Steph Cooke | 23 Nov 2023 | All LGAs Community Cowra Shire Health News Speeches
The following is a statement attributable to the Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke:
“I have been informed today by Health Infrastructure NSW and Western NSW Local Health District that the promised Tresillian Residential Unit will no longer be included in the Cowra Hospital redevelopment.
“This involved the inclusion of two new inpatient beds as part of a dedicated Tresillian residential inpatient service, designed to support families in our community.
“To say I am devastated by this outcome is an understatement.
“I am now seeking an urgent meeting with Health Minister Ryan Park to ask him to overturn what I firmly believe is quite plainly the wrong decision; one that has been made with no community consultation whatsoever, and no attempt at finding a compromise or alternative solution.
“I have been told that the reason for the decision relates to construction together with ongoing operational costs. However, this fails to take into account the social cost of not going ahead with what would have been an extremely important service for families across the Central West.
“This was something I fought incredibly hard for; having this service would have meant that new and expectant parents in Cowra and across the entire Central West region, would no longer have to travel to Sydney or Canberra for specialised support.
“I have been assured the services provided by the Tresillian Family Care Centre will not be impacted by this decision, and that there will be no interruption to the services they are currently providing to so many families in our community.
“I have received assurances from Health Infrastructure NSW and Western NSW Local Health District, that there will be no further changes to the scope of the Cowra Hospital redevelopment project, and that the promised components of the Clinical Services Plan as it currently stands, will be delivered in full, and that the main works will commence in January 2024.
“I have spoken to Cowra Mayor Ruth Fagan to inform her of this news, and to assure her that from my perspective, this is not the end of the matter, and as always I will keep the community updated on any new information as it comes to hand.”
Image: Steph Cooke Member for Cootamundra with Rob Mills, CEO of Tresillian Early Parenting
Steph Cooke | 09 Nov 2023 | Community Cowra Shire News
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke expressed her appreciation for the enduring legacy of the Cowra CWA Branch during recent celebrations marking its 100th birthday.
“Whether it be fundraising, providing a network of support, lobbying for important causes, passing on their skills to others, or providing educational grants, the ladies of the CWA are invaluable members of the Cowra community,” Ms Cooke said at the birthday celebrations, held at the Cowra Bowling Club recently.
“For a hundred years, the Cowra CWA Branch has been a cornerstone of support in and around the town; their involvement in all aspects of the community is second-to-none.
“These centenary celebrations mark a truly remarkable milestone and represent a long and valued history of dedication by members to enrich the lives of those in the community,” she said.
During her remarks, Ms Cooke emphasised the importance of community organisations like this in rural areas.
“The CWA has consistently championed important causes, from supporting local families to advocating for essential rural services, and today is a chance for us to shine a light on the fantastic work these women do, often without the recognition they deserve,” Ms Cooke said.
“While the ladies of our local CWA branch do so much more than just bake, I feel it’s important to acknowledge their unmatched cooking skills; I can never resist a CWA cake stand!
“Congratulations once again to all members of the Cowra CWA Branch; your importance within the community can never be overstated,” she said.
Photograph caption: Cowra councillor Bill West, Cowra CWA President Norma Power, Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke, CWA State President Joy Beames, Cowra Mayor Ruth Fagan, CWA members Margaret Clark, and Linda Willding.
Steph Cooke | 07 Nov 2023 | Cowra Shire News Roads and Transport
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke says ensuring rural and regional communities continue to get their fair share of road funding is vital for the ongoing safety and productivity of our local towns and villages.
Ms Cooke was joined by Cowra Mayor Ruth Fagan to announce that $3,251,113 in additional road repair funding had been secured for the Cowra Shire Council, under the Regional Emergency Road Repair Fund (RERRF), to undertake maintenance work on the 1,272 kilometres of local and regional roads within the LGA.
“As the local member, and as someone who travels on our region’s roads every single day, I know how important it is for residents and businesses to have access to sound road infrastructure,” Ms Cooke said.
“It’s with this in mind that I have advocated tirelessly for our region, to ensure the Roads Minister fully understands and appreciates the pivotal role our roads play in connecting our towns, and enabling economic growth.
