SINGLETON Mayor Sue Moore has called on each of the candidates in next month's Upper Hunter by-election to make a commitment to act on 16 issues outlined in the newest version of the Singleton Advocacy Agenda.
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A better design for the Singleton bypass of the New England Highway - namely a full interchange at Putty Road and dual carriageway - tops the list, along with permanently increased passenger train timetable between Singleton and Newcastle, and upgrades to police and justice facilities in Singleton.
The third iteration of the Advocacy Agenda also seeks an expansion of health services, including an infusion room for chemotherapy and an MRI machine for Singleton Hospital, along with more localised mental health services.
Cr Moore said the document was the centrepiece of a strategic approach to Singleton's partnerships with all sides of politics at the Federal and State levels.
"Obviously we weren't planning for a by-election, but this is an important opportunity to raise the issues that are vital to our community and to reinforce the significance of Singleton to the prosperity of NSW," she said.
"As we well know, this is a critical time for our community on a range of fronts. Economically, we're planning for an industry-diverse future to ensure the prosperity of our region. Environmentally, we're pondering questions around energy and power generation. And politically, we're working hard to guarantee grant funding programs such as Resources for Regions.
"We're also actively lobbying for the services and infrastructure that will have a direct impact on the liveability of our residents now, and which will help to attract more people to our area in the years to come - in particular, the bypass of the New England Highway.
"We're thrilled the project has been funded by the Federal and NSW governments, but we want the best possible outcome for the Hunter Region as a whole not just today, but for the decades to come."
Cr Moore said she would write personally to each of the candidates along with the Premier, Deputy Premier, Opposition Leader and the leaders of the political parties contesting next month's by-election for their support for the Advocacy Agenda.
"These are the issues our community told us were critical for our LGA, and that would have the greatest impact for our residents, businesses and visitors," she said.
"I hope these issues will dominate the conversations that will be happening in the Upper Hunter in the next few weeks, and that every candidate will be committed to taking action to deliver on these outcomes.
"Whoever is successful in next month's by-election, I look forward to continuing the prosperous and successful partnership between Singleton Council and our representative in the NSW Parliament for the benefit of our community."
Singleton Advocacy Agenda 2021:
- Amendments to the design for the Singleton bypass of the New England Highway to ensure short and long-term traffic needs are met and the vibrancy of Singleton's town centre is enhanced
- Permanent commitment to increased passenger train services to and from Singleton
- Upgrades to police and justice facilities in Singleton and appropriate staffing
- Ongoing commitment to Resources for Regions Funding program for mining communities
- Ongoing funding of Hunter Joint Organisation
- Commitment to accountable and tangible leadership to drive a whole of region approach to economic diversification
- Leadership on waste and recycling issues
- Upper Hunter water security planning, works and protection of water utility status
- Environmental issues associated with power stations and mines
- Changes to the cost shifting model imposed by State Government
- Expansion of health services in Singleton
- Commitment to the agriculture industry and improved drought support
- Provision of affordable housing
- Review of the Standard Instrument Local Environmental Plan (LEP) for rural landholders
- Simplification of State-delivered grant programs
- Ongoing commitment to and expansion of vocation education programs in Singleton
To view the Singleton Advocacy Agenda:
