with Susan Templeman MP

Investing in the Hawkesbury

Following recent flooding in the Hawkesbury , I know many residents are concerned about road repairs and infrastructure improvements .

The Albanese Government knows how vital our roads are and that ’ s why we are providing over half a billion dollars to the council and state government for essential road and infrastructure projects .

More than $ 534 million dollars is being provided by the federal government for projects across the Hawkesbury Local Government Area . The Hawkesbury is also receiving an additional $ 7.96 million for four projects through the Infrastructure Betterment Fund and Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Package – Community Assets Program , jointly-funded

by the Albanese and Minns Governments .

These projects , that are being delivered over several years , include roads , parks and facilities upgrades that will make a real difference for residents .

We ’ ve committed $ 7.47 million to support the delivery of priority local road and community infrastructure projects in the Hawkesbury , including $ 265,000 to renew a section of damaged road on Valder Avenue , Hobartville , from Cornwell Avenue to Holborrow Avenue .

Almost $ 6 million dollars has been allocated to 13 traffic black spots in the Hawkesbury as part of the Black Spot Program , with more than $ 1 million committed to improving a 500-metre section of St Albans Road in Lower Macdonald to improve local road safety .

The federal government has delivered $ 5.4 million in funding to Hawkesbury

City Council in the Roads to Recovery program from 2019 – 20 to 2023 – 24 and an additional $ 11.2 million Roads Upgrades Package .

The $ 400 million investment for the new Richmond Bridge and surrounding traffic improvements has been provided to Transport for NSW who are undertaking this project .

The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese also visited Macquarie last year and committed $ 100 million for upgrades to Bells Line of Road to improve the safety of that essential transport corridor .

We ’ re also funding upgrades to community infrastructure like parks and recreation areas with $ 3 million for Woodbury Reserve Adventure Park in Glossodia , $ 500,000 for playground upgrades in South Windsor and $ 400,000 for playground upgrades in Bligh Park .

The Infrastructure Betterment Fund , jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns governments , is repairing and upgrading public assets that were impacted by the storm and flood events in 2021 and 2022 .

Governor Phillip Park in Windsor will receive a $ 3 million upgrade and $ 4.46 million will be invested for repairs and upgrades to Colbee Park driveway and carpark .

Macquarie Park in Windsor will receive $ 600,000 to replace bollards , play-space fencing and equipment , shade cover and landscaping . An additional $ 1.9 million will be invested in multiple parks and reserves across the Hawkesbury to improve accessibility and future flood mitigation .

This is real funding spread across the Hawkesbury that will improve where we live and work .

with Robyn Preston , MP

In my last article to you , I talked about the importance of not having paid parking at Hawkesbury Hospital from 1 July 2024 , when responsibility of its operation is transferred across to NSW Health from St John of God Health Care . To implement this scheme would mean health workers would see their recent pay rise turned into an expense , paid to the same Labor Government who gave them a ‘ pay rise ’.

My concerns caused me to write to the NSW Health Minister , Ryan Park MP on behalf of the Hawkesbury community . I am pleased to advise you that I have received notification from Dr Michael Holland MP , Parliamentary

Secretary for Health that Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District “ has no intention to commence or introduce paid parking at this location ”. Whilst this news is welcomed , my advocacy doesn ’ t stop here !

Hawkesbury health care workers are also facing a forced payout of their leave entitlements , which will deny them net income , superannuation and will restart the clock for long service leave and annual leave accrual . This means that any planned holiday leave will go unpaid . Furthermore , a forced payout of entitlements jeopardises a worker ’ s child support and childcare rebate .

If you have ever been to Hawkesbury Hospital for treatment , surgery or as a visitor , you would be aware of the level

of care , passion and dedication that Hawkesbury Hospital staff provide . It takes a special kind of person to do what they do and they do not deserve this kind of treatment from NSW Health . I am currently working with the Nurses and Midwives Association and hospital staff to get a guarantee from Minister Park that Hawkesbury Hospital staff will have their entitlements transferred across when NSW Health takes over . Staff should not be disadvantaged in this changeover .

If you would like to help support our health care workers , who have remained committed during bushfires , floods and the COVID-19 pandemic , you can do so by signing the petition , which calls for all staff entitlements to be carried

across to NSW Health from 1 July 2024 . Just visit https :// chng . it / zpXJynVbNY to do so . We need to back our health care workers all the way !