Media Articles

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  • $4.95m to fix dangerous Cooranbong intersection 27th February 2021 A troublesome Cooranbong intersection that has been a source of frustration for residents, politicians and a developer for many years will be upgraded through a ... more
  • Call for action on coal ash at Lake meeting 27th February 2021 A public meeting is being held this afternoon on the shores of Lake Macquarie, near two major power stations, to highlight the issue of coal ash dams, and to intensify ... more
  • Independents reject Kosciuszko powerlines 18th February 2021 The NSW Parliament's four key Independents have urged the state government to reject Transgrid's plans to build overhead transmission lines through Kosciuszko ... more
  • Newcastle organisations caught up in Facebook ban in response to Federal Government's proposed media bargaining code 18th February 2021 Numerous Hunter organisations including City of Newcastle and the University of Newcastle have been caught up in a decision by Facebook to restrict publishers from ... more
  • ‘Permanent stain’: NSW seeks to allow new powerline in Kosciuszko park 17th February 2021 The Berejiklian government wants to amend the management plan of the Kosciuszko National Park to permit new electricity transmission lines to be built, an act critics ... more
  • State grants for floodplain rehab at Dora Creek and Wyee Bay 4th February 2021 Sand dunes at Redhead and Crabbs Beach are set for improvements after Lake Macquarie City Council was awarded more than $400,000 for coastline and estuary ... more
  • Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill gains momentum 1st February 2021 Organisers behind the Newcastle Dying with Dignity campaign at the weekend were thrilled with the level of support throughout the region. The local blitz, organised by ... more
  • Mobile speed camera vehicles to lose high-visibility decals 20th January 2021 All mobile speed camera vehicles in NSW will soon have their high-visibility decals either entirely removed or reduced as part of changes which include tripling the ... more
  • Forestry maps put mountain bikers at odds with hunters 15th January 2021 Members of the Hunter Mountain Bike Association have been shocked to discover that a part of their popular riding park in western Lake Macquarie is marked on maps ... more
  • Forestry moves quickly to stop hunting near mountain bike park 15th January 2021 Forestry Corporation of NSW has quickly moved to prohibit hunting around a popular trail at the Awaba Mountain Bike Park, after riders were alarmed to discover the ... more
  • Piper pushes plan for Lake aerial firefighting fleet 12th December 2020 A Lake Macquarie aviation business hopes to convert 11 ex-Navy Seahawk helicopters into a retained firefighting fleet that would be based out of Lake Macquarie ... more
  • Traffic in spotlight for planned Fennell Bay estate 11th December 2020 Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper and west ward councillors have welcomed the NSW government's plans for a 650-lot subdivision in Fennell Bay but expressed concerns ... more
  • Lake air quality monitor to open 25th November 2020 Lake Macquarie finally has an independent air quality monitoring station. The NSW government has built the $320,000 facility at Mirrabooka, on the lake's south-western ... more
  • Piper slams Government over Budget shortfall 17th November 2020 Hunter MPs have blasted the lack of significant infrastructure spending in this year's state budget. While $220 million was allocated for works at the new Maitland Hospital ... more
  • Roads top Piper's State Budget wishlist 17th November 2020 The NSW government has included $20 million for work on the Newcastle Inner City Bypass in its 2020-21 budget, ahead of the official opening of the new bridge over ... more
  • Too much planning, not enough work says Piper 17th November 2020 The state Opposition has slammed the NSW government after it was revealed most of the more than $60 million allocated towards Hunter road projects in the Budget ... more
  • Piper pushes for Hunter Renewable Energy Zone 14th November 2020 The Hunter is set to become the state's newest renewable energy zone with three of the region's MPs lining up to ensure the necessary legislation is passed next week. ... more
  • Marine Rescue opens new $1.8m HQ 13th November 2020 Emergency Services Minister David Elliott is tipping Marine Rescue Lake Macquarie will have a busy summer with an expected influx of holidaymakers, but he is confident ... more
  • Piper backs broad reform of gambling industry 14th October 2020 I have significant concern about the growth of the sports betting industry and in particular the way in which young males are being targeted in their relentless ... more
  • Piper calls for coal ash recycling in roads 7th October 2020 TRANSPORT for NSW could set off an industry "boom" if it started using coal ash in the construction of roads and altered standards so councils followed suit, a ... more
  • Campaign drives month-long roads message 14th August 2020 Rural road fatalities made up two thirds of last year’s national road toll, with 835 people tragically losing their lives. That is the alarming statistic driving this year’s ... more
  • Herald opinion: Centennial plan 'ridiculous' 13th August 2020 The Central Coast's network of power stations and their associated coalmines were built with a series of interconnecting conveyors so that coal trucks could be kept off ... more
  • Centennial plans to put 62,500 truck movements on Wangi Rd 12th August 2020 Centennial Coal's plan to truck more than a million tonnes of coal per year along Wangi Road, which requires 62,500 truck movements, is a "ridiculous proposition" ... more
  • Boomaroo: Costco promises at least 200 jobs 1st August 2020 Costco has promised at least 200 ongoing jobs and a shopping experience most Hunter residents have never experienced before at its proposed Lake Macquarie ... more
  • Costco to establish store at Boolaroo 31st July 2020 Costco will establish a store in Boolaroo with the NSW government to announce land sales to the retail giant and residential developer Green Capital Group on Friday. ... more
  • Costco to spark new beginning for smelter site 31st July 2020 The arrival of United States retail giant Costco in the Hunter region of New South Wales will unlock hundreds of millions of dollars worth of investment in Lake ... more
  • Rathmines Hall reopens after $3.3m refurbishment 24th July 2020 A new stage has been set, quite literally, for performing arts in Lake Macquarie with the upgrade to the historic Rathmines Theatre. Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay ... more
