Since 1999 it has been my honour to represent the people of the Lismore electorate in the NSW Parliament. However before I entered parliament, I was actively involved in the Northern Rivers Community.
As a stock and station agent for more than 20 years, including as co-founder and Managing Director of George & Fuhrmann, I very much enjoyed working and meeting with different members of community every day.
I have had strong community involvement as the founding chairman and life member of the Casino Beef Week, President of the Casino Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Director of the Westpac Life Saver Rescue Helicopter, Director & Deputy Chairman of the Northern Co-Op Meat Company, President of the NSW Stock & Station Agent Association, a Patron of Our Kids, Director of Our Houseas well as a number of other organisations.
I have been an active member of The Nationals since 1969 and within the Parliamentary party, I have served on a number of Joint Parliamentary Committees and was Nationals Whip from 2003-11.
In Government since 2011, I have been the Deputy Speaker, member of the Joint Parliamentary Committee on the ICAC and Committee on Environment and Regulation.
Top 3 issues
- Health
The biggest issue residents in my electorate approach me about is Stage 3b of Lismore Base Hospital. This is a project that has commenced with Stage 3a at a cost of $84.7million and will need a further $180 million to complete Stage 3b. I will continue to pursue this additional funding to ensure this project is completed. I have also have been part of the team that delivered $1.45 million for upgrading the Murwillumbah Hospital ED plus $2 million for the new Ambulance Station.
- Roads
Bridges and roads are a major issue in the Electorate I represent, which includes a majority of Tweed, and all of Lismore City, Kyogle, and Tenterfield Shire Councils, and I will continue to work with councils and the community to support submissions and representations to the respective ministers seeking additional funds.
- Infrastructure
Since being in government, we have delivered over $5million for local infrastructure projects, enabling community and sporting organisations to continue to enrich the lives of the residents in our area. Also, I’ve worked with North Coast Nationals and will continue to do so to support projects and programs that provide long-term benefits for the tourism industry in the Northern Rivers.
The first local issue I will campaign on
The biggest issue that residents of the Northern Rivers approach me about is the completion of the redevelopment of the Lismore Base Hospital. The completion of Stage 3a will bring new and improved services to the Northern Rivers, including an:
– expanded ED and Medical Unit,
– expanded Medical Imaging Capacity,
– new ambulance drop off area,
– A renal dialysis unit,
– An expanded community health unit.
While Stage 3a is now being constructed be assured I am working hard to secure the $180 million needed for Stage 3b, which will complete the total redevelopment of the Lismore Base Hospital.
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