May 2024 – Page 10

Historic boost to health services on the NSW North Coast as the new Tweed Valley Hospital is officially opened

The NSW Government is today officially opening the $723.3 million Tweed Valley Hospital, a state-of-the-art health facility on the NSW North Coast that will also be supported by a new urgent care service in the area and a brand new ambulance station in Kingscliff.

This investment will provide a significant boost to healthcare on the North Coast of NSW, a rapidly growing region that deserves the best access to world class healthcare.

Tweed Valley Hospital

The new Tweed Valley Hospital represents the largest capital health investment in the regions in NSW history, including capacity for 430 beds, almost 200 more beds than at the former hospital.

Key features of the hospital include:

Access to radiotherapy services, as part of a new integrated cancer care service.
New satellite medical imaging in the emergency department, to speed up access to support.
An interventional cardiology service that is currently being developed, delivering diagnostic and interventional cardiology procedures for the first time in Tweed.
A clinical training and research hub through the Northern NSW Academic Health Alliance that brings together local universities, TAFE NSW and the Local Health district.
And a new car park will provide over 1000 free car parking spaces at the hospital campus.

Tweed Urgent Care Service

Further to the opening of the new hospital, residents in the Tweed will now also have access to an urgent care service in Tweed that eases pressure on emergency departments by providing care to people in their homes.

The new service, launched only weeks ago, is initially treating elderly patients in the comfort of their home or residential aged care facility.

Next month the service will expand to operating 7 days a week from 8am to 8pm, to support people of all ages across the Tweed region to receive urgent care at home.

The service will be staffed by a team of nurses, NSW Ambulance Extended Care Paramedics and allied health professionals.

Kingscliff Ambulance Station

Ambulance services in the region are also being boosted with construction of Kingscliff’s new ambulance station, on track for completion in the coming months.

The new 2-level ambulance station will replace a 65-year-old station on Marine Parade in Kingscliff.

It will feature 8 internal parking bays (including an internal wash bay), administration and office areas, staff rest facilities, gym, logistics and storage areas and on-site parking.

These new health facilities and services are further supported by the NSW Government’s commitment to rebuilding essential services by addressing the staffing crisis inherited from the former government.

From lifting the wages cap, working to deliver 500 new paramedics in rural and regional NSW and implementing safe staffing levels while delivering paramedics a historic pay rise, the NSW Government is supporting the staff these new hospitals, ambulance stations and services need.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“Whether you live in the middle of the city or in regional communities like the North Coast, we’re working hard to make sure everyone has access to the very best health care.

“This new hospital as well as a new urgent care service and ambulance station are going to make a huge difference to this rapidly growing region in NSW.

“We are not only committed to delivering the very best health facilities but also to looking after the staff in them who look after all of us.”

Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park said:

“This $723.3 million hospital is the one of the largest hospital investments in NSW history.

“For the community here in Tweed, this facility means hundreds more hospital beds, more ED treatment spaces, and more single patient rooms.

“New services at the hospital are estimated to benefit 5000 patients each year by giving them access to care locally, without needing to travel outside the region as was previously the case.

“We’re also pleased the Urgent Care Service is up and running, enabling residents to receive high quality, expert care without leaving their home, providing a better patient experience and easing pressure on the region’s busy emergency departments.”

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said:

“I am proud to be part of a government which is committed to investing in rural and regional health infrastructure to support better health outcomes for local communities.

“This new hospital, the establishment of an urgent care service and a new ambulance station at Kingscliff will provide benefits for Tweed and beyond.”

Labor Spokesperson for the Tweed Emily Suvaal MLC said:

“I thank our incredible health staff, leaders and managers who have been integral to this project, ensuring the successful delivery of this fantastic health facility for the community.

“As a former nurse, it is great to know this beautiful new hospital was designed in partnership with clinicians, staff and the community to deliver the best clinical outcomes for patients.

“It’s also great the campus will be home to the Northern NSW Academic Health Alliance, which will build a pipeline of skilled healthcare workers for the Northern Rivers.”

New strategy to address psychological risks in the workplace with $5.6m in business assistance

The NSW Government launched a plan aimed at helping employers manage psychosocial risks and protect their workers from psychological harms.

The SafeWork NSW Psychological Health and Safety Strategy 2024-2026 outlines how the workplace regulator will support employers to manage risks and comply with their duty to prevent psychological harm in NSW workplaces.

