Subjects: Murray Darling Basin Plan/water buybacks, Local Water Utilities Joint Select Committee inquiry, weather warnings/preparation.
E&OE…
Jaynie Seal: Thank you so much for joining us. The bill (Restoring Our Rivers) has certainly pleased some, but upset many in the community as well.
Steph Cooke: There’s certainly a high level of fear and uncertainty, and understandably so, right across the Basin communities in New South Wales, with the passage of this legislation, Jaynie, at a federal level. And so now, the attention certainly turns to the New South Wales Labor Government in the case of our state, and what they will be doing to ensure that our communities are protected from (water) buybacks.
We know that the federal government is determined to deliver that extra 450GL for the environment; this is a real worry if it comes through buybacks. We know that buybacks are a blunt instrument; they deeply hurt our communities. We have seen that in the past, and that’s what our communities are really, really upset about. And we need to see greater transparency from the New South Wales Water Minister, and from the New South Wales Premier, on what the deal is that they have struck with the Commonwealth around this new plan, and what it means for our communities.
Jaynie Seal: We’re also hearing people are concerned about food price increases and people perhaps moving out from certain areas across inland Australia, as a result.
Steph Cooke: Look, there’s no doubt that when you remove that amount of water through buybacks from the consumptive pool, it will have an impact on our ability as a state to produce all of the great food and fibre that we supply, not just to Basin communities, but in fact to people all over New South Wales, Australia, and the globe. And so, if we remove that water, what goes with it is our ability to produce. And when you have a reduction in supply, of course, prices will go up.
And we’re already seeing many families across New South Wales, particularly in regional areas, struggle with cost-of-living pressures at the moment, and the last thing that they need to feel going into 2024 is the likelihood of even further price increases because farmers just aren’t able to produce food cost-effectively, thanks to a reduction in the availability of water.
Jaynie Seal: And Steph, you’re also a member of the Select Committee on Protecting Local Water Utilities from Privatisation, and they’re having their first hearing today in Sydney. What will you be discussing?
Steph Cooke: It’s our opportunity as a committee to talk to local water utilities, mostly local councils, regional councils, about what we can do at a state level to ensure that their assets are protected from privatisation. This committee has come about as a result of some legislation that the New South Wales Labor Government introduced when they were first elected. It was an election commitment that they gave to protect Sydney Water and Hunter Water from privatisation, but they left out entirely the 89 local water utilities across the rest of New South Wales from that legislation.
In Opposition, I led amendments on our behalf to change that at the time. The Government decided, in their wisdom, not to support those amendments. But what has evolved out of it is a New South Wales inquiry, which will now examine that issue in detail. It is a very, very important issue, particularly for people living in regional and rural New South Wales, to ensure that our assets are also remaining in public hands.
So, the first hearing is today; that inquiry will continue into the first part of 2024, and we look forward to what that will bring about.
Jaynie Seal: Yes, I’d be interested to see the outcome of that. And as you well know, we have extreme weather today, including extreme and severe heatwave conditions for a large part of Australia, and a cyclone off the Queensland coast. How confident are you that authorities are prepared for this severe weather?
Steph Cooke: I’m very confident that our emergency services will be working around the clock to make sure that our communities are protected, and that they receive all of the most up-to-date information as it comes to hand. And so, I would encourage people all over New South Wales in particular, but there are other states, South Australia as you mentioned, to please pay attention to the messaging that our emergency services agencies put out; they do so to protect you and to keep you safe.
There’s a great app in New South Wales, ‘Hazards Near Me’, it has all of the latest warnings and all of the latest information about what’s occurring in your local community. We are seeing extreme heat over the coming days. There are total fire bans in place across large swathes of New South Wales today, and I expect that to continue into the coming days.
And I think, at a community level, it would be very helpful if people checked-in on their neighbours. We have a lot of elderly people in our communities, we have a lot of vulnerable people, and with these extreme conditions, I think it’s important that we all pull together and make sure that everyone gets through it in one piece.
Jaynie Seal: Yeah, very good advice; we can’t hear it enough. Steph Cooke, great to see you. Thank you so much for your time.
Redman Oval at Wyalong is a hive of activity as construction of a new BMX bike track and Ninja adventure park commences following nearly $500,000 in funding for the project through the NSW Government’s Resources for Regions program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said she was pleased to join Bland Shire Council General Manager Grant Baker and Director of Technical Engineering Ray Graham to view the plans and welcome the commencement of works.
“This is a fantastic project to have underway for the benefit of local families and visitors, providing an exciting new recreational facility for all ages to engage in a healthy and active lifestyle,” Ms Cooke said.
