Community News

Maintaining Our January 2019 Local Schools Local Sports Kick Delivering Community News Funding Goals Power Bill Relief The NSW Liberals & Nationals Government will invest an additional $100 million on school maintenance this year Leslie Williams MP including more than $3.3 million on local schools, bringing The NSW Government has announced $15 million the total investment to an unprecedented $847 million over Local sports groups in the Camden Haven, Happy Members of Marine in clean energy funding for a new solar program four years. Lake Cathie and Port Macquarie are the Rescue Crowdy-Harrington aimed at saving low-income households hundreds of dollars each year on their power bills. Member for Port Macquarie Across NSW, the additional money will be allocated to schools big winners with almost $600,000 in State with the highest maintenance needs and $260 million of the Government funding to improve sporting Marine Rescue Unit Over 600 households on the North Coast are Parliamentary Secretary for Regional and Rural Health funding will be invested this financial year. infrastructure. expected to take part in the voluntary program by exchanging their Low Income Household Rebate for The additional funding is a huge boost for local schools. It will a new 2.5 kilowatt solar power system. ensure that students and teachers can work in the best possible Makes A Splash conditions. The trial scheme will be rolled out in five selected Extensive lighting and infrastructure upgrades as well The Harrington and Crowdy communities will as improvements to existing change room facilities State regions that will maximise the benefit of solar In addition to prioritising maintenance in NSW schools, the be safer on the water with two new emergency for local households. The regions are: North Coast, Government has also announced the first 900 schools including will be carried out at the Vince Inmon Sporting response motor vehicles, and refurbishment of Tidal Pool Complex in the Camden Haven. Central Coast, Sydney – South, Illawarra – Tacking Point Public School and Camden Haven High School the boat shed and training room, thanks to Shoalhaven and South Coast. that will receive air conditioning under its record $500 million At Lake Cathie over $200,000 has been earmarked to $95,000 in NSW Government grants. Cooler Classrooms program. The bill savings from the rooftop solar trial are undertake substantial playing surface improvements The funding will provide the local community with a One Step expected to be close to double the value of existing to all three fields within the complex as well as the well-resourced marine rescue unit with modern installation of an automatic irrigation system. rebate savings with an average bill reduction of $600 equipment. per household per year. This means that North Coast FY18/19 Local school maintenance spend Improving LED lighting at Oxley Oval in Port The new 4WD’s will help the Crowdy Harrington households who choose to participate in the Closer Allocations Macquarie will allow for increased opportunities for Marine Rescue Unit respond to emergencies more program could be around $300 better off each year. night games and practice for a range of sporting Coopernook Public School $ 142,680.00 quickly and effectively, while installation of a solar A $50,000 State Government grant has codes. The program is entirely voluntary and eligible power system will cut electricity costs that can be recipients will be able to reap the benefits of the been earmarked to the Port Macquarie Lord Howe Island Central School $ 10,347.75 Sports grants have also been awarded to: directed towards volunteer training. program by exchanging their rebate in return for a Tidal Pool Committee to undertake a rooftop solar system. feasibility study for the construction of Hannam Vale Public School $ 49,935.29 • $5,000 Camden Haven Physical Culture Club The local community can have continued peace of mind that volunteers can respond to a variety of a tidal pool in Port Macquarie. • $1,018 Flamin’ Dragons Port Macquarie We know energy bills are placing pressure on Harrington Public School $ 20,702.91 distress calls, which could be from swimmers in low-income consumers so we want to ensure that A local tidal pool has been on the drawing • $5,000 Hastings River Junior Cricket Club trouble