POLITICS
NSW passes embedded network laws
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with Ray Williams MP
I am proud to advise that after raising the matter of Embedded Network Energy Providers in the media , and subsequently chairing the Law & Safety Committee about this matter , new Legislation was passed by Parliament on 24 June 2024 , ending the reign of financial terror placed on NSW residents by price gouging electricity providers .
I am very proud that this very first piece of Legislation regarding embedded networks has come to fruition , and I anticipate that it may be replicated by other states across Australia .
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Labor dismantles Service NSW
The NSW Labor Government has lost control of the Budget and now they ’ re slashing Service NSW – cutting more than 200 frontline staff .
This means cuts to frontline workers who help make your life easier . Whether it be renewing your driver ’ s licence or getting a copy of your birth certificate Service NSW has made life easier for everyone .
Chris Minns ’ promises to union bosses have cost the NSW Budget more than $ 9 billion , with more to come , and now they are slashing more than $ 100 million from services that support NSW residents at
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critical times . These cuts will decimate Service NSW , cripple essential services , and leave our communities vulnerable in times of crisis . Mini city for Kellyville and Bella Vista ? Not on my watch !
While we all appreciate the need for housing , The Hills does not have the infrastructure to support the additional 21,000 apartments proposed by the Minns Labor government .
This is a 400 % increase on the original 5,600 dwellings planned for this area between Kellyville and Bella Vista Metro Stations . With no land set aside for schools , or playing fields , it is clear this
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Government has no concept of what a functioning community needs .
The increase in traffic congestion along Old Windsor Road , which thousands of residents already suffer each day , will be intolerable . I am shocked that this plan was even created , let alone proposed by this Government .
I would strongly encourage anyone who is opposed to Labor ’ s proposed gross over-development of the Kellyville area to make your concerns known by make a submission at : https :// www . planningportal . nsw . gov . au / draftplans / exhibition / kellyville-and-bella-vistastate-led-rezoning-proposal
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$ 250 million for apprenticeships in local government a great move
The union which represents local government workers welcomes the Minns government ’ s commitment today to inject $ 252 million into the state ’ s 128 local councils to employ 1,300 apprentices and trainees to fill gaping skills shortages .
The next generation of mechanics , engineers , early childhood educators , plumbers , civil construction workers , and planning cadets will begin work early next year across the state thanks to the announcement .
Councils are experiencing declining workforce numbers with a large portion of experienced professionals who have worked in local government for decades due to retire within the next five years .
Many trainees and apprentices who start their career at councils under this funding boost will go on to work in local industry building the new housing and infrastructure across NSW which is currently threatened by the nationwide tradie shortage .
United Services Union General Secretary Graeme Kelly OAM says the $ 252 million funding boost is desperately needed .
“ Over 1000 young people across NSW will soon start their first job thanks to this scheme , and in the bush that ’ s especially valuable as it means they ’ ll stay put rather than move to our swollen cities looking for work or training opportunities ,” said Mr Kelly .
“ You can ’ t have ‘ rhyme time ’ at the local library , or a nice clean pool to swim in in summer or freshly mowed ovals on the weekend unless you have highly skilled , hard-working council workers providing these front-line services seven days a week .
“ The Minns government didn ’ t create this skills crisis , but they ’ ve rolled up their sleeves and fixed it .
“ The previous government wasn ’ t listening when councils from Armidale to Albury were crying out about skills shortages and their aging workforce , to their credit Chris Minns and Ron Hoenig have heard them and taken decisive action ,” said Mr Kelly .
Platypus month is back this August
August is Platypus Month in The Hills , a perfect time to discover the simple ways you can support our native platypus population .
To help , The Hills Shire Council is bringing back its popular platypus workshop series , which educates residents on practical ways to protect these unique animals .
This follows the exciting discovery of a platypus named ‘ Bluey ’ in the Cattai Creek Catchment in 2023 , the first capture and release of an egg-laying mammal in the area in 25 years .
In addition to the workshops , Council is also involved in land restoration works and is actively supporting the efforts of the Cattai Hills Environment Network ( CHEN ), a local volunteer group , and a research team from Western Sydney University led by Senior Lecturer Dr Michelle Ryan . This team has made a significant discovery of many healthy platypuses in the Cattai Catchment area , which stretches from Castle Hill to Cattai .
Credit Dr Michelle Ryan .
Dr Ryan and researcher Katherine Warwick will give special talks as part of Platypus Month .
Dr Ryan said everyone has a role in protecting these native animals .
“ From activities at home and school to local parks , there are many ways you and your family can help maintain healthy waterways for our beloved platypuses ,” Dr Ryan said .
“ Council ’ s free workshop series is one way to learn more about what we can all do to ensure their survival for generations to come .” For all workshop info refer to the Council advert on page 2 of this months edition .
20 ISSUE 110 // AUGUST 2024 theindependentmagazine . com . au THE HILLS INDEPENDENT