Riverstone Community Cabinet
The decision to hold a Community Cabinet in Riverstone highlights the government’s commitment to address matters affecting the Northwest Growth Area.
Community Cabinet offered individual meetings between Ministers and local stakeholders – allowing groups to directly voice concerns to the relevant Minister. Sporting groups, cultural organisations, schools and local businesses were just some of the local stakeholders involved.
This opportunity empowered local groups and individual to collaborate and engage in conversation with the state’s key decision makers. The NSW cabinet was keen to hear the voices of Riverstone locals to shape informed policy decisions, planning adequately for the future and putting community minded living at the forefront of service delivery.
Home to the most youth and young families in the state, whilst being the fastest growing electorate, Riverstone faces a unique set of challenges. The aftermath of over a decade of poor planning decisions by the former Liberal and National government further necessitates the need for smart planning decisions into the future. The 2 State budgets handed down by the Minns Labor government highlights their commitment to the Riverstone electorate and Sydney’s North West growth area.
The Minns government is prioritising the people of North West Sydney by hearing local voices and backing it with adequate investment by funding projects like the Rouse Hill Hospital, upgrades to Garfield Rd East, Bandon Rd and Richmond Rd, new schools for Nirimba Fields Tallawong, Box Hill and Marsden Park, improved public transport connections and planning for the Riverstone town centre.
Community cabinet in conjunction with the delivery of a strong budget for the Riverstone area emphasises the government’s proactive approach and willingness to give Northwest Sydney the fresh start they deserve.
Riverstone’s community cabinet was a booked-out event with over 260 attendees. Following the ministerial meetings session – the attendees were given the chance to ask the Premier directly about the NSW government’s plans for Riverstone. The forum highlighted the Premier’s willingness to engage directly with locals, hear their voices and answer the hardhitting questions.
Local member Warren Kirby says:
“The decision to hold a Community Cabinet in Riverstone is a testament to NSW government’s commitment to our electorate. I am proud to be a part of a proactive government who engages with our community through forums like the Community Cabinet as well as delivering strong investment to the area.”
The Community Cabinet held in Riverstone marked a momentous occasion being the first time the whole NSW Cabinet have visited the area to undertake in meaningful engagement with local stakeholders. This event demonstrated NSW government is listening to the people of Riverstone and delivering the fresh start they were promised.