Dear Bugle Reader, 

I’m delighted that so many local groups are asking to come to NSW Parliament for a tour and to watch proceedings.  

I’m always keen to host local people in your Parliament.  

If you are part of a community group and would like to bring a delegation to Macquarie Street, give me a call in my office so we can set up a time. You are more than welcome!  

As I dig further and further into the NSW State budget, I’m becoming more and more concerned with the cuts or budget delays regional NSW is facing.  

It seems that this government’s definition of ‘NSW’ is Newcastle, Sydney and Wollongong! 

As you would be aware, the NSW Government has broken its promise to retain the Regional Seniors Travel Card. However, we’re fighting the cuts and please feel free to sign the petition opposing this cut in my office.   

Another project which the NSW Government appears to have cut is the Toolijooa Rail Passing Loop project which would have doubled the capacity of the South Coast Train line.  

Previously funded, this loop would have delivered the benefits of electrification for a fraction of the price of a full line duplication and added more seats and more services on an important public transport corridor.  

Whilst the NSW Government keeps pushing more development, what the government doesn’t want to talk about is the associated infrastructure that local communities need to shoulder this growth.  

Whilst I accept that we need to grow, this must be sustainable; growth without community infrastructure is myopic and unfair on regional communities already struggling.  

One of the other issues in the NSW budget is the amount of ‘planning money’ as opposed to ‘doing money’. For example, many of the government’s election commitments such as the M1 access ramps at Dapto and the East Nowra Sub Arterial won’t start in this term of Parliament - despite promises made during the election.  

Some good news, the A Community Building Partnerships program will be reopening for applications between 2 October till 27 October. However, the NSW Government has cut the budget for this program by $100,000 per electorate. 

If you would like to discuss applying for this fund for your organisation or community group, please feel free to drop in and see me. I’d love to talk with you and assist with your application.  

Have a great week! 

Gareth