This NSW Government strategy is backed by $5.6 million over the next two years to deliver workplace mental health programs for small and medium businesses through the Black Dog Institute and Transitioning Well.

The programs are targeted at small businesses, which make up the bulk of employers in NSW and generally have less capability and fewer resources to manage mental health and protect psychological health at work.

Workplace mental ill health is estimated to cost Australian businesses up to $39 billion each year due to lost participation and productivity.

Workplace leaders know that if the mental wellbeing of workers is protected, they will want to stay, and these workplaces will keep their top talent.

New initiatives as part of the 2024-2026 strategy include:

practical tools, resources, and webinars to help businesses.
the translation of all resources to reach and support culturally and linguistically diverse workers – a high risk worker category for psychological injury.
building capability across SafeWork NSW’s inspectorate and conduct compliance visits in high-risk workplaces.
creating industry forums whose role is to identify psychosocial hazards in the relevant industry.

Together we can drive real change and better outcomes for employees and employers in NSW.

SafeWork NSW consulted with many stakeholders during the development of the strategy, including workers, health and safety professionals from government agencies, unions and business.

For more information visit Psychological Health and Safety Strategy 2024-2026.

Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:

“It is a fundamental right of every worker to come home safe to their loved ones both physically and mentally.”

“We must all work together to bring about change to make workplaces psychologically safer for workers. If workplaces remain unsafe, I strongly endorse SafeWork’s actions to bring about improvements.”

Minister for Small Business Steve Kamper said:

“NSW is home to roughly 850,000 small businesses which employ 1.7 million people or about 43 per cent of the state’s private sector workforce.”

“The NSW Labor Government is focused on delivering a safer workplace and to do this we must work hand-in-hand with businesses to ensure we are providing the right programs and advice to protect workers and businesses.”

“By addressing psychosocial risks, we are not only protecting the health of our workforce, we are protecting the businesses of NSW from lost participation and productivity.”

Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson said:

“The last few years have been particularly hard for people. Our workforce has been impacted by increased pressure from the cost-of-living, natural disasters, and COVID-19.”

“We know workers in industries such as emergency services, nursing, and law enforcement have been on the frontline and may be more at risk. Our strategy launching today aims to strengthen mental health support in the workplace. To help take care of people who take care of us.”

“Irrespective of the industry that you work in, everyone deserves to work in a respectful and psychologically safe workplace. It is imperative that our workplaces and employers are doing everything they can to prevent psychological harm in NSW workplaces.”

Acting Deputy Secretary SafeWork NSW Trent Curtin said:

“Large businesses and government agencies at high-risk of psychological injuries can expect compliance checks from SafeWork NSW.”

“SafeWork NSW will issue improvement notices, prohibition notices or formal regulator warnings and may prosecute workplaces who repeatedly do not comply or where they have seriously breached WHS laws.”

“In addition to being an obligation under Work Health and Safety regulations, a psychologically healthy and safe workplace helps reduce business costs. These include costs associated with absenteeism and presenteeism, where staff are away from work and where staff are attending work under stress or experiencing mental health issues. Presenteeism is estimated to have an annual cost of $1680 per employee.”

Strengthening ties through the Centre for Australia-India Relations

The Albanese Government is pleased to launch the new Centre for Australia-India Relations headquarters in Parramatta, along with a series of initiatives to further strengthen Australia’s links with India.

The new headquarters will be a focal point for government, business, academia, the cultural sector and Indian-Australian communities to drive new partnership opportunities between our countries. The Centre’s headquarters are supported by both the Australian and New South Wales Governments.

Today we are pleased to announce the recipients of the Centre’s inaugural Maitri Scholars and Fellowships programs. Five Maitri Scholars from India will complete PhDs on STEM research topics, including advanced manufacturing and clean energy solutions. Seven Maitri Fellows will undertake research projects exploring our shared geostrategic and economic future, including in maritime security, responding to climate change, secure supply chains and closer regional cooperation.

India is on track to be the world’s third largest economy by the end of the decade. To ensure Australia benefits from India’s growth, the Australian Government will commence consultations on a future Australia-India economic roadmap. This roadmap will build on the landmark 2018 India Economic Strategy authored by Peter Varghese, and harness the untapped potential we see in some key sectors, while focusing and accelerating our work for the next phase of our relationship. Australia also continues to negotiate its next free trade agreement with India, including for greater market access in agriculture and manufacturing.

