Geoff Provest MP | Politician

Geoff Provest MP

Phone: +61 7 5523 4816

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25.01.2022 World Surf League brings a round of the Australian Grand Slam of Surfing events to the Tweed..

25.01.2022 The Opera House in her all glory for Police Remembrance Day

25.01.2022 And on to Pottsville and Kingscliff

24.01.2022 Two new Police recruits join Tweed Welcome to Probationary Constables Dony and Dai. Following the attestation ceremony at the Goulburn Police Academy on Friday these two new officers have joined the ranks of the Tweed-Byron Police District.... After completing eight months of foundational training our new officers have today reported to their station for their first day of duty. I’m absolutely delighted the Tweed community will be a safer place with this NSW Government investment boosting our policing numbers. An additional 14 officers have been added to the Tweed-Byron Police District from the last 5 attestations. On behalf of the community, I am pleased to be able to welcome our newest police officers.

24.01.2022 Catching up with The Premier to talk all things budget The 2020-21 NSW Budget handed down today provides a major boost to Tweed health and Tweed education. In particular, the Budget allocates $82.7 million from the Jobs and Infrastructure Acceleration Fund to turbocharge construction of the new Tweed Valley Hospital.... Funding has also been allocated to complete the upgrade of Tweed River High School by June next year and Kingscliff High School, Kingscliff Public School and Tweed Heads South Public School by December 2021. The Tweed will benefit from a range of other education initiatives, 12 months of free community preschool for our littlest learners to ensure they are well prepared to start school, free student tutoring and the installation of energy efficient lighting in public schools. Tens of thousands of small and medium-sized businesses across the State are also set to benefit. Digital vouchers worth $1,500 will be available to help pay for government fees and charges as part of the Government’s COVID-19 stimulus and recovery plan in the 2020-21 NSW Budget. These new vouchers will provide a critical cash injection for smaller businesses below the payroll tax threshold. This Budget also sees a further investment in walking and cycleways across the Tweed. The State government will also give every adult in NSW four $25 vouchers to spend separately on dining and entertainment as a stimulus measure to encourage visits to struggling cafes, restaurants and cultural institutions. I encourage all Tweed residents to spend those vouchers locally. They are designed to support Tweed small business, not go to Queensland which has treated us so shoddily throughout the pandemic. For more information about the NSW Government’s 2020-21 Budget, please go to budget.nsw.gov.au

22.01.2022 As this week is National Road Safety week the Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance has used this opportunity to announce major changes to Road Safety Laws. Hundreds of our family members, friends and neighbours are killed on NSW roads each year, with the tragedies felt across entire communities. A new law combining drink and drug driving and changes to the mobile speed camera program are part of a major crackdown on offences to save lives on our roads.... Research shows you are 23 times more likely to crash if you are under the influence of both drugs and alcohol- this massive, life-threatening risk needs a stronger penalty. This announcement is about changing culture and changing behaviour. If your planning on having a drink.. make sure you have a plan B.

22.01.2022 Community Sport Update The NSW Chief Health Officer has updated recommendations for Community Sport. The recommendations detailed in the letter include the request for community sport organisations to:... Cease activities that result in the mixing of participants and staff from different regions, for example by ceasing zone, regional or state championships or competitions Cease any activities that result in overnight stays (e.g. multi-day training camps) due to increased risk of COVID transmission in residential-type settings with shared facilities Cease face-to-face social activities relating to community sports (e.g. award ceremonies, end-of-season social gatherings, post-training group dinners) Avoid carpools or bus travel with people from different household groups where possible; and For local activities, limit spectators to one parent only, where the child requires parental supervision during the sporting activity. These recommendations are anticipated to remain in place for the next six weeks. The CHO detailed letter and NSW Health Advice can be found here https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/novel-coronavirus-covid-19

22.01.2022 Tweed tourism industry champions have shared their inspiring stories in a video series that takes future holidaymakers behind the scenes to motivate them to support local when planning their next escape (once non-essential travel advice is updated) The 49 Local Stories, produced by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, include two local Tweed operators inviting visitors to stop by Tweed to enjoy the products and experiences of the area. We look... forward to welcoming holidaymakers to Tweed in the future to meet our local champions and enjoy the surrounds that are uniquely ours. Today we hear from Kylie Peterson, Owner of Tweed Eco Tours.

21.01.2022 Pro Surfing Grand slam makes waves in Tweed Next month the Tweed will host one of three Australian Grand Slam of Surfing events to be staged across the country thanks to a partnership between World Surf League and the NSW Government. The Tweed Coast Pro will be held over two days and will utilise locations at Cabarita Beach or Fingal Head.... The World Surf League coming to Tweed confirms what locals have always known, that we are home to the best surfing in the entire world. The Australian Grand Slam of Surfing, which will play a part of The WSL Countdown, will see 24 of Australia’s best surfers (12 men and 12 women) go head-to-head in their respective divisions with 10 male CT (Championship Tours) competitors and 8 female CT competitors on standby for each stop, some looking to compete for the first time in 2020. The NSW Government will be working alongside the World Surf League and local communities to ensure all Public Health Orders and COVID-safe plans are adhered to. For more information on this and the WSL Countdown Series, please visit www.worldsurfleague.com

21.01.2022 Surf Life Saving comes to Parliament. SLSNSW held their Volunteer Recognition day in Parliament House again this year. This day is designed to recognise and acknowledge the wonderful role our volunteer lifesavers provide protecting NSW communities and visitors along the NSW coastline. ... It was great to welcome the volunteers. I would also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the amazing volunteers we have protecting our Tweed community whilst we enjoy the waters of our pristine beaches. Remember... always swim between the red and yellow flags.

20.01.2022 Eight hundred tonne underwater oasis deployed off Tweed Coast This morning the Minister for Agriculture and I headed out for the lowering of the first of 32 concrete "Fish Grotto" modules set to form the foundation of what will be and 834 tonne underwater oasis. NSW has the most beautiful beaches in the world, and with the Tweed reef sitting in the warm waters of the State’s far north coast, these are the perfect conditions for recreational fishers to cast a line and land... a trophy catch. A smorgasbord of sportfish will be drawn to the new Offshore Artificial Reef including kingfish, cobia, snapper, mulloway and mackerel with the chance of tropical species such as giant trevally, mangrove jack and various emperors. The environmental benefits of these offshore artificial reefs have been scientifically studied and have shown to be up to four times greater compared with natural temperate reefs, so this is a win for all in our local community. The reef is located approximately 7.5 kilometres south east of the Tweed Heads river entrance, between Cook Island and Kingscliff and approximately 2.5 kilometres off the coast of Wommin Bay at a depth of 25 metres.

18.01.2022 It’s great to see more and more businesses signing up to accept the Dine & Discover vouchers. If you are a NSW resident and over 18 and haven’t yet applied for your 4 x $25 vouchers you can so through the ServiceNSW app or online at service.nsw.gov.au/transac/apply-dine-discover-nsw-vouchers

18.01.2022 We will remember them Lest we forget

17.01.2022 Welcome News: QUEENSLAND BORDER OPENS FURTHER The NSW Government welcomes the Queensland Government’s decision to open its borders to an additional five northern NSW Local Government Areas (LGAs) from Thursday 1 October 2020. The extended border zone will now allow residents living the Byron, Ballina, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Glen Innes-Servern LGAs - as well as those already in the border zone - to cross the Queensland border without entering quarantine.... This means an additional 152,000 NSW residents and workers will soon be able to cross the border into Queensland. The NSW Government has been advocating for these changes through the Northern Border Recovery Committee and the NSW Cross Border Commissioner James McTavish, to ensure Northern Border residents can access health care, education and work. The Northern Border Recovery Committee was formed to ensure local advice, local experience and local expertise informs NSW Government efforts to minimise the impact of border closures and provide recovery support measures. I serve as the co-chair of the committee and other members include representatives from the Department of Regional NSW, NSW Police, NSW Health, Education, Emergency Services and Transport. From Thursday 1 October 2020 onwards, the extended border zone will cover 41 NSW postcodes in 11 LGAs. Residents will still need to apply for a border pass, which will enable them to cross the border and to travel ANYWHERE in the state of Queensland. Queensland residents will also be able to travel to the border region of NSW and return without the need for quarantine. The NSW Government does not want to keep borders closed or COVID-19 restrictions in place for a day longer than necessary and we look forward to more Covid-19 free areas of NSW being allowed access to other States in the near future.

