Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig toured the south coast last week visiting various sites from Bega to Batemans Bay.

Last Wednesday Minister Hoenig joined Member for Bega Dr Michael Holland, Eurobodalla Shire Councillors and representatives from Eurobodalla Shire Council at the Eurobodalla Regional Botanic Gardens in Batemans Bay.

The Minister met with Fresh Start apprentices to hear about the benefits of the NSW Government’s Fresh Start Program in strengthening Council’s workforce and supporting local service delivery.

The Minister toured the Botanic Gardens and nursery, led by Fresh Start Nursery Apprentice Anna Kearey.

Minister Hoenig also visited Moruya Surf Life Saving Club to see plans for better access for people with disability and upgrades to the women’s toilets and showers, the Narooma Mountain Bike track and met with the Mayor, General Manager and Councillors in Moruya.

On to the NSW SES Moruya Unit to see the new specialist flood-rescue vehicle will help volunteers reach stranded residents, deliver essential supplies and carry out rescues.

Minister Hoenig said “It’s a $1 million investment by the NSW Government in the equipment our volunteers need. The Moruya team responded to more than 180 incidents over the past year. Behind each callout are people giving their time to help someone else.

It was a pleasure to thank them on behalf of the NSW Government. To everyone at Moruya SES, thank you for being there when your community needs you.”

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Dr Holland and the Minister joined Anne Cormick and the Cancer Friendship and Information Group Eurobodalla at Moruya Golf Club to hear about their work supporting others and their concerns about travelling long distances for treatment.

The Southern NSW Local Health District updated the group on the new Eurobodalla Regional Hospital and Batemans Bay Community Health facility.

At Moruya Golf Club, Dr Holland and the Minister heard from representatives of Moruya, Narooma, Tathra Beach and Batemans Bay Catalina Country Golf Clubs about their Crown land concerns and the costs of keeping their clubs running.

Minister Hoenig said “More NSW Ambulance paramedics are coming to Moruya, but the station is already short of space. I joined Dr Holland, to hear directly from local paramedics and the HSU NSW about what needs to improve.”

At Cobargo the minister and Dr Holland to thank Animal Welfare League NSW‘s Far South Coast branch with a $42,660 grant to help support that work. Rob and Cindy Jory put their own superannuation into rescuing and rehoming animals, and caring for pets whose owners are escaping domestic violence, in hospital or facing homelessness. They do it with help from just a handful of volunteers.

The Minister also joined Dr Holland and Minister Kristy McBain MP in Bega for the launch of the Directions Health Services‘ new Rural Outreach Bus will bring health information and support closer to people in rural communities, helping them connect with the services they need.