Re-elect Robert Armstrong for Huon | Politician

Re-elect Robert Armstrong for Huon

Phone: +61 418 951 820

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25.01.2022 Great to see the Tahune Airwalk re-opening on Saturday 29th Feb. Congrats to all involved on this achievement 13 months after those devastating bushfires. Pictured here at the official re-opening with Suzette Weeding and Sarah Vautin of Sustainable Timbers Tasmania and Tahune Adventures Tasmania CEO Ken Stronach. I encourage everyone to support this iconic tourism attraction.

24.01.2022 Obviously the outbreak of Covid-19 has necessarily limited social gatherings meaning this ANZAC day will be the first in many years to not feature a Dawn Service. The Dawn Service has a particular significance to many in our community and this years cancellation is deeply saddening. An idea has developed to serve as an alternative to the traditional Dawn service and that is to encourage people to stand at the end of their driveway, or on their front porch or even stand by a w...indow facing the street at 5.55am this Saturday for a 6.00am Dawn Service of their own. They are encouraged to listen to radio or livestream coverage of the Dawn service being broadcast nationally and observe, in unity, a minutes silence. I believe this is appropriate, respectful and powerful symbol of solidarity at a time when it is needed more than ever. I hope you can join me and take part to "remember them". I would be pleased if you could share this post to help get the idea out to the community. Stay safe, and keep in contact with your loved ones by phone, social media or the like. See more

23.01.2022 Among other things I thought it appropriate to advise the latest on what is happening with the Legislative Council elections. Parliament will be recalled for necessary legislation related to Covid-19 to be debated and that is likely to happen before the end of April. At the same sitting it is anticipated legislation will be debated to extend current Legislative Council members terms to a time when an election can be safely held. This is so the regions can have a continued rep...resentative to that time. At this time I have no idea when that will be. The North West Coast is the hot spot for Covid-19 at the moment. If that area didnt have the outbreaks Tasmania would be doing ok and much better than other States. I have noticed in the media recently that some are trying to play politics by finger pointing before investigations into that outbreak are completed. This is not helpful to those dedicated health, and other essential support workers who are doing a fantastic job under very trying conditions. Let the investigation conclude before we go on a witch hunt. In the main Government and the opposition have worked together trying to contain this virus and in my view have been very responsive to an unprecedented situation. The leadership and collaboration has been great to see. It is fantastic to see the public are largely abiding by the direction of the Government, and their advisers, and I thank everyone for that. Stay safe. See more

22.01.2022 Pictured here with Government representative along with local industry leaders at the Sandfly Rd/Huon Hwy intersection. I organised the meeting with Deartment of State Growth after fiurther concerns were raised about the design during the cosultation process.These concerns have now been listened to, and hopefully resolved. They include a south turning merging lane from Sandfly Rd and relocated bus stop and parking facilities. Thanks for your continued feedback on this.

22.01.2022 Congratulations to the Dover Seafest organising committee and volunteers. Great food, and arts and crafts. Thoroughly enjoyed catching up with so many acquaintances. Also enjoyed immensely the Maritime Exhibition. Was also pleased to be able to assist the Childrens Art Exhibition at the Sailing Club. Thanks one and all.

21.01.2022 As we all know, we are facing a health crisis (COVID-19) and we do not want to run the risk of spreading the virus. Accordingly I have suspended my door knocking campaign in the interest of public safety. Personally that is sad because the response I have been getting has been most positive. I hope to be able to resume meeting people face to face prior to the election on 2 May 2020. As to dealing with Coronavirus COVID-19 it is my opinion we need to be guided by the Government, both State and Federal, and their health advisers who have the necessary expertise. Public opinions from others can cause confusion and inconsistent responses to this horrible situation.

21.01.2022 Tremendous day on Saturday at Relay for Life at Huonville. Congrats to all these wonderful people doing great work raising money for Cancer Council. Pictured here with participant "the tooth fairy" Rebecca.

20.01.2022 I again met with Senator Jonathon Duniam to lobby for the funds needed to complete the Channel Hwy Link Road (Huon Foreshore Bypass). Further funding of around $4m is required on top of $7.5m already available from the State Government. I remain optimistic the funding will be secured in the near future.

20.01.2022 Big weekend coming up for Dover. On Saturday we have the annual Dover Axemens Association Wood Chopping & Sawing Carnival (Chapman Ave, Dover at 10am). On Sunday we have the ever popular Dover Seafest (Dover Foreshore at 11am) and also Dover Museum and Gallery will be hosting A Travelling Exhibition from the Maritime Museum of Tasmania (Huon Hwy at 10am). Hope you can make it.

19.01.2022 Enjoyed attending the Blackmans Bay Scouts AGM. Very interesting listening about their activities during the year. What a fantastic group who can be very proud of themselves and are extremely well led by their leaders. I am pictured with leader Brian Williams and members of the Scout Group.

