Sonia Hornery Calls for Action in Beresfield Lifeguard Job Losses

BY HOLLY FISHLOCK

Twelve lifeguards from Beresfield Pool have been sacked following the Council's privatisation deal with BlueFit Aquatics.

The move has been heavily criticised by Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery, who has called the job losses and privatisation disappointing.

"I have been, as a Labor member, a long-term opponent of privatisation because it ends up not benefiting the community, it benefits the private companies," Ms. Hornery says.

It comes after City of Newcastle stated any changes to the pool management would not result in job losses.

"It's sad that we read documents and pledges from Labor councillors that say there would be no job losses. And yet, we know twelve qualified, experienced, long-term staff at Beresfield pool have lost their job," she says.

She is now calling for council to offer re-employment to the twelve staff, and to apologise to them.

"There have been no steps to right the wrong. I am asking the councillors to do right by the Beresfield and Tarro community and by the twelve employees that they sacked; to reinstate those experienced, qualified employees, and take them back to the pool."

MP reignites pleas for Wallsend flood fix

BY BILLIE KAAL 

Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery has hosted Shadow Minister for Water Rose Jackson on Tuesday morning to discuss the area's flood infrastructure problems. 

The pair walked along Ironbark Creek in hopes to raise awareness for improvement of Wallsend's stormwater assets. 

The area is prone to significant flooding roughly every 12 years, but Ms Hornery believes the community is not equipped for future events. 

She says she's disappointed at the lack of response she is receiving on the matter, especially from Hunter Water. 

"We in Wallsend get nothing back from Hunter Water," she said. 

"A succession of Liberal ministers have refused to acknowledge or take responsibility for the future of flooding and need for flooding mitigation in the Wallsend area."  

While Hunter Water owns and operates the infrastructure, it's understood, the Water Minister argues it's up to the City of Newcastle to address the issue.

Ms Hornery says she remains hopeful the meeting with Ms Jackson will spark awareness on the issue and ultimately provide the best outcomes for the community. 

Wallsend was inundated in the 2007 floods. Image credit: ABC.