  • New site unveiled for sport and recreation centre 21st July 2020 The NSW government has unveiled a site for its new sport and recreation centre in Lake Macquarie. Acting Sports Minister Geoff Lee confirmed on Tuesday ... more
  • Wyee station upgrade completed 17th July 2020 Accessibility upgrades worth more than $40 million at two Hunter train stations are all but complete with new lifts now operational. The final touches are being made ... more
  • Speers Point jetty reopens after $1.5m rebuild 26th June 2020 The popular Speers Point jetty has reopened after a $1.5 million rebuild.Lake Macquarie state MP Greg Piper and deputy mayor Nick Jones cut the ribbon on the ... more
  • $270,000 for Lake Macquarie projects 1st May 2020 The NSW Government has granted three projects a combined $270,000 which will deliver new mental and physical health programs and community ... more
  • Air quality monitor for Lake Macquarie 29th April 2020 LAKE Macquarie will receive independent air quality monitoring after more than a decade of community campaigning, state MP Greg Piper has revealed. ... more
  • $4.7m extension of Munibung Road now open 24th April 2020 THE $4.7 million extension of Munibung Road has officially opened to drivers on time and on budget despite the pandemic. ... more
  • $1.4m Wangi jetty now open 10th April 2020 The $1.38 million replacement jetty at Wangi Wangi has finally opened. Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper declared the jetty operational on ... more
  • Fishing in the clear 2nd April 2020 HUNTER MPs Greg Piper and Sonia Hornery have welcomed the announcement that fishing and boating are allowed so long as the two-person and social ... more
  • Lake food bank feels the pinch of virus 21st March 2020 A network of food banks that helps disadvantaged people in southern Lake Macquarie is imposing new measures to contend with not just ... more
  • Coal ash is a building resource 13th February 2020 THE building industry could hold the key to the removal and rehabilitation of coal ash dams at Eraring and Vales Point power stations. ... more
  • Academic questions 'harmless' seismic testing 4th February 2020 A Newcastle University professor has questioned Centennial Coal's claim that its seismic testing in Lake Macquarie will not harm marine animals. ... more
  • Flotilla of protesters may block seismic tests 4th February 2020 Concerned environmentalists and fishers could launch an on-water protest - possibly using a congregation of boats to prevent or hamper seismic testing ... more
  • Piper wins call to delay seismic testing 1st February 2020 Centennial Coal has agreed to delay seismic testing in Lake Macquarie next week after an outcry from environmentalists and fishers and calls from MP Greg Piper ... more
  • Fight against review of Warnervale airport grows 27th January 2020 AN unsuccessful TV SurvivorAustralia entrant will help review a NSW law blocking a controversial Central Coast regional airport plan that includes jets flying ... more
  • Breakthrough at Boolaroo for disposal of lead contaminated soil 17th January 2020 A decision to allow North Lake Macquarie landowners to dispose lead contaminated soil at Awaba tip has been heralded as a "great result". ... more
  • Controversial helipad approved for Trinity Point 14th January 2020 Helicopters could be touching down at Trinity Point Marina in a matter of months after Johnson Property Group landed approval for the controversial Lake ... more
  • Wangi community rallies to feed firefighters 3rd January 2020 The Westlakes community has rallied to help feed firefighters battling the Wangi Wangi bushfire which has been ongoing since New Year's Eve. ... more
  • Piper happy with Myuna Bay deal 13th December 2019 The NSW government will build a new sport and recreation centre in south-west Lake Macquarie, but not with taxpayer funds. ... more
  • Piper strikes agreement on Myuna Bay 12th December 2019 Origin Energy is set to pick up a multi-million dollar bill to build a new sport and recreation centre in Lake Macquarie after the NSW government finally announced the defunct Myuna Bay centre would not be reopening. ... more
  • New Wangi jetty to be opened mid-March 25th November 2019 THE new public jetty under construction at Wangi Wangi is on track to be completed by March next year. ... more
  • Cricket deaths prompt calls for defibrilators 14th November 2019 There’s calls for all regional sportsgrounds to have defibrillators, following the death of two men playing in two separate cricket matches in Newcastle over the weekend. ... more
  • Piper welcomes funding for flood management 31st October 2019 THE state government has given Lake Macquarie City Council $201,000 for local floodplain management and development of a new flood alert system. ... more
  • Detection cameras coming to the Hunter 28th October 2019 Hunter motorists can "absolutely" expect to be targeted by the NSW government's mobile phone detection cameras this summer, Centre for Road Safety director Bernard Carlon says. ... more
  • State funding for new flood alert system 28th October 2019 THE state government has given Lake Macquarie City Council $201,000 for local floodplain management and development of a new flood alert system. ... more
  • MPs back phone crackdown on drivers 3rd October 2019 HUNTER state MPs have backed a NSW government proposal to use detection cameras on roads throughout the state in order to curb motorists using mobile phones behind the wheel. ... more
  • Community has its say on Morisset's Cedar Mill plan 30th September 2019 PLANS for the proposed redevelopment of Morisset golf course have drawn surprisingly few submissions during public exhibition but transport and access issues have been highlighted as primary areas of concern. ... more
  • State to spend $1.8m on test wells for lead contamination 21st September 2019 THE state government will install wells to investigate groundwater quality in areas of Lake Macquarie where black slag was historically dumped. ... more
  • Work to start on new Wangi jetty 19th September 2019 DEMOLITION of the dilapidated public jetty behind Wangi Wangi RSL Club is scheduled to start on Monday. The jetty has been closed for more than two years. ... more
  • Expert slams 'irrational' decision to shut Myuna Bay 14th September 2019 A LEADING Australian geo-technical engineer has made a scathing assessment of the controversial closure of Myuna Bay Sport and Recreation Centre describing it as "totally irrational" and "ill considered". ... more
  • Why did they close Myuna Bay? 14th September 2019 WHY did the NSW Government close Myuna Bay Sport and Recreation Centre in a lightning raid in March? That is the question posed by Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper ... more
