with Warren Kirby MP

For twelve long years the Riverstone electorate and the township of Riverstone in particular has languished as a result of neglect and inaction . The needs of its residents have been pushed aside and its potential ignored .

However , as the Minns Labor Government steps up to address longstanding issues and invest in the future of this vibrant community , new hope has arrived .

Despite the community ’ s active advocacy led by the Northwest Business Chamber , the electorate was allowed to

deteriorate under the former Government , its population increasing daily but lacking essential community facilities . While serving as the vice-president of the chamber , I saw the need for someone to take up Riverstone ’ s cause .

We approached our State representative to voice our concerns about the trajectory the former Government was taking , but quickly realised it was futile . In fact , after several tokenistic meetings in this place with Ministers who forgot the reason we were there the minute we left their offices , I realised our only hope was a change in government .

The member for Blacktown , Stephen

Bali , also recognised the challenges we faced and joined the fight , becoming the emeritus member for Riverstone , echoing our needs and sentiments . We found support in the member for Londonderry , now the Deputy Premier , Prue Car . Being neighbouring electorates to Riverstone , Blacktown and Londonderry shared many of the same issues .

From transport and roads to education and health care , a lack of investment in critical infrastructure was crippling our community . In addition to investment , we needed a strategy and a leader . The member for Kogarah , now the Premier , Chris Minns , took particular interest in the lack of liveability being delivered to the people of the North West Growth Area .

Collectively , those Labor members could see that our area had been forgotten and worked with us to deliver for our community . Along the way , I changed from being a concerned business owner to a community advocate , before finally becoming a member of Parliament in this new Government . Together , we have delivered . I wholeheartedly applaud the Treasurer , Daniel Mookhey , and the Minister for Finance , Courtney Houssos , for their acknowledgement of the urgent issues facing my constituency and their proactive efforts to steer its growth . After 12 years of neglect we now have funding for the thrice promised but never delivered Rouse Hill Hospital , one of the most glaring examples of the former Government ’ s neglect .

Just this morning our Government faced allegations from the member for Kellyville of causing delays in the Rouse Hill Hospital project . The member for Kellyville was a member of the former Government that promised to deliver it for over a decade at three different elections .

Despite a staged media event involving soil-turning during the election campaign , the detail showed that the former Government was not intending to deliver a hospital but rather a glorified day surgery facility . Further , it was not planning to fund it . Under the leadership of the Minns Government , this vital project is going ahead , and Rouse Hill is receiving a hospital suitable for the needs of the people of northwest .

The budget has been increased from $ 300 million to $ 700 million , and construction can finally begin , fully funded . The Government ’ s commitment to the healthcare needs of my electorate

is further complemented by the budget ’ s $ 120 million funding of additional beds across the Western Sydney Local Health District at Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals .

The infrastructure deficit in Riverstone does not end there . A lack of investment in local schools has created a situation where almost every public school in my electorate is over capacity , some by more than double . Education is the foundation of any prosperous community , and Riverstone , boasting one of the State ’ s largest youth populations , is no different . Recognising the area ’ s expansion , the Minns Government is committing to enhancing educational infrastructure by establishing 100 new schools , including three new schools in my electorate .

Two new primary schools in Tallawong and Nirimba Fields and a new high school in Schofields / Tallawong will cater to the needs of the children in my electorate . Those new schools complement funding for upgrades to three more .

Traffic congestion has also long been a problem for Riverstone residents . Commuters have spent countless hours on congested side streets trying to navigate through inadequate road infrastructure . As a business owner , I lost many customers due to traffic and a lack of accessibility . At long last , the budget provides relief . Funding for crucial road upgrades around the electorate , particularly Richmond Road , Bandon Road and Garfield Road East represents a significant transformative move .

These projects will alleviate traffic congestion , significantly enhance safety for all road users and allow commuters to spend less time in gridlock so they can spend more time with their families . Moreover , these upgrades will improve connectivity to businesses and the community .

The Riverstone electorate is finally receiving the attention it deserves after 12 years of neglect and inaction . The Minns Labor Government ’ s commitment to fulfilling promises , investing in education and addressing critical infrastructure issues is a beacon of hope for this vibrant community .

The longawaited Rouse Hill Hospital , the establishment of three new schools and the funding for essential road upgrades are tangible signs of progress that will benefit residents for future generations . As this resurgence continues , Riverstone ’ s potential is boundless and the future is brighter than ever .