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North Shore Electorate Infrastructure

Published on: November 2024

Record: HANSARD-1323879322-148289

North Shore Electorate Infrastructure

Ms FELICITY WILSON (North Shore) (19:48:32):

As we head towards the end of the year, it is a great opportunity to reflect on our local communities and their needs and what we are delivering for them. It is a privilege for me to serve as the member for North Shore. I thank my local community for their ongoing support as I work alongside them to deliver outcomes. I am always proud to be their voice, and I am always proud to advocate on the issues that our community cares about. Reflecting on the year that has been, there are many highlights and wins for my community, but I also acknowledge some of the key issues and concerns facing our local area and reflect on the work that I am undertaking on their behalf.

It was with immense pride that I worked alongside our school communities to deliver transformative upgrades at local schools, including North Sydney Demonstration School and Mosman High School. The upgrades that opened this year were new classrooms, new administration and staff facilities, new libraries, new school halls, new canteens and increased outdoor play space. That is paramount in an incredibly dense area like my electorate, where it is hard to access space. At Mosman High School there was a truly extraordinary use of rooftop space for a basketball court and play space. How amazing is it that we can have public education with the envious views of Sydney Harbour, the city and Balmoral, all at Mosman High School?

A third public school, Neutral Bay Public School, is currently undergoing a major upgrade and will open next year. The upgrade will deliver 19 new and refurbished classrooms, a new library, new administration and staff areas, a new canteen, improved out of hours school care facilities, upgraded play space with the removal of demountable classrooms, and refurbishment of the heritage buildings. Good things come to those who wait. Jillian Skinner advocated for the project for many years. When I was elected, I pushed for it very strongly. I think when I was pregnant with my first child, we got the commitment that the then Liberal Government would invest in the upgrade. This year my baby is in kindergarten and will be the beneficiary of this wonderful piece of public education into the future.

We have also seen our major upgrade to South Mosman Wharf get underway. The new pontoon, lift, gangway and roof structure are all currently being installed and are expected to be completed early next year. The new facilities will make catching a ferry safer and easier for all passengers. Cremorne Point Wharf has had a lot of issues, with the roof removed a number of years ago. The delay has been a source of frustration for my local community. It is currently closed during the daytime for repair works to be undertaken, which will enable the roof installation in the first quarter of 2025. I will stay on top of that to ensure it is delivered in a timely fashion.

One of the most exciting projects that has come to fruition is the opening of the Sydney Metro. My community has two new stations, at Crows Nest and Victoria Cross in North Sydney. The project has completely transformed the way we travel into the CBD and the four corners of Greater Sydney. Victoria Cross station is helping to revitalise North Sydney. We have seen amazing new businesses and retail opportunities, and a whole raft of new restaurants and food and beverage offerings. North Sydney is absolutely thriving. People should get down there to check it out and enjoy the vibrancy the area now offers to people who work there, live there or want to visit.

A number of major projects are happening in my community that are disruptive and impactful. I recognise that the Western Harbour Tunnel and Warringah Freeway upgrade will continue to be disruptive for a number of years. One of the big challenges facing locals is the upcoming closure of Alfred Street North, which is the very last exit—as well as the last untolled exit—heading southbound on the Warringah Freeway before going over the bridge. That will be closed for seven months starting this week. I have met with the Minister's office and advocated very strongly for toll relief for people who are pushed onto the toll road at Military Road. It is still the most expensive toll road per kilometre in the entire world. People should not be forced to utilise a toll when they need to access their community.

Locally, the Minns Labor Government has slashed projects in my local community, including the much‑needed Beaches Link and the Lavender Bay high line. It has also cut $150 million from local school budgets, cut 50 allied health jobs at Royal North Shore Hospital and cut cost‑of‑living support for families. Those are all issues I am passionate about, and I will keep fighting for them. Unfortunately, North Sydney Council is looking to tear up a local park for a road in Neutral Bay. After years and years of delay, it has pushed back the re-opening of North Sydney pool to the end of next year. The cost has blown out to almost double, at over $110 million. To compensate for that, the council is also pushing for a dramatic rate increase next financial year. I strongly believe council should be considering options that do not further dip into ratepayers' pockets.

I say to members of my community that 2025 can be the year of opportunity. Together we can build on the progress we have made and face the challenges ahead with determination and optimism. I ask them to please keep sharing their ideas and aspirations for our community. Being in opposition does not change my resolve. I will continue to work hard. I will keep knocking on the doors of Ministers to try to get outcomes for the people of the North Shore electorate.

The House adjourned, pursuant to standing and sessional orders, at 19:54 until

Wednesday 20 November 2024 at 10:00.