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.
Our war memorials are sacred places — built by communities, cared for by volunteers and cherished by generations.
If someone desecrates them, they should be held accountable, but we’ve seen an increase in this sort of vandalism.
When Parliament resumes, the NSW Liberals and Nationals will introduce legislation to toughen penalties.
Under the Opposition’s Bill:
✅The maximum summary penalty (ie without the need for an expensive jury trial) for damaging a war memorial will increase to $22,000 or two years imprisonment, or both (from just $4,400 and no jail option at the moment)
✅The maximum penalty for offensive or indecent conduct near a memorial will also rise to $22,000
✅Offenders will be required to pay for repairs unless there are special circumstances, so that custodians like local Councils, RSL sub-branches and not-for-profit organisations don’t have to foot the bill. ... See MoreSee Less
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“They went with songs to the battle, they were young,
Straight of limb, true of eye, steady and aglow.
They were staunch to the end against odds uncounted;
They fell with their faces to the foe.
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.“
I attended moving Anzac Dawn Services at Martin Place and Cronulla today (and was represented at Caringbah and Miranda).
Anzac Day isn’t about celebrating generals or wars or territorial ambitions - above all, it’s about honouring the generations of ordinary men and women who’ve served, or are serving, their country through our defence forces, including over 100,000 Australians who’ve laid down their lives doing so - and being so grateful for the freedoms we enjoy as a result. ... See MoreSee Less
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Good Morning, 😀 HaVe A GrEaT Day! #Amazing_Work, #Great_PhotoS, #GreAt_LeAdeR
“At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”
The 2025 Harbour Sunset Tribute on Anzac Eve marked the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli Campaign and 80 years this year since the end of World War II - a moving tribute to all who have lost their lives in service for our country, those who have served and those who are currently serving.
As I placed my wreath, I also thought of the thousands of Australians who would sailed from Sydney Harbour to serve our nation, many of whom paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. ... See MoreSee Less
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Congratulations Mark - Absolutely beautiful!!!!!!!! 🤩😍
🌹🇦🇺
‘We Will Remember Them’ ‘Lest We Forget’ ✌🏾🙏🏾ings Always
Melanie Kate Jones
youtu.be/K-z26dBgLM4?si=rVWYlqzsQsMDQM0T
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Cost shouldn’t be a barrier to protecting yourself and your loved ones from influenza.
Under the Minns Labor Government it is.
The NSW Liberals and Nationals are urging the Minns Labor Government to bring back free flu vaccines for all NSW people amid warnings of a monster flu season.
Our former Government provided free flu vaccinations in 2022, a program cut by the Minns Labor Government.
Last year’s flu season was the worst on record.
The Government needs to step up and ensure every NSW resident can access a free flu, which is what we’d do.
It’s false economy not to do so. In a cost-of-living crisis, providing free flu vaccines will result in fewer hospital visits, less pressure on emergency departments, fewer sick days and more lives saved. ... See MoreSee Less
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👌✅
This Friday on ANZAC Day we remember and honour as a community the sacrifice of the men and women who have served our nation in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
Here are the details of local services in and around the Cronulla electorate. ... See MoreSee Less
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Awesome x
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I am deeply saddened, along with millions of Australians and with people across the world, by the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
Pope Francis was a beacon of humility, compassion and unwavering faith. His life was devoted to serving others, offering hope to the marginalised, and reminding the world of the power of mercy, forgiveness and love.
As the first Pope from the Jesuit order and the first from the Americas, he brought fresh leadership to the Church and reached people far beyond its walls. His example of simplicity and service will continue to inspire generations to come.
At this time of mourning, I offer my condolences to Australians of Catholic faith and all those who feel his loss so deeply. We give thanks for his extraordinary life of service and pray that he now rests in the eternal peace of Christ. ... See MoreSee Less
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My deepest condolences to the catholic across the world
Am not a Catholic but really respected & loved him. Sympathy to all Catholics.