FUNDING SECURED FOR BALGOWNIE

23 May 2013

I am very pleased to have been able to secure funding for the Balgownie Village Community Centre.

This centre is a fantastic facility within Balgownie and I am pleased to have been able to secure $11,000 through the Community Building Partnership program to make it even better.

This funding will allow them to carry out a full refurbishment of the disabled access toilet in the main hall. Further, this funding will also allow for the hall floor to be repolished and upgraded to better meet the needs of the many local groups using this facility.

Balgownie Village Community Centre plays an important role in the area and I am delighted to be able to provide this valuable funding so they can make these important improvements to their facility.

Without this funding being made available to groups such as this, upgrades are often unachievable.

I offer my congratulations to the staff and volunteers from Balgownie Village Community Centre and thank them for their tireless efforts and commitment to their local community.

If you are involved with a community group and feel they would benefit from addional funding
  

CORRIMAL RECEIVES FUNDING BOOST

15 May 2013

During my time as Member for Keira, I have been pleased to have secured $700,000 in funding through the Community Building Partnerships program for a wide range of community groups throughout the electorate.

The Community Building Partnerships program is a Labor-initiated program that has provided essential funding for not-for-profit community groups and local councils to improve community facilities throughout NSW.

Local Corrimal Groups that have received funding this year under this project include:
• Aspect South Coast School – upgrades to facilities that will assist staff and students;
• Touched by Olivia Foundation – contribution towards the establishment of  an inclusive playground in Memorial Park; and
• Corrimal Anglican Church to allow them to carry out important upgrades.

Community groups are the backbone of our society and that is why I am always willing and eager to assist local organisations with any funding queries or applications. 

$49,000 SECURED FOR FIGTREE

13 May 2013

I write to inform you of the recent funding that has been secured for two community groups within Figtree.

Community groups are the backbone of our society and that is why I am always willing and eager to assist local organisations with any funding applications.

I have been able to secure $34,000 for the Church of Christ to assist them in the establishment of a Long Day Care Centre in Figtree. As a father I know how difficult it can be to find placements for young children in day care so I am very pleased to have been able to assist them with this important funding.

Further I have been able to secure $15,000 for Lindsay Park Primary School P&C to allow them to make significant upgrades to their playground. This will allow for more accessible areas for the students to participate in team sport activities.

I am delighted to be able to help to provide this valuable funding to these important groups. Without this funding being made available, upgrades and improvements like these are often unachievable.

I offer my congratulations to these groups, especially the hard workers for their tireless efforts and commitment to their local community.

If you would like information on how your community group can access some additional funding please feel free to contact my office on 4285 1588.

IMPROVEMENTS TO PEDESTRIAN SAFETY

11 April 2013

I have recently been contracted by a number of concerned residents in regards to pedestrian safety in the Fairy Meadow Area.

I am pleased to advise that I have been able to secure upgrades to the following crossings:

At Carters Lane, Fairy Meadow, near Dalton park, Kerb blisters and edge line markings will be installed to assist in reducing vehicle speeds and the number of vehicle lanes over the crossing. Additional warning signs will be installed on the approaches to the crossing to improve driver awareness of the infrastructure.

These works are scheduled to be carried out by June, 2013.

Further, at Balgownie Road, near Fairy Meadow Demonstration School, improvements will include an upgrade of the existing school crossing, including an extension of the footpath on the Northern side of Balgownie Road, as well as the construction of a pedestrian refuge for access to Guest Park.

This work will commence in the first week of the upcoming school holidays.

These upgrades will greatly improve community safety for the large number of pedestrians that use these crossings, including school students and elderly citizens.

I would like to thank all community members who have worked with me to gain this great policy outcome.

FUNDING SECURED FOR LOCAL SCOUT HALL

20 March 2013

I am pleased to advise that I have been able to secure funding to improve the Balgownie Scout Hall.

By working closely with the great team of volunteers, funding has been made available through the Community Building Partnership Program to replace the roof at the Balgownie Scout Hall.

This funding is extremely important and will assist the club to provide the very best facilities for the scouts and the local community.

I look forward to continuing to work with Balgownie Scout Groups and other local organisations to improve the facilities and services available to our local community.

UPDATE: KEIRAVILLE PARKING CONCERNS

13 March 2013

With the University year upon us again I wanted to update you about my ongoing advocacy on behalf of local residents in relation to parking issues around the local area.

I had informal discussions with local residents and I have again written and spoken in the NSW Parliament about the need for a Metro Bus from the southern suburbs to be introduced in the Illawarra to take some of the pressure off nearby Keiraville streets.

In addition I have again written to the Lord Mayor seeking advice on what plans Council has to try and assist in minimising this problem for local residents and I have attached a copy of that letter for your information.

Rest assured I will continue to put pressure on all levels of Government and the University to try and work harder to reduce this problem on locals and their families.

I sincerely thank the Keiraville community for continuing to raise these concerns and working with me to try and develop solutions to this ongoing problem.

YOUTH WEEK 2013

5 March 2013

Young people in NSW are one of the most at-risk groups of becoming disengaged with our local community. National Youth Week in NSW is the largest annual youth participation event in Australia.

That is why I was extremely pleased to have secured $3075 in funding to assist Wollongong City Council's youth week programs.

Given the right opportunities, and with targeted investment, young people of the Illawarra will become the leaders of tomorrow. This funding will go a long way in assisting Council to deliver the 2013 Youth Week program to help support and engage the young people of the Illawarra with a range of fun activities.

National Youth Week 2013 runs from 5-13 April. For further information on programs in the Illawarra please contact Wollongong City Council on 4227 7111.

LOCAL SPORTING GROUPS RECEIVE FUNDING

27 February 2013

By working closely with the great teams of volunteers, I have been able to secure funding through the Department of Sport and Recreation for two fantastic local sporting groups in the Keira Electorate.

Thanks to the great work of Woonona Football Club, funding has been made available to improve Ocean Park by upgrading the safety fencing.

Funding has also been allocated to improve the playing field surface of Tarrawanna Soccer Club, one of the Illawarra's most successful local sporting clubs. This will ensure this terrific facility is enhanced in time for the upcoming season.

This funding is extremely important and will assist the clubs to provide the very best facilities for both the Senior Teams and of course support our young players as they progress through the ranks.

I look forward to continuing to work with these two clubs and other local organisations to improve the facilities and services available to our local community.

FUNDING FOR SENIORS PHOTO COURSE

23 January 2013

Our Seniors play an important role in our local community and from the 17-24 March we will honour this contribution both in the Illawarra and across NSW by holding events and initiatives during the NSW Seniors Week.

I am very pleased to inform you that I have been able to secure funding for the Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre to hold a Digital Photo Course for Seniors during this time and I am encouraging our local Seniors to get involved with this initiative.

The Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre provides a wonderful service to our local community and I look forward to continuing to work with them and local residents to make Bellambi a better place to live, work and visit.

If you or someone you know is interested in attending this program please do not hesitate to contact  the Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre on 4285 3055.

I sincerely thank each and every one of our Seniors for their contribution and commitment to our local area.

ARTS GROUPS IN KEIRA RECEIVE FUNDING

6 December 2012

Since being elected, I have made it vey clear that I intend to do everything possible to support a vibrant arts and cultural space here in the region.

That is why I am extremely pleased to have secured funding for two fantastic local arts groups working to expand this culture in the Illawarra.

$77,000 has been awarded to the South Coast Writers' Centre, as well as Circus Monoxide receiving $50,000 in funding for 2013 from Arts NSW to enable them to expand their services and support local Illawarra artists.

The South Coast Writers' Centre is a membership-based not-for-profit organisation that operates out of the historic Glennifer Brae and provides a fantastic avenue for development, information and networking for young writers in the Illawarra.

Circus Monoxide has been performing for over 20 years and have expanded to create a school for future artists to hone their skills and develop their talents. They also provide a range of programs for local performers from school aged based groups, tuition for those looking to improve their skills and of course the professional circus troop that performs around the country.

I will continue to work with local arts groups and lobby for adequate funding to enable this arts and cultural space to develop in the Illawarra.

FUNDING FOR LITTLE STEPS PLAYGROUP

21 November 2012

For several months I have been lobbying the Minister for Mental Health, the Hon Kevin Humphries, to provide funding for the Little Steps Post-Natal Depression Playgroup, a fantastic local group that has been helping mothers and families in the Illawarra doing it tough.

Today I was extremely pleased to announce I have been able to secure $4000 in funding to allow the continuation of the highly successful Little Steps Post-Natal Depression Playgroup.

