New Homes Delivered for Residents in Crisis

BY OLIVIA DILLON

A new social housing development has been completed in Newcastle. 

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Taylor Martin announced yesterday, the completion of the $3.9 million project on Stannett Street in Waratah West. 

The development includes three one-bedroom and five two-bedroom units, as well as parking for four cars, sun shades, and easy access to parks, bus stops and essential services. 

It will provide eight homes, helping 14 local residents put a roof over their heads. 

The news comes amid a housing crisis across the Hunter region and the state. 

Recent figures indicate there are more than 50,000 people on the NSW social housing waitlist, with 4,500 of those coming from the Hunter. 

Additionally, rental vacancy in the region sits at just 1%. 

Mr Martin said the Waratah project is just one of ten developments which make up a $47 million pipeline for Newcastle, aiming to provide 138 homes for Novocastrians over three years. 

Premier Dumps Hunter Parliamentary Secretary Role.

BY IAN CROUCH

 The Hunter has missed out on having a direct representative in the new look state government.

The role of Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter and Central Coast has been scrapped, leaving the region without a direct voice to government ministers.

The role was previously held by Scot MacDonald before the March 23 election.

However, provincial MLC for the Hunter and Central Coast, Taylor Martin has told Fairfax the removal of the parliamentary secretary role would bring more direct minister involvement with the region as part of a total change in structure of the executive government.

Mr Martin says he's already sounded out new ministers and parliamentary secretaries about local issues which need attention.

The government's new executive team is in stark contrast to the opposition who still have a Shadow Minister for the Hunter in Port Stephens MP, Kate Washington.

Meanwhile, Upper Hunter MP, Michael Johnsen has been rewarded for his election win.

The Nationals MP has been appointed the Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture.

He's taken to Facebook to say he is extremely humbled and honoured to be handed the role and is determined to do what he can to help our current and future farming entrepreneurs to succeed.

Upper Hunter MP Michael Johnsen appointed Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture