THE risk of overdevelopment in Port Stephens, sand mining and changes to Boomerang Park were major issues of concern for Kate Washington during her inaugural speech to parliament house last Thursday.
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The Port's first woman MP said that the number of community groups formed was indicative of the difficulty residents had in getting their voices heard in the face of development.
Groups such as Voices of Wallalong and Woodville, Boomerang Park Action Group, Say No to Sandmining, Tomaree Ratepayers and Residents Association, Williamtown and the Surrounds Residents Action Group, South Tomaree Community Association and the Port Stephens EcoNetwork.
Ms Washington praised the work of ICAC "not because political opponents have come undone but because it has shed light where it was needed".
"Corruption is not just a theoretical concept, or something you read about, that brings politicians down. It hurts people and it hurts communities; and it has been hurting people [in Port Stephens] for too long," she said.
Ms Washington, a Medowie mother of three, said that other challenges included the need for mental health support, better access to vocational training, TAFE and jobs.
"Unemployment in Port Stephens is at crisis point. There is a dire need to increase local health services, improve public transport and increase support for people escaping domestic violence, together with the need for more affordable housing."
As a health lawyer, Ms Washington championed the right of people living with disabilities to have greater autonomy.
"The National Disability Insurance Scheme is landmark legislation because it enshrines in law the concept of choice and I believe it is incumbent on all state MPs to ensure that real choice is delivered," she said.
"Another issue close to my heart, and closer to home, is the fight for a public high school. So many people have heard about a 'Medowie High School' and I want to hear about it again."