This is a group that meets on a Friday at the Salvation Army in Tarrawanna and the funding will allow for the coordinator to continue providing the vital service and support to these mums.

IMPROVEMENTS TO BELLAMBI NEIGHBOURHOOD CENTRE

14 November 2012

Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre plays a very important role in our local community, providing important services for residents and their families.

That is why I am extremely pleased to inform you that the recent funding of $12,000 I was able to secure for this centre has now been used to erect storage sheds at the facility that will help to store equipment and enable to fantastic community garden to continue to prosper and serve our local area with fresh fruit and vegetables.

Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre is a place we should all be very proud of and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff and volunteers who work hard to support the programs and services offered to residents at the centre.

I look forward to continuing to work closely with residents in Bellambi to make our community an even better place to live.

KEIRA HIGH SCHOOL UPGRADES

15 October 2012

Over the last few months I have been working closely with Keira High School staff, parents and the broader community to secure significant upgrades for students and staff at Keira High.

I am pleased to announce over $300,000 will be spent in upgrading the science laboratories and a further $250,000 to replace roofing over school buildings. These significant upgrades will mean better educational facilities for students and enhanced teaching spaces for the staff at the school.

Keira High is a great school that has been fighting for upgrades to their science labs for a number of years. I am extremely happy that through hard work and dedication from all involved we have been able to significantly improve the facilities available to students attending this school.

I will also be continuing to lobby for improvements to enhance disabled access for the school's hall.

YMCA YOUTH PARLIAMENT NOMINATIONS

15 October 2012

The YMCA NSW Youth Parliament is now taking nominations for 2013. This is a prestigious annual forum that allows young people to participate in the Parliamentary process and advise the Government on policies and programs that affect youth.

As the local Member I am able to endorse the nomination of a young person from the Keira electorate to participate in the YMCA NSW Youth Parliament.

I am encouraging all those youth who are passionate about the community with great ideas to solve local problems to nominate.

To nominate, students should put the reasons they would like to be a Youth Parliamentarian in writing and submit them to my office. Nominations submitted to my office close 26 October.

If I can be of any further assistance please do not hesitate to contact my office.

MT KEIRA ROAD SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS

8 October 2012

Over the last few months I have been working closely with representatives from Mt Keira Demonstration School to make improvements to road safety in the area, particularly for young children.

I recently held an onsite meeting with Police, Roads and Maritime Services, Wollongong City Council and the School Principal to discuss ways of improving the safety in this area, in particular during busy school zone times.

I am pleased to advise that the following improvements will be taking place in this area:

• Installation of Pedestrian Warning Signs
• Installation of a T-Junction sign prior to the driveway to the Mt Keira Bush Fire Unit
• Re-painting of edge lines and the centre line of the road surface
• Assessment of the pavement for cracking and trimming of the road side vegetation to improve    
  vision for drivers and pedestrians.

I have also requested the NSW Roads and Maritime Services consider upgrading the existing school zone signage to a fluorescent colour to ensure drivers not familiar with the road are more aware that a school is located in this area.

$1.7BILLION IN EDUCATION FUNDING TO BE SLASHED

13 September 2012

The Minister for Education this week has announced the NSW Government will be making significant changes to the ways in which schools adn TAFE Colleges will be funded in NSW.

You may be aware that some of these changes include:

• $1.7billion cut from Public, Catholic and Independent Schools and TAFE Colleges;
• Cutting of 1800 teachers, TAFE Teachers and support staff
• TAFE Fees to be increased by 9.5%

 When asked what the most important service Government provides in our community, I often remark to people that it is the provision of a quality education system which helps to create a just, productive and effective society.

As your local Member of Parliament and someone who is passionate about the role a quality education plays I intend to advocate strongly against this decision.

I have already spoken a number of times in the NSW Parliament on this issue and I invite you to a forum I am hosting to discuss the issue on September 24 at 7:30pm at the Fairy Meadow Surf Club, please call my office to RSVP for this important meeting.

REMINDER - BULLI HOSPITAL DEBATE

15 August 2012

The debate on Bulli Hospital will take place Thursday 16 August at approximately 4pm. Bulli Hospital is in need of urgent upgrades to help deal with the region's growing health care demands. With 10,000 local residents having signed this petition it is now time for the Government to take action, Govern for all like they promised and improve this vital facility

I urge local residents to either come along to Parliament House to watch the debate, or watch the debate online on Parliament's website via the webcast.

