MEDIA RELEASES

by Robert Dwyer
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10 February 2026
Local Businesses Encouraged to Apply for NSW EV Fast-Charging Grants Member for Port Macquarie Robert Dwyer is encouraging local businesses across the Mid North Coast to apply for NSW Government funding to install electric vehicle (EV) fast-charging stations, as part of ongoing efforts to expand clean transport infrastructure across the state. Under Round 4 of the NSW Electric Vehicle Strategy, funding has been allocated to help make EV ownership more convenient, accessible and reliable for motorists, particularly in regional areas. Mr Dwyer said the program has been updated to better reflect its long-term focus, including overcoming range anxiety, improving connectivity between metropolitan and regional NSW, and future-proofing the EV charging network beyond 2030. “Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular in areas like the Mid North Coast, and it’s important our infrastructure keeps pace with demand,” Mr Dwyer said. “Eligible businesses can apply for grants of up to $20 million to install fast-charging stations, which will give drivers confidence to travel between towns and regions.” Mr Dwyer said the grants also present an opportunity for local businesses to attract visitors and support the regional economy. “Fast-charging stations encourage motorists to stop, shop and spend time in our communities, delivering real benefits for local businesses and tourism,” he said. “This is a practical investment that supports local jobs, strengthens our visitor economy and helps reduce transport emissions at the same time.” “By working together with local businesses, we can ensure the Mid North Coast is well positioned to benefit from the shift to electric vehicles and remain a connected, attractive destination for residents and visitors alike,” Mr Dwyer said. Businesses are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and apply through the NSW Government grants at www.nsw.gov.au/grants-and-funding/round-4-drive-electric-nsw-ev-fast-charging-grants Applications close 24th April 2026 at 11:00pm Media Contact: Terry Sara 6584 0977 or 0409 834 648
by Robert Dwyer
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4 February 2026
Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer has criticised the NSW Government’s Work Health and Safety Amendment (Digital Work Systems) Bill 2025, warning it will impose new compliance burdens on regional employers, undermine innovation, and create uncertainty for businesses already under pressure.
by Robert Dwyer
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28 January 2026
Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer, has not publicly supported or opposed the proposed 18-storey development in Park Street, Port Macquarie.
by Robert Dwyer
•
9 December 2025
Probus Clubs in NSW provide valuable social connection and community for retirees and semi-retirees.

by Robert Dwyer
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8 December 2025
The NSW Liberals and Nationals have announced a commitment to introducing a nation-leading, low-cost licence plate scheme for certain categories of e-bike riders, putting community safety, responsible riding and practical enforcement at the centre of future active-transport regulation.

by Robert Dwyer
•
27 October 2025
MINNS GOVERNMENT HELD TO ACCOUNT OVER OXLEY HIGHWAY GRIDLOCK Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer will continue to advocate for the urgent upgrade of the Oxley Highway following the Minns Government admission that the draft business case to upgrade the highway between Wrights Road and Lake Road roundabouts is now complete. Speaking during a debate in Parliament last Thursday alongside the Member for Oxley, the Member for Upper Hunter and the Member for Ryde, Mr Dwyer said the daily traffic chaos on the Oxley Highway is not merely an inconvenience, it is a “critical infrastructure failure” that is now threatening lives, local productivity, and access to essential services. “With over 20,000 vehicle movements every single day and 11,000 new homes planned across the Port Macquarie-Hastings region, this corridor is operating well beyond capacity,” he said. “What good is a world-class hospital if Ambulances are stuck in traffic, unable to reach patients in time?” Mr Dwyer said that despite the $264 million upgrade currently underway at Port Macquarie Base Hospital, the surrounding road network has been neglected. Peak-hour delays are expected to increase by up to 20 minutes by 2030 unless urgent planning and design work begins now. Mr Dwyer criticised the Minns Government for withdrawing $1 million in planning funds after the Federal Government cut its $4 million contribution, calling the decision “not just disappointing, it is dangerous.” In response, the Parliamentary Secretary for Road, Anna Watson MP said, “In Port Macquarie, we are finalising the business case for staged intersection upgrades along the Oxley Highway between John Oxley Drive and Hastings River Drive. This will guide future investment to improve safety and travel reliability, particularly at the Wrights Road and Lake Road intersections. The draft business case is complete and currently undergoing an assurance review to ensure it meets Infrastructure NSW requirements. This process ensures that all viable options have been considered, that the project meets its key objectives, and that it delivers the best value for money for the community. Once assured, the business case will outline preferred options for both Wrights Road and Lake Road, paving the way for funding and construction.” “I welcome the announcement that the draft business case is now complete, but I won’t stop fighting for this upgrade until we see construction commence. “I would like to thank Business Port Macquarie for organising the petition along with the more than 10,000 people who signed it, as well as the almost 26,000 people who watched the “mad as hell” social media video. This helped to send a message to the Minns Government that we mean business when it comes to the upgrade of the Oxley Highway,” Mr Dwyer said. Media Contact: Chris Bawn or Emma Walker 6584 0977
by Robert Dwyer
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29 September 2025
The disgraceful fencing along the Oxley Highway between Wrights Rd and Fernhill Road set to be either replaced or repaired, Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer
by Robert Dwyer
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17 September 2025
Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer is encouraging local residents to have their say on proposed changes to the Pacific Highway-Harrington Road intersection upgrade.
by Robert Dwyer
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15 September 2025
Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer has welcomed measures to strengthen compliance and enforcement of tobacco laws in NSW.
by Robert Dwyer
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18 August 2025
The recent devastating flooding in the Manning Valley has highlighted the need to look at relocating a number of emergency services facilities, Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer said today.
by Robert Dwyer
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13 August 2025
Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer has questioned the Roads Minister Jenny Aitchison as to why she thinks the ‘Donut’ is the worst traffic bottleneck in Port Macquarie when she knows only too well that the biggest traffic congestion is the Wrights Road/Lake Road roundabouts.
by Robert Dwyer
•
6 August 2025
Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer last night (Tuesday) used a speech in Parliament to call on the Minns Government to urgently fund planning to upgrade the Oxley Highway between the Wrights Road and Lake Road roundabouts which has become this area’s biggest traffic bottleneck
by Robert Dwyer
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4 August 2025
Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer has today announced the successful Community Building Partnership Grant recipients. 22 community groups have shared in $450,000 across the Port Macquarie electorate with the State Government funds delivering much needed improvements to local facilities
by Robert Dwyer
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18 July 2025
Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer has reiterated his frustration that Category D flood recovery funding has not been included for small businesses impacted by the recent floods
by Robert Dwyer
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15 July 2025
Member for Port Macquarie, Robert Dwyer welcomed today’s announcement of the $20 million redevelopment of the Port Macquarie Police Station to meet the needs of officer and our community into the future.
by Robert Dwyer
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4 July 2025
Local not-for-profits, schools and councils are being encouraged to apply for the NSW Government’s Infrastructure Grants program (Clubgrants Category 3).


