“It is also great to hear the construction of stage one has been awarded to local business Cleary‘s Earthmoving, meaning this investment is staying local.”
Ms Cooke said the BMX bike track has been designed for all skill levels, incorporating over 30 built in jumps, four pro pipes and a concrete dish drain across a 490-metre circuit.
Stage two of the project, the Ninja adventure park, is set to commence in late June and will involve the installation of angled run panels, cargo mountain, commando tube, warrior wall, weave flags, a 2-metre climb over ladder and a spider chimney with monkey zipline.
“This project will make Redman Oval a real destination at weekends and during the school holidays, with the equipment a great way of combining fun and fitness.”
Bland Shire Council General Manager Mr Grant Baker said the development at Redman Oval is an important project for the Bland Shire community.
“It was our vision that the new structures would further a sense of community amongst the residents of Bland Shire by creating an inclusive and interactive space that can be enjoyed by children, teens and adults of all abilities,” Mr Baker said.
Australians recognise 25 April as a day to honour the service men and women who have defended our freedoms since Anzac troops first landed at Gallipoli in 1915.
With services being held across the electorate, Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke is encouraging the community to come together to reflect on the service and sacrifice of local heroes.
“Each town and village has a connection to the history of our Anzacs, and it is as important as ever for us to gather in their memory with gratitude and respect,” Ms Cooke said.
“Anzac Day also gives us the opportunity to honour the enormous contribution of all who have served and made the ultimate sacrifice in war, conflict and peacekeeping operations since.
“I recognise the ongoing efforts of RSL sub-branch representatives to lead services which allow the broader community, including schools and other service organisations, to pay fitting tribute to all.”
On Anzac Day, Ms Cooke will be attending the Dawn Service at Wombat, followed by commemorative services at Narrandera and Junee Reefs.
“It makes me incredibly proud to see young and old standing side by side at local services, as the next generation takes up the mantle of remembrance.”
Anzac Day can be an emotional time for veterans and their families.
The Open Arms – Veterans Families Counselling Service (formerly VVCS) provides free and confidential counselling and support for current and former ADF members and their families.
VVCS is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 1800 011 046 or for more information, visit: https://www.openarms.gov.au/
Ardlethan
10.45am
Form-up at Post Office, march to Cenotaph
11.00am
Anzac Service at Cenotaph, Memorial Hall, Ariah Street
Ariah Park
10.45am
Form-up and March from Bowling Club
11.00am
Anzac Day Service at Monument, followed by luncheon at Bowling Club
Barellan
2.30pm
Assemble at Barellan & District War Memorial Club
3.00pm
Anzac Service and Wreath-laying ceremony at Cenotaph, Mulga Street
4.00pm
Afternoon tea at the Barellan & District War Memorial Club
Barmedman
10.45am
Form-up at police station, march to Soldiers Memorial Park
11.00am
Anzac Day Service, then lunch at the Bowling Club, bookings essential
Beckom
6:00am
Dawn Service at RSL Club Rooms, Deakin Street, Beckom
Bendick Murrell
9.00am
Wreath-laying ceremony at Bendick Murrell Memorial Hall
Bethungra
6.15am
Dawn Service at Memorial Park, Catafalque Party in attendance.
Bimbi
2.00pm
Anzac Service, Bimbi War Memorial
Boorowa
6:00am
Dawn Service at Boorowa Memorial
10:30am
March from corner of Queen and Marsden Street to the War Memorial for Service
Bribbaree
4.00pm
Commemorative Service, Bribbaree Memorial Hall
6.30pm
Dinner at Bowling Club
Canowindra
6:00am
Dawn Service at Cenotaph
10:45am
March from Cnr of Ryall and Gaskill Street to Memorial Park
11:00am
Service at the Cenotaph, Memorial Park
Caragabal
4.00pm
Service at Caragabal Cenotaph, afterwards refreshments available at the Royal Hotel
Coolamon
6.00am
Dawn Service at Cenotaph
7.00am
Diggers Breakfast at Sport & Recreation Club
10.45am
Assemble at RSL Hall for march
11.00am
Commemorative Service at Cenotaph
1.00pm
Lunch at Sport & Recreation Club
Cootamundra
6.00am
Dawn Service Albert Park, breakfast at Ex-Services Club $5 a head
10.30am
Anzac March at the front of the Ex-Services Club, form up at 10.15am
10.45am
Commemorative Service, Cenotaph, Albert Park
Cowra
5.50am
Dawn Service, Cenotaph Brisbane Street
9.30am
Wreath laying service, Australian War Cemetery
10.20am
Wreath laying service followed by Anzac March from the Cenotaph to River Park for Commemorative Service, River Park
12.30pm
Wreath laying service, Lachlan Valley Vintage Railway
Crowther
10.15am
Memorial Service, Crowther Memorial Park
Darbys Falls
9.45am
Commemorative Service, Cenotaph, RFS Station. Meet at RFS Station.
