Alison Penfold (Lyne, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

A serious accident occurred on Friday 15 May along the Pacific Highway at the Bucketts Way intersection in my electorate. Sadly, this crash is not the first at this intersection, and, unless something changes, it will not be the last.

For years, both the Australian and New South Wales governments have known this intersection requires major work: a grade-separated interchange—the real safety solution. Funding for planning has sat on the books for years, repeatedly re-announced at election time, yet still no work has begun. I appreciate that planning and approvals take time. But this process has dragged on for far too long, while local families continue to risk their lives every single day on this road.

Last year I wrote to both the federal infrastructure minister and the New South Wales roads minister, seeking an update. The response I eventually received was deeply disappointing. I was told that Transport for NSW was 'preparing project proposals to release funds to begin work on a business case'.

Regional communities are sick of endless process, paperwork and delay. They want action. How many more proposals do we need? How many more reviews? How many more near-misses, serious accidents and tragedies, before governments finally move? I've sought a meeting with the New South Wales roads minister to discuss this intersection, and a number of other dangerous locations across our region, and I appreciate her willingness to meet. But we need less talk and more action. People are dying on regional roads while bureaucratic processes move at a snail's pace. King Creek Road, just near where I live, is another example, with design sitting idle since 2024 while communities wait for progress. Ministers, cut the red tape, cut the delays and get on with the job.

The Ronald McDonald retreat in Forster is an incredible home away from home for families with sick children, a place of comfort, hope and compassion during some of life's hardest moments. That same compassion was on display recently at a fundraiser for the retreat held by the Taree Craft Cottage. Under the extraordinary stewardship of Elaine Arneil, the cottage has raised more than $150,000 for local charities over four years, with this high tea marking her final fundraising event. I thank Elaine most sincerely for her remarkable contribution to our community. The cottage was filled with big hearts enjoying a beautiful high tea served on Elaine's own personal tea sets. Through raffles, a dutch auction and generous donations, including my own purchase of this quilted jacket, the event raised more than $10,000 for the Ronald McDonald retreat. Thank you to Lance Fletcher for doing a wonderful job as MC and to the dedicated volunteers who made everyone feel so welcome. The Taree Craft Cottage is known for showcasing the talents of local craftspeople, but on that Saturday it showcased something even more special: the generosity, kindness and community spirit of the people of the Manning.