Hawkesbury Independent IND 138 November 2021 | Page 24

POLITICS

Time to have a say on your local parks

with Susan Templeman MP
Meet William and Riley . The two 16-year-old friends live in Bligh Park , are active in athletics and keen bike riders .
Like the rest of is , they ’ ve been spending a bit of time outdoors recently , and they ’ d like to see an increase in facilities for teenagers .
William and Riley have been disappointed with the recent destruction of home-built bike jumps and paths in nearby bush . But when facilities aren ’ t provided , people sometimes take it upon themselves to try and fill the gap , and that can result in something that isn ’ t permissible by local authorities .
I reckon that with everyone using our parks and outdoor spaces so much during lockdown , a conversation is really needed around providing legal facilities that could be enjoyed by the whole community .
But it isn ’ t only teenagers who could be missing out . There are probably areas where there ’ s not much for all the activities that younger children , adults or even dogs enjoy .
I ’ ve been speaking to many people in recent weeks and they ’ ve been telling me about what they ’ d like to see in the area .
And I know nearly everyone will have a view on this , so I ’ ve put together an online survey to find out what people think is working and what isn ’ t , what needs improving , and what ’ s missing .
I ’ ve had a huge response on social media , with so many suggestions for facilities – from outdoor basketball courts to bike tracks , to simple facilities like seating and shelter .
I ’ d really like everyone to have the opportunity to share what facilities they ’ d like to see , and help continue this really important conversation , which has to happen with cooperation of all three levels of government .
I hope we can all engage in a collaborative discussion that gets the best results for Hawkesbury residents .
Join in the conversation and have
Federal Member for Macquarie , Susan Templeman , with Riley and William in Bligh Park .
your say on local parks and outdoor areas by filling out the survey at tinyurl . com / ywr9z62h .
with Robyn Preston MP
$ 100 ‘ first lap ’ swim vouchers
From 1 December 2021 , the NSW Government will make available learn to swim vouchers for preschool-aged children and kindergarten kids . Every Hawkesbury child should have the opportunity to learn how to be safe around water and now they can . Families can apply for the First Lap vouchers through Service NSW . For more information , please visit : www . sport . nsw . gov . au / firstlap . Dine & Discover program The popular Dine & Discover vouchers have been extended to 30 June 2022 and an extra two $ 25 vouchers will be available from 1 December 2021 . These
vouchers have been successful in boosting small business patronage as we navigate to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic . I hope you can enjoy a tasty meal and be entertained real soon . Investments in education The education of Hawkesbury students is a top priority of mine and I am delighted to have secured funding for investments at our schools .
Eleven Hawkesbury schools will be getting a variety of improvements from upgrades to kitchens , toilets and staffrooms to playgrounds and computer facilities . Schools benefitting from this funding include Bligh Park Public School , Brewongle Environmental Education Centre , Freemans Reach Public School , Glenorie Public School , Glossodia Public
School , Hillside Public School , Hobartville Public School , Kurrajong East Public School , Oakville Public School , Windsor Park Public School and Windsor Public School .
This is part of the NSW Government ’ s $ 240 million Regional and Metro Renewal Programs . This should also assist our tradies with opportunities to tender or contract for the work .
Over the next four years , the NSW Government is investing $ 7.9 billion as it continues its program to deliver 215 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW . This is the largest investment in public education infrastructure in the history of NSW .
I will keep working hard to ensure our teachers and students have the best
quality infrastructure and resources to teach and learn . Storm and flood recovery support I urge storm and flood affected producers from Hawkesbury ’ s critical agriculture and horticulture industries to apply for recovery support through the $ 80 million Storm and Flood Industry Recovery Program , co-funded by the Australian and NSW governments . The storms and floods that devastated Hawkesbury earlier this year caused significant damage to locals , in particular local turf farms , also affecting the businesses that rely on these industries .
For more information about the program , including eligibility requirements and how to apply , visit : www . nsw . gov . au / StormFloodRecovery .
24 ISSUE 138 // NOVEMBER 2021 theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HAWKESBURY INDEPENDENT