Category Archives: Hilltops Council

The Water Minister has been caught in an embarrassing misstep after announcing a new funding program for Boorowa, just weeks after making the very same announcement for the town, Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said.

Ms Cooke said on 5 February 2024, the Minister announced $150,000 for Hilltops Council under the Government’s ‘Advanced Operational Support Program’, to go towards upgrades to the Boorowa water treatment plant. Just six weeks later – on March 20 – the Minister announced the very same funding again.

“Either the Minister is not across the detail of her portfolio and has accidently doubled-up on her announcement, or she was trying to hood-wink the community about the level of investment the NSW Labor Government is making in Boorowa to address its ongoing water issues,” Ms Cooke said.

“Either way, it is simply not acceptable that a Minister who has been charged with the responsibility of such an important portfolio area, reheats previous funding announcements, and treats the community with this level of disrespect,” she said.

Ms Cooke said the Minister has been in the role for 12 months now, so it is fair for the community to expect more from the NSW Labor Government regarding this issue.

“The water portfolio is not an easy task – I understand that – and I appreciate that there are water issues piling up around the state; whether it be aging infrastructure, boil water alerts, or the need for long-term visionary projects, but I implore the Minister to get out of the city, and come to Boorowa to see for herself, the situation residents are facing with their drinking water,” Ms Cooke said.

“And while she’s in the electorate, perhaps she could drive over to Wyangala Dam and re-think the Government’s short-sighted decision to scrap the project to raise the dam wall, which had the dual purpose of flood mitigation, and drought preparedness.

“Or she could head west to Narrandera, and hear from locals about how they can’t rely on the water coming out of their household taps to be drinkable, or even suitable for basic needs like clothes washing,” she said.

Boorowa is among 49 communities to be included on a list of regional areas chosen as locations for new public preschools, following a strong and ongoing advocacy campaign for the towns and villages across the electorate by the Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke.

Ms Cooke said she was grateful Boorowa was selected, after the NSW Labor Government reduced the number of new preschools the previous Coalition Government had originally planned for the state.

“Preschools are such an important first step in a child’s journey into education, and I’m so excited that these opportunities will be expanded in Boorowa with the newly announced public preschool at the Central School, which of course, will complement the wonderful services currently provided by the Boorowa Early Education Centre,” Ms Cooke said.

“It’s all about providing parents and families with more places in an area of high need, and the new preschool will help ensure all families have the chance to utilise preschool opportunities here in Boorowa,” she said.

Ms Cooke said enrolments at the Central School have grown by 37 per cent in the last four years – an increase she said, mirrors the growing demand for additional preschool services in the town.

“The town is expanding all the time, and when you consider the intake from surrounding villages such as Reids Flat, Rugby, and Rye Park, waiting lists for the highly sought-after Boorowa Early Education Centre are getting longer,” Ms Cooke said.

“So we clearly need more providers in Boorowa, and the new preschool will take the burden off the BEE, by extending the services they provide; essentially, it’s all about equity of access, and making sure all the families who want it, have the ability to send their children to preschool for the 12 months leading-up to kindy,” she said.

Ms Cooke said the Government has committed to delivering the new public preschools over the next three years, and she will be monitoring progress on the new preschool at Boorowa Central School closely, to ensure it is delivered in the promised timeframe.

“Securing investments for our preschool-aged children has been a top priority for me personally – and indeed for the Coalition more broadly – over the years, having secured over $4 million in preschool funding for our Cootamundra electorate since I was elected in 2017,” Ms Cooke said.

“While it’s true that the previous Coalition Government had planned a much larger preschool rollout, I’m relieved and grateful that our community has not been left out, and I can assure residents right across the electorate, that I will continue lobbying the Government to secure similar investments in early learning like we’ve been able to achieve today here in Boorowa.

“Investments in our preschools are quite literally an investment in our future; we must do everything we can to ensure our youngest learners have access to the best possible start when it comes to their education.

“As the local member, ensuring we have access to these services is just so vital. It goes far beyond bricks and mortar; funding like this will literally change the lives of families and improve outcomes for students for generations to come,” she said. 

Photograph caption: Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke discussing plans for the newly announced public preschool at Boorowa Central School, with principal Graham Jones.

As the New South Wales Parliament returns for the first day of sitting for the year, Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has raised concerns around parliamentary transparency and accountability, after the NSW Labor Government opted to minimise the sitting calendar in 2024.

Ms Cooke said the NSW Parliament is scheduled to sit for 48 days this year, which contrasts starkly with other years in which the Parliament has sat for up to 65 days under previous Coalition Governments.

