Ministers deliver a windfall for Westlakes area

On Friday, three ministers were in town for back-to-back photo opportunities.

First, Minister for Finance, Services and Property, Victor Dominello, fronted the media to announce that a full scale Service NSW office would be built in Toronto.

The announcement ends years of frustration for locals who had been battling the closure in 2015 of the then Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) office in the town, and the subsequent closure of the Service NSW kiosk.

Next, Attorney General Mark Speakman arrived at the Community Activities Lake Macquarie (CALM) office in Toronto to announce $185,000 in funding for a range of crime prevention and youth diversionary projects aimed at reducing crime rates and improving community safety.

Then, Minister for Energy and Utilities, Don Harwin, announced a $36 million investment in the expansion of the Wyee sewer connection projectto service more than 3000 new homes in future residential subdivisions.

Friday’s trifecta for Westlakes turned into a quadrella on Monday.

That’s when Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter, Scot MacDonald, visited Wyee train station to announce that three new lifts and lightingwould be installed there to improve access.

And that’s not forgetting the state government announcement last week that it would commit 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.

The common denominator at each of the announcements – and the man who has been pushing each of the projects – was the Member for Lake Macquarie, Greg Piper.

Speaking at the Service NSW centre announcement, the Independent MP said it was a very satisfying day.

“Some things you really have to work towards, and this is one of them. So to be able to tick that off, and deliver it for the community, is fantastic,” he said.