Free Flu Jabs for Hunter Kids

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Children in the Hunter are now eligible for free flu jabs.

Children aged between six months and five years old are eligible under the NSW Government's $3.5 million influenza vaccination program.

It comes after a severe flu season last year which saw the state record it's worst flu season on record. In August last year, approximately 3,300 cases of flu had been recorded. Across the state the number of cases reached more than 12,000.

The vaccine will cover four strains of influenza virus, two A strains and two B strains, likely to be circulating this winter. If your child has never had a flu vaccination before they will need two doses, one month apart.

"We all know how horrendous the flu can be and this is especially hard on the smallest members of our family," said Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald.

"Little kids are also most likely to spread the flu so a free flu jab will not only keep them safe, but will protect others they come into contact with."

NSW childhood vaccination rates have increased by 6.3 per cent since 2010, to 93.9 per cent in 2017.

Image kids.britannica.com

Farewell Beresfield Driver Reviver.

BY DANIELLE RIES

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald has thanked the Morisset Lions Club for their 30-year commitment and dedication to the Driver Reviver program.

The program has been operating for three decades, with the Morisset Lions Club spending 23 years operating the program at Beresfield.

The holiday period is one of the busiest times for the Driver Reviver program has volunteers hand out roughly 15 thousand cups of tea and coffee at the Beresfield Station.

From the first of January 2018, the program at Beresfield will be moved as construction work will be undertaken on the M1 Motorway to upgrade Weakley's Drive and the John Renshaw Drive intersection at Beresfield McDonalds.

Scot MacDonald says this program was and still is a great initiative.

"It's those caravans that you see on the side of the road, strategic points where people have been travelling for a couple of hours, that's when fatigue sets in. Of course, the one at Beresfield was one of the more better-known ones, it was at the end of the old F3 and now the M1.

"It really was an important point for people to get a stop there, have a cup of coffee or a cup of tea, have a chat, just get revived before they go on their long journey."

He also explains this program has been a vital initiative in saving many lives of motorists.

"They've probably saved many, many lives because fatigue is still one of our biggest killers. We've had a lot of improvements in roads and cars and all those sorts of things like RBT over the years.

"I think the Morisset Lions and all the other Lions clubs have done an absolutely magnificent community service over the years."

Scot MacDonald explains there will be other driver reviver stations still available.

"Unfortunately the space is unavailable but there are other rest stops available to the north and to the east."

Credit- Lions Club International Members Website.

Another Ferry Stop for Newcastle?

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Another ferry stop could be on the cards for Newcastle.

The Throsby Business Chamber surveyed their members to find out where they would like to see another ferry stop and found 54 per cent would like to see the ferry stop at Wickham.

Other respondents saw Carrington as another possible place for a stop which the chamber believes wouldn't be too much of a stretch because the ferries already moor there.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald said there have been a few ideas put forward and all of them are quite good.

"You'd have a ferry stop near Carrington or a little bit further up at Wickham and then join up with the Wickham/Newcastle Interchange and then that would go up to Queens Wharf. So there are a few ideas and a few options being looked at and considered."

The idea of another ferry stop isn't something that hasn't been thought of before, Scot said there is the consideration in both the 2056 Transport Plan and also in the Draft Greater Newcastle Metro Plan.

"It's always good to hear from the local community including the business community and it builds the case so this will be taken on board, this will be listened to and I'm grateful to the Throsby Business Chamber for going to this effort and putting the survey together," said Scot.

The business chamber says the demand for the ferry service has been proven, particularly during the Supercars Newcastle 500 two weeks ago and the use of the ferry service just between Queens Wharf and Stockton every day.

The survey results have been sent off to Transport Minister Andrew Constance.

Queens Wharf Image Wikipedia

Spat Overshadows Significant Step in Construction of new Maitland Hospital

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A traditional turning of the sod ceremony at the site of the new Maitland Hospital at Metford has been overshadowed by a spat between Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison and Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald.

In front of gathered media yesterday afternoon, Scot MacDonald made it abundantly clear he wasn't happy Jenny Aitchison was there.

