JANELLE Saffin MP has hit the ground running in advocating for new constituents in the Byron Shire hinterland who at last Saturday’s election (25 March) came into the Electorate of Lismore because of a NSW Electoral Commission redistribution. Previously, they were in Ballina Electorate.
Ms Saffin recently met with Byron Shire Mayor Cr Michael Lyon, General Manager Mark Arnold and some of his executive team in Mullumbimby to be briefed on Council’s priorities for communities in Federal, Goonengerry, Eureka, Huonbrook and Wilsons Creek.
Ms Saffin confirmed that she had spent months lobbying NSW Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway MLC and Transport for NSW for significant funding to fix the Federal Drive landslip, one of three critical landslips across her electorate.
“I welcome the nearly $24-million funding allocation which I understand has been approved for remediation of this landslip,” Ms Saffin said.
“I also understand that Council has started works on the Whian Road-Kings Road bypass, and that weather permitting, this temporary bypass should be completed within three to five weeks.”
Ms Saffin thanked Byron Shire Council for providing her with its masterplan for the Federal village enhancement program, which includes the relocation of electricity in the main street to underground.
“I’ve added this $4-million project to my list of priorities and I look forward to helping Federal, Goonengerry and neighbouring communities with issues they bring to my attention,” Ms Saffin said.
“Lismore already was a very diverse electorate before the redistribution and even more so with the boundary change because Byron Shire has unique challenges and priorities that are clearly very important to residents.”
A file photo of Lismore MP Janelle Saffin meeting local residents at her mobile office in Federal.
