
The NSW government’s proposed Sydney Marine Park includes 25 sites between Newcastle and Wollongong is a significant advance for marine conservation across the Hawkesbury bioregion, including in particular the Sutherland Shire. As a coastal MP and former Environment Minister, I know how important it is to protect and nurture our marine environment and to implement measures that aim to protect and increase our marine biodiversity.
The Towra Point Aquatic Reserve will grow by 349ha, to incorporate additional adjacent Posidonia australis seagrass and shorebird habitat as a special purpose zone. The reserve protects the largest and most diverse wetland complex in the Sydney region. It’s adjacent to the Towra Point Nature Reserve, a wetland of international importance and declared Ramsar site. It’s also an important nursery area for fish and invertebrates, a habitat for migratory seabirds, and rich in marine biodiversity.
Cabbage Tree Creek, a small tidal creek on the southern side of Port Hacking, will be a new 23ha sanctuary zone. The area contains extensive estuarine habitats, including saltmarsh, seagrass and mangroves. It’s a significant area for the local Aboriginal community, as is Towra Point.
An 85ha conservation zone in Royal National Park will go from Martin Head south to the northern end of Garie Beach, including Wattamolla Beach and Wattamolla Lagoon, and 100m seaward.
Some old favourites will be included with no changes to management rules, such as Boat Harbour and Shiprock.
All proposed sites have been carefully analysed by the NSW Marine Estate Management Authority following extensive community consultation. You can provide feedback at: https://www.marine.nsw.gov.au/key-initiatives/hawkesbury-shelf-marine-assessment. Submissions close 27 September.
An information stall will be visiting Cronulla Mall on 15 September from 8 am to 12 noon.
The election of Chicago-born Cardinal Robert Prevost as the 267th pope is a moment of great significance for Catholics around the world.
May Pope Leo XIV’s leadership bring strength and renewal to the faithful and hope, goodwill and justice to Catholics and non-Catholics alike.
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It was a great honour to join Colonel Winsome Merrett, Chief Secretary of the Salvation Army Australia at the Sydney launch of the annual Red Shield Appeal today.
The Salvation Army has walked alongside Australians for over 140 years, supporting those facing hardship, crisis or isolation.
Every day the Salvos see the reality of Australia’s cost-of-living crisis — from rental unaffordability and mortgage stress to financial hardship, mental health issues and much more.
Thanks to the Salvos, there are many ways to support people experiencing hardship and crisis, including through the annual Red Shield Appeal.
You can:
✅Fundraise online
✅Volunteer to door knock on 25 and 26 May
✅Get your school, workplace or community involved
✅Or donate.
And be the hope people need.
bit.ly/4iV6bkq ... See MoreSee Less
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The NSW Liberals and Nationals have successfully secured a Parliamentary Inquiry into the explosion of illegal tobacco in NSW. The Minns Labor Government’s inaction has seen the number of tobacconists in NSW increase from 14,500 more than 19,500 in four years and an outbreak of violent crime in our communities as criminals fight for control of the illicit market. ... See MoreSee Less
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Powerful x
About time they did something. These illegal tobacco shops are paying no taxes, yet legitimate businesses have to sell products at 4x the cost of cheap cigarettes, including all taxes., excise/ gst/ income tax etc
Thank you, this is a major issue that needs to be addressed.
This is great
Why are tobacco shops still advertising Vaps for sale when they are illegal to purchase there?
These situation has been created by government by over taxing tobacco and virtually putting it out of reach of the average smoker the last time I looked smoking was still legal !!! This photo was taken just the other day at Woolworths !!! If these criminals can import container loads of cigarettes from overseas you can only imagine how easy it is to import hard drugs such as ice and heroin etc etc that are destroying our children’s lives !!!
I’d like to give you the heads up Mark the person you are with is not Germesh Singh !!!
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Newly elected Member for Port Macquarie @robertdwyermp delivered his inaugural speech to NSW Parliament last night in front of a packed gallery of family, friends and colleagues.
Robert has made a significant contribution to his local community over many years and it’s wonderful to have him in our Liberal team. ... See MoreSee Less
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Look after him! He is a good man! Looking forward to watching him grow into a fine political and even greater advocate for the Port Macquarie region
👏👏👏
👮♂️👮♀️A chance today to welcome four new probationary constables to the Sutherland Shire Police Area Command and to thank them and their families for taking on these demanding and sensitive roles. ... See MoreSee Less
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Brilliant x
Congratulations Officers 👏
Brady Clarke
Mark Speakman A govt today forcing health care workers to abort babies. 😡
💜💛 24 years of @shirerelay !
This weekend’s Shire Relay has raised $325,000 for @cancercouncilnsw as at 7pm today. ... See MoreSee Less
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Thank you Mark for you and your family's continual support for so many years.
Love it x
Thank you for your continued support Mark. We truly appreciate your ongoing commitment to Cancer Council NSW
Well done Alison. Love Di