He asked her if she was invited and said he wasn't "really happy" she was there because she'd been trying to derail the project for the last two years.

"She hadn't been invited to the sod turning so, you've got to be suited up, we said to her, were you invited, she said no. It's very clear it's not appropriate to have people on the site who are just there to cause mischief," said Scot MacDonald.

He toured the site with representatives from Health Infrastructure and Hunter New England Local Health District inspecting the preliminary work and looking at the concept design for the new hospital.

Concept design for new Maitland Hospital at Metford. Image supplied.

Jenny Aitchison has hit back this morning, accusing Scot MacDonald of spreading lies.

"There's no basis in fact of it, everyone knows that I have been in favour of the hospital for the last two years, the lobbying that I've done has actually secured another $50 million for the project than what the government promised in the first place,"

"It's ensured that the commencement of the works actually happened before the end of this year, something that the government earlier this year said would only start in 2018," said Jenny Aitchison.

Scot MacDonald makes no apologies and didn't back down, calling on Jenny to get on board with the plan because really it's too little too late.

"She's being led by her shadow minister who is actually potentially causing a roadblock to this so you know, my call would be to Jenny, get on board, its a very very large project, there have been enough delays the money is on the table, let us get on with it."

The State Government announced in July it would seek a not-for-profit organisation to operate the hospital and providers are being invited to give their proposals for the site in partnership with the NSW Government.

Jenny Aitchison said Scot MacDonald is just being a bully.

"He's been a bully from the start really and it was just interesting that finally, I guess the media was there when he's launched one of his tirades and that's all it is, there's no basis in fact with it, everyone knows I've been in favour of the hospital for the last two years."

A part from the shock war of words between the two parliamentarians, yesterday was a significant step forward for the hospital's construction.

The enabling works at the site being carried out by Donnelley Constructions Pty Ltd and is expected to be completed by the end of next year.

A new roundabout will be built on Metford Road as a part of the enabling works. Fencing and signage have been erected to establish the site and services will be upgraded including a new water main and the relocation of the above and below ground services such as gas main, power and communication cables.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald with Gavin Thompson, Project Director,
Health Infrastructure and Eddie Pirillo, Executive Lead - New Maitland Hospital, Hunter New England Local Health District

Final Push to Save Maitland Hospital

BY SARAH BARONOWSKI

In one final push to save the new Maitland Hospital from privatisation, Maitland MP Jenny Aitchison is rallying together with her community at the weekend.

She's encouraging everyone to turn up at 12:30pm in Maitland Park on Sunday, demanding the Government walk away from a public-private provider (PPP) model once and for all. She recently presented a petition to Parliament with more than 20, 000 signatures asking for just this.

Jenny Aitchison says the community's efforts to turn things around have been successful in the past and there's no reason they won't be able to convince the Health Minister to keep their hospital public.

"We've won on the increased funding, we've won on the escalated time frame for delivery, we've won in getting corporate for-profit PPP partnership. We just need the community to really come together for one big final push to reject the not-for-profit public-private partnership.

"We want a fully public hospital."

Community Protests over Maitland Hospital. Image: Maitland Mercury

However, Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald has fired back at Ms. Aitchison, saying that Labor has failed to get behind the project and they're not committed to the delivery of a new hospital.

"Unfortunately, we've got Labor undermining the prospects for a new hospital and any new hospital that we get underway could have the rug pulled out from underneath it. This is bad, bad news for the people of the Lower Hunter and I am calling on the Member for Maitland to get behind our $450 million commitment."

He says despite concerns about the availability of medical services under a not-for-profit provider, this model won't change a thing.

"The signage is up there on the new hospital site that guarantees full public access just as people are used to today so there's [sic] no changes to the levels of service and their accessibility. All the normal things that they would expect from a public hospital will be there. It will just be built and operated by a not-for-profit provider."

But according to Jenny Aitchison, this is not only inaccurate it's simply incorrect. She claims there will be a difference in services under a public-private model and public patients will be the first to suffer if the hospital is at capacity. 

