KANGAROOS at Morisset Hospital were returning to their natural behaviour and avoiding mistreatment since Hunter New England Area Health closed the hospital site to busloads of tourists, Member for Lake Macquarie, Greg Piper, said. “Most importantly, patients and residents at the hospital are once again using the grounds without large numbers of visitors impacting on their privacy,” Mr Piper said.
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MP’s concerns about helipad
LAKE Macquarie MP Greg Piper was among six speakers to address the Land and Environment Court’s conciliation conference at Morisset Park last week over the planned helipad at Trinity Point. Mr Piper said he had concerns about the impact of a helipad on local fauna, the potential for a catastrophic incident should a helicopter crash, the alienation of space on the water and, above all else, the noise impacts.
Hardship protection
THE Energy and Water Ombudsman NSW has welcomed the Australian Energy Market Commission’s recent rule change aimed at strengthening protections for customers experiencing financial disadvantage. The new rule requires the Australian Energy Regulator to develop Hardship Guidelines that retailers must include in their hardship policies.
Meet the candidates
THE Animal Justice Party’s local Hunter candidates for the state election will host a ‘meet the candidates’ barbecue at Civic Park, Newcastle, this Sunday, February 10, from 11am to 3pm. Among the party’s goals is freeing hens from battery cages, protecting kangaroos, and taking urgent action to address climate change by protecting existing native forests and marine habitats, setting a renewable energy target, and introducing new agricultural systems.
Research funds on offer
EXPRESSIONS of interest are open for the NSW Government Environmental Trust’s annual $1-million Environmental Research program. Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald, said the funding would support academics and councils. “I encourage the University of Newcastle and other eligible organisations across the Central Coast and Hunter to apply,” he said. Aboriginal land councils are also eligible.
‘Morning teal’ for cause
MEMBER for Shortland, Pat Conroy, will host his annual ‘Morning Teal’ fundraiser at Warners Bay Sports Club on Monday, February 25, from 10.30am to noon. Last year, the Morning Teal raised $2,259 for Ovarian Cancer Australia. Ovarian cancer kills more than 1,000 women each year in Australia, and this year more than 1,600 more will be diagnosed. RSVPs to the Morning Teal are essential: phone 4947 9546 or email pat.conroy.mp@aph.gov.au by Tuesday, February 19.
Grierson to contest poll
THE NSW Greens have announced Kim Grierson will contest the seat of Lake Macquarie at the state election in March. A TAFE teacher for 27 years, Ms Grierson said she had witnessed “first-hand” the “gutting of TAFE”. She believed the Greens were the only party who had “continually said they would support public education and TAFE”.
Party by the pool
LOCAL youths are invited to enjoy an afternoon of live music and summer fun at Charlestown Swim Centre from 11am to 4pm on Sunday, February 17, at Lake Macquarie City Council’s latest ‘Endless Summer’ youth festival. “We want young people to take some time to chill out, have fun and celebrate the awesome place we all live in,” Lake Macquarie Youth Advisory Council chairperson Elise Newling said. Entry is free for the first 50 people aged 12 to 24 years.