The Ryde Connector – Winter 2024

The

Connector

A

Community Newsletter from Jordan Lane MP, Member for Ryde Shadow Assistant Minister for Health and Multiculturalism

TG Millner Election Promise

As I am sure you are aware, the Minns Labor Government has broken its election promise to save the TG Millner playing fields in Marsfield. Broken promises are why so many people have lost faith in politics, and as a community, we deserve better.

Before the last election, both Liberal and Labor parties made a clear commitment to the Ryde community that if elected, TG Millner would be saved. This followed close to a decade of bipartisanship from both parties who were united in support of this precious open space.

This bipartisanship was what gave Ryde Council the confidence to apply to the State Government for permission to make the land public, for public sporting use.

However, Labor’s Minister for Local Government has taken the extraordinary step of intervening to block Ryde Council’s application, despite having won an election promising the opposite.

Such a breach of faith is catastrophic for the future of the fields, but for people’s trust in politics generally.

With Ryde on track to exceed its housing targets by 300%, we have a chronic shortage of supporting infrastructure, including precious open spaces.

Today, Ryde is 15 fields short of what its population requires. In 2026, we will be 20 fields short, meaning this problem is getting much worse. Local groups are frustrated by the lack of fields.

In April, I wrote to the Minister pleading with him to honour his election commitment, and to meet with Ryde Mayor Trenton Brown and myself. At the time of printing this newsletter, I was yet to receive an acknowledgement to my letter.

I have spoken about this numerous times in the Parliament, and have specifically called on the Government to allocate funds for the acquisition in its 2024/25 Budget.

To gain further traction, I have been working with the ‘Save TG Millner’ group on a community plea, which you can join by scanning the QR code. If you care about TG Millner, investing in green space or simply believe Governments should honour their promises, I strongly urge you to join our cause.

L to R: Ryde Mayor Trenton Brown and myself with Toby from the ‘Save TG Millner’ group

Ryde Hospital Birthing Unit Scrapped

It was long understood that when the $479m Ryde Hospital rebuild finished, the State Government would restore maternity services so local mums could give birth in Ryde.

With no mention before the last election, the Minns Labor Government has now decided to scrap these plans, meaning birthing services will essentially end in our community.

As someone who was born at Ryde Hospital, I am particularly disappointed by the lack of consultation with local families, mothers’ groups and community leaders who are rightly distressed by this news.

In our growing community, we need more healthcare facilities, not less. I have long been an advocate for new mental health, MRI and dialysis services in Ryde; however, the loss of an existing birthing

service is a major setback that will hurt us for years to come.

The consequences of this decision means local families will now be forced to travel to the Royal North Shore Hospital to give birth – a significant journey in Sydney traffic.

I have spoken in Parliament about the injustice of this decision, and called on the Government to fund the restoration of this essential birthing unit in the 2024/25 State Budget.

If you support the continuation of birthing services in Ryde, please sign and share the petition

School Funding Slashed

Our local public schools are some of the best in the State, but have been let down by a massive $150m funding cut by the Minns Labor Government.

These cuts mean many local schools are unable to employ essential staff, complete critical maintenance or continue extra-curricular programs that benefit local students.

The Government claims this is due to a decline in enrolments. However, anyone with kids knows this is untrue. Many of our schools are over capacity. With so much new housing being built, this problem is only getting worse.

Bus Services Axed

The Minns Labor Government won an election promising to ‘fix the buses’ in Sydney. In Ryde, they even promised to establish brand new services.

Unfortunately, we have learned the opposite is true, with a major timetable restructure negatively impacting services in Ryde the most.

What we know:

p M52: Not restored as promised. In fact, local bus operator Busways have recently advised me they were not even consulted by the Labor Government on this commitment.

p 506: Despite initially agreeing with suggestions to amend the route for Fontenoy Road residents, they appear to be walking away stating existing travel options are available.

p 294: Service between Macquarie University and the CBD axed.

p 259: Service between Macquarie Centre and Chatswood axed.

p 500X: Bendy buses only, but no mention of any new services.

p N91: Service shortened to terminate in the CBD instead of Bondi.

