State Issues Paper

Last modified: September 8, 2006 - 4:31 PM

Council now has a clear idea of Issues to take to the State Government, with the adoption of a list of issues at last Monday’s meeting.

The new State seat of Wollondilly has been created ahead of the March 2007 State Elections and for the first time Wollondilly Shire is contained in just one electorate.

“This gives us our stronger political clout at a State level, and a great opportunity to bring some pressure to bear on the Government about State-level issues we feel are important here in Wollondilly,” said Wollondilly Mayor Cr Phillip Costa.
“We have put together a list of matters on which we would like the State Government’s support.
“It’s linked very closely to our plans for the future of the Shire, as we used the Wollondilly Vision 2025 as a guide.
“It’s quite an in-depth list, and it highlights the fact that in order to achieve our dreams for the Shire, we will need a lot of cooperation from the State Government.
“Their decisions on services, infrastructure and financial support for local government are critical to the future well-being of Wollondilly’s residents.”

A breakdown of the major points of the Issues Paper is below. It includes the general issues with a couple of specific examples. The full document will soon be available for viewing online at www.wollondilly.nsw.gov.au.

Health and Community Services

There is a lack of health provision and aged care services in the Shire. Specific issues include the establishment of aged care facility at Queen Victoria Hospital to provide for the increasing demand for aged care in the Shire, the re-opening of the Camden Maternity Unit and the resumption of the Emergency Department’s acceptance of Ambulances.

Agriculture

There is not enough financial support for our farmers, and Council feels that our rural lands need more protection from development. Specifically, Council would like a clear indication from the State Government as to its plans for the Wollondilly region in the Metro Strategy. Another issue is that the incentives offered to farmers to enter conservation agreements need to be more attractive.

Tourism

There needs to be more support for Tourism in the Shire. Council would like improved facilities that would allow the promotion of Nature-based Tourism in the Shire, and the restoration of the Burragorang Lookout, which has the potential to be a major Tourism attraction.

Youth Services

There is a need for services for Young People in general across the Shire. The most important issues include more public transport options and more outreach services for young people having difficulties with their education, their social or their home lives.

Child Care Services

There is a shortage of affordable child care in the Shire. Specific issues include increasing the Child Care places available in Wollondilly, and a general increase in services for young people is also needed.

Community Safety

There is a need for increased public safety and security in the Shire. Council feels that the Shire needs more Police stationed at Tahmoor specifically, and the Shire Stations in general.

Educational Services

There is a lack of Secondary and Tertiary education opportunities in the Shire. Specific issues include the need for a new High School so that the 72% of young people who currently travel out of the Shire for their education have a local option. Council would also like adult education options and a service for people with some degree of disability.

Affordable Housing

There is a lack of affordable housing in Wollondilly, particularly for disadvantaged residents and first home buyers. Specifically Council is asking the State Government to develop a strategy for reasonably priced housing in the Shire.

Environment

There needs to be an improvement to the control and conservation of water in Wollondilly Shire. Specifically, Council will push for Sewage connection for Appin, Wilton, Buxton and Bargo, and the funding provided for conservation programs requested by the State Government needs to meet the demands made. Council would also like to see more resources made available for our National Parks.

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Communications Unit
02 4677 1178 (ph)
comms@wollondilly.nsw.gov.au

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