These initiatives are on top of additional $14.3m in funding provided in last week’s budget, to expand the Australia India Business Exchange. Austrade will lead new business missions to India across a range of sectors – including agrifood, education, technology, and energy and resources like critical minerals. The expanded program also involves pilot business missions to Bangladesh and Sri Lanka to help grow our trade across the South Asia.

Recognising the expertise of Indian-Australian communities, we also announce the Centre’s CEO and Director Network. The Network consists of a group of Indian-Australian corporate leaders who will build knowledge of India among their peers in the Australian business community.

Further information on the inaugural Maitri Scholars and Fellows is available on the Centre for Australia-India Relations website.

Public submissions for the new Australia-India roadmap are encouraged and will be open until 15 July 2024.

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator the Hon Penny Wong:

“Working more closely with our Indian-Australian communities – our fastest growing diaspora – means we can better respond to a diverse and evolving India.
“The Centre’s CEO and Director Network will assist Australian business leaders to engage with India’s growth story.
“The Maitri Scholars and Fellows will also contribute to a broader and deeper understanding of the Australia India relationship, our shared interests and our shared challenges, while fostering life-long connections.”

Minister for Trade and Tourism, Senator the Hon Don Farrell:

“Trade with India is shaping up to be a big win for Australia. Since our government implemented a new trade deal with India, Australian businesses have seen a massive boost in exports.
But we think we can go even further, which is why we committed over $14m in this years’ budget to expand the Australia India Business Exchange, and have announced consultations on a new Australia-India economic roadmap.
A new India economic roadmap will help us focus and accelerate our efforts to harness India’s growth, and tap into the enormous trade and investment opportunities that will help us secure a future made in Australia.”

CEO Centre for Australia-India Relations, Tim Thomas:

“The Centre for Australia-India Relations is excited to establish its headquarters in Parramatta, a thriving innovation ecosystem and an important focal point for the vibrant Indian-Australian community. The Centre has built strong momentum through our Maitri grants and stakeholder impact programs. The Centre will continue to galvanise Australian stakeholders to move on the tremendous opportunities that India’s growth presents.”

Visit to Bangladesh and Singapore

This week I will travel to Bangladesh and Singapore to advance Australia’s interests in a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indian Ocean region.

As Australia enhances our engagement with the Indian Ocean region, I am pleased to undertake my first visit to Bangladesh.

Australia is working with Bangladesh to deepen our cooperation, including on trade and investment, and to find practical solutions to shared challenges such as climate change, regional maritime security and people smuggling.

In Dhaka, I look forward to discussing these issues with Prime Minister the Honourable Sheikh Hasina MP, Foreign Minister the Honourable Dr Hasan Mahmud MP and other members of the Bangladeshi Government.

Australia and Bangladesh have significant people-to-people links, with over 50,000 people in Australia born in Bangladesh.

I will also travel to Cox’s Bazar, where I will see how Australia’s humanitarian assistance is delivering practical support to displaced Rohingya and Bangladeshi host communities.

Australia’s humanitarian assistance is part of a global effort to address the causes of displacement, find durable solutions, and ultimately allow Rohingya to realise their goal of returning to their homeland.

My visit to Singapore, my second as Foreign Minister, is an opportunity to discuss trade and investment, green economy opportunities, defence and security, and our close cooperation on shared regional challenges.

I look forward to meetings with Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong and Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan.

Singapore is one of Australia’s closest friends and partners, and our relationship is based on mutual trust, respect, and shared strategic perspectives.

GREENS RESPONSE TO CLOSURE OF BUNBURY PRIVATE MATERNITY HOSPITAL

St John of God Bunbury will close their maternity ward in less than 6 weeks, despite having 96 patients booked in to give birth in the unit, including some after the closure date.

In a Facebook post and media statement, expectant families were told that the maternity ward would be closing on the 25th of June, and that they should plan to give birth at nearby Bunbury Regional Hospital or in Perth, more than 2 hours away.

Staff across the maternity ward, which also delivers postnatal care and neonatal special care will be left jobless with just weeks to prepare.

