[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″ offset=”vc_col-lg-1/5 vc_col-md-1/5 vc_col-xs-1/5″][us_image image=”76490″ size=”thumbnail” align=”left” style=”circle” has_ratio=”1″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/12″ offset=”vc_col-lg-4/5 vc_col-md-4/5 vc_col-xs-4/5″][vc_column_text]By Matt Kean[/vc_column_text][us_post_date][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]It is my honour to have once again been elected to serve the residents of Hornsby and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the community for their ongoing support.
Whilst I am obviously disappointed with election result in the State of NSW, it has provided me with the opportunity to spend a little more time with my young family, as well as continuing to serve my wonderful Hornsby constituents.
I was asked the question pre-election if the widening of New Line Road will still be my number one priority if I am in opposition. I am now in opposition, and the answer remains an unequivocal, yes! I will continue to fight so hard for that road to be upgraded from the roundabout at Dural all the way to Castle Hill Road. Last year I delivered $70 million for funding stage one. If Labor now wants to take that funding away, that I had included in the budget, then they must explain it to our community. I am going to fight them every step of the way.
I am also enjoying my new role as the Shadow Minister for Health. My experience working closely to the crucially important refurbishment of our own Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital has given me an appreciation into the complexity of our health system, and I look forward to holding the new government accountable in this area.
Finally, after years of planning, I am thrilled to see the once thriving platypus returned to the Royal National Park. After not being found in the park for over half a century, scientists from the University of NSW have returned a small population of one of Australia’s most iconic animals to Australia’s oldest National Park. This is especially pleasing for me as it was a project I was previously involved with during my time as Environment Minister. A research team will monitor the progress of the reintroduced paddle of platypus and with success it could see the animal reintroduced in other areas including our local National Parks.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