16.01.2022 Safer journeys are on the way across Tweed with projects rolling out under the latest round of the Australian and NSW Governments’ accelerated Fixing Local Roads program to improve local roads and create thousands of local jobs in the regions. This latest round of Fixing Local Roads funding would help Tweed Shire Council tackle the increasing amount of work required to provide safe roads for the community, like repairing, patching, maintaining and sealing. Safe, reliable... roads are essential infrastructure for communities in the bush, so it’s great that the Federal Government has turbocharged the NSW Government’s $500 million Fixing Local Roads program by committing $191 million last year. Better maintained roads mean safer trips to school, to work and to the shops and the NSW Government is committed to helping councils to create and support jobs, drive productivity and keep our regional communities connected. This is great timing for the Council following all the rain we have had and the number of potholes that are around the Shire. Pictured here with TSC Director of Engineering David Oxenham and Mayor Chris Cherry on Leisure Drive.

15.01.2022 Emergency services in the Tweed area will be better prepared after the announcement of funding for essential rescue equipment. I was pleased to visit the team at Chinderah to announce $5,000 in discretional funding to deliver eight new vertical rescue harnesses for the Tweed District Volunteer Rescue Association (VRA). VRA are often the first responders to many emergencies and it is pleasing to be able to provide them with additional equipment.... These new harnesses will allow volunteers to better access difficult areas to assist in rescues. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our volunteers, who are often the first to arrive at the scene of many emergencies.

14.01.2022 Today marks the beginning of Perinatal Mental Health week. 1 in 5 new mums and 1 in 10 new dads experience perinatal depression and anxiety, and parents should know that it is okay to ask for support. Becoming a parent can be both exciting and terrifying. While parents can expect normal periods of fatigue, worry or irritability as they adjust to parenthood, it’s really important to talk to your GP if low or anxious feelings persist.... To learn more about perinatal mental illness or to access support, contact any of the below services: Way Ahead Perinatal Programs: http://pnda.wayahead.org.au/ PANDA National Perinatal Mental Health Helpline: 1300 726 306 The Gidget Foundation: 1300 851 758 Karitane Careline: https://karitane.com.au/careline 1300 227 464 Tresillian https://www.tresillian.org.au/ 1300 272 736 SleepWellBaby app: https://www.tresillian.org.au/about- us/what-we-do/sleepwellbabyapp/ BEING Supported Warm Line: 1800 151 151 NSW Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511

14.01.2022 Today is R U OK? day. A day to check in on those around you, loved ones, work mates and neighbours. If you have a feeling that someone you know or care about it isn’t behaving as they normally would, or seem out of sorts by asking R U OK you may very well save their life.... By starting a conversation and commenting on the changes you’ve noticed, you could help that family member, friend or workmate open up. To learn more about how to ask someone are you ok visit https://www.ruok.org.au/join-r-u-ok-day

13.01.2022 Mental Health Supports are available. If you are finding you are having more bad days than good, there is support available. No matter who you are, or how you're feeling, you can talk it through.... There are also specialist counsellors in schools for children and resources available for teachers and families. No young person needs to feel like they have nowhere to turn when they are really struggling. If you, or someone you know, is experiencing a personal crisis or distress, please seek help immediately by calling 000 or one of these services: Lifeline 13 11 14 Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467 NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511 Beyond Blue 1300 224 636

12.01.2022 Stone and Wood Great to visit the Stone and Wood facility in Murwillumbah and talk about their plans to build a new $50 million brewery. COVID hit the team hard which seen them suffer a 70 percent loss of their volume overnight.... A year later they can hardly keep up with the demand for their beers, especially the ever popular Pacific Ale. This investment will create 40 jobs during construction and 150 ongoing jobs. This is great news for the Northern Rivers.

