Swansea Channel Dredging Update

I said we’d dredge the Swansea Channel and that’s exactly what we’ve done!



16,690 cubic metres of sand was removed to create a 30-metre-wide channel during the first stage of this dredging campaign.

Boaties can now enter Lake Macquarie through the Swansea Channel without getting stuck, this is such a great result.

The NSW Government is in this for the long haul, and we’ll keep doing the work to keep the Channel flowing as it should.

Open Coast Management Program

Central Coast Council is in the process of developing a new Coastal Management Program and is seeking community feedback.

To provide feedback use the online map to provide suggestions or you can attend one of the remaining pop-up sessions being held at:

• Memorial Park, The Entrance - Saturday 27 January, 3-6pm
• Soldiers Beach Surf Life Saving Club - Saturday 3 February, 9am-12pm
• Killcare Surf Life Saving Club – Saturday - 10 February, 9am-12pm.

Feedback closes on 25 February.

Belmont Desalination Plant

Hunter Water has put on public exhibition a modification report regarding the Belmont Desalination Plant.

The report will be on public exhibition until 20 February. During the public exhibition period, Hunter Water will be holding Community information sessions in person and online. To attend a session:

• Drop in anytime to a face-to-face session at Belmont Library - 19 Ernest St, Belmont - on Saturday 3 February 2024 between 10am and 12pm.
• Register to attend a virtual information session on Wednesday 7 February 2024 by visiting the website or emailing.

Making Childcare Cheaper

Early education is so important to give our kids the best start to their education journey.

That is why the Minns Labor Government is making early childhood education more affordable.

As of 1 January, all NSW families could be eligible for:

• Up to $500 per year in fee relief for 3-year-olds attending eligible preschool programs in long day care on top of their childcare subsidy payment.
• Up to $2,110 per year in fee relief for children aged 4 years-old and above attending eligible preschool programs in long day care on top of their CCS payment.
• Up to $4,220 per year for 3 to 5-year-olds attending eligible community and mobile preschools.
• 5 days a fortnight of affordable preschool fee relief for all children in Department of Education Preschools.

To access this fee relief complete a declaration form at your service provider.

M1 Pacific Highway Upgrades

If you drive north of Newcastle on the motorway, you know that peak hour feeling.

Recently, I joined Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Heatherbrae to inspect the start of work on the M1 extension to Raymond Terrace.

The $2.1 billion M1 extension, which includes upgrades to the surrounding network, such as the Hexham Straight widening, is funded by both levels of government, with the Australian Government committing $1.68 billion and the NSW Government committing $420 million.

By 2028, there will be five fewer sets of lights on this stretch of road. I’m proud that Labor governments – state and federal – are getting it done.

Belmont & District Residents' Action Group

The Belmont & District Residents' Action Group is a local community group that advocates on behalf of Belmont and surrounding suburbs on a range of local issues. The group engages with local, state and federal levels of government. The group is seeking new members and if you would like to join, please contact Robin Gordon on robingordon1942@gmail.com.

Belmont Hospital Volunteer Auxiliary

The Belmont Hospital Volunteer Auxiliary truly are a great help to hospital staff. Beginning 50 years ago with a trolley service to patients and staff, the Auxiliary now has a team of more than 30 volunteers who provide 3 services:

• Patient Care which does administration work for all the departments within the hospital. It also sells craft and personal items to assist our patients and visitors
• Meet & Greet work from the foyer and assist visitors navigate around our hospital
• Kiosk provides food and beverages to staff, visitors and patients

All services run 5 days per week. The Auxiliary are always looking for more volunteers to join their team. They work on a weekly or fortnightly roster (with the option to work full or half days). If you are keen to join this wonderful team call Fay Smith (President) on 0427 488 499.

Savings for Pensioners 

The rise in the cost of living has been hitting many people hard, especially pensioners. Here are 10 ways for NSW pensioners to save:

1. Council rate rebates: Pensioners are entitled to up to $250 a year off their council rates. For more information visit the Lake Macquarie City Council and Central Coast Council websites. 
2. Electricity rebate: The Low Income Household Rebate will shave up to $285 a year off your electricity bill for households with a retail provider.
3. Gas rebate: This rebate will give you a discount of up to $110 a year.
4. Water rates: Eligible pensioners can access a quarterly rebate, shaving hundreds of dollars a year off a typical household bill. 
5. Revenue NSW Unclaimed Money: Find “lost” money waiting to be claimed from inactive bank accounts, shares and investments, insurance policies, unpaid wages, unclaimed super and deceased estates.
6. Travel vouchers: Pensioners are entitled to four Pensioner Travel Vouchers each calendar year. They can be used for two return or four single trips, giving access to free or discounted travel in economy class on NSW TrainLink Regional services within regional NSW.
7. Free car rego: Pensioners in NSW don’t pay registration fees or motor vehicle tax on one of their cars. They also receive free driver’s licences, free driving tests and concessions on the cost of Mobility Parking Scheme permits.
8. Free glasses: You can get yourself one pair of single vision glasses or one pair of bifocal glasses in a two-year period under the NSW Spectacles Program.
9. Seniors Card: The NSW Seniors Card is packed with discounts for thousands of retailers and services across the state from groceries to tradespeople and insurance.

I encourage all seniors to apply for these savings if they haven't already.