with Ray Williams MP

2022 Community Building Partnership program now open

The NSW Government has announced the opening of applications for the

2022 Community Building Partnership program , unlocking $ 37.2 million for community infrastructure projects across NSW .

Whether it ’ s a new access ramp , equipment shed or car park upgrade , the 2022 Community Building Partnership program is ready to fund infrastructure projects that put locals first . If you have a project that needs funding , visit nsw . gov . au / cbp .

Embedded networks on notice The Committee on Law and Safety , of which I am chair , has announced an inquiry into embedded networks . Private electricity and gas networks , known as embedded networks , supply many NSW residents and business with energy and hot water . However , some residents are finding the cost of these embedded network services are very high .

People living in apartments are having to pay hundreds of dollars per month for the heating of their hot water . Customers in embedded networks should not be worried about whether or not they can afford to heat water or cool their homes . Access to affordable and dependable energy and hot water is essential to people ’ s health and safety .

The committee will look into the current legal framework regulating embedded networks , and is calling on anyone across NSW who is locked into an embedded network to make a submission .

The link for submissions can be found at www . raywilliamsmp . com . au . Submissions to the inquiry close on 24 June 2022 . Shine a light on volunteers Nominations for the 2022 NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards are now open and I encourage everyone to celebrate our volunteers by nominating them for an award . The awards coincide

with National Volunteer Week , themed Better Together which highlights the selfless contribution volunteers make to keep communities strong and united .

The important work volunteers do may often go unnoticed so this is the time to say thank you and give them the recognition they deserve by nominating them for an award . Volunteers can be nominated for one of eight categories , including :

• Young Volunteer of the Year

• Adult Volunteer of the Year

• Senior Volunteer of the Year

• Volunteer Team of the Year

• Club Volunteer of the Year

• Employee Volunteer of the Year

• Volunteer Leader of the Year

• Not-for-Profit Voluntary Governance Award

Nominations close on 17 June 2022 at 5:00pm .

To nominate a volunteer visit : www . volunteering . com . au / volunteer-awards /

Formerly known as ‘ The Greens ’ Solent Circuit project in Baulkham Hills , years of planning has come to fruition with the June start of the construction of two residential towers .

The first of the Norwest Quarter residential building towers , the Lacebark and the Banksia , have been approved by Hills Shire Council . The Lacebark will feature 81 apartments , while the Banksia will have 115 .

These towers , designed by Bates Smart , form part of the Norwest Quarter development opposite Norwest Lake , which will see nine residential towers in total with 864 apartments , 6000 square metres of space for cafes , restaurants , shops and childcare facilities .

Some 70 per cent of the total ground space of the almost four-hectare site will be open green space .

According to developers Mulpha Group , every space in the Norwest Quarter project will connect the community

with nature .

Located at 40 Solent Circuit , Norwest , the development will be a zero-carbon precinct , thanks to its design elements , including natural light , heating and cooling . It estimates 2000 residents will call it home .

Mulpha says its goal is to achieve 100 % renewable energy , zero waste to landfill , self-sufficiency initiatives and water resilience for zero carbon living .

The development will follow zero waste living apartment design , with 100 % electric apartments , 100 % EV car parking , solar rooftops , insulation , rainwater storage , double glazing , non-toxic materials , urban heat reduction landscaping .

Retail partners in the mixed development will champion sustainable supply chains , ethically sourced goods and plastic / packaging-free retailing , with zero waste goal .

Early construction phases will also harness decarbonising enterprises , renewable energy ,

and a zero-waste ethos to help minimise impact during the staged build .

Lacebark tower The two pavilions feature curved floor-to-ceiling glass and textural architectural brickwork .

Its entrances allow for both public and resident-only amenities - two level shopping , restaurants and cafés .

Named after the Lacebark tree , apartments in the tower comprise one , two , and threebedroom designs as well as three-bedroom penthouses .

Resident-only spaces include a lounge and rooftop garden , complete with a kitchen , sundeck and barbecues .

Banksia tower Positioned around a public plaza , this tower is surrounded by open outdoor spaces .

Banksia will feature a resident-only podium rooftop with swimming pool , sunlit garden , resident lounge , work from home pods , and function room for hire .

Green space is a major feature of these artists ’ impressions of the $ 1 billion Norwest Quarter development . Picture : Mulpha

The Lacebark building . Picture : Mulpha

The Banksia building . Picture : Mulpha