  • Stage set for $235m redevelopment of Morisset golf course 30th August 2019 MORISSET golf course could be transformed into a major tourism and event venue capable of hosting the world's biggest bands under plans unveiled by a local developer. ... more
  • Community group pleased by council's Bath St backflip 28th August 2019 A community group which rallied in opposition to Lake Macquarie council's plans for a six-storey development on Toronoto foreshore says it is "pleased" the project has been halted and there will now be an opportunity to have a say on the future of the waterfront site. ... more
  • Pasminco administrator comes under attack in Parliament 22nd August 2019 PASMINCO administrator Ferrier Hodgson came under blistering attack in NSW parliament on Wednesday accused of "maladministration" and "failing" in its job to manage the troubled Boolaroo site. ... more
  • Boolaroo bonanza: IKEA, Costco land deals 'back on the table' 21st August 2019 The NSW government is set to acquire the former Pasminco site at Boolaroo, paving the way for Costco, IKEA and residential developments and potentially unlocking more than $1.8 billion in economic benefit. ... more
  • Green thumb Lynne Turner honoured with two awards 15th August 2019 ONE of the driving forces behind Lake Macquarie Garden Club and its fundraising work for the Hunter Medical Research Institute has been honoured with two awards. ... more
  • Lone councillor back's Piper's waterfront plan 10th August 2019 Independent Lake Macquarie councillor Wendy Harrison believes the council should reconsider its plans for a six-storey development on Toronto foreshore in light of opposition to the project. ... more
  • Fresh ideas for Toronto waterfront 9th August 2019 Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper has sensationally called for Lake Macquarie City Council to scrap its plans to build a potential six-storey mixed-use development on Toronto foreshore. ... more
  • Hunter MPs back abortion bill 9th August 2019 PRO-choice parliamentarians and voters say they are "relieved" after lower house MPs passed a bill to decriminalise abortion in NSW. ... more
  • More work needed on dam risk 31st July 2019 A State Government-commissioned review has found the risk of a NSW coal ash dam wall collapsing in an earthquake is "reasonable", but more work to determine the level of risk is needed. ... more
  • No easy answer in dam review 31st July 2019 A review of technical advice used by the Office of Sport to close Myuna Bay Sport and Recreation Centre has recommended "further analysis" to "allow better determination" of the risks to the centre from Eraring power station's ash dam in the event of a major earthquake. ... more
  • Hunter MPs put abortion on State Parliament's agenda 30th July 2019 MAITLAND MP Jenny Aitchison will never forget being a teenager and watching her friend having to travel many hours for an abortion. ... more
  • Historic abortion bill to be introduced into NSW Parliament 29th July 2019 Fifteen MPs from across the political divide are co-sponsoring a bill to decriminalise abortion in NSW, in a historic move that has never been done in the state's lower house. ... more
  • Hunter could lose 5000 jobs in mining downturn 22nd July 2019 THE shift away from coal towards other energy sources is inevitable. And, that is why the NSW Government has established an enquiry to help investigate how this can best be accomplished. ... more
  • MPs want energy debate that won't pit coal communities against climate activists 17th July 2019 A NSW parliamentary inquiry is seeking an ideology-free debate on the state's future energy needs and resources to avoid "pitting coal communities against climate ... more
  • NSW inquiry to set road map for transitioning coal communities 17th July 2019 Plotting NSW's transition away from coal will be the subject of a parliamentary inquiry, including how the state can make the most of renewable energy supplies. ... more
  • Revealed: How the Office of Sport ignored advice to close Myuna Bay 17th July 2019 It was a phone call Neil O'Toole will never forget. "He said they were closing the camp this afternoon." It was Friday, March 29, and Mr O'Toole and 200 others were deep into the second day of an international waterskiing competition at the centre. ... more
  • Popular addition to Awaba Public School 11th July 2019 THE new play area at Awaba Public School has been so popular that principal Alison Tiplady joked that a roster system might be required to ensure all children had access to the equipment. ... more
  • Trouble in paradise over short-term rentals 8th July 2019 Independent MP Greg Piper has called on the NSW government to implement a code of conduct on the short-term rental industry as more neighbourhood horror stories unfold on the Lake Macquarie waterfront. ... more
  • Minister wants Myuna Bay Sport and Rec centre back open 27th June 2019 New Sports Minister John Sidoti says he would "love to see" the Myuna Bay Sport and Recreation Centre reopen. ... more
  • Hoop dreams: Newcastle to ramp up bid for WNBL team at new stadium 20th June 2019 NEWCASTLE Basketball officials will resume their quest to launch a team in the Women's National Basketball League after confirmation on Tuesday that they have secured state-government funding for a new $25 million stadium at Hillsborough. ... more
  • Court to consider Trinity Point helipad proposal after talks break down 19th June 2019 CONFIDENTIAL talks between Lake Macquarie City Council and Johnson Property Group about the developer's plans to add a helipad to the marina at Trinity Point, in Morisset Park, have failed to land at "agreement or resolution". ... more
  • Government delivers on funding promises in Budget 19th June 2019 Millions of dollars promised to a range of projects in the Lake Macquarie electorate were confirmed in Tuesday's state Budget, Independent Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper said. ... more
  • Nurses' union meets MPs in Sydney to discuss fears for Kanangra 19th June 2019 NEW Disabilities Minister Gareth Ward met a Hunter delegation on Wednesday over the government's plan to close the Stockton Centre, Kanangra and Tomaree Lodge and to house the remaining 300 or so residents in group homes. ... more
  • Construction begins on Wyee Station upgrade 13th June 2019 Construction on the outdated Wyee train station began this week. The upgrade, funded by the NSW government, will improve the station's accessibility. ... more
  • Nurses' union wants Hunter group house selection process to stop 13th June 2019 FAMILY and Community Services management will meet with nursing staff at the Stockton Centre on Tuesday after an industrial commission hearing yesterday with the nurses' union. ... more
  • Anger as staff left on leave as contractors brought in at Myuna 10th June 2019 The NSW Office of Sport has engaged contractors to complete maintenance work at Myuna Bay Sport and Recreation Centre in a move that has enraged the staff union. ... more
  • Work begins on $4m improvements to Wyee Road 10th June 2019 THE next stage of $4-million works to improve Wyee Road has started, with motorists being urged to observe the reduced speed limits. ... more
  • MP calls for apology from Origin Energy 7th June 2019 LAKE MACQUARIE MP Greg Piper has called on Origin Energy to issue an apology to the community over the closure of Myuna Bay Sport and Recreation Centre. ... more
  • Union backs Myuna Bay debate 6th June 2019 MYUNA Bay Sport and Recreation Centre employees affectedby the centre's sudden closure will travel to State Parliament on Thursday for a debate arguing for it to be reopened. ... more
  • Curtain comes down on 50 years of history 28th May 2019 THE end has come early for Morisset Country Club which shut its doors and ceased trading on Sunday after 50 years in the town. ... more
  • Morisset Country Club to close 21st May 2019 MORISSET Country Club members will lobby local and state politicians in the hope that public pressure convinces owners Drysdale Metals to abandon plans to close the "community hub". ... more
  • Piper slams Origin Energy in Parliament over Myuna Bay closure 8th May 2019 LAKE Macquarie MP Greg Piper has slammed Origin Energy for not publicising its concerns about Eraring Power Station's ash dam while seeking approval for a major extension of the dam. ... more
  • Minister orders independent review of shock Myuna Bay decision 3rd May 2019 NSW Minister for Sport John Sidoti has promised a "frank and fearless" independent review of the shock decision to close Myuna Bay Sport and Recreation Centre. ... more
  • More than 16,000 signatures collected on Myuna Bay petition 2nd May 2019 More than 16,000 petition signatures have been collected by Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper calling for Myuna Bay Sport and Recreation Centre to be reopened. ... more
  • Sailing regatta raises $40,000 2nd May 2019 CANCER survivor Shaun Lewicki understands better than most the relief that comes from having the lawns mowed, and the house cleaned, while being laid up at home battling the disease. ... more
  • 'Low chance' of ash dam failure means Wangi Rd stays open 12th April 2019 NO ACTION will be taken by the NSW government with Wangi Road, despite the threat from Eraring power station's ash dam that forced the closure of Myuna Bay Sport and Recreation Centre. ... more
  • Two-year safeguard on Myuna Bay buildings 11th April 2019 THERE will be no demolition works carried out at Myuna Bay Sport and Recreation Centre for at least two years. Member for Lake Macquarie, Greg Piper, said he had sought and received such an assurance from the Office of Sport this week. ... more
  • Accessibility upgrades at local stations 10th April 2019 ACCESSIBILITY upgrades at two Hunter train stations are a step closer after the awarding of design contracts to Gartner Rose. ... more
  • Builder contracted for Wyee Station upgrade 8th April 2019 THREE lifts and the installation of CCTC will be features of the Wyee Station upgrade which is expected to start in the coming months after Transport for NSW awarded a works contract to construction firm Gartner Rose. ... more
  • Earthquake at Myuna would be 'one-in-5000-year event' 4th April 2019 The federal government agency responsible for geoscience in Australia says an earthquake of magnitude 5.9 por above could occur once every 5000 years or longer in Lake Macquarie. ... more
  • Piper launches petition to save Myuna Bay 4th April 2019 LAKE Macquarie MP Greg Piper has launched a petition to have the Myuna Bay Sport and Recreation Centre reopened after the shock closure of the facility on Friday. ... more
  • Office of Sport under fire over Myuna closure 3rd April 2019 The NSW Office of Sport has come under fire on multiple fronts over its handling of the Myuna Bay Sport and Recreation Centre closure, with MPs, union officials and former staff blasting the state government agency. ... more
  • Why weren't they told? 3rd April 2019 There has been outrage over the sudden closure of one of Lake Macquarie's best known community assets and many questions remain unanswered. But considering what we do know, the NSW Office of Sport's decision to close Myuna Bay Sport and Recreation Centre "effective immediately" on Friday simply does... ... more
  • Furious Piper seeks answers from Premier 2nd April 2019 ROADS and Maritime Services has not been contacted about the apparent stability concerns of Eraring power station's ash dam, despite Wangi Road lying closer to the dam wall than the now closed Myuna Bay Sport and Recreation Centre. ... more
  • Community sees red over Myuna Bay closure 1st April 2019 The fallout is continuing from the sudden closure of a New South Wales Office of Sport and Recreation centre, south of Newcastle. ... more
  • Piper furious over Myuna Bay closure 29th March 2019 LAKE Macquarie MP Greg Piper has criticised Origin Energy for failing to consult with the public before recommending the closure of Myuna Bay Sport and Recreation Centre, saying the community had been "blindsided". ... more
  • Hope floats for new Wangi jetty 28th March 2019 WANGI RSL Club is willing Lake Macquarie City Council to deliver on its plan to replace the dilapidated public jetty behind the venue by next summer. ... more
  • Piper returned for fourth term with huge swing 26th March 2019 RE-ELECTED Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper said the electorate was well placed to receive more "good things" from Premier Gladys Berejiklian and her government. The Independent member was returned by voters for a fourth term at Saturday's state election. ... more
  • Premier seals support of three key Independents 26th March 2019 NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian secured the support of three independent MPs, giving her re-elected Coalition government a comfortable parliamentary buffer against a demoralised Labor opposition. ... more
  • 'Clean up the bearpit', say Independents 25th March 2019 THE at-times vicious NSW parliament "bear pit" is headed for extinction, with a victorious Gladys Berejiklian vowing to clean up the chamber and apply higher standards to the state's politicians. ... more
  • Speaker's role is no priority for Piper 25th March 2019 Re-elected Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper said he would consider taking the role of Parliamentary Speaker if he was approached, but his first priority remains his electorate. ... more
  • Work to start soon on Wangi jetty 25th March 2019 WANGI RSL Club is willing Lake Macquarie City Council to deliver on its plan to replace the dilapidated public jetty behind the venue by next summer. The jetty has been closed for almost two years, and the club's operations manager Wayne Izzard said it was hitting local businesses hard. ... more
  • Premier says she won't take Independents for granted 24th March 2019 Premier Gladys Berejiklian says she will not take the state's three independent MPs for granted as she prepares to govern with a slim majority after claiming victory on Saturday night. The Coalition was returned to power for a historic third term after Labor leader Michael Daley's disastrous final c... ... more
  • Piper may call the tune 22nd March 2019 He is already among the Hunter's most successful and experienced political operators but Greg Piper's biggest moment may be yet to come. If the predictions are accurate and NSW has a hung parliament following Saturday's state election, the Member for Lake Macquarie is likely to find himself in a pos... ... more
  • Labor scaremongering on Morisset Hospital site 19th March 2019 Mr Piper labelled Ms Smith's remarks about a Morisset Hospital sell-off as "unwarranted speculation" that risked the peace of mind of patients at the hospital. "I'm disappointed that this speculation has been raised again, particularly on the eve of an election," Mr Piper said. ... more
  • Piper's push to open Morisset Police Station 24/7 18th March 2019 INDEPENDENT state MP Greg Piper said he had been campaigning for Morisset Police Station to be open 24 hours, seven days a week. ... more
  • Piper welcomes $25m for indoor sports stadium 14th March 2019 THE state government has committed to building a $25-million indoor sports stadium in Lake Macquarie if re-elected at the March 23 poll. The 10-court facility would be built at Hillsborough on 6.7 hectares of land donated by Lake Macquarie City Council. ... more
  • Piper backs heavy metal review of Lake Mac 13th March 2019 LAKE Macquarie MP Greg Piper has backed calls for an independent peer review of a damning report into heavy metals entering the Lake Macquarie system from two ageing coal-fired power stations. ... more
  • Piper wept for former schoolmates who didn't survive 13th March 2019 LAKE Macquarie MP and former Hunter Catholic school student Greg Piper wept tears of anger and grief on Wednesday after disgraced cardinal George Pell was jailed for child sex crimes. ... more
  • Independents' push on coal, climate action 7th March 2019 NSW is headed towards the Left on renewable energy and policy around coal-fired power stations if a minority government is formed, after three independents who could be crucial to a hung parliament wrote to the Premier and Opposition Leader demanding action­ on climate change. ... more
  • The kingmaker? How Greg Piper could decide the 2019 NSW election 6th March 2019 On a scraggly, out-of-the way property near an industrial lot in Morisset on the New South Wales central coast, the independent MP for Lake Macquarie, Greg Piper, is tending to his bees. ... more
  • $800,000 for upgrade at Heritage College 5th March 2019 THE state government will contribute $800,000 towards the $2-million upgrade of Heritage College Lake Macquarie at Morisset. The funding will enable the construction of a secondary student classroom block with four general learning areas, storage, verandahs and staff administration areas. ... more
  • Independents join forces on climate change 2nd March 2019 Three independent MPs who could become kingmakers in the event of a hung parliament have put climate change, and “future-proofing” the environment and economy, at the forefront of their agenda. Sydney’s Alex Greenwich, Lake Macquarie’s Greg Piper and ... more
  • Lake MP says Hunter must prepare for coal transition 2nd March 2019 A plan by NSW independent MPs Alex Greenwich, Joe McGirr and Greg Piper to introduce an adjustment strategy for coal mining-affected communities will be launched on Sunday. ... more
  • Car parks needed at Morisset, Cardiff and Fassifern stations, says Piper 21st February 2019 LAKE MACQUARIE state MP Greg Piper has released concept designs for a possible multi-level car park at Morisset train station. ... more
  • The multi-level car park Morisset 'needs' 21st February 2019 MEMBER for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper has challenged the state government to build a multi-level car park at Morisset Station. ... more
  • Blow to Gladys as door ajar for ALP 8th February 2019 Greg Piper, the independent ­expected to prop up NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian in a minority government result at next month's election, has opened the door to sup­porting a Labor minority ­government. ... more
  • State Independents say lock-out laws should be wound back 8th February 2019 Independents and minor parties in the NSW lower house, who stand to be empowered in the event of a tight vote in the March election, are increasingly of the view Sydney’s CBD and Kings Cross lock-out laws should be wound back. ... more
  • Work to start on art gallery expansion 8th February 2019 A $2.3 million expansion of Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery will start next month, forcing the closure of the award-winning facility from March 31 to September. ... more
  • Hospital roos are on the mend 7th February 2019 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. ... more
  • Millions roll in to clear school maintenance backlog 6th February 2019 THE state government has allocated an extra $6 million to be spent on school maintenance – an allocation that will enable the backlog of works required on schools in the Lake Macquarie electorate to be cleared by July next year. ... more
  • Piper announces start to Wyee Station plans 23rd January 2019 PLANS for the significant upgrade of Wyee Station have been formally approved with on-site groundwork investigations to start in March. Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper said the upgrade would include lifts to the platforms, providing access for customers with a disability, limited ... more
  • Wyee Station upgrade a step closer 23rd January 2019 Upgrades for Wyee station are a step closer with plans formally approved. On-site ground work is set to begin in March, with works including a lifts to the platforms and improved access. ... more
  • Work on Morisset intersection finished ahead of schedule 18th December 2018 Work on the Fishery Point Road and Macquarie Street intersection at Morisset is ahead of schedule with the new traffic lights expected to be switched on next Thursday, December 20. ... more
  • Let there be (traffic) lights! 11th December 2018 Work on the Fishery Point Road and Macquarie Street intersection at Morisset is ahead of schedule with the new traffic lights expected to be switched on next Thursday, December 20. ... more
  • Public access to Morisset Hospital grounds to be restricted 28th November 2018 THE signage hasn’t worked. Maybe locked gates and a suite of security measures will. Public access to Morisset Hospital will soon be restricted due to health and safety concerns. ... more
  • HooRoo: Morisset's kangaroos to be off limits to tourists 27th November 2018 Public access to Morisset Hospital and its world famous kangaroo population will soon be restricted due to health and safety concerns. The action follows a number of incidents where members of the public have been seriously injured by kangaroos, ... more
  • Action needed on Morisset kangaroos 21st November 2018 MEMBER for Lake Macquarie, Greg Piper, said an announcement would be made soon on a plan to better secure and manage Morisset Hospital and the kangaroos in the grounds. ... more
  • Lake Macquarie groups to share in $330,000 in funding 20th November 2018 Goal posts will be erected, carpet replaced, a car park repaired, and a pre-school upgraded thanks to a record $330,000 in state government funding to be shared by organisations in the Lake Macquarie electorate. ... more
  • Behaviour in the NSW bearpit 'a disgrace and embarrassment' 12th November 2018 The events that led to the resignation of Luke Foley as leader of the Opposition deserve to become more than just another twist in the soap opera that NSW politics appears to have become. ... more
  • Service NSW to set up shop in Toronto 9th November 2018 THE state government has announced a new Service NSW Centre will be up and running in Toronto Town Square, on The Boulevarde, in the first half of 2019. ... more
  • Piper announces location for Service NSW 8th November 2018 Service NSW will set up shop in Toronto Town Square on The Boulevarde, the Minister for Finance, Services and Property Victor Dominello and Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper announced on Thursday. ... more
  • Three lifts in new Wyee Station design 8th November 2018 THREE lifts are a key feature of the initial designs released this week for the Wyee Station makeover. ... more
  • Wyee station upgrade planned 7th November 2018 Wyee Railway station is to get a major upgrade including three new lifts. Other improvements proposed include accessible pathways, an additional accessible parking space, a new kiss-and-ride space and a new family accessible restroom. ... more
  • Three lifts in new Wyee Station design 6th November 2018 TRANSPORT for NSW has released a concept design of what Wyee train station could look like after its proposed accessibility upgrades. The project was announced as part of the state budget in June and is set to include three new lifts, accessible pathways, an additional accessible parking space, a ki... ... more
  • Walk raises $5000 for ovarian cancer research 6th November 2018 The first Teal Sisters Walk at Lake Macquarie has raised more than $5000 for Ovarian Cancer Australia. The event was organised by Wangi Wangi women Liz Wright who last year was diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic ovarian cancer, the deadliest women’s cancer. ... more
  • Designs for Wyee Station released 5th November 2018 THREE lifts are a key feature of the initial designs released this week for the Wyee Station makeover. Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper has invited the Wyee community to learn more about the proposed upgrade this Thursday, November 8, from 5pm to 7pm. ... more
  • How Lake Macquarie inspired Ian Kiernan to greatness 19th October 2018 IAN Kiernan, the round-the-world sailor who founded the Clean Up Australia organisation, has died, aged 78. Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper said Mr Kiernan’s passing would reverberate through the ... more
  • Local tributes for Ian Kiernan 18th October 2018 IAN Kiernan, the round-the-world sailor who founded the Clean Up Australia organisation, has died, aged 78. Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper said Mr Kiernan’s passing would reverberate through the region, where Mr Piper said the seeds that would bloom into Clean Up Australia Day took root. ... more
  • $3m expansion for Speers Point football centre 17th October 2018 LAKE Macquarie Regional Football Facility will undergo a $3m upgrade that will include an education centre and improvements designed to increase the chances of hosting national and international events. ... more
  • Generosity of Lake residents recognised in Parliament 17th October 2018 MEMBER for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper has spoken proudly in State Parliament of the generous response from his constituents to drought relief efforts for farmers. The Independent MP praised Wangi Wangi for its efforts. ... more
  • Piper pays tribute to Ian Kiernan 17th October 2018 IAN Kiernan, the round-the-world sailor who founded the Clean Up Australia organisation, has died, aged 78. Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper said Mr Kiernan's passing would reverberate through the region, where Mr Piper said the seeds that would bloom into Clean Up Australia Day took root. ... more
  • Kicking goals: $3m upgrade for football centre 11th October 2018 LAKE Macquarie Regional Football Facility will undergo a $3m upgrade that will include an education centre and improvements designed to increase the chances of hosting national and international events. ... more
  • Toronto's new fire tanker flush with hi-tech features 11th October 2018 AT its core it is a fire truck – or fire tanker, to be precise – capable of carrying four firefighters and 4000 litres to fires in suburbia and in the bush. ... more
  • Clouds gather over Costco's Boolaroo plans 10th October 2018 Retail giant Costco has scrapped plans for a store at the former Pasminco site. Sources with knowledge of Costco’s plan to buy land from administrator Ferrier Hodgson told the Newcastle Herald on Tuesday the bulk retailer had walked away from the trading table. ... more
  • Battle for parking at Cardiff to continue 28th September 2018 WALLSEND MP Sonia Hornery says the state government’s failure to act on parking issues at Cardiff train station “is dogging our commuters and turning them off using public transport”. Ms Hornery made the comments in state parliament on Thursday during the continuation of a motion debate regarding t... ... more
  • The battle for parking at Cardiff 27th September 2018 WALLSEND MP Sonia Hornery says the state government’s failure to act on parking issues at Cardiff train station “is dogging our commuters and turning them off using public transport”. ... more
  • Lake Macquarie projects set to spin with $3.5m in funding 24th September 2018 Awaba Mountain Bike Park will be extended after Hunter Mountain Bike Club received a $450,000 state government grant, announced as part of $3.5 million in funding for Lake Macquarie community projects on Monday. ... more
