Hartsuyker backs campaign to upgrade South West Rocks Pilot Station and cottages

July 18, 2008

The Nationals’ Federal Member for Cowper, Luke Hartsuyker, has thrown his support behind the campaign to renovate and upgrade the Pilot Station and cottages at South West Rocks.

 

Mr Hartsuyker last week met with representatives from the South West Rocks Maritime Precinct to discuss funding options.

 

The SWRMP had originally applied for funding under the Australian Government’s Regional Partnerships programme. However, the Rudd Government axed the programme in May just as the application was to be forwarded to Canberra.

 

“Regional Partnerships had already provided much needed funding to some vital community projects in the Macleay.  The Trial Bay Coastal Patrol head quarters and the Gladstone Community Hall are two excellent examples.

 

“It was very disappointing when the Rudd Government decided to scrap the programme. This has severely disadvantaged organisations such as the South West Rocks Maritime Precinct which had developed a very good application but has now been told they can no longer access funds under Regional Partnerships.

 

“I have written to the Minister for Regional Partnerships, Anthony Albanese requesting that he release details of any future regional assistance programmes, which the local group may now apply for funds.

 

“The Pilot Station and the cottages are an important part of the history of the town but the local group only has a ‘right of entry’ agreement until July 2009.

 

“It is therefore essential the Federal Minister does not delay releasing the details of any new programmes for regional areas.

 

“Regional Australia has been hit particularly hard by Rudd Government cutbacks and Minister Albanese must understand the impact of his decision to cut the Regional Partnerships programme.”

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