"Public patients will be the first to be moved when there are vacancies available. Now, do we want people being moved in hospital because of their treatment needs or because of their capacity to pay?" she said. 

"We've already got a private hospital in Maitland. We do not need another private hospital."

Funding for Ideas to Reduce Hunter Crime

BY SARAH BARONOWSKI

In a bid to stamp down crime across the Hunter region, the State Government is now looking to local community groups for possible solutions.

The Community Safety Fund is driving this collaborative approach to local crime, with grants of up to $250, 000 up for grabs for those with innovative ideas.

Councils, businesses and not-for-profit groups can apply for the grants online at www.crimeprevention.nsw.gov.au and submit ideas about improving safety and reducing crime in their local area.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald says he'd like to see local organisations get involved with this initiative and apply for a grant.

"I'd really urge people, particularly neighbourhood-watch type groups but anybody that is involved in their community, to look at these things and my suggestion would be strongly to talk to your local area command because whatever ideas are put up, really [have] a lot better chance at success if the local police are behind it."

While crime rates across the region may actually be going down, Scot MacDonald says numerous problem areas still exist.

"By and large, our stats are going down...but having said that, there is no doubt when I'm out there in the community there are "hot-spots" where there's anti-social behaviour. I've been around different areas where people have expressed their concerns over this, well now I'm saying to those people get some of your community together, look at this and see if you can put up a good idea."

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald

$94 Million Funding Boost for Hunter Schools

BY SARAH BARONOWSKI

Public schools across the Hunter are set to receive a whopping $94.5 million in needs-based funding for 2018.

It's part of a record $1.9 billion in Government funding delivered to schools across the state which is an increase of 8% on last year's funds.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald the region has down quite well for itself.

"Cessnock is getting nearly $18 million, Charlestown schools $9.8 million, Lake Macquarie nearly $10 million, Maitland nearly $16 million, Newcastle schools $6.8 million, Port Stephens schools $11.8 million, Swansea schools nearly $11 million, [and] Wallsend also $11 million so I'm particularly pleased that Hunter schools seem to be doing well out of [the funding]."

With the funds, local schools will be able to address the needs of their students and implement new initiatives for their educational benefit.

Scot MacDonald says each school will nominate where they want the funds to be spent.

"But traditionally, they'll go towards things like literacy and numeracy support, teacher training, speech pathologist those sorts of things. The local schools are best at identifying how that funding should be spent."

Belmont High School [Image: BHS]

The Government also announced a $25 million upgrade to Belmont High School earlier this week, with work expected to begin next year.

Though it's currently in the design phase, the project is looking at upgrading the school's administration block, building a new performing centre, technology learning centre, flexible learning spaces, toilets and a canteen.

Man Suffers Head Injuries after Car Rolls Several Times

BY JESSICA ROUSE

A man has suffered serious head injuries after his car rolled several times in Kurri Kurri overnight.

Police say at about 10:30 the Holden Rodeo Utility carrying three people was travelling south on Heddon Street when it turned right at the intersection of McLeod Road and lost control, rolling a number of times.

The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was called to the scene and flew a 21-year-old passenger to the John Hunter Hospital where he remains in a serious condition. He was unconscious at the time after the accident.

Another 21-year-old and a 19-year-old were also taken to the John Hunter Hosptial with minor injuries.

State Government Throwing Millions of Dollars into Stopping Food Waste

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Australians waste 400,000,000 tonnes of food each year, but now organisations in the Hunter can apply for grants to bring that figure down.

In a bid to cut down on the 345 kilograms of food Aussies throw out per household, the NSW Government is throwing millions of dollars worth of grants the Hunter's way to bring the waste down.

Councils and food relief agencies in the Hunter can apply for a share in $2 million in grants to help rescue surplus food before it gets sent to landfill.

Image www.foodwise.com.au

"Landfill is filling up prematurely which is obviously a problem for us as well, but if you can make better use of that surplus food, instead of just throwing it away help people who are in a difficult situation to meet those family budgets and meet the needs," said Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald.

Grants of up to $200,000 are available over two years to support local projects that raise awareness and improve education on food rescue.

The OzHarvest is a local organisation across Australia who collects quality excess food from commercial outlets and delivers it directly to more than 1000 charities supporting people in need across the country.

"Supermarkets do a really great job, instead of throwing it away they call these organisations that distribute it amongst the community that really needs it and importantly though they do need a lot of infrastructure I've noticed when you do visit the depots,"

They've got a lot of freezers, a lot of fridges, shelving all of those sorts of things and that's primarily what these grants are aimed at," said Scot MacDonald.

Funding To Cut Burglaries In Lake Macquarie

BY IAN CROUCH

The state government is proving almost $50,000 to Lake Macquarie Council to help cut the number of break-ins to homes.

Council will use the money for a crime prevention program which targets break-and-enter hot spots.

The funding is part of the $500,000 Safer Community Compact grants to help councils across NSW deliver grassroots solutions to crime.

"It's about empowering residents, there is a bit of that aspect to it, but it's really about improving community awareness and what you can do to protect your own home," Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald says.

Residents will be shown how to use engraving tools to mark their valuables while 100 DataDot kits will be distributed which helps police in identifying, tracking and returning stolen property.

Fifty property marking kits will also be given away to residents whose homes are considered at risk of being broken into.

The latest crime statistics shows that the rate of burglaries in Lake Macquarie has dropped over the past four years, however there were still 734 recorded break-and-enters on homes in 2016.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald Announcing Crime Prevention Funding with Lake Macquarie City Council CEO Morven Cameron and Mayor Cr Kay Fraser

Return and Earn Reverse Vending Machine first in the Hunter

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The Hunter is now home to the first Return and Earn Reverse Vending Machine in the state in a bid to reduce waste.

The machine is located at the Woolworths in Medowie and it's as easy as putting in a container, and getting 10 cents back to give to a charity, or use at the local Woolies.

The state government will be rolling out more of the machines across the Hunter which will be in use from December 1. The NSW government is aiming to reduce waste by 40 per cent by 2020.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald says it's really quite a simple way to reduce the amount of litter on the streets in the Hunter.

"You put your container in, you get your payment or your voucher or your contribution to your charity and at the back of the vending machine there's a 20 foot container and all the material then goes into the back obviously to be collected by the waste industry," said Scot MacDonald.

The government says the machines present a massive logistical exercise which is why it's taking a little bit of time to get them all installed and up and running.

Scot MacDonald said they've been rolled out in South Australia already and so far, so good.

"It does make a material difference to the rubbish on the road that you see in the streets in your neighbourhood. So look it has got the runs on the board, we were talking to the installers there who've come over from Europe and they're saying it has a good track record in some of the European countries."

The containers eligible for the 10 cent refund include most containers between 150ml and three litres. Containers shouldn't be crushed or broken and have the original label attached to be eligible for the refund.

Final Consultation Sessions for Broadmeadow Redevelopment

BY SARAH BARONOWSKI

Hunter residents are being urged to have their say about the concept plan for Broadmeadow's Sports and Entertainment Precinct at the final community consultation sessions this weekend.

They'll be held on Sunday at Broadmeadow Showground for the Farmers Market between 10am and 12pm as well as the forecourt of McDonald Jones Stadium at 3:30pm.

The proposed concept plan is looking at ideas for the site's long-term future and issues that need to be addressed.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald says they're looking for everybody to have their say.

"Whether you're interested in [the] sports side, the entertainment side, the transport side, the residential aspect to it -- we're looking for everybody's input. I think this is one of the next big exciting steps forward for Newcastle and the Hunter. This is really a chance now to hit the reset button and get the best overall concept to bring in all those elements."

He says this Sunday is the last opportunity for residents to provide feedback for this stage of the plan.

However, if people miss their chance there are other ways they can get involved.

"If you can't get down...you can still have a look at it on the website. Just go to Venues NSW and follow it to 'Concept Plan.' Just follow [the links] through," Mr. MacDonald said.