It comes as another blow to maternity care in the South West, with the WA Country Health Service announcing that services that support complex births at Margaret River Hospital would be transferred to Busselton and Bunbury Hospitals.

The Greens are urging the state and federal governments to step in and adequately fund WA’s public hospitals so that the healthcare system can deal with the influx of patients, and ensure that the 96 families still booked in at St John of God Bunbury receive continuity of care for the remainder of their pregnancies.

Greens MLC for South Metropolitan Region Brad Pettitt
“This is an incredibly disappointing announcement for parents hoping to stay close to home when having their baby. Now they will be forced to travel upwards of two hours to receive care in a different hospital that is likely already swamped.

“Services for women and babies in regional areas should be at the forefront of Labor’s priorities. These services are crying out for more funding, and when we have a multi-million dollar surplus in this state, why are we leaving families without essential care?

“I am shocked that many of the staff had to find out about this closure on social media. Workers deserve better than to find out on Facebook that they have lost their job, and I implore St John of God to support these workers to transition into new roles.”

Greens Spokesperson for Health Jordon Steele-John

“We heard just 3 weeks ago that Bunbury Regional Hospital is already struggling with response times. This closure only serves to add extra pressure that they simply will not be able to deal with.

“Our public hospitals are grossly underfunded, all over the state. We need the Federal and State Governments to further invest in our public healthcare system so that people across WA can access affordable healthcare.

“Our community deserves better than private healthcare providers deciding at short notice there is no longer a profit to be made, and closing a vital service.

“Healthcare should be run in the interests of our community, and that’s exactly why we need State and Federal Labor governments to stop crowing about their budget surpluses and instead invest in healthcare.

GREENS WARN WOODSIDE MORE FIGHTS AHEAD OVER GAS EXPANSION

The Australian Greens have warned coal and gas giants to expect more blows to their climate-destroying expansion that overrides First Nations voices, after the party killed Labor’s gas fast-track bill and drew the ire of Woodside chief Meg O’Neill.

In a huge win for climate last week, the Greens secured an agreement with the government to shelve Labor’s offshore gas fast-track plan.

Yet in response today, Woodside Energy boss Meg O’Neill took a shot at the agreement, saying it would make it harder to roll out more gas projects.

Which the Greens say is the point.

While coal and gas lobbyists may be used to politicians caving to their every demand, the Greens will continue to use their power to fight any new coal or gas projects, and say the fight will only intensify in the lead up to the election as a minority Parliament looms.

Leader of the Australian Greens, Adam Bandt MP:

“If the gas cartel thinks this win by the Greens is a blow to their climate-destroying expansion, they ain’t seen nothing yet.

“This is just the beginning of the Greens’ fight against the big coal and gas corporations that are fueling drought, fires and floods while often paying next to no tax and sending profits offshore.

“People can’t insure their homes, farmers are losing income and forests are drying out because of the coal and gas-fuelled climate crisis. The only chance of saving Australia’s economy from the ravages of climate collapse is if there are no new coal and gas mines.

“Woodside’s expansion threatens Australian lives and livelihoods.

“No doubt coal and gas corporations are used to compliant politicians who take their donations and do their bidding, but as we head towards a predicted minority Parliament, the Greens will fight for higher taxes on big gas corporations and an end to new coal and gas mines.”

Greens’ First Nations and resources spokesperson, Senator Dorinda Cox:

“It is not acceptable that in a climate crisis, where we see everyday Australians impacted by climate emergencies and devastation that fossil fuel giants believe they can silence First Nation voices and knowledge to destroy country and precious irreplaceable cultural heritage.

“Yet we see time and time again the Albanese Labor Government caving to lobbyists and opening new climate and environment-wrecking gas projects.

“The Greens, Traditional Owners and community have shown their commitment and determination to fight these gas wrecking projects.

“Last week we won against Labor’s fast-tracking of gas approvals and we’ll keep fighting to make sure Australians understand the implications of climate wrecking projects and that Labor cannot be allowed to sell off our sea, country and cultural heritage to the highest bidder. Our sea country and heritage is not for sale.”

SENATE INQUIRY INTO “DANGEROUS AND RISKY” NDIS CUTS AND CHANGES

Today, Tuesday 21st May 2024, the Australian Senate will commence its inquiry into Labor’s proposed National Disability Insurance Scheme Amendment Bill 2024.

