While much of the political focus will centre on federal parliament in 2016, an election year, the Illawarra’s state MPs are gearing up for another big 12 months in Macquarie Street.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The region’s politicians – who cover an area from Heathcote to Kiama – return to the NSW Parliament for the first sitting day of the year on Tuesday.
Prior to their summer hiatus coming to an end, the Mercury quizzed each of the parliamentarians about their aspirations for the year.
We’ve heard some before and others stem from previous government decisions, but a desire to fight for the region – and the people who live here – has emerged.
“What I actually look forward to the most is working with all parties at the table … to ensure that we have a brighter future for the Illawarra and we build it together,” the region’s parliamentary secretary, and Kiama MP, Gareth Ward said.
“Building a future for the region isn’t going to happen by simply one group of people saying they’ve got all the answers; no one does.”
Labor spokesman for the Illawarra, and Member for Keira, Ryan Park echoed the bipartisan approach.
“We won’t always agree, but we will certainly always put the region first – that’s what the community expects of all of their MPs, regardless of their political persuasions,” Mr Park said.
The Labor MP said work on the Bulli Hospital upgrade should begin to take shape in 2016 and he hoped all of the $100 million reaped from the long-term lease of the port of Port Kembla in 2013 would finally be spent.
Modernising infrastructure, like Bulli Hospital, is also a key priority for Heathcote MP Lee Evans.
“An unprecedented budget is being spent on bringing NSW not only up to the 21st century, but taking it into the future,” Mr Evans said.
On the investment front, Member for Shellharbour Anna Watson has stressed her determination to ensure the government’s promised upgrade of Shellharbour Hospital and Albion Park Rail Bypass construction are delivered in the next two state budgets.
The two projects are worth a combined total of $800 million.
“The government seems ready to let these projects slide until the eve of the next election in 2019 for glib and cynical election headlines,” Ms Watson said.
For Wollongong MP Noreen Hay, the recent spate of job losses in the region has her “very concerned” and motivated to fight for change.
“This government has to face up to its obligation to this region and look at investing serious investment here to help create employment, not just to sit back quietly and watch it all disappear,” Ms Hay said.
ILLAWARRA POLITICIANS’ 2016 PRIORITIES
The Illawarra’s five state politicians return from their summer hiatus this week.
The Mercury asked each of our MPs to list their top three priorities for the parliamentary year ahead.
Lee Evans – Member for Heathcote
- Upgrade of Helensburgh Railway Station – weather covering
- Commencement of Bulli Geriatric Facility
- Implementation of pinch point program
Ryan Park – Member for Keira
- Mount Keira revitalisation
- Bulli Hospital redevelopment
- Road upgrades, including Bulli Pass and Appin Road
Noreen Hay – Member for Wollongong
- Easy-access lifts at Unanderra train station
- A convention centre as an extension of the WIN Entertainment Centre.
- A fund for the revitalisation of Port Kembla
Anna Watson – Member for Shellharbour
- 2016/17 budget allocation of $250 million to start Shellharbour Hospital upgrade
- Push to complete all approvals required for the Albion Park Rail Bypass
- Develop a priority funding package to address critical infrastructure for West Dapto
Gareth Ward – Member for Kiama
- Infrastructure
- Employment
- Innovation