UPDATE 20 AUGUST 2012: Read my speech, as well as the whole debate here.

PROPOSED CHANGES TO CLEARWAY - PRINCES HIGHWAY BULLI

31 July 2012

Many local residents contacted me in relation to the proposed changes currently being considered by the Roads and Maritime services, to the Princes Highway in Bulli. The proposed changes will mean even less parking for locals and make it nearly impossible for local businesses to survive.

I have met with a number of the local business owners who have expressed their strong opposition to any changes being made to the clearways currently in place.

Everyone knows that small businesses are doing it tough at the moment and parking is already limited in Bulli. What they don’t need is further restrictions being put in place that will make it harder for them to make a living and support their local community.

I have written to the Minister for Roads, and the Regional Manager of Roads and Maritime Services regarding this matter.

I will continue to work with the local business operators and residents to fight against these changes being put in place.

UPDATE 15 AUGUST 2012: Read my Private Members Statement on the proposed changes to the Clearway here.

UPDATE 15 OCTOBER 2012: I held an onsite meeting today with representatives from Roads and Maritime Services, Wollongong City Council, the Parliamentary Secretary for Roads Mr John Ajaka and local business owners to discuss the community's concerns. I will continue to work with my Parliamentary colleagues and RMS on this issue to ensure the best possible outcome for the community. 

Concerns about lack of progress on major road works in Figtree

9 July 2012

Over the last month I have spoken to a large number of Figtree residents regarding concerns they have about the lack of progress taking place on the major upgrades to improve traffic on the Princes Highway, The Avenue and Bellevue Road intersection at Figtree.

Like those who have spoken to me, I am concerned that on the numerous times I have been in the area recently I have seen very little if any activity taking place to get the project completed.

Given these concerns, I have written to the Minister for Roads and Ports, the Hon Duncan Gay to seek answers and progress on behalf of the local community.

This is a critical project and I want the Minister and his department to understand that locals expect it to be completed as soon as possible and do not want to experience any further delays or inconvenience in what is one of the busiest intersections in the Illawarra.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further feedback about this or any other local matter.

UPDATE 13 SEPTEMBER 2012: The Minister has assured the community the upgrades will be completed on time in December 2012.

$30,000 for Italian Corrimal Day Care

The Keira electorate is home to a large number of people from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. One of the largest groups is the Italian community who have contributed enormously to our region both economically and socially for many years.

That is why I was very pleased to be able to work with the Italian Social Welfare Organisation (ItSoWel) to secure $30,000 in annual funding to ensure its highly successful Corrimal Day Care continues to serve those elderly Italians in our local area.

I am extremely proud of the work that ItSoWel does in our local community and I am very pleased that this funding will enable it to continue to provide services and support to those who need it most.

I look forward to continuing to work closely with ItSoWel and other cultural based community groups to help them serve the various ethnic communities that our culturally diverse region is made up of.

$400,000 FOR KEIRA COMMUNITY GROUPS

23 April 2012

Local Keira community groups were the big winners in the Community Building Partnership program. A total of $400,000 has been provided to groups that will allow them to improve or expand their services and facilities.

These organisations provide an invaluable service to our community and funding to improve their facilities, perform much needed maintenance or purchase new equipment can often make a remarkable difference to their ability to effectively provide these services to local residents.

Congratualtions to the following groups:

Russell Vale Soccer Club - $41,250

Figtree AFL Club - $40,000

Bulli Community Centre - $37,620

St John Vianneys School - $34,882

Arcadians Theatre Group - $30,000

Corrimal Surf Club - $29,502

Tarrawanna Football Club - $20,075

Corrimal Rangers Football Club - $20,000

Tarrawanna Public School - $15,000

Russell Vale Golf Club - $15,000

Anglican Church Crossroads Fairy Meadow - $15,000

Bellambi Surf Club - $14,766

Discovery Centre Botanic Gardens - $12,254

Bellambi Neighbourhood Centre - $12,000

Corrimal Uniting Church - $11,100

Fairy Meadow Surf Club - $10,000

Short Street Preschool - $9,844

1st Balgownie Scouts - $9,370

Corrimal Men's Shed - $6,500

St Columba Child Care - $5,000

Woonona Bowling Club - $4,919

Corrimal Uniting Play - $3,894

Balgownie Community Centre - $1,000

10,000 SIGNATURES RECEIVED FOR BULLI HOSPITAL PETITION

17 April 2012

10,000 local residents have now signed the petition calling on the O'Farrell Government to urgently upgrade the facilities at Bulli Hospital and the Member for Keira will present it to Parliament on May 1.