“Fundamentally, less sitting days means less Question Time and less scrutiny,” Ms Cooke said.

“The decision to cut the number of sitting days, drastically reduces the ability of the Parliament to put forward bills, scrutinise legislation, raise matters of community concern, and ask questions on the record.

“I am very concerned about what this means for transparency and accountability in decision making, and I think the public is entitled to question why the NSW Labor Government is trying to avoid scrutiny,” she said.

Ms Cooke said that despite the shortened calendar, she will use the time to advocate for key issues across the Cootamundra electorate.

“Just last week I convened the 6^th annual Cootamundra Summit, bringing together representatives from the local governments that make up our wonderful electorate. The Summit was a chance for me to reaffirm my advocacy agenda for the year,” Ms Cooke said.

“Chief among the priorities identified is securing a safe and secure water supply for various communities, including for Boorowa residents, which is a project we’ve already made great inroads in achieving, with news this week the Government – together with Hilltops Council – has agreed to invest close to $1 million in a feasibility study to investigate further the option of a Harden to Boorowa water pipeline.

“Ensuring we have adequate police resources for our communities was another key priority identified at the Summit, and I will continue to lobby the Police Minister to ensure our towns and villages are equipped with the staff and infrastructure we need, and most importantly, deserve.

“Other issues on my agenda include continuing to fight for the Tresillian in-patient beds to be included in the Cowra Hospital redevelopment, as well as continuing to campaign loudly for the de-merge of the Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council.

“Road and rail funding, including the rollout of safety upgrades at local level crossings are high on the list, and I will be demanding answers around the delay in commencing work on the Wallendbeen Bridge.

“This is by no means an exhaustive list; it’s going to be a big year and I look forward to once again working hard to achieve meaningful outcomes for the more than 170 small communities that make up our wonderful Cootamundra electorate,” she said.

Photograph caption: Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke in the NSW Legislative Assembly Chamber.

Following close to 12 months of intense lobbying on behalf of the Boorowa community, Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has helped secure over half a million dollars in State Government funding to go towards finding a solution to the town’s ongoing water supply issues.

Ms Cooke said the news of the funding came hot on the heels of her Cootamundra Summit last week, during which the Water Minister heard directly again from both herself and Hilltops Council, about the gravity of the situation.

“The Minister once again heard first-hand from myself, as well as from Hilltops Deputy Mayor Alison Foreman, and General Manager Anthony O’Reilly, about just how serious the situation in Boorowa has become, and how residents can’t rely on what is one of the most basic of needs, and that is turning on the water tap,” Ms Cooke said.

“I’m certainly pleased that having raised the issue again last week directly with the Minister, that the NSW Labor Government has finally acknowledged the concerns of local residents and of Hilltops Council, and has taken steps to rectify the problems around water quality in Boorowa once and for all.

“The current situation in Boorowa is of course simply unacceptable, and so today’s news that the NSW Labor Government has signed-off on an investment of just over half a million dollars, means that – together with a similar investment from Hilltops Council – close to one million dollars will now go towards a feasibility study to explore the option of constructing a water pipeline from Harden to Boorowa.

“This is a significant first step towards finding a lasting solution to what has become an untenable problem for Boorowa residents, who are still dealing with a boil water alert for what will be the third week in a row.

“Boorowa is expanding, but without the proper infrastructure in place, this growth will always be held back.

“Having safe and secure water supplies at our schools, hospitals, homes, and small businesses is a basic requirement, and it’s encouraging that Boorowa can now take the next significant step towards securing a reliable water supply; something many of us – particularly those in the metropolitan areas – take for granted,” she said.

Photograph caption: Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke with Hilltops Council Deputy Mayor Alison Foreman at the ‘Cootamundra Summit’ held in Harden last week.

Representatives from local governments across the Cootamundra electorate gathered in Harden today for the 6^th annual Mayoral Summit hosted by local MP Steph Cooke.

Ms Cooke said the summit – held at the RFS Fire Control Centre – brings together mayors and general managers from across the region to discuss pressing issues, share insights, and collaborate on finding solutions to some of the challenges facing our communities.

“There are nine Local Government Areas (LGA’s) within the Cootamundra electorate; it’s a big area with over 170 small communities represented in the room today – each confronting their own unique and individual set of challenges,” Ms Cooke said.

“The annual Cootamundra Summit is an opportunity for us all to come together and listen to the issues facing different LGA’s, which then helps consolidate my advocacy agenda for the year ahead; I’d like to wholeheartedly thank the mayors and general managers who attended the summit and engaged in some really constructive discussions,” she said.

