NSW Environment and Heritage in Manly Hands

In December I was sworn in by the NSW Governor and became the state’s Environment and Heritage Minister. Having been the Member for Manly for 5 years now, it is with great pride that I can bring the best of the practical environmentalism and conservation that exists in our community to the portfolios that cover the entire state. 

From the Friends of Cabbage Tree Bay, to Operation Wattle at Balgowlah Heights Primary School, the efforts of Operational Strawkle and the Friends of Ivanhoe Park Botanic Gardens to name a few, our Northern Beaches community is home to the best practical environmental groups in the state. 

As Minister for the Environment I have responsibility for the National Parks and Wildlife Agency. Through them, we manage over 7 million hectares of land across NSW, including more than 880 national parks and reserves, 4 World Heritage-listed sites, and a number of Australian National Heritage sites. These protected areas play a critical role in conserving biodiversity, as well as natural and cultural heritage. I also oversee the Environmental Protection Agency, Tarangoo Zoo and Dubbo Zoo. The important work of Heritage NSW is equally as far reaching, with more than 1,700 items on the State Heritage Register and many priceless items of Aboriginal cultural heritage. 

Priorities for the year ahead as the Minister:

• Conservation on the land – such as expanding the national parks estate, protecting threatened species, and cleaning up contaminated land.
• Caring for the Ocean and marine environment – making waterways swimmable, getting litter out of the ocean, protecting marine life and our coastal and marine ecosystems.
• Heritage – focussing on Aboriginal heritage and reforming the NSW Heritage Act to allow for better conservation practices throughout our state.
• Sustainability – scaling our efforts in the circular economy, fulfilling our commitment to drive down plastic waste. 

It is vital that we protect nature, and rehabilitate ecosystems on the land and in the ocean. I will be working hard to conserve important native vegetation and restore ecosystems at scale, putting Aboriginal land and ocean management techniques front and centre and protecting and celebrating our Aboriginal and colonial heritage.

A bright and busy year ahead for Manly

The year ahead in Manly will be equally as busy. Work will begin to expand the facilities at Manly Village Primary School, construction of Australia’s first Hospice for young adults is underway and plans for the adaptive re-use of the former Manly Hospital as a community health and well-being precinct, open to the public will continue. 

I will also be continuing work to support our local businesses as they hopefully have a strong year, leaving behind a difficult summer. Our recently announced State Government Small Business Support package has been welcomed by the Chamber of Commerce and I have enjoyed working closely with them to deliver this package. 

The feedback on the Manly Wharf 3 Upgrade project and the proposed plans for the old Aquarium site has been very positive. Again, these are two projects that I committed to
delivering and I’m thrilled to see them progressing. 

I can say that as both a Cabinet Minister and as Member for Manly, I will continue to ensure our community voice heard at the heart of Government. 

Wishing you all the best for the year ahead.