24.2 C
Byron Shire
March 19, 2024

Geoff Provest talks SSF and hosptials in Tweed

Latest News

Australia’s Environment Report card not looking good

2023 was a 'year of opposites' for Australia’s environment, but despite conditions fluctuating between wet and dry, overall conditions remain stable following a bumper year in 2022, according to the latest Australia’s Environment Report, led by the Australian National University.

Other News

Big family Kaleido fun day May 5  

Following the success of Blue on Burringbar Festival in Mullumbimby last year, the Mullumbimby Chamber of Commerce and Creative Mullum are putting on a fun, interactive community event this year on Sunday, 5 May.

Prime agricultural land to be rezoned for development in Lismore

Last night's Lismore Council meeting unanimously passed a voluntary planning agreement to rezone 70 hectares of prime agricultural land at 1055 Bruxner Highway. 

Australia’s Environment Report card not looking good

2023 was a 'year of opposites' for Australia’s environment, but despite conditions fluctuating between wet and dry, overall conditions remain stable following a bumper year in 2022, according to the latest Australia’s Environment Report, led by the Australian National University.

How fungi and theatrical performance can tackle the problem of PFAS contamination

When scientists first discovered the chemistry of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances, PFAS, in the 1930s, they didn’t know we’d be struggling to remove them from the environment and human bodies nearly a century later.

Mullum Ex-Services Club unveils renos

After months of anticipation, Mullum Ex-Services ClubMullum Ex-Services Club says it is proud to announce the completion of an extensive $4.5 million renovation, which ‘combines modern amenities, comfort, and community spirit’.

Time for change

National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) and Byron Shire Council (BSC) have agreed to close Tyagarah clothing-optional area on...

An artists impression of the new ‘Cudgen Connection’ that has been proposed on SSF next to the controversial Tweed Valley Hospital. 

A key issue in the seat of Tweed is around the preservation of State Significant Farmland (SSF) that is currently under threat from developers like those behind the ‘Cudgen Connection’ development proposed for the site next to the current Tweed Valley Hospital (TVH). This is especially concerning following the NSW government’s release of the NSW Planning Rezoning Pathways Program the day before the caretaker period started prior to the election which many locals believe ‘will service the agendas of developers and land bankers‘.

Tweed MP Geoff Provest. Photo pronto.com

While sitting National’s member Geoff Provest might feel annoyed at the repeated questions asking for his commitment to free parking at the TVH and retaining the old Tweed Hospital for public health; understandably, the members of his electorate are uneasy that a future government might throw their promises to the wind.

To see Provest’s response on STRA and floodplain development click here.

Will you give an unequivocal guarantee to protect the remaining Cudgen State Significant Farmland including any attempts to rezone for non-agricultural purposes, such as those proposed by the ‘Cudgen Connection’?

I have given this commitment in the past, reiterated it when this proposal first emerged, and have not changed my mind.

Will you honour the commitment made at the last State Election to provide free parking at the TVH?

Yes. Where has The Echo been? This has been reported on many occasions and was AGAIN confirmed by the Deputy Premier on 2 March when it was extended to cover all regional hospitals in NSW.

What commitments will you make to mitigating the impact of the TVH’s identified 5,500 additional daily traffic movements on local communities eg substantial free parking, regular & timely shuttle bus service, enhanced public transport?

The hospital has its own traffic plan that was part of the approved development. Shuttle bus services and changes to the current public transport system are in planning and will be closely monitored and adjusted as required.

Will you honour the commitment made at the last State Election to keep The Tweed Hospital open and operating as a hospital?

That was not the commitment given – the commitment given was that there would be medical services available on the site and yes, this will be honured!

Plans are still under development and it will be some time before these are finalised by the NNSWLHD. I would expect more information to become available once the new hospital opens in November.


Support The Echo

Keeping the community together and the community voice loud and clear is what The Echo is about. More than ever we need your help to keep this voice alive and thriving in the community.

Like all businesses we are struggling to keep food on the table of all our local and hard working journalists, artists, sales, delivery and drudges who keep the news coming out to you both in the newspaper and online. If you can spare a few dollars a week – or maybe more – we would appreciate all the support you are able to give to keep the voice of independent, local journalism alive.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

New tourism plan for Lismore region

In a move aimed at bolstering Lismore's visitor economy, Lismore City Council has greenlit a roadmap to navigate the region towards tourism growth.

New charitable funding round opens

Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation’s first funding round for 2024 opens today, Tuesday 19 March, with more than $500,000 available for local community groups and charities with new and existing projects.

Tech companies grilled on how they are tackling terror and violent extremism 

Australia’s eSafety Commissioner has issued legal notices to Google, Meta, Twitter/X, WhatsApp, Telegram and Reddit requiring each company to report on steps they are taking to protect Australians from terrorist and violent extremist material and activity.

Ballina burnout workshops to support local community

The Northern Rivers community will have an opportunity to learn from leading burnout experts across March and April in a series of free workshops presented by Ballina Shire Council.