Ms Cooke said a range of problems and projects were discussed including road and rail opportunities, pothole repairs, issues around emergency response management, community transport needs, as well as the importance of mental health support services.

“We had a really constructive day and discussed a broad range of issues from water security to police resources, through to vital health infrastructure projects, and changes to councillor code of conduct requirements,” Ms Cooke said.

“There was also a lot of discussion around the impediments local governments face when it comes to securing state government investment, and utilising it in the most sensible and streamlined way possible, and I will be raising that, along with the other issues canvassed, with the NSW Labor Government,” she said.

Attendees were given the chance to ask questions directly of Water & Mental Health Minister Rose Jackson, along with representatives from the offices of the Minister for Emergency Services, and the Minister for Local Government, as well as of Shadow Corrections Minister Mark Taylor, and Shadow Agriculture & Regional NSW Minister Dugald Saunders.

“I certainly thank them all for their participation and making themselves available to hear first-hand what our priorities are on the ground here in our Cootamundra region,” Ms Cooke said.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke is calling on Water Minister Rose Jackson to take immediate action to fix the water supply issues that continue to plague the Boorowa community.

It follows a warning issued to residents that the drinking water is unsafe and must be boiled before use, a situation Ms Cooke said is completely unacceptable.

“The Water Minister is well aware of the water supply issues facing this community; I personally delivered a petition to her office in August last year, that made the situation regarding the water quality abundantly clear, and yet almost five months later, the Minister is nowhere to be seen,” Ms Cooke said.

Ms Cooke said more than 400 people put their names to the petition calling on the Water Minister to take urgent action to provide a secure potable water supply for Boorowa.

“The time has long past for the Water Minister to acknowledge the concerns of local residents and of Hilltops Council, and to take steps to rectify the problems around water quality and quantity in Boorowa once and for all,” Ms Cooke said.

“Inaction is no longer an option; the Water Minister must act now and make fixing Boorowa’s water a top priority in 2024,” she said.

Ms Cooke said there are steps the Water Minister can take in the short-term, to address the issue.

“If the Minister is serious about finding solutions to this ongoing problem, she could immediately sign-off on funding to explore the feasibility of the options that are on the table in 2024, including a proposal for a pipeline from Harden to Boorowa,” Ms Cooke said.

“Boorowa is expanding, but without the proper infrastructure in place, this growth will always be held back.

“Having safe and secure water supplies at our schools, hospitals, homes, and small businesses is a basic requirement, and if this city-centric NSW Labor Government is serious about giving our rural and regional communities every opportunity to thrive, they must govern for the entire state, and focus their attention on issues beyond the Great Divide,” she said.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke is encouraging the community to celebrate the positive role seniors play in the local area by nominating them for the 2024 NSW Seniors Festival Local Achievement Awards.

Nominations are now open for the awards program, with the winners to be announced during the NSW Seniors Festival, taking place from 11th – 24th March, 2024.

The NSW Seniors Festival celebrates and acknowledges the important role that seniors play in our community.

It is the largest festival for seniors in the Southern Hemisphere, with an estimated 250,000 seniors participating in hundreds of free or discounted events.

“This annual festival is all about celebrating the positive impact of older people in our families, and broader community,” Ms Cooke said.

“The festival provides an important opportunity for seniors to participate in their communities in meaningful and engaging ways.

“The awards too are a fantastic opportunity to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of our seniors.

“So many seniors go above and beyond for our community as volunteers, carers, and role models, so if you know a senior who helps make our community a better place to live, then I encourage you to nominate them,” she said.

Nominations close at 5pm on Friday, 1st March 2024.

To nominate a senior or find further information on the awards program, phone: 6382 2399 or email: cootamundra@parliament.nsw.gov.au

For more information about the NSW Seniors Festival visit: www.seniorsfestival.nsw.gov.au.

Students and young adults in Young and surrounding areas are being encouraged to embrace the spirit of adventure and community by signing-up to the Young branch of Scouts Australia.

Following a recent visit to the newly refurbished Scout Hall, Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said Scouts is open to anyone aged 5 to 25, who can join either the Joey Scouts, Cub Scouts, Scouts, Venturer Scouts, or Rover Scouts.

“Scout numbers in Young unfortunately dropped-off during Covid, but now that the renovations have been completed at the hall, the local chapter is ready to ramp-up their activities in the New Year, so I encourage anyone who is perhaps looking for a new challenge or something fun to do, to learn more about the activities on offer,” Ms Cooke said.

