Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson addresses the gathering at the Warilla Community Centre last week. Picture: ORLANDO CHIODO
SHELLHARBOUR Hospital, council amalgamation, a possible Albion Park bypass and the controversial Shellharbour City Hub were among topics raised at a community forum attended by representatives from all three levels of government.
The forum, held at the Warilla Community Centre last Friday, was the brainchild of state Shellharbour MP Anna Watson.
It was also attended by federal Member for Throsby Stephen Jones and Shellharbour Mayor Marianne Saliba.
"The idea behind the forum was so we can provide a one-stop shop for residents," Ms Watson said.
"Sometimes it's hard to know what tier of government deals with what issue. Events like this allow people to find that out and then raise it with the appropriate person."
After hearing from residents, Ms Watson nominated securing funding for Shellharbour Hospital and making progress on a possible Albion Park bypass as two of the bigger issues the area is facing at state government level.
For Cr Saliba, who spoke against council amalgamation, the fact that the issue was raised was a pleasant surprise.
"I was surprised that the issue of amalgamation was raised, sometimes you wonder if people are paying attention to the challenges local government faces and I was pleased to hear people speak against it," she said.
Mr Jones said the fact all three representatives come from the Labor Party was good for the region.
"It's an advantage, it means that all levels of government can work together without having to worry about political games being played."