The NSW government will assist first home buyers by significantly reducing stamp duty and providing more housing choice. These changes could save first home buyers up to $34,360. Stamp duty will be abolished for all first home buyers on properties priced up to $650,000, and discounts will apply on properties up to $800,000.

FESL defferal  

On May 30, the NSW government announced it will defer the introduction of the Fire & Emergency Services Levy (FESL) on council rates. The existing levy will continue to be collected via insurance policies. The government is committed to reducing the state’s high rate of under-insurance and to a fairer funding of our fire and emergency services. This deferral is in response to feedback about how the FESL would affect residents and businesses. The government will now work with stakeholders to find a path forward.

Emergency Services awards 

Congratulations to Wauchope’s SES deputy unit controller Gerard de Vries who is a finalist in the 2017 Rotary NSW Emergency Services Community Awards. He and fellow Oxley electorate finalist Marion Gill from Kempsey SES will attend an awards presentation dinner on August 4. Our local emergency services personnel and volunteers selflessly respond to all manner of emergencies and I’m proud that Gerard and Marion have been praised for their efforts.  

Road Safety Grants

Applications for the third round of the NSW government’s Community Road Safety Grants program, which supports community organisations to improve road safety, open June 13. The government will award up to $1.6 million over four years using a competitive process. Two categories are available: for smaller projects with up to $5000 available for each idea; and for more substantial projects worth up to $30,000. To submit an application go to: roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/aboutthecentre/communitygrants/.