  • Fans of PCYC's cool funding 20th September 2018 IT sometimes gets so hot in the PCYC Morisset centre that club manager Rosmairi Dawson is forced to cancel activities. ... more
  • Morisset Hall restoration boosted by funding grant 10th September 2018 Two Lake Macquarie projects will share in $51,000 worth of funding from the NSW Government’s Crown Reserves Improvement Fund. Member for Lake Macquarie Greg Piper said the grants will be made to Morisset Hall and Literary Institute and Lake Macquarie City Council for two significant local projects. ... more
  • Funds to monitor the health of lake and beaches 28th August 2018 THE health of Lake Macquarie and the region’s beaches will be carefully monitored and given a ‘report card’ following the announcement of state government funding. ... more
  • $2.2m for renewal of Watkins Road at Wangi 23rd August 2018 THERE’S a $2.2-million makeover coming for a section of Watkins Road, in Wangi Wangi, but still no long-term maintenance plan for the state-owned Reserve Road, at the end of Wangi Point. ... more
  • Piper still pushing for solution on Wangi road impasse 23rd August 2018 THERE’S a $2.2-million makeover coming for a section of Watkins Road, in Wangi Wangi, but still no long-term maintenance plan for the state-owned Reserve Road, at the end of Wangi Point. ... more
  • Work to start on Fishery Point Road intersection 23rd August 2018 Work to install traffic lights at the intersection of Macquarie Street and Fishery Point Road at Morisset will start on Tuesday. The lights will be a key feature of the state government’s $3.3-million upgrade of the busy junction. ... more
  • 'The crossbench is not a sin-bin': Calls grow for Daryl Maguire to quit parliament 14th July 2018 Veteran NSW Independent MP Greg Piper has joined the calls for disgraced member Daryl Maguire to leave Parliament altogether, in the wake of stunning evidence put before the Independent Commission Against Corruption. ... more
  • Boolaroo lead monitoring rests on $22m IKEA land sale 12th July 2018 Pasminco’s administrator says it cannot afford to pay for future contamination monitoring on the former Boolaroo lead smelter site until it sells part of the land to IKEA. ... more
  • Cleaning up the town for the benefit of all 9th July 2018 Meet Brody Muser. He’s a 21-year-old man from Balcolyn on the western edge of Lake Macquarie who is doing his bit – and more – for the community. He had taken part in the annual national rubbish-collection and awareness day before, but was staggered by the amount of garbage throughout the nearby lak... ... more
  • $20,000 for Aboriginal art and culture 27th June 2018 LAKE Macquarie City Council has received $20,000 in state government funding to develop an exhibition space for Aboriginal art and culture. Member for Lake Macquarie, Greg Piper, and Minister for the Arts, Don Harwin, today announced the council would receive the funding through the annual Aborigina... ... more
  • Roads department questions 'safety' of transport interchange 26th June 2018 THE state government says public safety is a major reason behind its lack of support for the road bridge at the heart of the Lake Macquarie Transport Interchange. But Lake Macquarie City Council and the two MPs whose electorates cover the project are still backing the bridge over the main northern r... ... more
  • Government says it won't fund Glendale rail bridge 21st June 2018 AFTER more than 20 years of planning the NSW government says it is not prepared to fund the road bridge over the railway between Glendale and Cardiff at the heart of the Lake Macquarie Transport Interchange. ... more
  • Independent Greg Piper explains how he gets it done 21st June 2018 GREG Piper has a few constituents who dismiss him as a lightweight state member because, being an Independent, he “will never be in government”. But the veteran Lake Macquarie MP reckons they’re missing the point. “As an Independent, I’m never in opposition,” he said. ... more
  • Local MP 'never in Opposition' 21st June 2018 GREG Piper has a few constituents who dismiss him as a lightweight state member because, being an Independent, he “will never be in government”. But the veteran Lake Macquarie MP reckons they’re missing the point. “As an Independent, I’m never in opposition,” he said. ... more
  • Hit and miss for Hunter in State Budget 19th June 2018 The NSW government has announced a state budget light on new major infrastructure for Newcastle but with a nod towards several key Hunter road projects. The Lower Hunter’s Labor politicians reacted angrily to the lack of major funding announcements, arguing the government was largely ignoring ... more
  • Return and Earn vending machine now operational at Ratrhmines 18th June 2018 A RETURN and Earn reverse vending machine has been installed at Rathmines, taking some of the pressure off the busy station at Bonnells Bay. ... more
  • The Hunter's Budget wish list 18th June 2018 The road funding was among a selection of half a dozen Hunter projects detailed in a pre-budget briefing to the Herald on Monday. Others included $110 million already committed to finish the Newcastle light-rail line, $2.771 million to refurbish and upgrade the Hunter Street TAFE ... more
  • $36m sewer scheme will bring jobs and investment to Wyee 6th June 2018 WYEE Shopping Village owner Richard Owens said the state government’s $36 million investment in expanding Wyee’s sewerage network would prove the catalyst for significant growth in the town. ... more
  • Funding for youth crime prevention projects 6th June 2018 LAKE Macquarie Police District commander Superintendent Danny Sullivan says it’s an old saying, but it still rings true. “It takes a village to raise a child,” he said. ... more
  • Ministers deliver a windfall for Westlakes area 6th June 2018 IT’S been a big few days for Westlakes residents, with the state government announcing funding and projects that have long been on local wish lists. ... more
  • $2m for art gallery expansion and new arts hub 5th June 2018 THE state government has given Lake Macquarie City Council more than $2 million to fund an expansion of Lake Macquarie City Art Gallery and the creation of a multi arts space at Speers Point Park. ... more
  • Service NSW centre coming to Toronto 5th June 2018 THE state government has listened to the Lake Macquarie community, and will open a Service NSW centre in the town by the end of the year. ... more
  • Major upgrade and lifts for Wyee Station 4th June 2018 WYEE train station will receive lifts under a suite of upgrades included in the upcoming state budget, the NSW government has confirmed. ... more
  • Breaking bread with Greg Piper 2nd June 2018 FROM his seat, he has a water view, but Greg Piper is concentrating on the menu at Hughzies’ Lakeside Brasserie in Toronto. Perhaps he is looking for a dish involving kangaroo. But no, he orders crumbed lamb cutlets. ... more
