Calls to reinstate Scot MacDonald as Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A common sense approach is being urged to be used when the NSW government appoints the Hunter's next Parliamentary Secretary for the region.

Catherine Cusak resigned from the role yesterday, after sending a scathing nine page email to Premier Gladys Berejinklian which was leaked to the media.

Chair of the Hunter Joint Organisation of Councils Cessnock Mayor Bob Pynsent, is calling for Scot MacDonald to be reinstated to the role.

Cr Pynsent believes Scot MacDonald is the obvious choice, and he isn't the only one calling for the former secretary to be reinstated.

"I've spoken to a number of mayors this morning and the consensus is this would be the best option for the wider Hunter," he said.

Maitland Mayor Peter Blackmore also supports Scot MacDonald returning to his position as he had 'supported us [the Hunter Joint Organisation] magnificently'.

There are concerns a representative with limited local knowledge could take on the role, which many agree wouldn't be good for the region.

Muswellbrook Shire Mayor Martin Rush is of the same opinion, sharing concerns around appointing a representative with limited local knowledge; especially when appointing Scot MacDonald would mean there is someone in the role who "already has a strong understanding of the challenges unique to our area".

At a media conference with Shadow Minister for the Environment Penny Sharpe this morning, Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp expressed the same views.

He said, "this government is divided and dysfunctional. Now, we need a minister for the Hunter at the cabinet table, to put a strong voice for the people of Newcastle and the Hunter".

Newcastle Regional Show recieves funding boost

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The Newcastle Regional Show has received a much needed funding boost from the NSW Government.

A one off $40, 000 grant was given to the Show Society yesterday, as a result of a plea made to the office of Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Catherine Cusak.

The government has vowed to undertake a review to help secure the future of the 115 year old event by investigating alternative revenue streams.

"We were contacted yesterday afternoon [Tuesday 28th February] to indicate that they had a cash flow crisis and this $40, 000 announcement is the Premier basically stepping in to make sure that the Newcastle Show goes ahead in 2017 and we want to also secondly make sure the show can be more secure and viable well into the future," said Catherine Cusak.

Meanwhile, State Member for Newcastle Tim Crackanthorp says Labor are pleased with the news, but a one off payment this year, won't be helpful for next year.

"We've been lobbying the government for the last month and while it is a good one off payment of $40, 000, we really need to see the arrangements change in terms of the rent and car parking payments for the future so the show can keep going."