or from an upturned boat in heavy seas. we are doing everything we can to offer support for board for many years and to finally see some positive Herons Creek Public School $ 18,389.30 struggling households. action on the proposal is very welcome news indeed. • $9,400 Hastings Valley Motor Cycle Club The Harrington and Crowdy Head fishing Johns River Public School $ 35,920.18 communities have grown over the past few years, so For more information on the program, visit: I have met many times with members of the Tidal Pool Funding Boost • $2,307 Kendall Tennis Club it’s important that local marine rescue volunteers are https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/ Committee and am encouraged by their unwavering Kendall Public School $ 127,872.97 • $10,000 Port Macquarie Rowing Club prepared and equipped to respond to emergencies. energy in trying to achieve this much supported For Telegraph Point community facility. Lansdowne Public School $ 75,784.71 • $5,631 Port Macquarie Rugby Union Club First and foremost is the need for a feasibility study to Telegraph Point this year is set to receive an unprecedented • $5,000 Port Macquarie Swimming Club Upper Lansdowne Public School $ 15,774.50 be undertaken to determine if a pool can actually be $3.261 million in State Government funding. • $5,000 Queens Lake Sailing Club built and to identify the most suitable location. Laurieton Public School $ 78,774.54 Investing $6.3 million to Protect Local Koala Habitat in Port Macquarie Through the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities • $5,000 Port Macquarie-Maroro Outrigger If that study finds that a pool cannot be built, then so Fund, $698,000 will be invested to upgrade pedestrian safety with Moorland Public School $ 28,800.96 be it. At least we as a community have taken the the construction of much needed footpaths. Canoe Club The results of the NSW Biodiversity in-perpetuity, which constitutes a considerable additional annual appropriate steps to investigate that possibility instead Port Macquarie Public School $ 309,524.46 Conservation Trust’s (BCT) tender for income for the properties’ owners. The Stronger Country Communities Fund delivers crucial local conservation management of koala habitat of simply saying ‘no it can’t be done’. infrastructure to improve the quality of life of people living in This is a significant result for landholders who applied through in the Port Macquarie electorate means the I believe we owe it to the more than 18,000 people regional NSW. Funding is provided to local projects such as parks, Telegraph Point Public School $ 27,0 9 5.79 the BCT’s conservation tender and have now entered local koala populations will be protected. who signed the petition calling for a tidal pool for Port community halls, playgrounds and amenity blocks. agreements with the BCT where they will receive annual North Haven Public School $ 79,000.99 Macquarie. The BCT is entering five in-perpetuity payments to carry out funded conservation management actions A further $242,921 has been allocated to upgrade lighting and Westport Public School $ 113,872.21 conservation agreements with landholders, which cover over to conserve koala habitat on their land. I thank Kathryn Butler, Fred O'Toole and the Tidal Pool drainage at Charlie Watts Reserve which will be very much 160 hectares of land in the Port Macquarie region. The BCT will Committee for passionately representing their welcomed by the local sporting community. These five privately-owned properties support regionally Hastings Public School $ 617,256.28 invest $6.3 million in the Biodiversity Conservation Fund to meet community and for continuing to forge ahead with important koala habitat. Earlier this year $2.32 annual conservation payments for these five properties, their proposal for a tidal pool despite ongoing Tacking Point Public School $ 51,079.14 million was announced challenges and obstacles. as part of the NSW North East Public School Government’s $ 60,626.34 I’m hopeful the funding will progress the tidal pool of Distance Education Leslie Williams Member for Port Macquarie Parliamentary Secretary for Regional and Rural Health proposal from a dream to a reality for the people of contribution towards Port Macquarie. the Telegraph Point Camden Haven High School $ 92,665.90 Sewerage Scheme.

Hastings Secondary College: email [email protected] website www.lesliewilliams.com.au Fred O’Toole, Peta Pinson, Leslie Williams, Geoff Slack, Beryl Britton and Treasurer Dominic Perrottet Port Macquarie Campus $ 1,181,692.88 address Macquarie Business Centre, Suite 6, 27 Grant Street, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 With Members (photo courtesy of Fairfax) Westport Campus $ 193,282.58 Camden Haven Physical Culture Club members of the Telegraph Point Alena Bell, Laila Bell, Lily Bell, Erin Fuller and Ara Fuller phone 02 6584 0977 fax 02 6584 0978 Progress Association Total $ 3,331,080.00 Authorised by Leslie Williams MP. Printed by Chrysalis Printing, 7 Chestnut Road, Port Macquarie NSW 2444 using parliamentary entitlements Upper Lansdowne Almost $4 Million Port Macquarie’s Stuart Park will be transformed Community Hall Committee 2018 Community Building into a modern sports facility thanks to a $3.192 million $488,919 For Upgrade To NSW Government grant. Partnership Grants Stuart Park The NSW Government Regional Sports Infrastructure Fund grant will be used to upgrade Stuart Park which currently accommodates 15 local sporting and user groups. Manning Valley The Port Macquarie electorate will receive almost $330,000 • $5,643 Coopernook School of Arts Hall to refurbish the Stage in funding to deliver much-needed improvements to local Dressing Rooms This significant upgrade to the sports field will convert the site facilities for 24 projects through the NSW Government’s into a regionally significant venue that will be able to host state • $15,000 Coopernook Rural Fire Brigade for a concrete slab 2018 Community Building Partnership Program. and national events. • $11,000 Moorland Public School P & C for a sports storage shed Communities The NSW Government’s strong economic management means The upgrade will include a premier field, new LED lighting, we are in a position to invest in these important local projects. • $10,402 Moorland Soccer Club for Solar Panels drainage improvements, multipurpose outdoor courts, spectator seating and shelter as well as formalised precinct parking. Recipients include: • $18,000 Harrington Lions Club for a new BBQ Trailer Improved infrastructure will enable local junior talent to stay local Smaller communities in the southern part of • $10,000 Birpai Local Aboriginal Land Council to refurbish the • $10,505 Hannam Vale P&C Tennis Club to upgrade the tennis when progressing through sporting pathways. We all know how the Port Macquarie electorate will benefit from Mens Shed courts and clubhouse $488,919 in funding to breathe new life into popular and healthy sport is so this is a huge win for local • $20,000 Port Macquarie Gymnastics Club to purchase • $18,566 North Haven Public School P&C for a Sensory Garden competitors of all ages and all levels of ability. community and local sporting facilities through • $59,277 for the Upper Lansdowne Community Hall to Gymnastic's equipment Round Two of the NSW Government’s Stronger upgrade amenities including disability access • $10,440 Camden Haven Physical Culture Club for new flooring Port Macquarie-Hastings Council is contributing $800,000 • $25,000 Telegraph Point Community Association for which will see a capital improvement of almost $4 million. Country Communities Fund. • $10,000 Lake Cathie Tennis Club for path works • $129,568 to upgrade the lighting at the Lansdowne improvements to the Community Hall For more information about the Regional Sports Infrastructure Rugby League sports field to allow for night training • $14,800 Camden Haven Soccer Club for a new public • $2,650 National Servicemen’s Association Port Macquarie/ Fund, visit www.nsw.gov.au/regionalsportsinfrastructure. and games address system Hastings Branch to purchase seating at the McInherney Park Members of the Port Pirates Local community groups secured NSW Government • $7,706 for the Lansdowne Community Hall to extend War Memorial Congratulate to all the organisations that were successful in their funding for seven projects, which include upgrades to the outdoor path, construct a retaining wall as well as application and I look forward to seeing how these projects make • $6,566 Hastings Early Intervention Program for Solar Panels community facilities, sports fields as well as to build brand paint internal walls and bathrooms a real difference for community groups in the area. new public facilities in four local communities. • $9,500 NewIdafe for Solar Panels • $30,000 for the Coopernook Community Hall to If your organisation requires funding assistance, please contact These funding announcements are delivering long awaited improve the outside toilets • $30,163 Douglas Vale Conservation Group for an archive the Port