Galong
6:00am
Dawn Service, Memorial Hall followed by breakfast
Ganmain
6.00am
Dawn Service at Memorial Gates, Bowling Club
9.30am
Form-up on corner of Ford St/Waterview St, for March to Memorial Gates
10.00am
Anzac Day service, Memorial Gates, Bowling Club
5.30pm
Evening flag-lowering service, Flag Stations, Bowling Club
Gooloogong
6.00am
Dawn Service, Memorial Hall followed by breakfast
10.00am
March and Commemorative Service at Memorial Park
Greenethorpe
7.30am
Main service, Greenethorpe Soldiers Memorial Hall
Grenfell
5.45am
Dawn Service Grenfell Cenotaph followed by breakfast at Railway Hotel
8.00am
Pilgrimage to cemetery
10:45am
March commences and proceed to Cenotaph
11.00am
Commemorative Service Cenotaph
Gundagai
6.00am
Dawn Service, Gundagai Anzac Grove
10.15am
Anzac Day March/Parade form-up outside ‘Lott’s Family Hotel’
10.30am
March east along Sheridan Street to the Cenotaph, led by 7th Light Horse Troop
11.00am
Wreath laying
Harden
6.00am
Dawn Service, Cenotaph, Newson Park
10.30am
Assemble at the Mechanics Instititue ready for march
10.45am
March Off, if wet weather, service will be held at the Mechanics Institute
11.00am
Commemorative Service, Cenotaph
Jugiong
3.00pm
Form up at Police Station, march commences.
3.30pm
Service starts, Memorial Gates, Riverside Drive, Jugiong
Junee
5.45am
Dawn Service at Cenotaph, Broadway
10.20am
Form up at Memorial Park
10.35am
Anzac March from Memorial Park, Peel Street to Railway Square
11.00am
Commemorative Service at Cenotaph, Broadway
Junee Reefs
3.00pm
Commemorative Service and wreath laying at Ivor Hall, Junee Reefs Afternoon tea afterwards
Koorawatha
6.00am
Dawn Service, Koorawatha Memorial Gates Followed by breakfast in hall, all welcome gold coin donation
10.45am
Anzac March form-up at Koorawatha Regional Rooms Commemorative Service, Koorawatha Memorial Gates
Mirrool
9.00am
Service at Cenotaph, Ariah St followed by morning tea
Monteagle
2.00pm
Memorial Service at Monteagle Hall
Murringo
8.30am
Anzac March, form-up on Murringo Gap Road adjacent to Murringo Public School Commemorative Service, Memorial Hall
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has welcomed the completion of stage one upgrades at the Lambing Flat Enterprises (LFE) Community Connections building in Young.
Located at the corner of Cloete and Main Streets, the building has had an external overhaul recently completed thanks to funding secured in the fourth round of the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.
“It’s fantastic to support LFE in undertaking this massive project to ensure the building is comfortable, accessible and user-friendly for many, many more years to come,” Ms Cooke said.
“We know it can be hard to maintain older buildings, let alone update them, so to give this building a new lease of life will allow LFE to focus on their important work of supporting adults with special needs right across the district.
“Another positive aspect to this project is the economic stimulus, with BFC Building Group at Young and local suppliers engaged as part of the works.
“As well as keeping the investment local, the new cladding and windows has given a real boost to the street appeal of the building, located on a prominent corner in town – so it’s a bonus for town pride too.”
Chief Executive Officer LFE Community Supports Sally Hofman said the project to provide a premises that is fully accessible, including to those who require personal care facilities and remove some of the barriers faced by people with a disability by providing a safe and modern facility for community use.
“There is an ever-changing need within local communities to which LFE has always responded over its 50 years of service,” Ms Hofman said.
“LFE Community Support has helped hundreds of people with a disability and their families to access services which achieve a better quality of life, which in turn makes for a better quality of life for all.
“To have a modernised facility available to our participants, volunteers and staff, equipped with reliable amenities will greatly assist our work over the next 50 years.”
Ms Hoffman said LFE provides support to individuals with an NDIS Plan, as well as accommodation and employment support, including the Community Connections program with over 100 individuals currently employed as part of the program.
The Community Connections building is also home to the Young Foodhall, an invaluable service supporting individuals and families struggling with the rising cost of living.
