I hosted the Minister for Primary Industries, the Hon Niall Blair MLC, for a productive visit through our region last week. After inspecting progress on the remediation of the former antimony site at Urunga, the Minister visited several local forestry businesses to discuss the government’s NSW Forest Industry Roadmap, which aims to build a stronger, more competitive and ecologically sustainable forestry industry. Details of the policy can be seen at www.nsw.gov.au/news/nsw-forestry-industry-roadmap

The Minister is also guiding through the Commercial Fisheries Business Adjustment Program, which introduces linkages between shares and catch or effort. This will give fishers the ability to invest in their businesses with certainty. He is keen to hear how the reform program is progressing from the fishers’ perspective and visited Matt and Karen Millward’s Wauchope Seafoods. Matt and Karen operate fishing trawlers out of Laurieton and their retail outlet in Wauchope. Their feedback will help ensure the program delivers as intended. 

Wauchope Hospital 

Renovations at Wauchope District Memorial Hospital will deliver a range of improvements for the Hastings community. Nearly $520,000 has been allocated for the Rehabilitation Unit, $1.4 million for roof replacement and repair, and $700,000 for an operating theatre upgrade.  

It’s great to see this level of continuing investment in a vital and highly regarded community asset, and it was a pleasure to visit the hospital and meet team last week. The atmosphere must be acknowledged; unlike those mega metropolitan hospitals with their endless, fluorescent-lit corridors, the camaraderie, compassion and country-town charm at Wauchope is impressive.  

The first steps of planning and design work for the rehab unit begin shortly, and on-site works start in the new financial year. The hospital has also recently seen the establishment of an Urgent Care Centre, and completion of the Palliative Care Unit.