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Recent Wins for the Community |
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Page 1 of 3 Senior drivers winAfter widespread community opposition to the RTA's proposal to introduce a mandatory 10km radius restriction once drivers turn 85, the plan has been abandoned. More than 300 senior residents from the Manly area attended a forum I called in September 2007 to express their opposition to the changes. The NSW Coalition held forums throughout the State and the RTA was inundated with submissions. We're pleased the community's calls for driving laws to be based on ability rather than age were heard.
Funding for sports facilitiesSporting facilities in Manly will get a boost this year with four local projects recently awarded funding from the NSW Government. The skate park at Keirle Park will be expanded thanks to a $20,000 grant to Manly Council. Seaforth families will also benefit from $20,000 in funds to build a new playground and basketball half-court at Seaforth Oval. Members of North Curl Curl Surf Life Saving Club were thrilled to receive $7,500 in funds towards their new rescue quad bike. Brookie Oval supporters would also be pleased that the State Government has chipped in $170,000 to fix occupational health and safety issues at the Oval, including new turnstiles at the Pittwater Road end to allow for wheelchair access. $600,000 resealing Spit RoadFinally some work has been done on the Spit. Unfortunately the traffic problems have not been solved, but it is a relief the road has finally been resurfaced after we called on the Government to carry out urgent repairs. Manly residents had shared their fears travelling on the road, which was an obstacle course of potholes. The $600,000 project was completed in February 2008. Watkins attends Ferry ForumMore than 100 Manly commuters attended a forum I hosted in January 2008 with Transport Minister John Watkins who is due to make major changes to the Manly ferry service as a result of the Walker Inquiry. The Minister said he ‘heard clearly’ the impassioned pleas of JetCat commuters who want the Government to reject the recommendation to end the high-speed service if any compromise vessel takes longer than 20 minutes. Mr Watkins made a commitment not to rush the fleet replacement and to engage with Manly commuters in order to get it right. North Steyne declared best beachWe know Manly’s beaches are the best in Australia but it was still a great thrill that Keep Australia Beautiful declared North Steyne the best beach in Sydney! The Clean Beach Challenge was run across the country and North Steyne was recognised for its use of recycled water, multilingual safety signs and young nippers who encourage beachgoers not to leave rubbish behind. Well done to all the members of North Steyne Surf Life Saving Club for their efforts. Brookvale buses first to get on-time technologyThe Northern Beaches bus depot at Brookvale will be the first in Sydney to have special technology installed so that late-running buses get priority at traffic lights. Bus stops will also have displays to show whether buses are running late. This promise comes two years after the State Government’s own deadline but we’re glad Northern Beaches commuters will be the first to benefit. 12 nurses for Manly HospitalWe’re very pleased to welcome 12 first-year graduate nurses to Manly Hospital in 2008 and 12 nurses to neighbouring Mona Vale Hospital. We’re hopeful this boost will help ease the strain on overstretched staff and improve patient care. It was also a relief that Manly and Mona Vale were among half the public hospitals in the State to be included in the current review of the health system. My colleagues and I will continue to put pressure on the State Government to prioritise construction of the Frenchs Forest hospital and maintain services at Manly Hospital until it is in place. |