Inaugural speech in Parliament

Robert Dwyer delivers his inaugural speech in Parliament

Newly elected Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer has used his inaugural speech in Parliament to encourage the NSW Government to work with him to find urgent solutions to the growing traffic congestion on the Oxley Highway.

“Everyone coming into Port Macquarie knows how frustrating it is with the huge volume of traffic particularly between the Wrights Road roundabout and Lake Road and we need to do something about it now,” Mr Dwyer said.

“I am meeting with the Roads Minister, the Hon Jenny Aitchison this afternoon and will discuss this issue along with the need for an overpass at Houston Mitchell Drive and the Pacific Highway, as well as seeking an update on the already funded overpass at the Harrington/Coopernook intersection.”

Last night (Wednesday), Mr Dwyer told Parliament that he is humbled by and grateful for the trust placed in me by the people of the Port Macquarie electorate – a beautiful part of NSW that I am lucky to have called home for more than three decades. 

“It is an honour and privilege to stand here today as their newly elected member for Port Macquarie,” Mr Dwyer said. 

“Our region has experienced extraordinary growth — a 16% increase over the past decade and a further 27% anticipated growth to 2046, when it will have 115,000 people. 

“Growth brings opportunity, but it also brings challenges to our roads, water and sewer infrastructure, environment, housing, hospitals, emergency services and first responders. 

“We must meet these demands head-on with innovative solutions and forward-thinking leadership. 

“I believe we have the talent, creativity, and resilience within our community to not only meet these challenges but thrive in spite of them.

“This means investing in the future, planning for population growth, and ensuring we protect what makes our region unique—its environment, its people, and its spirit,” Mr Dwyer said.