Concept Plan for Sports Precinct. [Image: Newcastle Herald]

To make a submission visit: http://www.venuesnsw.com/page/conceptplan  

Upgraded Toronto Boating Ramp Now Open.

BY DANIELLE RIES.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald and Mayor of Lake Macquarie Kay Fraser have today opened the recently revamped boating ramp at the Toronto Lions park.

The upgrades include a new concrete ramp installation of rock revetments, a foreshore stabilisation and improvements to boat ramp manoeuvring area.

The State Government and the Lake Macquarie City Council worked together in order to upgrade the very popular boating ramp with a four hundred and thirty-five thousand dollar rehabilitation program,
just in time for summer.

Kay Fraser says the community will thoroughly enjoy these new upgrades, especially leading into summer.

"Because its such a popular area over there at the Toronto Lions Park, many many boaters use that area, got a lot of facilities there, amenities block. So it'll be great for families who launch their boats there, they'll be able to launch two, easy to get in and out of, much safer, and has a new look and a new feel so very exciting for the people over there".

Meanwhile, Scot MacDonald also explains how wonderful it is to have the state government and council work together on this project. 

"Really pleased to work with the Lake Macquarie on these. The NSW Government has put in nearly nine hundred thousand dollars. They've put in some very good submissions a bit over a year ago, and they identified what needed upgrading around the council and I think they've put a really good project together.

"They tell me there this morning that they've already applying for more funding through Boating Now and the NSW Liberal Government".

New Boating Ramp
Credit- Lake Macquarie City Council Official Website.

Don't Be A Tosser, Apply For The Litter Grant

BY DANIELLE RIES

Parliamentary Secretary for the Huner Scot MacDonald is encouraging Hunter waste group to apply for a share of 1-point-25 million dollars to fund litter prevention projects.

The Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, Port Stephens, Central Coast, Maitland, Cessnock City Councils are all members of the Hunter Waste Group.

The NSW Governments Litter Regional Implementation program offers funding to 14 waste groups to support member councils to work to tackle litter problems in their community.

Waste groups are eligible to apply for the funding to implement the anti-littering project, on behalf of their council members.

Scot MacDonald says the funding aims to reduce the amount of litter in the community.

"The aim of the government is to reduce the litter across the state by 40 percent by 2020. Strongly urging them to apply for some of this funding to address hot spots on litter, in particular, we are looking for along the major arterial roads, take away containers getting up around 40 percent of our litter, but certainly targeting road side litter".

Scot MacDonald says the constant littering is very bad for the environment.

"I'm not sure what goes through peoples minds when they wind down the window and throw out that take away container. Look all you've got to do is put it in the bin at home. Have a bit of respect for your own backyard and respect for the environment. 

"Of course a lot of this litter takes many many years if not decades longer to decompose and break down".

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald

Facelift for Broadmeadow Station

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Broadmeadow Train Station has undergone a massive facelift worth $18.5 million.

As part of the Transport Access Program, the station now has three new lifts, improved access from Brown and Graham Roads, more protection from the weather and upgraded security features.

This is the first upgrade to the station in more than 40 years and Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald says it's a great, and much needed, improvement.

"If you were here a year ago it was dark, it was gloomy, there wasn't much weather protection, it didn't feel friendly but look all credit to these guys its bright, it's airy, there's a lot more CCTV, the signage is so much better, it's a 100 per improvement and I think they should be really proud and the community will really take a lot of heart in these upgrades."

The underpass has also undergone a lively transformation with a bright new piece of public art which celebrates local history with the quote 'We've built many things along the way, the path we're on now leads to even more'.

The upgraded security is of particular interest and has made for a much safer train station for the public.

"There wouldn't be many blindspots I can imagine, I think they've done a terrific job and if that gives people confidence and deters a little bit of antisocial behaviour that's wonderful but this is the standard that you see now and it is getting higher and higher all the time," said Scot MacDonald.

First Home Buyers to Get a Fair Go

BY DANIELLE RIES

Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDoanld has announced a comprehensive package which will include the reduction of stamp duty for first home buyers.

