June 2023 Newsletter

Dr Joe McGirr MP

INDEPENDENT MEMBER FOR WAGGA WAGGA

It’s an honour to have been re-elected as the Member for Wagga Wagga.

Thank you for your support. I look forward to continuing to make meaningful, positive change for our community, regions and the state of New South Wales.

Following the election, Independent Member for Sydney, Alex Greenwich, Independent Member for Lake Macquarie, Greg Piper, and I agreed to offer confidence and supply to the new government.

This is important to maintain a stable and functioning government for the state.

This doesn’t mean I am changing my independent status – I continue to vote on all legislation as an independent and will hold the government to account.

I will take our communities’ concerns to the Government and Parliament. If, at any time, you have a State Government matter you would like to discuss, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

Warm regards

Dr Joe McGirr

Since Parliament resumed in May we have had some early wins.

I have been appointed to chair the Legislative Assembly Select Committee on Remote, Rural and Regional Health. This Committee will keep the government focused on implementing the reforms of the Upper House Inquiry into Rural Health. We must bridge the divide between regional and metropolitan health.

I am very pleased to say that we recorded more than 12,000 signatories on our petition to make radiotherapy free in Wagga Wagga.

Because of your signatures the petition was debated in Parliament and the Minister for Health, the Hon. Ryan Park, acknowledged this situation doesn’t make sense and the government can do better. Minister Park has asked NSW Health to look into the issue and I hope we will soon see a resolution.

I would like to acknowledge the Wiradjuri people who are the Traditional Custodians of this land. I would also like to pay respect to Elders past and present and extend that respect to other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Responsible regional growth

Dr Joe McGirr MP

Location: Wagga, NSW

RURAL AND REGIONAL HEALTH

INDEPENDENT MEMBER FOR WAGGA WAGGA

The Wagga Wagga Base Hospital Stage 3 Hub has finally been completed.

I was very pleased to attend the opening in February, which took place on the site of the former paediatric ward opened by my grandfather the Hon. Greg “Mother” McGirr, former Minister for Public Health and Motherhood.

Minister for Health and Regional Health, the Hon. Ryan Park, visited our electorate soon after the election. I believe the Minister has a true commitment to improving regional health outcomes and we spent considerable time together discussing health and local community issues.

The Wagga Wagga Base Hospital multi-storey car park is now open which means patients, visitors and health staff have 900 car spots to choose from when at the health precinct.

Safe and supported communities

Location: Wagga, NSW

WAGGA WAGGA ROADS

I am a strong advocate for the duplication of the Gobbagombalin Bridge.

This is an issue I have pursued with Ministers from both the previous and current state governments.

The northern suburbs in Wagga Wagga are growing and the community expects action on this issue to reduce traffic congestion and to keep our roads safe.

I also believe that the work on Marshalls Creek Bridge should have priority over the proposed intersection work on the Gobbagombalin Bridge – and a full feasibility and costing study should be done on duplication of Gobbagombalin Bridge.

Responsible regional growth

Location: Snowy Valleys, NSW

RENEWABLE ENERGY PROJECTS

Safe and supported communities

COST OF LIVING

Location: Riverina, NSW

The cost of living crisis is affecting all Australian households and businesses, and a major driver of that is energy costs.

During the election campaign I advocated for interestfree loans for low to medium income households and small businesses, which could be used to purchase solar panels to reduce energy costs and lower emissions.

I have taken this up directly with the Treasurer and will work with the government to bring about reform in this area.

During the election campaign at a NSW Farmers debate all parties joined my call for a public inquiry into the costs and benefits of undergrounding the Humelink.

There is limited community social licence for these giant overhead transmission towers that increase the fire risk, damage prime farmland, scar the environment and irrevocably ruin visual amenity. I look forward to working with my parliamentary colleagues to make this happen.

Pictured: Jill Ludford, Chief Executive, Murrumbidgee Local Health District, Dr Michael Holland, Member for Bega and Aunty Dot Whyman

Location: Snowy Valleys, NSW

SNOWY VALLEYS COUNCIL

This year I’ve had the pleasure of attending the unveiling of new sculptures in Adelong, Batlow and Talbingo, as part of the Snowy Valleys Sculpture Trail.

These sculptures commemorate the 2019/20 bushfires and in a unique way, represent the recovery that is happening across the Snowy Valleys Council area, along with the strength of the community.

Meanwhile, I am continuing to advocate for the Snowy Valleys Council to be demerged. I am pleased to see Snowy Valleys Council leading conversations on council demergers and continuing to strive to meet the community’s wishes.

Location: Riverina, NSW

KOSCIUSZKO NATIONAL PARK

I recently joined the Hon. Penny Sharpe MLC, Minister for the Environment, on a tour to look at the destruction caused by feral horses and discuss the need for action.

During the tour I was fortunate to be shown a corroboree frog, an endangered species, in its native habitat which is currently being impacted by the hooves of wild horses.

We cannot allow this sacred parkland to become a horse paddock. We must ensure it can be enjoyed by all and last into the future. I am committed to action being taken to preserve threatened species and that means dramatically reducing wild horse numbers.

Safe and supported communities

Location: Riverina, NSW

CASHLESS GAMING

Billions of dollars in cash are lost and laundered through poker machines every year, creating misery for the most vulnerable. Cashless gaming was a major election issue and remains a priority.

In Parliament I asked the Minster for Gambling and Racing what the government is doing to make cashless gaming a reality in NSW. With my crossbench colleagues I will work constructively to bring about action on this important issue for the electorate.

HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS

I am continuing to attend community forums in Tolland to keep engaged with local issues and work with the community to build the future that they want to see.

At my invitation the Hon. Rose Jackson, Minister for Housing and Homelessness, visited Wagga Wagga to view Tolland and discuss local support for those affected by homelessness.

There is considerable enthusiasm in the community, shared by the Minister, for the completion of the Tolland Renewal project with more homes, better homes and a safer and more liveable community for all.

RIVERINA CONSERVATORIUM

I warmly welcome the Riverina Conservatorium of Music moving into their new home this year.

The new facility overlooks Wollundry Lagoon and has a range of rooms catering for aspiring brass, percussion, woodwind and string musicians to master their skills.

It is truly a state of the art facility.

Pictured: Snowy Valleys’ community members at the unveiling of the sculpture entitled ‘Tidal Body’ by April Pine.

Dr Joe

COMMUNITY DIARY

The Lockhart Show is a time honoured annual tradition that has lasted for more than 100 years organised by the Lockhart Show Society. I congratulate Lockhart Shire Councillor Bob Matthews who organised a recent meeting that I attended to ensure the Lockhart Show Society continues.

Community Service Award

I was truly honoured to present Wiradjuri Elder and Aboriginal community leader Aunty Kath Withers with a NSW Community Service Award. The award was in recognition of the lifetime of public service that Aunty Kath has delivered to the community, including caring for over 100 children during her time as a foster carer,

I also congratulate the new executive:

President: Navneet (Tony) Choujar

Vice President: Peter Smith

Secretary: Assumpta Murphy

Treasurer: Shirley Morgan

Thank you to the previous executive.

supporting and educating on the culture and language of the Wiradjuri Nation, and sharing her practice of traditional art with the community. Thank you Aunty Kath for the time, energy and love you have given to so many. The contribution you have made to the lives of individuals across many generations is immeasurable.

April 2023

It was a pleasure to co-host with the Wagga Women’s Health Centre a morning tea on International Women’s Day. This year we heard from Kate and Kris from Broken to Brilliant, a charity that supports domestic violence survivors. It was humbling to hear their stories and I admire their bravery.

It was also an honour to announce Lyn Gibson as the 2023 Local Woman of the Year. Congratulations to Lyn for her tireless community-driven efforts and achievements volunteering at Lilier Lodge, a not-for-profit cancer accommodation facility in Wagga Wagga.

Pictured: Councillor Bob Matthews from Lockhart Shire Council.

January 2023

March 2023

Pictured: Dr Joe McGirr, Aunty Kath Withers, Kevin Withers and Bri Withers.

Pictured: Lyn Gibson with family.

Pictured: Launch of Miss Wagga Wagga Quest. Congratulations to this year’s entrants.

Pictured: ANZAC Day. A deeply moving dawn service at The Rock. Lest we forget.

Pictured: Wagga Wagga Citizenship Ceremony. Welcome, and congratulations.

IWD and 2023 Local Woman of the Year Award

Lockhart Show Society gets support