Show Tenterfield Show Society Agricultural Societies Council of NSW Ltd Agricultural Shows Australia #agriculture #agshows #regionalNSW
12.01.2022 ELECTRICITY ROADMAP FOR NSW The NSW Government is building you clean, affordable and reliable electricity to support the future needs of this state Our new Energy Roadmap was announced this morning and details what action we are taking today to secure the energy needs of tomorrow.... This will be achieved by coordinating energy generation, transmission and storage through: Renewable Energy Zones in the Central West, South West and New England regions Pumped Hydro Gas and batteries $32 billion in private investment in renewable energy infrastructure These projects will keep us on track to deliver 90 million tonnes of reduced carbon emissions by 2030. The Roadmap will support the creation of over 9,000 jobs (most of which will be in regional NSW) and reduce power bills by an average of $130 a year for homes and $430 for businesses. NSW is leading Australia in renewable energy infrastructure and setting the benchmark for our Nation. You can see the full Roadmap online at https://bit.ly/38qsL3M #renewableenergy #regionalnsw
12.01.2022 Today marks one year since our first COVID-19 case in Australia. Although it has certainly been a tough year for us all, when we look at what is happening in many other countries around the world, I believe we are incredibly lucky to live in Australia To everyone who has lost a family member or friend to COVID-19, my thoughts are with you.... To our local businesses and community organisations, please know that I am continuing to represent you on Macquarie Street. To our entire community, thank you for the incredible efforts and sacrifices you have made to help keep us all safe - it has not been easy, but I am truly grateful Here’s to a better year for us all!
12.01.2022 WHAT DOES THE NEW BUDGET MEAN FOR YOU? Today, the NSW Government delivered our 2020-2021 budget, and what a win it is for regional NSW! This budget is about recovery, rebuilding and coming out the other side of this pandemic stronger than ever ... Some highlights include: Four x $25 vouchers to every adult resident in NSW to spend at food and entertainment venues $1,500 worth of digital vouchers for small and medium businesses to help pay for Government fees and charges $10 million grants program to assist women back into the workforce with up to $5,000 available to individuals $17 million to support pregnant women suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum $56 million for more palliative care services $49.6 million for lifesaving gene therapy for blood cancer patients $57.4 million to help mature workers and women take up a trade $39.3 million boost for the Business Connect program The Northern Rivers is also a winner in today’s announcements and our schools, hospitals and local infrastructure will all see significant investment by the NSW Government. There is a great many more benefits for the people of NSW and you can find more information at www.budget.nsw.gov.au
11.01.2022 10 BRIDGES TO BE REPLACED IN LISMORE Wonderful to announce $10 million for Lismore City Council to replace 10 timber bridges in the Shire that are reaching the end of their life. Minister Paul Toole MP and I joined Lismore Council to announce the funding at Walsh Bridge which is set to be replaced by 2023.... Lismore is a major town in the Northern Rivers that is the gateway to the North West of the State and replacing these bridges is vital to support movement and connectivity across Northern NSW. We know that many timber bridges currently have weight and traffic restrictions and so replacing them with modern structures will allow for people to more easily and safely get to work, school and run their business The maintenance costs of many of these old timber bridges are HUGE and so this funding from the NSW Government’s Fixing Country Bridges Program will mean Councils have more opportunity to invest in other areas of the community.
09.01.2022 It was a genuine privilege to address the Byron Shire Australia Day ceremony. And it was an even greater privilege to acknowledge and thank the amazing members of our community who have given so much - none more so than new Citizen of the Year Zenith Virago who has assisted so many in our region through their most difficult times.
09.01.2022 A wonderful two days in Dubbo at the Nats Campaign Workshop. Great people. Beautiful town. And an inspiring focus on the issues that matter most to regional people. Well done to Peter and the team on a fantastic weekend!
