The Hon Michael McCormack MP

With the upcoming Easter long weekend and school holidays starting across much of the country, the Australian Government is urging Australians to keep safe whilst travelling.

Australians are expected to snap up 800,000 half-price airfares with the first tickets going on sale at midnight tonight.

Communities across New South Wales will see work start to upgrade priority local roads within months thanks to $150 million in funding from the Australian and NSW Governments.

The Esperance Jetty was officially opened today with dignitaries, community members and visitors from across the state gathering at the Jetty Headland to celebrate the historic occasion.

The Parkes Newell Highway Bypass is a step close with tenders being called to build the $187.2 million project, which is being funded by the Australian and New South Wales governments.

Major works are underway to build two new lanes northbound on the Barton Highway from south of the New South Wales- Australian Capital Territory border to the intersection of Rolfe Road.

Work to provide more overtaking opportunities on the Newell Highway has taken another leap forward with two lanes recently completed at Redbank and Coobang.

Elite athletes and competitive swimmers will benefit from the redeveloped Wangaratta Indoor Sport and Aquatic Centre, which opened today in the northern Victorian town.