It’s been just over 100 days since I was elected as your independent MP for Wakehurst, so I wanted to use this opportunity to give you an update on some of the big issues my team and I have been working on since the NSW state election.
Lizard Rock update
I was proud to accept the petition of over 12,000 signatures to save Lizard Rock. I want to thank and congratulate the Bushland Guardians on this incredible achievement. Together, we have helped to bring important attention to the issue. I tabled the petition in parliament last month and led the debate on this pressing issue. I was proud to be accompanied by 130 community members who watched the debate in parliament.
I also met with the both the Premier as well as the Minister for Planning and Public Spaces to firmly reiterate Wakehurst’s steadfast opposition to the Lizard Rock development. We have made it abundantly clear; this is the wrong place for this proposed development, and I will continue to work hard to see it stopped for good.
Improving bus services on the Northern Beaches
Everyone that relies on public transport on the Northern Beaches knows the impact delayed and cancelled services are having on our bus services. One of my first actions was to meet with Transport Minister Jo Haylen, and welcome the Parliamentary Secretary for Transport, Dr Marjorie O’Neil to Wakehurst for the first Bus Task Passenger Forum in NSW. This forum was attended by over 100 locals and it’s crucial that our community’s feedback is taken on board by the new Minns Government. As we know, the core issues are unreliable services, cancellations, long queues and safety issues – all of which cannot continue in the future.
Since the forum, Transport for NSW has announced some bus services on the Northern Beaches would be temporarily suspended in order to provide reliability in the short term until driver capacity is back to normal levels. I’ve had full and frank discussions with the operator Keolis Downer and Transport for NSW.
I have made clear that I expect full services back in operation before Christmas so the people of Wakehurst and the Northern Beaches get back the bus services they need and deserve. I’m optimistic this is achievable, but it will take focus and effort from all parties involved.
Standing up for our public schools
For too long our public schools have been neglected by successive state governments. Public education is a bedrock for our youth. As many students, faculty and parents have known for some time, some of our local public school facility conditions are in a shocking state. I have invited the Education Minister to join me on a tour of some of our local schools, which are in dire need of adequate funding and repair.
Schools are having to compete for funding, and this model is failing our kids. I have met with the Directors of Educational Leadership to have robust conversations about which schools are in the greatest need of support. Our kids deserve the best public education and parents should feel confident that facilities are up to scratch. Especially as the numbers continue to increase.
Here to support our community
Remember I am here to support our community so if you have any issues, concerns or ideas you can contact me and my team at our Dee Why office via wakehurst@parliament.nsw.gov.au or at 9981 1111