After a busy and rewarding first year as Member for Ballina, Tamara Smith MP congratulated the community on the many achievements that have delivered tangible results across the electorate.
“The 2015 election was a referendum on the destructive impacts of CSG and it is a tribute to our tight knit community that we have achieved the extraordinary – establishing a coal-seam gas free Northern Rivers,” said Ms Smith.
“Another significant win was securing $415,000 in funding for the new Marine Rescue Tower at Ballina’s North Wall. I was able to broker this successful outcome, including direct representations with the Premier, and it shows how a strong, independent local MP can cut through red tape and deliver for the community.
“I have introduced a new bill in Parliament to ban single-use plastic bags. This was a commitment I took into the election and I look forward to the Coalition and Labor supporting a practical proposal to protect our beaches and waterways, and plants and wildlife,” said Ms Smith.
In Parliament, Tamara Smith has taken an intrepid and tenacious approach to issues affecting her electorate. The Ballina Greens MP spoke on 15 pieces of legislation, brought 24 local matters to the attention of the Parliament, and asked more than 25 questions directly to the Premier or his Ministers. This stands as a remarkably active record for a new MP.
As a member of the NSW parliamentary committee for Industry, Investment and Regional Development, Ms Smith initiated a shark inquiry to examine the impacts of shark encounters on communities.
Tamara Smith’s notable achievements over the past 12 months include:
- Securing $415,000 in funding for the new Marine Rescue Tower at Ballina’s North Wall
- Establishing a coal-seam gas free Northern Rivers
- Introducing legislation to ban single-use plastic bags
- Delivering $23,600 to help the Byron Youth Activities Centre
- Securing $40,000 for construction of the new community pre-school in Alstonville
- Facilitating four basketball courts in the new Ballina Sports Centre
- Working with Premier Baird to ensure a non-lethal shark mitigation approach to keep people safe and boost local businesses
- Hosting a regional jobs summit with over 50 business groups attending
- Initiating the Richmond River Action Group to develop a plan of action to restore the river to full health
- Extracting a commitment from the Health Minister for an inquiry into the siting of the helicopter rescue service
- Directing $30,000 to local Scout Association branches for projects like inclusive access and improved storage
- Securing $5,000 for new synthetic grass play area at Aspect School Alstonville
- Attending more than 150 community events throughout the electorate, from Billynudgel to Byron Bay to Alstonville to Wardell
- Directly assisting more than 500 constituents with state and local issues affecting employment, health, education, public housing, transport and business
- Speaking at the Australia / Barcelona Business Chamber of Commerce event about regional development as part of a self-funded visit to the Spanish city of Barcelona (also welcomed as a guest of the Catalan Parliament)
- Representing the NSW Parliament at the Pacific Women's Parliamentary Partnership forum in Samoa
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