“As a result I am thrilled to announce that we have been able to secure more than $3 million in additional funding for much-needed repair and maintenance of our local roads in and around Cowra, which is a significant step towards ensuring the safety and convenience of our community members,” she said.
Cowra Shire Council Mayor Ruth Fagan said the funding will be dedicated to addressing a range of road issues, including pothole repairs, resurfacing, and general road safety improvements.
“This investment will not only enhance quality of life for residents, but also support local businesses and industries that rely on efficient road networks,” Mayor Fagan said.
Mayor Fagan encouraged local residents and businesses to continue providing input on road conditions and areas that require attention.
“Your feedback is invaluable in helping us make informed decisions, and allocating resources where they are needed most,” she said.
Steph Cooke | 13 Sep 2023 | All LGAs Cowra Shire News Water and Energy
Member for Cootamundra and Shadow Water Minister Steph Cooke says the NSW Labor Government’s decision to rip up plans to raise the Wyangala Dam wall, is a short-sighted move that demonstrates how clueless the Premier is when it comes to the needs of regional communities.
“The Premier said during the election campaign, that he did not ‘pretend to have any expertise about regional New South Wales’. Well Premier, today you have proven that to be very true,” Ms Cooke said.
“Make no mistake, this project – which would have increased Wyangala’s storage capacity by 53 per cent, or an additional 650GL – was crucial to delivering water security and drought resilience, not to mention flood mitigation benefits for communities right along the Lachlan, from Cowra to Forbes and beyond.
“This is a devastating blow to those communities, who will now be asking just how many floods and droughts will it take for the NSW Labor Government to take this project seriously?
“When you consider the hugely positive impacts that raising the dam wall would have had, today’s announcement is nothing short of reckless from a government that clearly doesn’t know what it’s doing when it comes to regional water issues, and simply doesn’t care about the lives and livelihoods of those who would have benefited from this project going forward.
“By ditching plans to raise the Wyangala Dam wall, the NSW Labor Government has today shown a complete disregard for the wellbeing of communities right along the Lachlan River, many of whom are still getting back on their feet following last year’s flooding, and who now face the prospect of yet another drought.
“The Water Minister says the plan doesn’t stack up financially, but what about the millions of dollars spent on flood and drought recovery, or the millions in lost revenue during dry times? The Minister claims the plan doesn’t make sense from an environmental perspective, but what about the impact on the environment that major flooding events and prolonged droughts have?
“Now that they’ve ripped up this idea, I call on the Premier and the Water Minister to release the unredacted business case, and prove they aren’t completely turning their backs on the communities impacted by this decision, by immediately putting forward alternative plans that specifically address the long-term issues this project was seeking to address,” she said.
Cowra Library will benefit from funding of $276,662 through the NSW Government’s $6 million Public Library Infrastructure program. The funding will go towards a redesigned space to meet the changing and varied needs of today’s users.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the refurbishment will make the library a space ready to serve a rapidly growing, diverse community with increasing numbers of young families.
“I am excited these upgrades will include new mobile shelving, digital reader-printer equipment and new flooring, allowing for more people to enjoy all the benefits Cowra Library has to offer,” Ms Cooke said.
“Our libraries are a place for people of all ages to enjoy. They provide a place to read, study, access technology, hold meetings and events, and socialise.”
Central West Libraries Library Manager Ms Roslyn Cousins said they are delighted this generous library funding from the State Government will enable them to upgrade the lighting, flooring, shelving, and furniture at the Cowra Library.
“The Council invested in a new roof last year, this further work will make the library not only weatherproof, but a more comfortable and flexible space for the Cowra Community,” Ms Cousins said.
NSW Minister for the Arts Ben Franklin said well-resourced libraries contribute to community resilience with quality facilities, great collections, and access to the Internet, and we are pleased to help councils to upgrade these critical services.
“An overall record investment of over $40 million will be provided to councils this year in support of libraries, with further increases locked in for next year and beyond. This is in addition to the record $165 million that the NSW Liberal and Nationals Government has committed for the next four years, ensuring that our libraries can continue to thrive and service their communities,” Mr Franklin said.