Macquarie Electorate office for more information about infrastructure for our small villages which deserve the • $138,050 to build new public toilets adjacent to the container and buggy shelter Community Building Partnership Grants and other funding same quality services as neighbouring larger centres. More Than opportunities. Lansdowne River at Coopernook. • $10,000 Friends of Kooloonbung Creek to upgrade the • $59,834 for the Johns River Community Hall to Thank you to Mid Coast Council for their assistance in Boardwalk in Kooloonbung Creek Nature Reserve upgrade the hall, verandah and storage shed helping to co-ordinate these grant applications. • $25,000 Westport Tennis Club for two synthetic grass courts • $14,059 for the installation of solar power and a Tesla For more information, please visit: A Billion battery system at the public toilets at Johns River www.nsw.gov.au/strongercountrycommunities. • $8,600 Port Macquarie Golf Club to replace water pumps • $5,300 Flamin’ Dragons Port Macquarie for a new watercraft • $3,096 Rotary Club of Port Macquarie West for refundable Reasons deposit project • $24,613 Port Macquarie Rugby Union Club to renovate the canteen Guests who visit the Players Theatre will benefit from To Celebrate NSW Government a new air conditioning system thanks to a $71,000 • $25,000 Lord Howe Island Central School P&C for a playground equipment NSW Government grant. The current system was 30 More than one billion containers have now been years old and was in need of replacement. Leslie with Port Macquarie Gymnastics Club President Supporting Local • $15,000 Coopernook Rural Fire Brigade for a concrete slab Sharon Ekendahl and Angy Dixon - Head Coach collected through the Return and Earn scheme in NSW. Over the years, more than 300,000 people have enjoyed This is a huge achievement for NSW and congratulations Litter volume has dropped across all categories, with the plays, musicals, pantomimes and festivals at the Players to everyone who has contributed to the scheme. largest reduction from eligible drink containers which now Theatre and so it’s important the theatre is able to continue represent an all-time low of 37 per cent of the NSW litter Organisations Return and Earn has been an outstanding success hosting these events for locals and visitors alike. volume stream! Lake Cathie residents will soon see enhancements to and changed the way people dispose of empty drink The new air conditioning system will mean the local Foreshore Reserve as well as improvements to stormwater containers. When people choose to donate their 10 cents per community and visitors can continue to enjoy the Lake Cathie Wins Big run-off at Illaroo Road thanks to State Government funding container instead of collecting the money at the Reverse We are now recycling more drink containers than ever wonderful entertainment at Players Theatre all year round. directed to Port Macquarie-Hastings Council. Vending Machines (RVM), they can now support four local before. The Port Macquarie community will also benefit from a The NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Funding organisations including: • Eligible drink containers collected and recycled: custom built response trailer to better prepare for and has included $222,696 to allow for the implementation of the first • Camden Haven Surf Club up by 69 per cent respond to floods, storms and other emergencies. stage of the Lake Cathie Master Plan including the demolition of – RVM Woolworths Lake Cathie the current toilet block and the construction of new amenities as • Eligible drink container litter volume: down 44 per cent A $10,000 grant will be invested in a custom built trailer to • Panthers Port Macquarie Soccer Club hold sandbags, lighting, generators, tool and well as the development of foreshore pathways. • NSW total litter volume: down 48 per cent since 2013 – RVM Growers Market Port Macquarie communications equipment that the local SES Community The Lake Cathie Foreshore is a focal point for the local Action Team needs to respond to extreme weather community as well as a wonderful playground for the tourists • Drink containers being processed each week: • Omnicare Alliance situations. who flock to the area every year. 26 million – RVM Coles Lake Innes By being prepared, should an emergency occur, the local Beach erosion to the dune system along Illarro Road will soon be • Most drink containers processed in a day: • Port Macquarie Lions Club community will be able to respond quicker than ever before. a thing of the past with $360,000 from the NSW Government’s 5.6 million on Sunday November 11 – RVM Woolworths Port Macquarie Players Theatre Committee Coastal and Estuary Grants Program being allocated to undertake works.