With stage one of the project complete, an internal fit-out is expected to commence shortly and will include new amenities, as well as the installation of new meeting rooms to be made available for hire.
Since 2017, the Stronger Country Communities Fund has invested over $7.19 million for 24 projects in the Young area as part of the NSW Government’s $3.3 billion Regional Growth Fund.
Steph Cooke | 17 Jan 2023 | Community News Sport and Recreation Uncategorized
Local champions and young achievers in sport will be recognised as part of the NSW Government’s Her Sport Her Way Awards, with nominations now open.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the Her Sport Her Way Awards celebrate and honour the achievements of women and organisations that are breaking down barriers for women’s sport in NSW.
“The Her Sport Her Way Awards recognise the achievements of women and organisations in driving powerful change and leaving a legacy for the way women’s sport is played in NSW,” Ms Cooke said.
“Women make such an incredible contribution to sporting clubs and organisations across our community and if you know a local who is going above and beyond for the sport they love, nominate them for these awards.”
The Her Sport Her Way Awards feature five categories – Young Achiever, Local Champion, Outstanding Organisation, Trailblazer and Overall Champion.
Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the awards are part of the NSW Government’s women in sport strategy, Her Sport Her Way.
“This program is all about increasing female participation in sport, whether that’s on the field or in administration, coaching and volunteer roles,” Mr Henskens said.
“Since the inception of this program four years ago, the number of women and girls playing sport has sky-rocketed, and by investing in grassroots programs and initiatives across NSW, we will continue to secure a brighter future for women in sport.” Applications for the awards close on 28 February. For more information on the Her Sport Her Way program, visit www.sport.nsw.gov.au/hersportherway.
Steph Cooke | 15 Dec 2022 | Bland Shire Community Community resources Grants Uncategorized
Bland Shire Council has been successful in receiving over $5.2million to deliver five projects from round nine as part of the NSW Government Resources for Regions program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke today said this program is vital in providing support to mining communities across regional NSW.
“This is great news for the Bland community and I am thrilled the NSW Government are able to show an ongoing commitment to delivering projects that benefit community, and contribute to our local economy,” Ms Cooke said.
The five projects awarded for Bland Shire Council include:
Main Street Revitalisation Project $95,788
Sport and Recreation Master Plan $107,116
Council Facility Access Audit and Plan $54,300
Bland Shire Community Amenity and Safety Program $499,232
Roads Upgrade Program $4,529,079
Bland Shire Council Mayor Cr Brian Monghan said this funding will assist Council to address our immediate critical transport infrastructure needs while also undertaking strategic planning and community consultation.
“This will allow Council to take a structured, planned and measured approach towards improving community assets and outcomes into the future,” Mr Monghan said.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole said Resources for Regions has delivered 355 projects worth $560 million to mining communities since its inception in 2012, stimulating local economies and delivering critical infrastructure.
“The Resources for Regions program is about giving back to these mining communities that contribute so much to the NSW economy,” Mr Toole said.
“I would like to congratulate Bland Shire Council for putting forward these projects which will make big difference for the people and organisations in this local community.”
Flood-affected small business owners and not-for-profits can now apply for $50,000 grants to help with immediate clean-up and recovery costs.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said small business owners and not-for-profits in the Bland, Coolamon, Cootamundra-Gundagai, Cowra, Hilltops, Junee, Narrandera, Temora and Weddin local government areas are able to apply.
“We’ve seen 75 local government areas subject to a natural disaster declaration over the past few months, including our own across the Cootamundra electorate,” Ms Cooke said.
“It’s been a very tough period right across inland NSW with more than 3,500 properties damaged and 1,881 of those deemed uninhabitable.”
“There is still a long road to recovery ahead for local businesses and not-for-profit organisations and this grant is about ensuring they can get back on their feet sooner.”
“The impact of the flooding has been devastating and it’s going to be a long road to recovery. These grants will provide small business owners and not-for-profits with much-needed cash flow to recover and get back to serving their customers and their community,” she said.
Minister for Customer Service and Digital Government Victor Dominello said the grants are administered by Service NSW as part of a range of support programs for disaster-impacted communities.
“Businesses can apply for the Disaster Recovery Small Business Grant – Storms & Floods August and September 2022 Onwards now via the Service NSW website. Customers can also call Service NSW on 13 77 88, register for a call back from a Business Concierge or visit their local Recovery Centre should they require further assistance,” Mr Dominello said.
The Disaster Recovery Small Business Grant – Storms & Floods August and September 2022 Onwards is in addition to the $75,000 Primary Producer Grant, $10,000 Rural Landholder Grant and a range of other assistance available to natural disaster declared council areas, jointly funded by the NSW and Commonwealth governments.