  • Not-for-profit group receives $185,000 to tackle youth crime 1st June 2018 A Lake Macquarie organisation will receive $185,000 from the NSW government for an 18 month program aimed at stamping out youth crime and anti social behaviour. ... more
  • Toronto wins back government services office 1st June 2018 More than two years after Toronto’s motor registry closed, to the dismay of thousands, the lakeside suburb will get a full-scale Service NSW centre. ... more
  • Piper secures $2m for gallery and new art hub 30th May 2018 The state government has chipped in $2 million to boost the arts in Lake Macquarie, announcing funding for a new multi-arts hub at Speers Point Park and an extension for Lake Macquarie Art Gallery. ... more
  • Telstra's response Awaba phone debacle 'unacceptable' 10th May 2018 Telstra area general manager Tricia Wilson apologised on Wednesday “for the delay in restoring landline services and we understand the frustration this can cause”. ... more
  • Awaba phone faults 'unacceptable', says Piper 9th May 2018 Residents in the Lake Macquarie suburb of Awaba say they've been without landline phone services for almost two months, and they're fed up with waiting for Telstra. Judith McDonald says her landline went down in mid-March and she lost internet at the beginning of May. ... more
  • Traffic lights for notorious intersection 9th May 2018 TRAFFIC lights will be installed at one of Morisset’s most notorious intersections. Roads and Maritime Services is seeking feedback from the community on its plans to improve the intersection of Macquarie Street and Fishery Point Road. ... more
  • Opinion: Balancing tourism with kangaroo paws 4th May 2018 THE kangaroo is, for better of worse, likely the first thing any international visitor associates with our wide brown land. It is no surprise, then, that a chance to encounter them in the grounds of Morisset’s psychiatric hospital has achieved such a rarified status as a best-kept secret of Australi... ... more
  • Kangaroo attacks at Morisset prompt calls for action 2nd May 2018 SIGNS in multiple languages warning that kangaroos can cause injuries and shouldn't be fed should be installed at what has become a tourist hotspot in the grounds of Morisset Hospital, according to Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper. ... more
  • Pollie tells tourists: 'Don't cuddle the roos' 2nd May 2018 Tourists have been attacked by kangaroos in the grounds of a NSW hospital, with one man receiving a deep gash to his stomach and another requiring 17 stitches to his face, a state MP has told parliament. ... more
  • Historic bell and Anzac flag stolen 27th April 2018 TERALBA Public’s principal Richard Metcalf would personally pay the thieves who stole the school’s beloved bell what they would have collected for its scrap metal, if it guaranteed the safe return of the historic artefact. ... more
  • Sailing regatta breaks fundraising record 19th April 2018 Heaven Can Wait Regatta organisers weren’t sure if the 2018 entry into the history books would be “particularly big” due to a short year overall, but Toronto’s Royal Motor Yacht Club vice-commodore Mel Steiner has revealed it was their “biggest and best year yet”. ... more
  • Piper confirms he'll contest 2019 election 17th April 2018 The battle lines are firming across the Hunter and Lake Macquarie a year out from the next NSW government election, with all of the region’s sitting MPs confirming they will stick their hands up to re-contest their seats. Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery was the latest state member to confirm her preselect... ... more
  • Funding for disability services still 'elephant in the room' 9th April 2018 A STATE government decision to continue funding disability advocacy in NSW has been mostly well received in Lake Macquarie, despite concerns transport for disabled people remained “the elephant in the room” that hadn’t been addressed. ... more
  • Disability advocacy funding cuts reversed 6th April 2018 CUTS to funding for disability advocacy in NSW will be wound back, the state government announced on Friday. The $13 million in funding delivered to advocacy groups, which advocates said formed the bedrock of their operations, had been touted to disappear after the state’s disability spending was tr... ... more
  • Lake residents would 'have a meltdown' over nuclear power plant 2nd April 2018 YASMIN Catley is calling for Premier Gladys Berejiklian to rule out nuclear power in NSW. The Member for Swansea’s comments came after it was revealed the Deputy Premier John Barilaro was on a tax payer funded trip to the US where he attended the International SMR and Reactor Summit, in Atlanta,... ... more
  • Speers Point swimming season to be extended 29th March 2018 THE swimming season at Speers Point Swim Centre is about to be extended, and become more comfortable. A solar photovoltaic and electric heat pump is about to be installed there. Lake Macquarie City Council has received a helping hand with the project in the form of a grant through the state go... ... more
  • Action needed on Boolaroo lead disposal 21st March 2018 BY the way the various authorities are dancing around the backyard lead contamination left behind by the Pasminco smelter, an observer could be forgiven for thinking we are dealing with some sort of highly radioactive or deadly poison that will kill on impact. ... more
  • Pressure mounts on EPA over Boolaroo lead 21st March 2018 PRESSURE is mounting on the NSW Environment Protection Authority to develop a repository in Lake Macquarie to accept lead contaminated soil, as residents shun the current option of loading large piles of dirt into 800-kilogram bulka bags for disposal at Newcastle City Council’s Summerhill Waste Mana... ... more
  • Piper issues pre-Budget wish list 14th March 2018 THE Lake Macquarie Transport Interchange and upgrades to Wyee and Dora Creek train stations top the list of Lake Macquarie infrastructure projects that could be funded by the Snowy Hydro sale. ... more
  • Exercising political teamwork at Wangi 7th March 2018 THE Wangi Fitness Trail was opened on Saturday, but even before the first push-up was performed on the outdoor fitness stations, the project was hailed as an impressive exercise in political cooperation. ... more
  • Balance of power could fall into the hands of Independents 6th March 2018 Gladys Berejiklian’s Coalition government has surrendered its lead over Labor a year out from a state election, raising the serious risk of a hung parliament, as voters continue to drift to minor parties and dissatisfaction with the NSW Premier’s performance rises.A Newspoll, conducted ... more