Northern Rivers businesses shine at awards night

by Janelle Saffin MP, State Member for Lismore

Our region is a hotspot for entrepreneurial spirit and our businesses are an essential part of the fabric of our diverse communities, so it’s great to be able to recognise them for the contribution they make.

On 16^th September I attended the 2023 Northern Rivers Business NSW awards and presented the award for Outstanding Young Business Leader. This was just one of 21 award categories, with over 100 Northern Rivers finalists selected across all categories.

All of the finalists were there because of their passion and drive for what they do, and they represented every section of the business community from the smallest microbusiness to some of our largest employers.

I was pleased to present the Outstanding Young Business Leader award to Josh Northeast of Jnortheast Films, a talented young creative from Murwillumbah.

The big award of the night, the 2023 Business of the Year, deservedly went to Summerland Credit Union which has been a big presence in our region since 1944. Like so many businesses in our area, they have gone above and beyond to get our communities back on their feet following the disastrous 2022 floods.

Congratulations to Jane Laverty, Regional Director Business NSW Northern Rivers, and Andy Vidler, President Business NSW Northern Rivers Regional Advisory Council. Their prominent roles advocating for the local business community is much appreciated, and it was great to see such a strong field of contenders on the awards night.

Alphadale Roundabout funded in Budget

I’m pleased to report that funding for the Alphadale Roundabout, a key election commitment of mine, has been announced in the first Minns Government Budget.

The Government has allocated $7.5 million in the State Budget construction of the roundabout at this notorious black spot.

This is something I fought for throughout my first term as Member for Lismore, as being critical to improving the safety of the Bruxner Highway between Goonellabah and Wollongbar.

Residents have been asking for a roundabout for many years, and I took it up as it was about the safety of local families and everyone using the intersection.

I raised this issue six times in Parliament and kept up the lobbying with Ministers and shadow ministers to make sure it got attention.

As well as the roundabout, I called for the speed zone to be reduced to 60km in the area and that was included in the Budget. I note that just before the Budget there was a reduction to 70k in the zone, but the commitment was for 60k and that needs to happen.

I want to thank the residents of the area for supporting my representations over the years for making the Bruxner Highway safer between Wollongbar and Goonellabah.  It has been a long campaign.

The $7.5 million for Alphadale is part of $41 million announced in the Budget towards upgrading legacy roads and bridges across the Lismore electorate.

More to come on Resilient Homes

I know the Budget number that everyone in the Northern Rivers was waiting for was the amount to be allocated for tranche 2 of the Resilient Homes Program. I welcome the extra $100 million that has now been provided, but everyone knows we need more.

On Budget Day Premier Chris Minns told NSW Parliament that he will be asking the Commonwealth for additional funds for the Northern Rivers recovery effort in recognition that current funding is not enough, but the Premier also stated categorically that NSW is willing “to go it alone” if need be.

The Premier made it clear on his visit to Lismore last week that there was more to come.

For more local Lismore news, click here.