Central Coast Green Grid: Our Place 

We are one step closer to seeing the construction of a walking and cycling trail between Caves Beach and Budgewoi after Central Coast Council endorsed the Central Coast Green Grid Plan: Our Place.

The Plan outlines the framework for future developments on the Coast that will promote healthier lifestyles and protect the local environment.

I have been a consistent advocate for the plan and have raised the issue with Central Coast Council, Lake Macquarie City Council and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.

The trail would connect Lake Macquarie and the Central Coast, as well as provide a unique opportunity to link the Fernleigh Track to the Central Coast, through the Munmorah State Conservation Area.

Council’s endorsement of the Plan is promising because it shows that they recognise the benefits that proposed projects like the walking and cycling trail would provide the local community.

Hunter and Central Coast Tenants' Advice and Advocacy Services 

In a great community win, lobbying from Hunter and Central Coast Labor MPs helped secure a funding extension for the Hunter and Central Coast Tenants Advice and Advocacy Services.

Both services were facing the prospect of losing their funding in July, after the Minister had failed to approve an extension.

The Tenants Advice and Advocacy Service do crucial work in supporting and this has never been more important than during the current housing crisis.

RFS Volunteer Appreciation Day and District Medals Presentation 

I was honoured to attend the recent RFS Volunteer Appreciation Day & District Medals Presentation.

Congratulations to these legends from the Lake Munmorah Brigade on being awarded Long Service Medals and National Emergency Medal.

Thank you to all our RFS volunteers for the amazing work you do.

Trio Bikes Initiative 

It was great to join Cycling Without Age and Novacare Community Services to launch their new trio bikes initiative.

The initiative allows seniors to get out and about Lake Macquarie with volunteers to pilot the bikes.

The program was done in partnership with Lake Macquarie Council and was a project funded via the Community Building Partnership jointly by myself, Jodie Harrison MP and Greg Piper MP.

Central Coast Council Chemical CleanOut Events 

Central Coast Council have announced new dates for the Central Coast’s Chemical CleanOut after the event was cancelled due to poor weather earlier in the year. 

Residents will be able to safely drop off their chemicals for free between 9am to 3.30pm daily, on the following dates:

• Long Jetty Council Depot, on Morris Place, Bateau Bay from Saturday 11 to Sunday 12 June 2022
• Event Park, Kariong, located off Kangoo Road, on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 August 2022
• Charmhaven Council Depot, on Chelmsford Rd, Charmhaven on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 August 2022

The full list of chemicals that can be dropped off, can be found on the NSW Environment Protection Authority website or by calling 131 555. 

This is a great opportunity for residents to 

clear out unwanted and out-of-date hazardous items from their homes. I encourage them to take part. 

Free Flu Shots 

For the month of June, people right across NSW are entitled to a free flu vaccination. 

There has been a sharp increase in flu cases and it is important that those in high-risk groups such as the elderly and children aged six months to five years get vaccinated.

For more information and to book your flu shot, visit the NSW Government website. 

Privatisation of Bus Services Inquiry 

The Privatisation of Bus Services Inquiry is currently being held by the Upper House, to investigate the privatisation of bus services across NSW.  

This week, Keolis Downer that owns Newcastle Transport attended the hearing and once again refused to restore the former 350 direct service from Swansea Heads to Newcastle.

This was a critical service to the people of Swansea and should be reinstated.

State Infrastructure Strategy 2022-2042

The NSW Liberal Government's latest State Infrastructure Strategy report flags that a number of key Western Sydney infrastructure projects will be canned, despite the region experiencing a surge in population while continuing to endure lower access to transport infrastructure. 

Western Sydney is expected to grow by 1.36 million people over the next 20 years.

Furthermore, Western Sydney LGAs are in the third of Sydney's LGAs with the least access to public transport. 

There is no doubt that the cancelling of projects combined with a booming population will exacerbate this problem 

The report also notes that the government is running out of money from its past privatisations. 

It is clear from this report that the NSW Liberal Government have completely mismanaged infrastructure delivery and have failed not only the people of Western Sydney but all NSW residents as a result. 

Review of Emerald Class Manly Ferries 

After defects were noticed, the NSW Liberal Government announced that a major review of the overseas built Emerald Class Manly ferries will take place. 

This announcement comes just days after Dominic Perrottet stated that there were no issues with the vessels.

The defects include, major steering failure, lubricating oil systems cracking and causing hot oil to spray around the engine room and fuel tank cracks. 

Due to this, ferries have been docked and commuters have been left stranded. 

We would not be hearing of this issue if the ferries had been built here. Now the people of NSW are being forced to pay for this government's mistakes.

Dine and Discover Vouchers

The NSW Government's Dine and Discover voucher scheme is due to end on 30 June. 

However, the Minister for Customer Service and Digital has announced that hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of vouchers are yet to be redeemed.  

I encourage you all to use your vouchers before the end of the month. 

Service NSW Digital Vehicle Registration Service 

Service NSW have introduced their new digital vehicle registration service that allows people to opt in to receive their rego renewal and reminders via email and alerts in the Service NSW app on your mobile.

Those who opt in will get rego reminders: 

6 weeks before your rego is due

2 weeks before it's due

The day after it’s due (if you don’t renew by the due date).

Those who opt in will no longer receive your rego renewal notification by post.

To receive your rego renewal notice via email visit the Service NSW website. 

Lake Mac Business Excellence Awards

Nominations are now open for the 2022 Lake Macquarie Business Excellence Awards, which celebrates growth, entrepreneurship and business success. 

Both individuals and businesses can be nominated for awards.  

Nominations close on Monday 6 June.

For further information and to nominate an individual or business, visit the Lake Macquarie City Council website. 

NSW Volunteer of the Year 

Nominations are now open for the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards. 

Volunteers can be nominated for one of eight categories, including: 

Young Volunteer of the Year

Adult Volunteer of the Year

Senior Volunteer of the Year

Volunteer Team of the Year

Club Volunteer of the Year

Employee Volunteer of the Year

Volunteer Leader of the Year

Not-for-Profit Voluntary Governance Award

Nominations can be made at The Centre for Volunteering website and close at 5pm on 17 June. 

I invite you to nominate volunteers from our local community. 

IMB Bank Community Foundation 2022

The IMB Bank Community Foundation are offering funding to community groups and not-for-profit organisations, and are encouraging them to apply. 

Since 1999, IMB Bank’s Community Foundation has allocated $11 million in funding to a diverse range of community groups including school, sporting, charity and volunteer organisations, with an overarching goal of improving outcomes for our local communities and the people living in them.

Applications are open until 30 June 2022.

For more information and to apply, visit the IMB Bank website. 

Swansea Mobile Shower Van

The Lions Club of Belmont's shower van visits Swansea Community Cottage every Tuesday from 10am.

All are welcome to use the facility. 

Orange Sky Laundry

Orange Sky Laundry is also operating at Swansea Community Cottage. 

Drop into the Cottage on Thursday between 11am and 1pm if you wish to use the service. 

Last wash is at 12pm