Ms Cooke said joining the Scouts can help foster leadership skills, teamwork, and resilience in young people.

“Scouting is often thought of as focused solely on outdoor activities, but it’s also a great foundation for developing leadership and other life skills, as well as creating lifelong friendships,” Ms Cooke said.

Ms Cooke was given a tour inside the newly refurbished hall – made possible thanks to a $160,000 grant from the previous NSW Coalition Government – by 1^st Young Scout group leader Corey McIntyre.

“The hall not only has a new roof, but the inside has been completely transformed with new flooring, a new ceiling, and a new kitchenette; it’s very impressive, and such a welcoming environment for young people to come and spend time with friends,” Ms Cooke said.

“There’s also opportunities for adults to become a Scout volunteer, so to all the adventurers out there, I encourage you to give Corey a call; he’ll tell you all about how to join in the fun, and activities, and at the same time, make some lifelong friendships,” she said.

Prospective Scouts and their families who would like to learn more can phone Corey McIntyre: 0422 015 842, or get in touch with the Young Electorate Office (02) 6382 2399.

Photograph caption: Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke met with 1^st Young Scout group leader Corey McIntyre recently to learn more about the activities planned at the Young Scout Hall for 2024.

A new playground in Koorawatha is expected to be a major drawcard for visitors to the village, after it was officially opened during a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Memorial Park.

Ideally situated just off the Olympic Way, Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke said the new equipment will be a big attraction for travellers looking to break up their journey.

“The new playground is a wonderful asset for the village of Koorawatha, and I certainly encourage locals and visitors of all ages, to come and try-out all the new equipment for themselves, and enjoy the surrounding revitalised recreation area,” Ms Cooke said.

Ms Cooke said she was extremely proud to have supported the project, which was made possible thanks to a $441,360 grant under the previous NSW Coalition Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund.

“This playground has revitalised Koorawatha Memorial Park and will allow members of the community, along with visitors to the area, to enjoy a modern facility which provides and promotes an active and healthy lifestyle,” Ms Cooke said.

“Residents in villages across our entire Cootamundra electorate are just so passionate about finding ways to enhance their communities, and I certainly applaud projects like this that represent a long-term vision for the future of Koorawatha,” she said.

During the proceedings, Ms Cooke acknowledged the hard work and dedication of members of the Koorawatha Progress Association in bringing the project to fruition.

“Today is the culmination of a lot of hard work by dedicated locals over a number of years; it takes a long time and a lot of effort to pull projects like this together, so I congratulate the Koorawatha Progress Association, particularly Secretary and Treasurer Jane Fisher, for their tireless commitment,” Ms Cooke said.

The new playground features a central treehouse tower, a flying fox, swings large and small, obstacle course, and buggy rocker. Park benches are provided, in addition to an undercover, accessible picnic shelter that complements the barbecue facility, while concrete pathways give access to scooters, bikes, trikes, walkers, and wheelchairs.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke has congratulated students, parents, and teachers on completing the 2023 school year, and has praised the achievements of all schools – large and small – across the electorate.

“I’ve had the great honour and privilege in recent weeks of attending many school presentations right across our electorate, and I have just been so impressed by what students have achieved; we have a lot to be proud of,” Ms Cooke said.

“Our students really have had an amazing year, and I’ve enjoyed hearing all about the academic and sporting achievements, as well as watching students perform across music and the arts; we really punch well above our weight, particularly given that many of our schools are small schools,” she said.

Ms Cooke praised the work of teachers, school staff, parents, and volunteers in ensuring students are well supported and able to thrive.

“Our teachers are so passionate about their classes and their students, and the results speak for themselves in the classroom, so congratulations and thank you for the work you do supporting the younger members of our community,” Ms Cooke said.

“The P&Cs too do a wonderful job throughout the year, hosting activities and fundraisers that help provide students with those extra opportunities that enrich their school lives,” she said.

Ms Cooke said while she does her best to visit as many schools as possible, it does take time to get around them all.

“There are 82 schools in the Cootamundra electorate, and I visit on average about 20 schools a year – and this year’s no different – so it takes me four years to get around them all. So if I haven’t quite got to your school lately, I promise you it’s on the list; it just takes me a little while to get to each and every one of them in-person,” Ms Cooke said.

“To all the school communities – large and small – well done on another successful year, have an enjoyable break, and good luck for 2024; I can’t wait to see what you all do next,” she said.

Photograph caption: Steph Cooke with award winners from Junee North Public School following their end of year presentation.