As fireworks erupt to mark the start of 2019, a slew of new laws and programs will come into effect across the region from NSW’s baby bundles to free Victorian TAFE courses.
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The new year will see the start and conclusion of many long-awaited projects on the Border and will bring a shake up at Wodonga Council.
Chief executive Patience Harrington formally leaves council’s top job in January and a replacement for former-councillor turned state senator-elect Tim Quilty will be announced following a January 14 countback of 2016 votes.
In March, work is expected to begin on long-awaited upgrades to the North East rail-line which will allow V/Locity trains to travel at 130km/h.
It should be a good year for cycling in the region with the federal government’s $594,550 project to seal an eight kilometre stretch along the old Bandiana rail corridor anticipated to be completed by May, while bike turn out lanes along Mount Buffalo Road are expected to be completed by July 2019.
The second stage of upgrades to a notorious stretch of Beechworth-Wodonga Road, which claimed five lives in five years, is slated to be completed by mid-2019.
The new year marks the beginning of a year-long celebration in Walla, with the town celebrating the 150th anniversary of its settlement.
From January 1, TAFE courses from nursing to agriculture will be free for Victorian students, with the state government subsidising 30 non-apprentice and 20 apprentice courses in priority areas.
In 2019 the federal government has introduced a cap on the amount it will loan VET or university students under the HELP scheme, with a lifetime limit for most students of $104,440.
NSW newborns welcomed into the world on or after January 1 will be accompanied home by a ‘baby bundle’ funded by the state government. The $300 hamper includes a sleeping bag, change mat and first aid kit.
Meanwhile, all three-year-olds in NSW will have access to preschool subsidies for two days a week, in a move to encourage children to attend two years of preschool.
From Tuesday, all sheep and non-exempt goats in Victoria must be electronically tagged before the animals leave their property.
In Victoria, real-time prescription monitoring will be in place from January 1.
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Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
Digital journalists with The Border Mail.