Senator Steele-John, the Australian Greens spokesperson for Disability Rights and Services, and the only physically disabled person in the Australian Senate, will attend both days of the Senate inquiry.

The Bill proposed the most significant changes to the NDIS since it commenced over a decade ago.

Submissions to the inquiry have implored Senators to not pass the bill in its current form.

Those giving evidence on the first day of the inquiry include disabled people, their representative advocacy organisations, and those involved in the NDIS Review.

The legislation was developed behind closed doors with representatives from disability organisations required to sign non-disclosure agreements.

Senator Steele-John, Australian Greens Spokesperson for Disability Rights and Services.

“As the only physically disabled person in the Senate, I feel a great obligation to our disability community when it comes to this Senate Inquiry.

“The changes proposed by Labor are the end of the NDIS as we know it.

“The message from the community is clear, Labor should not cut the NDIS and this draft NDIS legislation should not pass in its current form.

“The Labor government has failed to get the policy settings right. Labor has made the political decision to balance its budget off the back of disabled people; cutting $14.4 billion from the NDIS just last week.

“As it is drafted, Labor’s proposed changes to the NDIS will make life more difficult for disabled people, our families and the thousands of people who are employed within the NDIS.

“This bill will enable the agency to make significant changes to the scheme without community consultation. So much for nothing about us, without us.

The reality is that right now the NDIS is ‘the only lifeboat in the ocean.’ Removing participants from the scheme to systems that don’t exist, is outrageously poor planning with obviously harmful consequences. This proves the government is more concerned about cutting costs than improving the NDIS for disabled people.

“I believe Australians want to ensure disabled people are supported to live fulfilling and productive lives. If the government were proposing cuts and changes to Medicare at the scale they are proposing them for the NDIS there would be a revolt.

“These changes will see every single NDIS participant’s plan thrown up in the air with deep uncertainty about where the chips will fall because the bill will remove power from the hands of disabled people, putting it squarely back in the grasp of politicians and government bureaucrats.”

GREENS SUPPORT ICC ARREST WARRANTS FOR NETANYAHU, GALLANT AND OTHERS

The Greens are calling on the Australian government to publicly support the ICC Chief Prosecutor’s decision to press for the arrests of Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and three Hamas leaders, Yahya Sinwar, Ismail Haniyeh and Mohammed Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri.

The findings of the International Criminal Court Prosecutor reinforce what so many in our community already knew; there has been serious and sustained breaches of international law in Israel’s genocide in Gaza and Hamas’ attacks on civilians since the October 7th attacks.

Australia cannot proclaim a commitment to upholding an international rules-based order only when it suits us. The ongoing genocide, war crimes and crimes against humans in Gaza must end. The perpetrators must be held to account.

Australia cannot follow the United States’ complete disregard for the independent court, and cannot follow them in denying genocide in Palestine.

Every week the parliament has been in session since October 7th 2023 the Australian Greens have been calling on the government to do more, including:

Call for a permanent and immediate ceasefire
Expel Israel’s Ambassador to Australia
Put sanctions on Prime Minister Netanyahu, his war cabinet and other government members
End military trade with the State of Israel
Cancel defence contracts with Elbit Systems

Jordon Steele-John, Greens Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs and Peace:

“The Greens support the ICC Prosecutor in issuing arrest warrants and pursuing the arrest of Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and Hamas leaders.

“Australia must immediately respond by expelling Israel’s Ambassador to Australia and putting sanctions on his war cabinet.

“Violence against civilians is never acceptable. Australia needs to call for a permanent and immediate ceasefire to ensure that this genocide ends.

“What is happening in Palestine is deplorable. The IDF is deliberately starving, dehydrating and cutting off Palestinians from aid, with no end in sight. Those responsible must be held to account.”

Community input needed to make Newcastle a more walkable city

City of Newcastle is inviting Novocastrians to share their thoughts on the safety and accessibility of pedestrian crossings to help guide future installations and upgrades across the city.

Residents will provide feedback on the different types of crossings, as well as recently completed raised pedestrian crossings in suburbs including New Lambton, Waratah, Birmingham Gardens, Broadmeadow, and Merewether.

Cr Adamczyk and Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen use the pedestrian crossing at New LambtonDeputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen said encouraging more people to walk is important for the wellbeing of our community and the liveability of our city.

