Swansea Boardwalk Opening

On Monday I had the pleasure of opening the new 230 metre boardwalk at Swansea, alongside Deputy Mayor Adam Shultz. $3 million from the NSW Public Spaces Legacy Program went towards building the boardwalk. Pirrita Island is iconic to Swansea and is frequently visited, especially over the summer period. The boardwalk makes the Island more accessible than ever before and showcases some of the best views Lake Macquarie has to offer. This is a great addition to the local area.

Funding Boost for Fernleigh Track

Since I was elected in 2015, I have been a strong advocate for the extension of the Fernleigh Track. In August, the southern section of the 1.6km Fernleigh Awabakal Shared Track (FAST), between Blacksmiths and Belmont South was officially opened. On Wednesday, the Hon. Rob Stokes - Minister for Infrastructure, Cities, and Active Transport announced $1.17 million from the Get NSW Active program has been allocated towards the construction of the TAFE Link. The link will connect the existing track at Railway Parade, Belmont with the southern section. In addition, the link will improve connectivity, as well as rider and pedestrian safety because safety improvements will be made along Green Street, Belmont, and at the intersection with Ocean Park Road. The completion of the northern section of FAST will create a 27-kilometer continuous off-road cycleway from Murrays Beach to Adamstown. With the opening of the Pirrita Boardwalk earlier this week, it is clear that the collaboration between state and local representatives is delivering millions of dollars’ worth of infrastructure for the Swansea electorate.

Swansea Channel Update

Last week, the Maritime Infrastructure Delivery Office (MIDO) advised me they are going to open the airforce channel as a navigable passage. The airforce channel is approximately 2 metres in depth and will therefore be a safe passage. This is a temporary measure, with navigational buoys due to be installed in 2 weeks. Dredging is planned to commence in February 2023. A longer term dredging program is scheduled for later in the year. Dredging of Swansea Channel is a project that has dragged out for far too long and has caused frustration within the local community. While I am pleased MIDO are thinking outside the box, it is disappointing that they have not met their own timeline for dredge works. Going forward, it is critical for MIDO to ensure that dredging is undertaken before shoaling occurs.

Congratulations Stuart, Heather and Ian

It was wonderful to celebrate Swansea locals Stuart Durie, Heather Mellor and Ian Wright on achieving 50 years of service as Justices of the Peace (JPs) at Parliament last week. JPs are volunteers appointed by the Governor of New South Wales, and their primary role is to witness a person making a statutory declaration or affidavit, and to certify copies of original documents. I thank Stuart, Heather and Ian for their service.

Labor to Establish a Bus Industry Taskforce

On Wednesday, Labor announced if elected it would establish a bus industry taskforce to deal with the consequences of the NSW Liberal government’s failed bus privatisation agenda and make bus services better for communities that have been let down by privatisation. The Taskforce would include representatives from industry, the union movement and community stakeholders. It would be tasked with implementing the recommendations of the recent inquiry into bus privatisation and improving services. What happened to our bus services in Newcastle is a clear example of why privatisation doesn't work. This commitment from Labor would make a major difference for many in our community as it would repair the damage caused by the Liberals and bring back bus services that take people where they need to be.

Health Workers Strike

Last week, health workers across the state took industrial action for better pay and working conditions. This is the fourth strike calling on the Government to address staffing conditions in our hospitals. Labor has committed to safe staffing levels meaning one nurse to three patients in Emergency Departments, as well as abolishing the wage cap. The Liberals have delivered nothing more than a decade of distain for our frontline health workers. It is about time they listened to them and addresseed the challenges they face everyday.

NSW Train Agreement

After 500 days the rail dispute is finally over. The Government has agreed to address the safety issues on the South Korean manufactured Intercity Fleet Trains. This is not only a win for workers, but also passengers right across the state who have been inconvenienced by industrial action. However, they should not have had to wait this long for a resolution. The New Intercity Fleet trains could have been on the tracks servicing passengers months ago. Instead, they have been locked up in sheds costing taxpayers nearly $30 million a month. This could all have been avoided if the trains had been built in NSW in the first place. That is why Labor has committed to building the new Tangara fleet here.

NSW Regional Outdoor Survey

The Department of Planning and Environment has recently launched the NSW Regional Outdoor Survey. The survey is an opportunity for locals to share what is important to them about public open space. The information gathered will be used to shape future government public open space programs. The findings will also be shared with Councils to help inform future planning, design and construction of public open spaces. For more information and to participate in the survey, visit the NSW Government website.

Lake Mac Awards

Nominations are now open for the 2023 Lake Mac Awards. The Awards are a celebration of creativity, activity and inclusivity that aim to shine a spotlight on local quiet achievers who make Lake Macquarie a great place to live. Nominations close 12 December and can be made at the Lake Mac Awards website. Finalists and category winners will be recognised at a gala ceremony on 11 March 2023.

YES Hub

The YES Hub is back at Swansea Community Cottage. The Hub runs each Wednesday from 2.30pm to 4.30pm until the end of Term 4. High school students can attend a free 45 minute boot camp at Body 360. Free food, drinks and activities are also available. For more information contact the Cottage on 4971 1229. 

Savings for Pensioners 

The rise in the cost of living has been hitting many people hard, especially pensioners. Here are 10 ways for NSW pensioners to save:

1. Council rate rebates: Pensioners are entitled to up to $250 a year off their council rates. For more information visit the Lake Macquarie City Council and Central Coast Council websites. 
2. Electricity rebate: The Low Income Household Rebate will shave up to $285 a year off your electricity bill for households with a retail provider.
3. Gas rebate: This rebate will give you a discount of up to $110 a year.
4. Water rates: Eligible pensioners can access a quarterly rebate, shaving hundreds of dollars a year off a typical household bill.
5. Regional seniors travel card: The regional seniors travel card provides eligible seniors living in regional, rural and remote areas of NSW with a $250 prepaid card to help ease the cost of travel. 
6. Revenue NSW Unclaimed Money: Find “lost” money waiting to be claimed from inactive bank accounts, shares and investments, insurance policies, unpaid wages, unclaimed super and deceased estates.
7. Travel vouchers: Pensioners are entitled to four Pensioner Travel Vouchers each calendar year. They can be used for two return or four single trips, giving access to free or discounted travel in economy class on NSW TrainLink Regional services within regional NSW.
8. Free car rego: Pensioners in NSW don’t pay registration fees or motor vehicle tax on one of their cars. They also receive free driver’s licences, free driving tests and concessions on the cost of Mobility Parking Scheme permits.
9. Free glasses: You can get yourself one pair of single vision glasses or one pair of bifocal glasses in a two-year period under the NSW Spectacles Program.
10. Seniors Card: The NSW Seniors Card is packed with discounts for thousands of retailers and services across the state from groceries to tradespeople and insurance.

I encourage all seniors to apply for these savings if they haven't already.