Waratah Super Battery

I have written to the NSW Treasurer and Energy Minister calling the Government to locate the Waratah Super Battery at the old Munmorah Power Station site. 

Following the announcement of the closure of the Eraring Power Station, the Government committed to building the 700MW Battery, which the Treasurer described as the "largest network battery in the Southern Hemisphere". 

The Munmorah Power Station site is an ideal location for the battery as the necessary infrastructure is already in place. 

Locating the battery here will also ensure jobs for members of our community during the construction phase, as well as a number of ongoing jobs.

Let's hope that the Government install the super battery here. 

Mowing of Median Strips 

It is pleasing to see that Transport for NSW have started to mow median strip grass along the Pacific Highway. 

This grass has grown to dangerous lengths due to recent rain and humid conditions and is obscuring drivers' vision. 

I wrote to Transport for NSW asking them to urgently address this issue.

This is a great win for our community. 

Swansea Channel Boardwalk 

Construction of the new Swansea Channel boardwalk has commenced. 

The boardwalk will allow locals to easily travel between the western foreshore of the lake and the pathway that runs along the Swansea Gardens Lakeside Holiday Park. 

Works will be completed in 3 stages and will include vegetation management, installation of exercise stations and carpark improvements.

The boardwalk is part of an $3.5 million project to enhance Swansea Foreshore and is expected to officially open for community use early next year.  

This is a great project for Swansea. 

Change to Tuggerah Lakes Flood Warning Levels

Following the February 2020 flood, which reached 1.67 metres in Tuggerah Lakes and had widespread impacts across the Coast, I attended a meeting with Mr David Mehan MP and Central Coast Council staff about flood preparedness in Tuggerah Lakes. 

During this meeting, Council committed to working with the SES and Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) to construct a clearer and more consistent definition of minor, moderate and major flooding within Tuggerah Lakes. 

Whilst the minor flood level remains at 0.9 metres, BOM have lowered the moderate level from 1.8 metres to 1.3 metres. They have also lowered the major level from 2.2 metres to 1.6 metres. 

This is a great win for the local community and will allow more accurate flood warnings to be delivered in the future. 

Lake Mac Awards 

On Saturday 30 April I had the pleasure of attending the 2022 Lake Mac Awards ceremony. 

The ceremony was a great opportunity to recognise and celebrate the amazing achievements of members of our community. 

At the ceremony I was also honoured to present the Lake Mac Arts Leader Award to Ulanda and Caroli de Villiers who run Kwas Studio in Warners Bay. 

Congratulations to all of the finalists and award recipients. 

Teachers Strike 

On Wednesday teachers across the state went on strike to protest the Perrottet Government's refusal to address teacher shortages, high workloads and low wages.

There are 114 of permanent teaching vacancies in the Hunter alone. 

It is time for the Government to listen to our teachers and provide them with the time, money and resources that they deserve. 

Parliamentary Inquiry into the Privatisation of Buses 

On Tuesday I presented evidence to the NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into the privatisation of bus services. 

The privatisation of buses has had a significant impact on people right across the state. 

This includes the people of Lake Macquarie with the removal of the former 350 service doubling travel and bus wait times. 

Catherine Hill Bay, Cams Wharf, Murrays Beach and Nords Wharf residents also remain stranded because of the lack of bus services. 

Let's hope that the committee take the evidence seriously and recommend the Government to direct services from Swansea Heads to Newcastle that were provided by the former 350 service. 

Toll Rise

Inflation is rising, interest rates are rising and now the NSW Liberal Government are increasing tolls from July 1.

The Government are also looking to move to distance-based tolls that will see Central Coast motorists paying more.

I know this will cause economic stress to people across both our region and the state.

I urge the Government to reconsider their plan to adopt this model. 

Blue Plaques Program Rorting Scandal 

The NSW Government has failed to award Labor electorates with Blue Plaques in the first phase of the program. 

The program was established to recognise individuals, landmarks and events of historical importance to NSW communities. 

763 nominations were made state-wide, with 17 successful applicants. These applicants are located in Liberal National and Independent seats. 

It is disappointing that the efforts of community members and historical groups to preserve local history has gone unnoticed because the Liberal Government decided to rig the program to suit their own political agenda. 

Once again the Government have proved to the people of NSW that they cannot be trusted. 

Become a Scout 

Scouts Australia is one of the countries largest youth development organisations, providing young people aged 5 to 25 with fun and challenging opportunities to grow through adventure.

Scouts take part in a variety activities including camping, abseiling and rock climbing. Members also gain vocational skills and learn about topics including youth health the issues facing Indigenous Australians.

If you are interested in joining your local Scout group or know someone who does, please visit the Scout Australia website or scan the barcode.  

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 

2022 Regional Seniors Travel Card

Seniors can now apply for the 2022 Regional Seniors Travel card.

The card is worth $250 and can be used at certain retailers to pay for pre-booked NSW Trainlink Regional trains and coaches, fuel and taxis.  

Applications close on 30 November 2022. 

For further information on the card and how to apply, visit the Service NSW website.