12.01.2022 How beautiful is this. The Opera house was projected with dozens poppies at sunrise this morning

11.01.2022 Our local police officers will be at Casuarina Shopping Centre tomorrow.

11.01.2022 Do you have a Grandparent, Grandfriend or Grandneighbour that needs to be recognised in your community? Nominate them for the Tweed Local Grandparent of the Year Award. Nominations close 5pm tonight (Monday 28th September) and can be submitted via the following link: https://nswcommunities.smartygrants.com.au/LGOTY2020MPonly

10.01.2022 I was delighted to have the NSW Minister for Police and Emergency Services, The Hon David Elliott in town and be able to catch up with the Queensland Chief Superintendent Mark Wheeler and his colleagues. Mr Elliott took the opportunity to inspect the Tweed Police Station with Acting Superintendent Cameron Lindsay, also meeting four new probationary constables who joined the force after the most recent attestation. These officers will take their world class training to the fro...ntline in keeping the community safe and it is pleasing to know they are bringing their great work to the Tweed area. The NSW Government has committed $583 million over four years to deliver 1500 new police officers the biggest single increase for the NSW Police Force in more than 30 years

10.01.2022 As of Thursday 1am August 20th, the Queensland Government had been partially readded the post code 2483 to the border bubble. Remember as border residents we can travel into Queensland's border bubble zones only.

09.01.2022 Congratulations to all Tweed Year 12 students.. today you graduate 2020 has presented many challenges to these young minds. Their courage, resilience and strength sets an example for all of us. ... Be proud of your efforts.

08.01.2022 Great news for community sport From this weekend, more than one parent may now attend community sporting activities but physical distancing measures of at least 1.5 metres must be maintained between people that are not from the same household. This is great news for all those families who have been wanting to see their kids do what they love.

08.01.2022 The World Surf League (WSL) Australian Grand Slam of Surfing series has issued a Green Alert for the Tweed Coast Pro, Tweed Coast NSW, to run this Sunday, September 13 from 7:00 a.m. AEST. A moderate East swell is forecast for the region over the weekend and into next week and should make for favourable conditions at Cabarita Beach for the event to run over two days on Sunday and Monday. The WSL is following an extremely strict COVID Safe Plan for the event which is supporte...d by NSW Health. The broadcast-only ‘strike mission' style event, not designed for spectators due to COVID, will see competitors given just four days' notice within the competition window, to travel to each location to compete over two days. (athletes from COVID hotspots will not be permitted to participate) Surf conditions will determine which location is surfed and when to make sure surfers compete in the best conditions possible. For more information on this and the WSL Countdown Series, please visit www.worldsurfleague.com

07.01.2022 2021 HSC Timetable out now. 76,000 NSW school students have now received their personal timetable for the 2021 written HSC exams. HSC written exams will start on Tuesday 12 October with a compulsory English paper and finish with the examination of Food Technology on Thursday 4 November. ... HSC students receiving their timetables means the final leg of the school journey is in sight. The HSC is an exciting time. We know students put in a lot of work for their final exam. Receiving the timetable makes it all the more real for students. They can see the final step in their school journey and start to think about life beyond school. But we also need to remember this is the time when support is needed the most. Some things you can do to help your teen get through the HSC include encouraging: a healthy diet plenty of protein and complex carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables drinking lots of water cutting down on caffeine if they must have a coffee, limit it to 1 and not after midday plenty of sleep teens don’t realise how much sleep they need, at least 8 to 10 hours is recommended being positive about how they will do in the exam exercise and time to switch off and relax each day.

07.01.2022 Each year, the 29th September holds a special significance for Police throughout Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa and the Solomon Islands. This is a time for members of New South Wales Police and the community to honour the dedicated men and women who have died serving their community. Due to COVID restrictions this years services have been cancelled but tonight we will see a blue light display on the Sydney Opera House sails.... To those officers who continue to serve their communities, we thank you and your families.

06.01.2022 Free Tutoring available Tweed parents whose children need a little extra help with schoolwork will now have access to free tutoring in 2021, thanks to a new $337 million Nationals in NSW Government investment. Schooling in the Tweed has suffered more COVID-19 disruption than other parts of the State because we have also had to cop the brunt of the Queensland Government’s unreasonably long border restrictions.... That is why the Nationals Education Minister Sarah Mitchell has dedicate almost 5500 additional staff to deliver small-group tuition at every NSW government school, as well as non-government schools with the most significant levels of need. This program will not only support students, but provide employment for qualified teachers and university tutors who may be short on work. We have many enthusiastic young teachers starting their careers, and we also have experienced teachers who are now retired who can help support our students next year. People interested in taking part can register at teach.nsw.edu.au.