This is a significant achievement that has only been possible thanks to the thousands of residents that have been passionate about sending a clear message to the O'Farrell Government by taking the time to sign this petition.

I thank all the local businesses that collected the signatures and the dedicated locals who worked on collecting the completed petitions. This goal was achieved thanks to your passion and dedication.

Read Media Release here:10,000-signatures-for-Bulli

UPDATE 1 MAY 2012: I have today submitted the petition to the NSW Parliament that had over 10,300 signatures.

UPDATE 8 MAY 2012: Parliament has advised the date of the debate will be 16 August 2012. Will keep you updated as more specific details come to hand.

UPDATE 15 AUGUST 2012: The petition will be debated at approximately 4pm Thursday 16 August 2012. You can watch the debate on Parliament's website here.

$300,000 IMPROVEMENTS TO WOONONA HIGH

March 2012

As a former teacher, I know how important improvements to learning facilities are in helping to improve the quality of education delivered in our local schools.

That is why I am very pleased to announce that by working with Woonona High School staff and parents we have been able to secure a significant upgrade at Wooona High.

Over $300,000 will be spent in upgrading two science laboratories and a preparation room which will mean better educational facilities for students and enhanced teaching spaces for the staff at the school.

Woonona is a great local school and I am extremely happy that through hard work and dedication from all involved we have been able to significantly improve the facilites available to students attending the school.

UPGRADES SECURED FOR BULLI PCYC

February 2012

I have been able to work with local residents to ensure upgrades are carried out on Bulli PCYC. This vital work will cost $290,000 and I am pleased to have been able to secure this funding.

The PCYC plays a very important role in our community. They provide key services to young people in the northern suburbs of the Illawarra.

A number of local residents, including members from the Thirroul Branch of the Labor Party raised concerns with me about the need for works to be carried out to improve the facility. The Bulli PCYC has been in operation since 1959 and provides a range of services including sports and fitness activities, playgroup and the Traffic Offenders program. To be able to upgrade this facility is a win for the local community.

The $290,000 upgrade will include:

• A new roof to replace the existing one which contains asbestos
• New gutters and downpipes to improve drainage
• Replacement of the roof in the small basketball court area.

I would like to thank all residents and branch members who raised this issue with me.

KOOLONA PARK PLAYGROUND UPGRADE

February 2012

Recently residents have raised concerns with me over the condition of local playground facilities. I have been working with Wollongong City Council over the last few months in an attempt to improve playground facilities across the electorate.

I am delighted that Council has agreed to include an upgrade of Koloona Park playground in their Capital Projects funding for 2012.

Council has informed me that the work is due to commence on the upgrade in late April and, weather permitting, should be completed in around 3 weeks.

I would like to thank all residents that raised this issue with me. It is pleasing to be able to ensure our playgrounds are being upgraded so our community continues to be a great place to live, work and visit.

UPDATE ON TOWRADGI PARK

February 2012

Over the last few months I have been talking to local residents about the Towradgi beach park and the surrounding area. I have sought feedback from the residents about any improvements they would like to see.

Many locals spoke to me about their concerns surrounding the closeness of the playground to the cycleway. Parents and cyclists both raised their alarm at the number of near miss accidents. With many young excitable children often running into the path of cyclists.

These concerns were raised with Wollongong City Council who have agreed to make some minor changes to the playground surrounds that will stop children from running onto the cycleway. Additional signage will also be erected to warn cyclists of children in the area.

Residents have also raised their concerns with me about the car park and the need for it to be resealed and car space line markings added. As this is a car park that is used frequently I have contacted Wollongong City Council urging them to consider upgrades to the car park.

Should you wish to raise any other concerns or make any suggestions please do not hesitate to email me: keira@parliament.nsw.gov.au

ADDITIONAL FOOTPATHS FOR TARRAWANNA

Many local residents had raised at a recent meeting in Tarrawanna, the need for an increase in footpaths in Tarrawanna.

After contacting the Council with the residents concerns I am pleased that the Council has now advised the following on their priority program of works:

• Meadow Street; Keira Street north to the pedestrian crossing, west side
• Meadow Street; Kendall Street south (from the bus stop) tot he pedestrian crossing, west side
• Caldwell Avenue; Princes Highway to Meadow Street, north side
• Keira Street; Meadow Street to Corrimal Street, south side.