“We’re preparing a more strategic approach to how we plan and deliver pedestrian crossings across Newcastle by addressing barriers to walking,” Cr Clausen said.

“With a better understanding of how different crossing types improve the experience of pedestrians, we’ll be able to implement appropriate crossings that prioritise safety and accessibility.

“We want to ensure our pedestrian crossings reflect the diversity of our community and cater to the needs of all Novocastrians including older residents, people with mobility or vision impairments, parents with prams, school children and tourists.”

Councillor Elizabeth Adamczyk, Chair of the Walking and Mobility Working Party said the survey would help shed light on community experiences and perceptions of the safety benefits of different pedestrian crossing types.

“Community feedback will help to improve safety and accessibility of walking in our city,” Cr Adamczyk said.

“By reducing the barriers related to crossing the road, we aim to improve safe continuous pathways of travel and enhance the experience for pedestrians of all mobilities and abilities.”

To take part in the survey visit newcastle.nsw.gov.au/yoursay

Feedback closes at 5pm on 10 June 2024.

NSW Government announces new Helensburgh Police Station, fulfilling an election commitment

The NSW Government is today announcing the plans and design for the new $3 million Helensburgh Police Station, fulfilling an election commitment support our frontline workers and invest in essential services.

The new Helensburgh Police Station will replace the existing demountable site on Waratah Street and will accommodate up to eight officers on any shift. Previously, just three officers could be accommodated.

The modular design will manage and hold all the required operational policing equipment, provide secure parking for police vehicles and stand as a modern and permanent facility to replace the previous building that is no longer fit for purpose.

A first response police vehicle will be stationed at the new site, providing 24/7 coverage of the area and a dedicated, highly visible resource. The region is also supported by specialist resources.

The new station will increase Wollongong Police District’s ability to maintain a visible presence and support community safety in the northern sector of the Command.

It will also see officers return to the area as the current demountable is not operational due to not meeting work health and safety standards. Currently, officers are deployed from Wollongong to the northern suburbs.

The NSW Labor Government promised to upgrade the existing Helensburgh Police Station during its first term, if elected to form government in 2023. Today, the Government is delivering on that important commitment.

The demolition of the current police station is set to begin next month.

The NSW Government is committed to the long-term plan of reinvesting in our essential services with both physical infrastructure as well as the people who run the services the people of NSW need.

It builds on our commitment to attract more people to the force to address the chronic shortage of officers left by the former government by:

abolishing the wages cap;
setting up a new scheme to pay students to study to become an officer; and
two recently announced programs specifically aimed at attracting both experienced officers and regional recruits.

Premier Chris Minns said:

“Our government is reinvesting in our essential workers and our frontline services.

“Policing is a very difficult job. It’s not an easy profession, and this government is committed to ensuring our police officers have the facilities they need to keep people safe.”

Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:

“After more than a decade of empty promises and inaction from the previous Liberal Government, this Labor Government is finally ending the talk and starting construction.

“For too long, the Helensburgh community has been served a forever promise. The new Helensburgh Police Station shows this Government’s commitment to supporting community safety and ensuring our hardworking police have the facilities and resources they need.

“Our police work tirelessly to serve and protect their community and I am determined to support them in every way I can. That’s why we’ve announced a suite of recruitment measures, including paid study, to get more boots on the ground and help prevent crime.”

Member for Heathcote Maryanne Stuart said:

“I am delighted that after 12 years of inaction by the former government that Helensburgh will now have an upgraded police station and room for officers and vehicles based there to serve the Northern Illawarra.

“I thank the people of Helensburgh and the Northern Illawarra for your belief in me when committing to deliver an upgraded Police Station for this wonderful community at the 2023 election.

“I’m proud to be part of a government that is getting on with the job of providing a police presence in the Northern Illawarra that is effective for the community and the police officers serving in the area.

“The government, community and police are looking forward to this upgrade and we are looking forward to its completion, with Police staffed locally in this station. The people of Helensburgh and Northern Illawarra deserve nothing less.”

NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb APM said:

“This new station will provide a much-needed presence in the northern suburbs of Wollongong, allowing officers to respond to the growing needs of residents.

“Up to eight officers can work from the purpose-built station, which will provide modern facilities for police to operate from.

“The people of the Illawarra will now have greater access to policing and the new station will service their needs providing a high visibility presence in the community.”