MEDIA RELEASES

Protect koalas and protect jobs. Robert Dwyer MP supports the Great Koala National Park and calls for a fair transition for Mid North Coast communities.

Dwyer urges locals to back small business as confidence hits record lows

Labor must explain why gun buyback comes before nurses, police and hospitals

Labor Government cuts funding for preschool children across NSW

Housing costs crushing families while government support falls short

New Moorland preschool delivers early learning opportunities for local children

Dwyer welcomes major investment in Deadly Science to inspire regional students

Dwyer backs plan to target criminals and illegal guns

Longer aquaculture leases to boost investment and jobs in Port Macquarie-Hastings LGA 

Whether you’re driving to work, dropping the kids off at school, riding a bike or simply walking to the shops, knowing the road rules can help prevent crashes and save lives

A Liberal and Nationals Government will crack down on criminals and make communities safer by introducing new Adult Crime, Adult Time laws within the first 100 days of Government.

Two young members of the Crestani family were the stars of a special presentation in Port Macquarie, with Charlie and sister Sophie receiving medals. The presentation, which marked a $50,000 contribution from Crestani Scholarships to support education and training for cancer care pr

The NSW Liberals and Nationals have announced a $5 billion, 10-year investment plan to secure the state’s water future, which has been sorely neglected under Labor.

Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer MP has highlighted today that the NSW Government's $100 registration discount kicks in across NSW, but condemned the Labor Government for not doing enough to support regional drivers. Mr Dwyer said the $100 rego discount was a NSW Liberals commitment, subsequently adopted by the Labor Government. “Any cost-of-living relief is welcome, and I'm glad local families will see $100 back in their pockets when their rego comes due," Mr Dwyer said. "This was a Liberal policy, and it's good to see the Government get behind it. Cost of living is hurting people right across our region, and every bit of relief counts.” "But for drivers in regional NSW, the cost of getting from A to B goes far beyond rego. We rely on our vehicles far more than city residents, and the state of our roads, the distances we travel, and the lack of public transport alternatives mean every dollar counts.” “This is why the NSW Liberals announced that, if elected, we would reinstate the popular Regional Seniors Travel Card, making daily life easier by easing the cost of living for regional seniors.” "I'll keep pushing for the investments that make a real difference for regional communities: better roads, safer highways, and the infrastructure our growing region needs." The discount applies automatically when a vehicle is due for registration, when a new vehicle is registered in NSW, or when a vehicle is re-registered after previously being unregistered. Drivers whose rego was due in July or August will receive the discount when their registration is renewed in 2027.  Drivers can manage their registration details through their MyServiceNSW account or the Service NSW app. Media Contact: Emma Walker 6584 0977

More local patients to benefit from faster access to planned surgery

Robert Dwyer MP welcomes ten new probationary constables’ home to Port Macquarie and Kempsey through Be a Cop in Your Home Town program 

Dwyer backs community call for safe footpaths between Kendall, Kew, Lakewood and Laurieton

Labor must address serious flaws before gun buyback begins

Dwyer welcomes $400,000 funding boost for community-led projects

Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer has announced that women and children escaping domestic and family violence across the Port Macquarie, Wauchope and Camden Haven region will benefit from a $5 million investment through the NSW Government's Homelessness Innovation Fund, delivering new transitional housing and integrated recovery support. The project, led by Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services in partnership with Community Housing Limited (CHL), will deliver approximately five to eight transitional housing properties while transforming the way recovery and healing services are provided to women and children rebuilding their lives after violence. Mr Dwyer said the Homelessness Innovation Fund is supporting practical, community-led solutions to address homelessness and improve outcomes for vulnerable people. "Safe housing is fundamental to helping women and children escape violence and rebuild their lives. This investment will deliver more housing while strengthening the support services that help victim-survivors achieve long-term safety and independence," Mr Dwyer said. “This project will make a meaningful difference for families across the region. Every woman and child deserves to live free from violence and have access to safe, secure housing when they need it most." "I'm proud to support this investment, which will strengthen our local response to domestic and family violence and deliver lasting benefits for our community." "This project is about more than providing accommodation. It creates an opportunity for women and children to recover from trauma, remain connected to their community and build a future free from violence," Mr Dwyer said. Liberty Domestic and Family Violence Specialist Services Chief Executive Officer, Kelly Lamb said the project represents an important evolution in the delivery of specialist domestic and family violence services. "Housing is one of the biggest barriers facing women and children escaping violence, but recovery requires more than a safe place to live. Whilst we do have some existing accommodation in place, it is always oversubscribed with an extensive waiting list." "This project enables us to embed recovery and healing alongside specialist domestic and family violence support, ensuring women and children have the opportunity to heal from trauma, rebuild confidence, strengthen relationships and regain independence." "Recovery and healing are essential parts of ending the cycle of violence. By investing in recovery, we reduce the risk of ongoing harm, homelessness and intergenerational trauma while creating stronger families and safer communities," Ms Lamb said. Community Housing Limited Chief Executive Officer….. said the partnership demonstrates the value of bringing together housing and specialist services. "Community Housing Limited is proud to partner with Liberty to deliver safe, quality transitional housing that provides women and children with stability at one of the most challenging times in their lives." "Working alongside Liberty's specialist expertise will ensure residents receive not only a home, but the support they need to move towards long-term housing and independence." The project forms part of the NSW Government's Homelessness Innovation Fund, which supports innovative approaches to reducing homelessness and improving housing outcomes for vulnerable people across the state. Media Contact: Terry Sara 6584 0977

Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwer said the NSW Government has responded to concerns about the Lord Howe Island Critical Infrastructure Program (LHI CIP) confirms that significant elements of the proposed marine infrastructure and new vessel remain under review, while community engagement continues. “In correspondence to me, the Government says community consultation is a “core commitment” of the program, including regular community consultation group meetings, community updates, project team contact and community representation on the Project Control Group. The response went on to say, the proposed new marine vessel is being designed to operate using both roll-on, roll-off (RoRo) and lift-on, lift-off (LoLo) configurations. The existing practice of unloading freight by crane onto trucks is expected to continue, alongside forklift-based RoRo operations. Importantly, the vessel design is still being modified following feedback from the Lord Howe Island community. Changes include an increased weathertight cargo area, greater crane capacity, additional cargo storage, increased bunkering capacity, improved crew accommodation and additional cargo-securing fittings. Concerns also remain regarding the proposed marine infrastructure, including the jetty. The Government has confirmed that principal contractor Reeves Envico is undertaking a Marine Infrastructure Feasibility Study to examine community feedback and alternative solutions. The study is considering different concept layouts for both RoRo and LoLo operations, with particular attention to vessel requirements, safety and mooring arrangements. This review is significant because the design of the marine infrastructure will have long-term consequences for freight operations, the island community and the World Heritage environment. The LHI CIP master planning and concept designs were developed through workshops, meetings and interviews with the Lord Howe Island community during 2024 and 2025. However, continued consultation and the current feasibility work demonstrate that important questions about the final marine infrastructure solution remain unresolved. The environmental approval process is also continuing. An Environmental Impact Statement has been prepared as part of the Critical State Significant Infrastructure approval process, with assessment by the NSW Department of Planning, Infrastructure and Housing and consideration of approvals under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Given Lord Howe Island’s status as a UNESCO World Heritage site of natural significance, the proposed marine infrastructure designs have also been presented to Heritage NSW and the Australian Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. “I hope this clarifies the proposed redevelopment, but if any Islanders have any further issues please do not hesitate to let me know,” Mr Dwyer said. Media Contact: Terry Sara 6584 0977

Major road upgrade to transform the journey into Port Macquarie has taken another significant step forward with detailed plans now released by Transport for NSW

The NSW Government today confirmed Port Macquarie’s Wrights Road and Lake Road intersections will be included in staged upgrades to the Oxley Highway

Sporting clubs urged to apply for Local Sport Grants 

Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer is urging the NSW Government to deliver a budget that balances critical infrastructure investment with support for essential community services as cost-of-living pressures continue to impact local families.

The NSW Liberals and Nationals have announced they will reinstate the Regional Seniors Travel Card if elected to government in 2027, providing vital cost-of-living relief for seniors living in regional communities.

Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer says the growing number of businesses relocating from New South Wales to Queensland demonstrates the urgent need for payroll tax reform to restore the state's competitiveness.

Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer has welcomed more than $1.27 million in NSW Government funding for the North Coast Regional Landcare Network (NCRLN), describing it as a significant investment in environmental stewardship, climate resilience and Aboriginal partnerships across the region.

Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer says the NSW Government's $561 million Transport Affordability Package is being sold to the whole state, but two of its four headline measures are built for a network that doesn't exist on the Mid North Coast.

Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer has welcomed the commencement of tough new laws that will hold commercial landlords accountable if they knowingly allow illicit tobacco and illegal vaping products to be sold from their properties.

Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer has cautiously welcomed the launch of the state's new Development Coordination Authority (DCA), but says local homeowners and Port Macquarie-Hastings and Mid Coast Councils need a guarantee the one-stop- shop will actually speed up approvals in the regions, not just in Sydney.

Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer has responded to the NSW State Budget, welcoming some local investments while calling out the failure to fund Wrights Road, the Thrumster Wastewater Scheme and other critical infrastructure for the region.

Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer has welcomed a major commitment from the NSW Liberals and Nationals to deliver the most competitive payroll tax regime in Australia, saying the reforms will provide much-needed relief for small and medium-sized businesses across the Mid North Coast.

Robert Dwyer reports highlights serious concerns around affordability, accessibility, workforce pressures & growing compliance burden placed on providers/educators.

Robert Dwyer calls on the Minns Government to urgently review and increase financial support for pensioners struggling with rising living costs across NSW.

Robert Dwyer listening closely to community following last week’s announcement that business case Oxley Highway upgrade between Wrights/Lake Road now completed.

NSW Shadow Transport Minister, Natalie Ward has criticised the Minns Government over its backflip on e-bike id measures, still seeing little for public safety.

Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer has continued his strong advocacy for Port Macquarie Hastings Council facilitating important meeting - Council and NSW Gvmt.

Robert Dwyer met with Minister for Roads and Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison to urgently discuss the business case for the proposed upgrade of the Oxley Highway

Robert Dwyer is calling on motorists across the Mid North Coast and New South Wales to make safer choices behind the wheel during National Road Safety Week.

Mid North Coast flood anniversary a time for reflection and ongoing support

Community urged to back push for Houston Mitchell Drive overpass 

Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer has called on motorists to play their part in reducing the state’s rising road toll on the eve of the Anzac Day long weekend.

Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer has met with New South Wales Premier Chris Minns to advocate for key infrastructure projects critical to the region’s growth.

Community groups, sporting organisations and NFP's across the Port Macquarie electorate apply for funding - 2026 Community Building Partnership (CBP) Grants program.

Local sporting organisations being encouraged to apply for funding under the Play Her Way Innovation Program, available to support participation among women/girls.

The fundraising effort brought together clubs from across the region, highlighting the strong community spirit/commitment supporting those affected by disasters.”

Robert Dwyer has welcomed the rollout out across NSW of a free, needle-free flu vaccine for children aged two to four, making it easier than ever to protect kids.

Nine sporting clubs across the Port Macquarie electorate will benefit from a combined $46,000 in funding through the NSW Government’s Local Sport Grant Program 2025.