08.01.2022 I led for the Government on the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Amendment Bill 2021 today, which I’m proud to say passed in the Upper House. This Bill will ensure offenders caught committing acts of cruelty to animals will now face the harshest set of penalties in Australia. People who abuse animals (including failure to provide food and shelter) will be slapped with fines of up to $110,000 and/or two years’ imprisonment.... I’m very proud to have had carriage of this Bill in the NSW Legislative Council, representing my NSW Nationals colleague and Minister for Agriculture Adam Marshall MP. We know that most people in NSW do the right thing and look after their animals, but unfortunately there are some who don’t and these new penalties target them.
07.01.2022 WE CAN NOW STAND IN PUBS AND CLUBS IN NSW Great news! The NSW Premier announced this morning that from today, patrons in indoor venues, pubs and clubs can now stand while drinking. Venues will still need to have a COVID-19 safety plan in place as well as QR code check-ins. ... For more information on what you can and can’t do under the rules and to make sure your business is COVID-safe, head to www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
07.01.2022 COVID-19 UPDATE EASED RESTRICTIONS From Monday 23 Nov the following will be allowed: Up to 500 people at OUTDOOR religious services the audience must be seated with 1 person per 2 square metres if assigned a seat, or 1 person per 4 square metres if seated in an allocated seated area (e.g. where the grass is marked or on picnic rugs).... Up to 30 singers for OUTDOOR singing and carols it must be COVID-safe and the limit of five still applies indoors. The audience/congregation can join in but they MUST be wearing a mask up to 3,000 people can attend controlled, OUTDOOR events that are ticketed and held in an enclosed/fenced in area distancing rules apply including 1 person per 2 square metres if assigned a seat, or 1 person per 4 square metres if seated in an allocated seated area (e.g. where the grass is marked or on picnic rugs). From 1 December up to 300 people will be able to attend a funeral, with distancing requirements still applicable. More info available at www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19
05.01.2022 HAVE YOUR SAY ON WATER IN OUR REGION The Draft Regional Water Strategy for the Far North Coast is now on display and the community is invited to join a webinar and face-to-face consultations to provide feedback. These sessions will be held on the following dates:... Webinar Monday 9 November 2-4pm Face-to-Face consultation Wednesday 11 November 9:30am in Tweed Heads Face-to-Face consultation Thursday 12 November 9:30am in Lismore Local Aboriginal engagement Wednesday 11 November 1:30pm-4pm in Tweed Heads Local Aboriginal engagement Thursday 12 November 1:30pm-4pm in Lismore You can also provide feedback online, register for the sessions and find out more about the strategy https://www.industry.nsw.gov.au//public-ex/far-north-coast Our region is diverse and this is an important opportunity for agriculturalists, councils, businesses and residents to have their say on how local water infrastructure is managed into the future.
03.01.2022 APPLY FOR YOUR FREE DINE AND DISCOVER VOUCHERS To help our hospitality and tourism industry get back on its feet, the NSW Government is offering every NSW Resident over the age of 18 4x $25 Dine and Discover Vouchers. These vouchers are FREE and will be divided into two categories:... 2 x $25 vouchers to use at restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars 2 x $25 vouchers for entertainment such as live music and arts and cultural venues The program is being rolled out across NSW so apply now for your vouchers to use them as soon as Dine and Discover starts in the Northern Rivers (soon!) If you're a local business and want to take part there is still time to register! To apply for your vouchers, or register your business, head to: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/campaign/dine-discover-nsw
02.01.2022 THANK YOU TO OUR SURF LIFESAVERS Yesterday, Parliament held its annual Surf Lifesaving NSW Volunteer Recognition Day. It was wonderful to meet and chat with some of NSW’s finest, including many winners of this year’s state Awards of Excellence ... Our beaches are iconic, but so is the yellow and red uniform that we trust to keep us safe in the water. Thank you to Surf Life Saving NSW and to all the volunteers who give so much of themselves to protect us on the beach and in the water. Ballina Lighthouse & Lismore SLSC Brunswick SLSC Byron Bay Surf Life Saving Club Lennox Head - Alstonville SLSC Evans Head-Casino SLSC Inc. Fingal Rovers Surf Life Saving Club #slsnsw #surflifesaving