Steph Cooke | 15 Nov 2022 | All LGAs Community resources News Uncategorized
Businesses in the region will now be able to register for the NSW Seniors Card program faster and more efficiently online, with a new digital registration process now live.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the new and improved digital registration process will save local businesses time and make it easier for them to update their discounts and business details.
“Until now, businesses were required to submit paper forms and wait up to four weeks to get approved to join the program. This meant only fifteen new businesses signed up each month on average,” Ms Cooke said.
“With the new online registration process streamlining the system, registration for hundreds of new businesses every week is now possible. For most businesses, the registration process will take less than 10 minutes.”
“Since the launch of the Digital Seniors Card in April, we have had an average of 24,000 seniors joining the program every month. Our digital savvy seniors are really enjoying the experience with a customer satisfaction rate of 90 per cent.”
“While giving them the opportunity to connect with more customers, these businesses will ultimately be helping ease some of the pressure on seniors’ household budget.”
To register their business for the NSW Seniors Card program, business representatives must be authorised to act on behalf of the business by being listed as an associate in the Australian Business Register. If they are not, they’ll be guided through the steps for authorisation when they start their registration. Alternatively, they can supply a letter of authority.
Steph Cooke | 15 Nov 2022 | All LGAs Community Community resources Local projects News Uncategorized
Residents are being encouraged to nominate the local people or events that helped to shape the rich heritage of the State in the second round of the $5 million NSW Blue Plaques program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the program is a fantastic opportunity for communities to learn about and celebrate local heritage.
“This initiative is all about recognising the eclectic characters, personalities and important public figures that have made or become part of the history of our state,” Ms Cooke said.
In Canowindra, there is a Blue Plaque dedicated to local identity Elizabeth Jane (Bessie) Robinson was a businesswoman who drove the development of the town and advocated for quality public education.
In the early 1870s, Bessie was not only instrumental in building modern-day Canowindra she also began campaigning for better education in Canowindra, with the Government agreeing to set up a state school in 1875.
“I encourage people to research the region’s local history and nominate diverse and unique individuals and stories for a Blue Plaque in the second nominations round,” Ms Cooke said.
The second round of nominations for Blue Plaques opened on 13 November, and close 21 December 2022.
To be eligible, each Blue Plaque must meet eligibility criteria and go through an extensive fact-checking process carried out by independent historians to verify the story behind the Plaque.
Minister for Heritage James Griffin said the second round of nominations opens as 14 new Blue Plaques are announced.
“The 35 Blue Plaques announced so far are just the beginning of this fantastic program, which is reinvigorating community connections with our rich NSW heritage.”
The previously announced 21 Blue Plaques are currently being installed in locations including Albury, Wagga Wagga and Canowindra, and the 14 new Plaques will be installed in 2023, with exact locations to be revealed when they’re installed.
For more information on Blue Plaques recipients, installation locations, and to find out how to nominate a Blue Plaque, visit the Blue Plaques website
Upgrades to Cootamundra and Junee train stations are now complete as part of the NSW Government’s Transport Access Program which is improving accessibility and safety for rail travellers.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has announced upgrades at Cootamundra and Junee were complete with users benefitting from improved access and safer facilities.
“It is exciting to see these much-needed upgrades complete, ensuring improved accessibility across our transport network,” Ms Cooke said.
“At Cootamundra, we have upgraded handrails and stairs resulting in improved accessibility in the bus drop-off area and ticket office and we have also resurfaced the entry forecourt and the platform around the refreshment room.
“At Junee, we have improved access at the station forecourt with the completion of a formalised bus/coach stop on Railway Square as well as an upgrade to the existing accessible parking space and the paths, kerbs and ramps around the station entrance.”
“Within the station we have resurfaced parts of the platform and created a boarding assistance zone, as well as adding an ambulant toilet to both male and female bathrooms. Additionally, we have restored several heritage features of the station building including the doors and flooring.
“Commuters at both stations will now experience upgraded bathrooms, including a new family-accessible toilet and new kiss and ride zones.”
Work on both stations began late last year and while crews downed tools recently, the work was only considered complete with the installation of specially-commissioned Aboriginal artworks at each site providing the finishing touch.
Cootamundra station now features artwork by Aunty Fay Clayton, whose installation depicts the movements of Indigenous people and animals over thousands of years alongside the railway tracks of today.
Meanwhile, Wiradjuri artist Owen Lyons has created artwork for Junee station, telling the story of transport and movement in the area.