The Public Library Infrastructure Grants program is administered by the State Library of NSW on behalf of the Library Council of NSW.
Steph Cooke | 09 Mar 2023 | Community Cowra Shire Hilltops Council Temora Shire
Five projects totalling over $165,000 across the electorate are among the latest batch of successful projects announced under the NSW Government’s Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery initiative.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the projects will help support recovery and boost resilience for young people in the region following the impacts of natural disasters and COVID-19.
“I’m thrilled to announce support for these projects that will help young people in our community bounce back stronger than ever in the wake of COVID-19 disruptions and natural disasters,” Ms Cooke said.
“These projects are a great example of how we can help young people recover, build resilience and improve wellbeing by providing them with the tools and resources they need to become the best version of themselves.”
The five projects for the electorate include:
Temora Shire Council – The Resilience Project – total funding received $49,893.
Police Citizens Youth Clubs NSW (PCYC) – Fit for Life PCYC, Young and Young High School – total funding received $14,191.
Marathon Health Ltd – Bouncing Back with Headspace Cowra – total funding received $37,838.
Young High School – The Resilience Project, connecting the community for brighter minds – total funding received $50,000.
Minister for Regional Youth Ben Franklin said the $10.3 million Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery Initiative offers large grants between $10,000 and $50,000 and small grants for up to $10,000.
“The large grants fund projects such as community events, peer support groups, cultural connection or partnership programs, while small grants are to enable initiatives like sporting programs and barbecues,” Mr Franklin said.
“Our Regional Youth Community Coordinators will help connect young people with the projects that best support their wellbeing and recovery and foster resilience and connection.”
The Children and Young People Wellbeing Recovery Initiative is funded through the NSW COVID-19 Economic Recovery Initiative and the co-funded NSW and Australian Governments’ Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
Fran Stead is being celebrated with a Local Woman of the Year Award in recognition of the significant support she has given to the community.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke congratulated Ms Stead on the award, acknowledging her hard work for the region.
“Fran was nominated as the Cootamundra Electorate Local Woman of the Year for her dedication and tireless advocacy for the Cowra community and wider region,” Ms Cooke said.
“Fran is the CEO of the Cowra Information and Neighbourhood Centre (CINC), running programs for Youth, Aged, Families, and people with Disabilities, working tirelessly in ensuring the whole community has access to local support programs.”
“Throughout, Fran has shown a strong commitment to community, inclusivity and breaking down barriers experienced by local people experiencing socio-economic disadvantage.”
“Just last year we saw Fran in action as the driving force behind the Barefooting Lachlan Women project which gave local women the opportunity to develop skills and offer support in financial management.”
“She continues to make a tremendous contribution to the region with her continuous passion to make our community a better place.”
The Local Woman of the Year Awards is an annual program which recognises and celebrates the support women give to their local communities throughout NSW.
Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor congratulated all the Local Women of the Year Award recipients.
“These women are the backbone of their communities, volunteering their time and energy to make a positive difference,” Mrs Taylor said.
“I would like to acknowledge their significant efforts to support their local communities and thank them for all the work they do.”
Steph Cooke | 07 Mar 2023 | Bland Shire Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council Cowra Shire Education Weddin Shire
Five projects across schools in the electorate will see more students with a green thumb thanks to the NSW Government’s $10 million Sustainable Schools Grants.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said this investment by the NSW Government will deliver hands-on, sustainable-focused projects that link to the NSW Curriculum.
“I am thrilled that we have seen two schools being Naradhan Public School and Henry Lawson High School under round three and a further three schools, being Cootamundra Public School, Woodstock Public School and Wyalong Public School under round four in the electorate taking part in this great initiative,” Ms Cooke said.
“Our region is passionate about sustainability and this program inspires and empowers students and schools to develop ideas and implement plans that will benefit the environment by helping to save energy or water, reduce waste, or improve biodiversity.”
“I know the whole community joins me in looking forward to seeing these wonderful projects soon come to life at our local schools.”
Round 3 Schools and projects include:
Naradhan Public School will receive $15,000 for a sensory, native indigenous garden.
Henry Lawson High School in Grenfell will receive $15,000 to create its own community produce garden.