This reform will give aspiring first home buyers a fair go when searching for their own home as more housing choices will also be made available. 

These reforms announced with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian can save aspiring first home buyers around thirty-four thousand three hundred and sixty dollars. 

Scot MacDonald says the abolishment of certain policies will benefit first home buyers. 

"For the first time, we will be abolishing stamp duty for first home buyers and for all new and existing homes up to the value of six hundred and fifty thousand dollars and there are further discounts up to eight hundred dollars.

"Ontop of that we will also be abolishing the insurance duty on lenders, mortgage insurance. This is aimed fairly and squarely right at people trying to get into the housing market for the first time"

He also says this package will make the Hunter more attractive to first-time buyers. 

"Six hundred and fifty thousand dollars doesn't buy you a lot in Sydney but of course in the Hunter Valley, you can get even into a new house at those sorts of levels. I just think it's incredibly important, I think it'll make the Hunter Valley more attractive for people.

"Stamp duty was always a big hurdle and now as I say you have savings of over twenty thousand. It think that makes it a lot-lot more affordable" 

Scot MacDonald 

Funding Boost for Cooks Hill Surf Club

BY SARAH BARONOWSKI

Cooks Hill Surf Club received a boost in funding this morning when they were presented with a $182, 000 cheque from the State Government.

President, Richard Hermens met with Parliamentary Secretary of the Hunter, Scot MacDonald at the Club this morning to welcome the cheque.

He says he's extremely grateful for the funding boost which will go towards a new extension for the club.

"We're very excited about receiving the funds," he said.

"This grant will enable us to continue with the construction of a new club and will enhance our ability to provide a range of activities to the community."

Beach accessibility will be greatly improved once the building is constructed, as well.

"The new building will include a lift which will allow people with limited mobility access through [sic] the building through to the beach."

According to the President, the Club's current toilet facilities are also in desperate need of renovation.

"The disabled toilets that we had were just modified toilets at the bottom of the basement as were the women's toilets," he said.

"The building was actually built in the thirties and women weren't allowed to be members of surf clubs back in those days so it [funding] was very badly needed."

With a new building, the Club will also have more space to train their members in life saving duties.

Cooks Hill Surf Club [Image: Newcastle Herald]

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".

Cusack Resigns In Explosive 9 Page Email To Premier

BY IAN CROUCH

Premier Gladys Berijiklian will have to appoint a new Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter following the shock resignation of Catherine Cusack.

The Upper House Mp sent a scathing 9 page email to the Premier which was leaked to the media.

In it she criticised the government's Upper House leader and recently appointed Energy Minister, Don Harwin saying "we are working with Don's dreadful performance", saying he is no orator, easily flustered and has wafer-thin skin.

Catherine Cusack went on to say she would join the cross bench if the Premier continued to say she made her ministerial appointments on merit.

Shadow Minister for the Hunter Kate Washingtion says the region has lost a good representative, "She consulted the community well, she consulted with local MPs well. I felt she was doing a better job than Scot MacDonald had been doing in that role in the past year and had achieved more perhaps in the 5 weeks she was there, so it is really disappointing to see that she's resigned from this position," she said.

Catherine Cusack

Kate Washington

Renewed calls to end council mergers

BY TYLER FARDELL

The government's controversial forced council amalgamations policy continues to be an issue with Shadow Minister for the Hunter Kate Washington calling for the mergers to be scrapped.

Ms Washington has stated her intentions to meet with new Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Catherine Cusack and discuss the issue.

“As the government's Hunter representative it is vital that Ms Cusack doesn’t just meet with Councils, but also with the residents and businesses who will be negatively impacted by forced mergers.”

The mergers were proposed over a year ago, yet there is still no definitive decision over many council's futures.

The proposed amalgamation between Newcastle and Port Stephens council as well Dungog and Maitland councils are still in limbo, which is having an impact on many council decisions.

The issue was put back in the spotlight when deputy premier Barilaro stated the would be no more 'mergers in the bush', however Ms Cusack says the mergers are a good thing.

Kate Washington