These changes are detrimental for commuters who rely on local buses and do not live near a metro station. Not only are we a fast growing community, we are also home to a major University at Macquarie – the need for bus infrastructure is high, and it is grossly unfair to students and public transport users that these issues are being made worse by the Labor Government.

Scan QR Code to Sign & Share the Petition

Scan QR Code to Sign & Share the Petition

Families with school aged kids are already suffering with Labor’s slashing of Active Kids, Creative Kids, First Lap and Back to School voucher programs which were helping with the increased cost of living.

I have been in touch with all of our school Principals/P&Cs to understand what these cuts mean to them, and have joined with other like-minded MPs in calling for more funding. If you support our calls, please sign the petition which will accompany my motion in Parliament next month.

I am determined to fight for local students, families and visitors who use local buses. If you think these changes will impact you, please share your thoughts so I can focus on the routes most badly impacted.

Scan QR Code to Sign & Share the Petition

Parliament Watch

Since my election, I have been busy representing you in Parliament: 222 Speeches, 27 Notices of Motion, 162 Questions on Notice and 90 Parliamentary clips on YouTube. You can find more details on these contributions by scanning the relevant QR codes below:

Parliament & Ryde Schools

Birthday or Wedding Anniversary Shout-out in NSW Parliament

Did you know you can request a birthday or wedding anniversary shout-out for a friend or a loved one in the NSW Parliament? If the recipient lives in Ryde, please fill out a request form below and we will arrange for a special mention on the official Parliamentary record!

Scan QR Code to Request a Shoutout in Parliament

GET IN TOUCH

Exclusive Morning Tea

Ryde schools are invited for an exclusive morning tea at the NSW Parliament House. Enjoy Parliament scones, fruits and beverages prepared by world-renowned chefs on Tuesdays during sitting weeks –guests welcome to extend their stay! A brief question time in the Chambers will follow, where your school will be acknowledged by the Speaker. Please note that times may vary due to the nature of the NSW Parliament House as a ‘working building’.

School Tours

Explore Australia’s oldest legislature and learn about the emergence of democracy in NSW and our Westminster system of Government. Experience sitting in the historic Legislative Chambers of both Houses, participate in a mock debate and learn how laws are made in NSW. On non-sitting days, enjoy guided tours by the Parliament with student role-plays.

Teaching In Parliament

Enhance your Parliamentary curriculum for Years 5 & 6 with our Parliamentary Education & Engagement Team’s resources – I would love to share this with you by coming to your school for a visit! During my visit, I will discuss my roles as a Member of Parliament, the functions of both Legislative Houses and the different government levels in Australia. I also have many resources to share, including posters and brochures highlighting information regarding the Parliament’s history and its system of government as well as the Parliament House bookmarks – always a favourite with students! By bringing Parliament to the classroom, students will be more engaged, enabling them to understand their government and my role as their elected representative.

To arrange a morning tea, school tour or a visit, contact my office on (02) 9808 3288 or at ryde@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Domestic Violence

As we discuss solutions to domestic violence, I think of the generations of Australians who were never considered. Victims who suffered silently and continue to suffer silently. Victims who suffer openly and remain stonewalled, and perpetrators never held accountable.

In May, I supported legislation that would help strengthen bail laws in NSW, specifically:

1. Expanding use of electronic monitoring devices to those on bail on serious domestic violence charges

2. Expanding grounds to suspend bail for serious personal violence charges

3. Removing the power for registrars to determine bail for serious personal violence charges where bail is opposed.

I know some people don't agree with characterising DV as a men’s issue and prefer using other terms, but that's not my view. The trends and statistics are quite clear.

The era of ‘not all men’ needs to end. The reality is, this is overwhelmingly male violence against women, against children, against families and against other men. All men are responsible for addressing the scourge of DV; governments at all levels too, and I trust these laws will pass.

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