Round 4 Schools and projects include:
Cootamundra Public School will receive $15,000 to establish ‘Waste Busters’ project, to minimise waste and educate students on waste management.
Woodstock Public School will receive $14,912 to construct Woodstock’s Wholesome Community Food Garden
Wyalong Public School will receive $15,000 for an inclusive and sustainable Kitchen Garden
Henry Lawson High School Principal, Mr Aaron Flagg said the main objective of this initiative is to create a garden that is open to the public.
“The garden encourages students and the local school community to explore ideas and solutions around sustainable food production, green waste management and reducing food miles by producing locally for school and community use,” Mr Flagg said.
“Initially, the garden will be planned and constructed by our year 7 STEM class as well as other school and community groups to encourage ownership of the garden and to foster long-term participation in food production and management within the community.”
Naradhan Public School Relieving Teaching Principal, Ms Tracy Johnston said Native plants will be used with the aim of teaching our children about bush tucker, and the other uses for plants by our indigenous ancestors
“The garden will be located at the entrance to the school, providing students, staff and visitors with a sensory experience as they walk through the project to the school buildings,” Ms Johnston said.
“We look forward to our students being able to access the garden in the near future.”
The NSW Government is investing $8.6 billion in school infrastructure over the next four years, continuing its program to deliver 160 new and upgraded schools to support communities across NSW. This builds on the more than $9.1 billion invested in projects delivered since 2017, a program of $17.7 billion in public education infrastructure.
Steph Cooke | 28 Feb 2023 | Cowra Shire Roads and Transport
Kangarooby Road at Gooloogong is set for an overhaul with funding of $601,000 secured by Cowra Shire Council through the latest round of the NSW Nationals’ $500 million Fixing Local Roads program.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the project is one of eight successful projects in the electorate, allowing Council to undertake crucial rehabilitation and maintenance works.
“Road users have made regular contact with me about the condition of our road network, so I am very pleased to have secured this funding to support much-needed repairs,” Ms Cooke said.
“These works will help to make the school bus run, the commute to and from work safer for locals who rely on this road every day.”
The $500 million NSW Government’s Fixing Local Roads program supports councils to improve routes that regional communities use every day, making journeys for locals, farmers, and freight safer, more efficient, and more reliable.
Cowra Council General Manager, Mr Paul Devery said this funding will enable sealing of approximately 3km of Kangarooby Road at the northern end.
“It is a busy local road that also serves as a school bus route. The project will result in a sealed 6.5m surface compared to the current 4.5m gravel road width and make for greatly improved travelling conditions in all weather,” Mr Devery said.
Work is underway at the Wyangala Reflections Water Holiday Park after the announcement early last year of a $28 million loan from the NSW Government as part of a planned boost to regional tourism across NSW.
Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has commended the work happening at the tourist hotspot.
“Wyangala Waters brings in tourists from all over Australia, and the facilities here are a major drawcard for the region,” Ms Cooke said.
“I had a wonderful time at Wyangala Waters myself, visiting over Christmas. It was a fantastic spot to enjoy the great outdoors and the natural beauty.
“This local holiday park attracts over 20,000 guests each year with outdoor attractions like fishing, water-skiing and bushwalking. Amongst the activities, accommodation ranges from cabins, cottages and bungalows to various forms of camping.”
Current works within the park’s area include repairs to the road network that connects bungalows, boat ramps and the community hall, with an on-water water dock for the small boat that is used to travel between the Wyangala Waters Park and the Grabine Lakeside Park.
When the loan was announced, Reflections Holiday Parks CEO Nick Baker said the strategic plan backed by the NSW Government will support the group’s goal to generate $214 million in economic value for NSW annually by FY2030 through boosted tourism, with profits reinvested into parks, better facilities and supporting local communities. Reflections Holiday Parks CEO Nick Baker said the government loan is supporting the group’s strategic plan, including a goal to generate $214 million in economic value for NSW annually by FY2030 through boosted tourism, with profits reinvested into parks, better facilities and supporting local communities.
“As a profit-for-purpose Crown Land Manager, Reflections is focused on being a leader in nature-driven escapes and we can’t wait for our guests and visitors to get out to our parks and swap screen time with green time.” Mr Baker said.