05.01.2022 Don't risk your life or your licence this long weekend. Drive safe and arrive alive!

05.01.2022 The wonderful and excited Pottsville Beach Community Hall Committee received a new commercial grade dishwasher this week, thanks to funding secured from the Southern Cross Credit Union. This is a great asset for the hall and a bonus for all future events. I look forward to seeing some more amazing meals cooked up in the kitchen so the dishwasher gets lots of use.

04.01.2022 Today is #AgDayAU A day dedicated to celebrating our iconic farmers. Through drought, bushfire, floods and a pandemic our farming communities have shown incredible resilience.

04.01.2022 Free Preschool for families Working families and young children in Tweed will benefit from a year of free preschool with the NSW Government announcing funding for community preschools in 2021. This $120 million commitment will help more than 44,000 three to five year olds attending community preschool. ... The free preschool program has been supporting families since the beginning of the pandemic and was providing certainty for parents into the future. Since the initial announcement of our COVID-19 response, the free preschool program has saved countless services and jobs in Tweed while keeping our children learning during their most important years. This funding will assist families to get on with working and support them to divert family income into other essentials. Families will have certainty moving into 2021, knowing that regardless of their financial situation their child will be able to continue with their preschool education. Early childhood services opting into this program must continue to remain open and available to provide education and care. This is particularly important for children as families return to work.

04.01.2022 Digital registration to be mandated from 23 November Venues across the Tweed are being urged to put the safety of customers and staff first and have a system for digital registration such as a QR code that records patrons’ names and contact details in place by 23 November, or risk facing penalties. So far more than 16,000 businesses across the State have used a NSW Government QR code and 94 per cent of customers have given the COVID Safe Check In the thumbs up.... Scanning a NSW Government QR code captures the business name, address and the customer’s contact details. The information is securely stored for 28 days for the sole purpose of contact tracing and can be instantly accessed by NSW Health in the event of an outbreak. After this time, it will be destroyed. I strongly encourage businesses to download a free NSW Government QR code and for customers to use the COVID Safe Check In through the Service NSW app. For customers who do not have access to a smartphone, venues are encouraged to record their contact details and time of entry using a digital device.

04.01.2022 Attending the Master Builders Association meeting today. Led by NSW MBA Tweed President Peter Leotta industry representatives were bought together to hear from a number of guest speakers; NSW Cross Border Commissioner James McTavish... Executive Director MBA NSW Brian Seidler NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian The Building and Construction industry are suffering because of the Queensland Governments border closure. We have houses in and outside the border bubble that are due to have roofs on, have their kitchens fitted but workers can’t get here to do the jobs, or supplies can’t be delivered. Therefore there are families that are suffering financially because they can’t work. We were extremely fortunate to have the NSW Premier dial in to address the 140 odd attendees and hear the plight of our local industry, and commit to taking this to National Cabinet tomorrow.

03.01.2022 Local Sport Grant Program is now open... Local sports clubs and associations are set to receive a funding boost to assist with ongoing participation in sport and active recreation in Tweed, with applications now open for the Local Sport Grant Program. Applicants can access funding for a range of projects including sport access initiatives and facility upgrades, with up to $50,000 available for projects in every electorate across NSW.... At a time when the sector is navigating through the impacts of COVID-19, the Local Sport Grant Program will provide a significant boost to the people of Tweed with grants ranging from $500 to $15,000 for successful projects. I encourage local clubs and associations to review the guidelines and submit their applications in the coming weeks. Applications are now open and will close at 5:00pm Wednesday, 7 October 2020. More info at: https://www.sport.nsw.gov.au/sectordevelo/grants/localsport

01.01.2022 Have you planned ahead?? By planning ahead you remain in control of critical life decisions. A Will, Power of Attorney and Enduring Guardianship are all legal documents for planning ahead.... The NSW Trustee and Guardian is holding a Plan Ahead Day on Thursday 3rd September at South Tweed Sports Club, 4 Minjungbal Drive, Tweed Heads South from 9.30am-3.00pm You can make an appointment to get help with; * Preparing a Will * Making a Power of Attorney * Appointing an Enduring Guardian Appointments are essential and can be made by calling 02 6626 3200 or visit tag.nsw.gov.au/planahead.