The Council is currently working on a design and construction timing for these projects and details will be publicly available in April

WOONONA EAST SPEED LIMIT SIGNS

Recently I was contacted by local residents in and around Robertson Road and Liamina Avenue regarding their serious concerns surrounding local road safety.

Residents have been concerned at the lack of speed limit signage, particularly around Woonona East Primary School.

After contacting the Minister for Roads and Ports, Roads and Maritime Services (formally RTA) have agreed to upgrade the signs in the area and this area is now included i the speed monitoring on local roads program.

Wollongong City Council has also been contacted to replace missing signs and upgrade any as appropriate.

I am determined to continue fighting for improvements to our local roads, especially those that surround our local schools.

LEVEL CROSSING UPGRADES FOR CORRIMAL

Work is underway at the level crossing at Railway Street Corrimal in an effort to improve safety. The improvements include:

• Installation of new flashing lights and warning bells
• Upgrading the pedestrian crossing automatic gates to the new standards
• Installation of new improved lighting and signage

There will be a complete road closure from Saturday 4 February untill Monday 6 February. During this weekend work the work will be carried out 24 hours. Traffic detours will be in place during this time.

Work is expected to continue until 24 February. During this period there will be partial road closures and detours in place. The patience of drivers and residents is appreciated as this vital safety work is carried out.

To provide feedback or for more information residents can call the Transport Info line on 131 500 or my office on 4285 1588.

$1.8 MILLION FOR PUBLIC HOUSING IMPROVEMENTS

18 January 2012

I have been able to ensure $1.8 million will be spend on improving existing public housing in Keira.

Nearly 9% of all dwellings in the electorate is public housing and that is why since being elected I have been fighting hard to ensure we get our fair share of funding to maintain and improve these facilities in our community.

People in our community who rely on public housing often have limited resources and means by which to carry out necessary maintenance to their property. At the end of the day, this is their home, it is where they live and that is why I will continue to fight to have these facilities improved.

This funding will help to improve around 270 dwellings in the electorate. With over 2,000 public housing homes in Keira, more than 10% will get improved as part of this funding. Not only is this good for tenants but its also good news for local contractors and tradespeople who will carry out this vital work.

O'FARRELL HAS ATTACKED INJURED AND DISABLED POLICE

25 November 2011

Today, along with the NSW Opposition, I voiced my strong opposition against the legislation before the House regarding the Death and Disability Scheme for NSW Police.

Last night we saw the O'Farrell Government ram through this legislation that strips the entitlements of our hardworking front line Police. Now today members of the O'Farrell Government walked away from the opportunity to stand up and speak on behalf of their policing community.

What we have seen is the O'Farrell Government play to the interests of a private insurance company rather than supporting the people charged with protecting our wives, husbands, children and families.

These officers have often become injured or disabled in the line of duty. They put their lives on the line each and every day and now Barry O'Farrell has discarded their need for protection.

As a former Chief of Staff to a Police Minister I know the importance of sitting around a table to discuss proposed changes and am dismayed at the NSW Government's total lack of consultation on this amendment.

This is terrible news for the families of our Police officers. No longer will they have the peace of mind of knowing that should their loved one be injured in the line of duty, they will have the protection and understanding of the NSW Government. Barry O'Farrell has chosen the interests of an insurance company over our officers.

I wish to acknowledge and thank all Police officers and their family members that visited the House today and watched the debate in the public gallery.

OPPOSITION CALLS FOR SUSPENSION OF

COAL SEAM GAS EXPLORATION

I recently chaired a forum on Coal Seam Gas that was attended by many concerned local residents. Residents were given the opportunity to speak with industry representatives, ask questions and voice their concerns.

After the forum I made it very clear to the NSW Shadow Cabinet, that our local community demanded a more cautious and evidence based approach to exploration licences. It is pleasing that the NSW Shadow Cabinet has now made a decision to call on the Government to immediately suspend all Coal Seam Gas exploration licences.

Nothing is more important than protecting our water supply and the evidence that I have reviewed from overseas and interstate indicates that Coal Seam Gas mining operations could have a devastating and permanent impact on water resources.

There is simply too much at stake to allow these exploration and extraction licenses to be approved based