19.01.2022 The Huon Highway is a vital link to and from the Huon Valley, connecting one of Greater Hobarts highest growth residential areas as well as major industry sect...ors including tourism, forestry, aquaculture and agriculture with Hobart and beyond. Therefore it was important to hear from Robert Armstrong MLC about why a planning study is vital for this region. Minister Michael Ferguson has undertaken to conduct the study, with the planning to look at how the highway meets the current and future needs of the community, with future road improvements to be identified which will complement a number of other projects already planned for this corridor. Work on the planning study will begin in the coming months and the community will have many opportunities to help identify areas for improvement and to highlight safety concerns as the planning study progresses With Nic Street MP - Liberal Member for Franklin

18.01.2022 After a few days door knocking on the campaign trail was back doing committee work at Parliament House yesterday. It was the Select Committee inquiring in to AFL in Tasmania and we interviewed retired AFL CEO, Andrew Demetriou, Western Bulldogs President, Peter Gordon and Tasmanian based economist Saul Eslake. These were the final public hearings and the transcipts can be found on the Parliament website. It is hoped to table the final report in early April. Also great to briefly meet with the students of St James College who were touring Parliament House.

16.01.2022 Sorry about being off the pages last week. Was extremely busy in Parliament in what was an unprecedented legislative agenda dealing with the Bills connected to the coronavirus pandemic. The Bills passed were essential to future supply so the financial requirements of Government can continue at least until October when the State and Federal budgets will hopefully be delivered. The Bills passed included : - Supply Bills 1 & 2 - Appropriation (Supplementary 2019 & 2020) - Taxati...on & Related Legislation (Miscellaneous Amendments) - Covid-19 Emergency Legislation (Miscellaneous Provisions) I certainly supported the legislation and agree we must do whatever it takes to get us through this situation.It was pleasing to see the cooperation of all parliamentarians to get outcomes necessary for the future of our State. It was one of those instances where party politics did not intervene. Please stay safe and abide by what the experts are telling us. We will see this through together. See more

16.01.2022 We are not getting a lot of good news recently but a couple of things brought to my attention in recent days that would be of interest to many are : - The announcement of call for tenders to construct a new visitor shelter and amenities at the entrance to the Southwest National Park, south of the Cockle Creek bridge. The work includes toilet facility upgrades in the national parks and nature recreation precinct and the installation on which interprative signage and artwork wi...ll tell the story of the park and its surrounds. Any investment in our tourism and parks is welcomed. - Tasmanias fruit fly free status has been upheld is a great result for our fruit growers. This shows our biosecurity system is working and provides re-assurance for those dependant on our vital primary industries sector and the thousands of people employed, many in the Huon and Channel area. Stay safe. It seems we are getting on top of this pandemic. Please keep up the good work. See more

16.01.2022 We are aware of a significant increase in people being targeted with a range of scams, fraud attempts and deceptive emails and SMS schemes. One supposedly from the ATO looks particularly real but do not reply. The ACCC website is a good resource for information on current scams and how to report. Please share this post so members of of our community do not get caught by these insidious individuals and groups.

15.01.2022 We are all still severely impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic and again I hope you all stay safe and abide by the directions of the Government and their advisers. Easter will certainly not be the same as we are accustomed but I hope everyone makes the best they can of the situation. Stay in touch with loved ones and those doing it tough via phone, social media etc. I wish everyone a safe & happy Easter. We also need to remember ANZAC day is not far away and I will be sad not to be able to attend a service this year - the first time for as long as I can remember. There are still ways we can pay tribute and I will post details closer to the day. Once again stay safe and all the best.

13.01.2022 Congratulations to all Tasmanians for their dedication and commitment in helping to arrest Covid-19. I know many sacrifices have been made and it has affected a lot of individuals and businesses. As a consequence of the good work the Premier has now recommended to the Governor to hold the Legislative Council Elections for the seat of Huon on 1 August 2020. Assuming the Governor approves this date I am delighted we now have a clear pathway forward. The Legislative Council is an essential part of Tasmanias democratic system, as the House of Review, and I will be standing as an INDEPENDENT member and look forward to serving you again. Stay safe and dont hesitate to contact me with any queries or if I can assist.

13.01.2022 It is great to see the Channel Hwy corridor study is soon to be released. I expect the report to include recommendations about addressing the key infrastructure challenges and opportunities around the proposed Huntingfiel development, including the Algona Rd / Channel Hwy roundabout. A key concern out of the community consultation on this study was a Margate to Kingston shared path, so it is expected this will be addressed. I have been advocating for these along with the Sout...hern Outlet 5th lane and understand the concept designs for this project are near completion, with boots on the ground doing work as I write. I will do my best to ensure sufficient funding is made available to allow the best outcomes. Consultation on the Huon Hwy corridor study will soon get underway and I strongly encourage your input at the appropriate time. I look forward to seeing your ideas and concerns. See more

13.01.2022 SUPPORT LOCALS 2020 will be remembered as one of the toughest years yet and I am proud of the way the electorate has pulled together to come through it. But were not out of it yet, there is much more to do and local small businesses especially have hard times ahead. Our small businesses are the go-to-people of our communities. They bring income to our towns, provide local jobs, give our kids apprenticeships and work experience. They support local sporting teams, donate to lo...cal charities, work as volunteers. Living through this pandemic makes it more important than ever to support local business. They have always been there for us - now its our turn to make sure they stay open and operating into the future. By spending locally, you support the local economy, and the local workforce. Many of us started to buy more locally during Covid-19 and if we continue to do so for longer, and more of us do so, we will keep our main streets busy, local economies strong and jobs going. To keep our communities alive and our economy recover, CHOOSE LOCAL SMALL BUSINESS - its everyones business. Thanks & Stay Safe. See more

12.01.2022 I Hope all is well under very trying circumstances. I get many questions on my thoughts on various issues associated with this pandemic and my best advice is that we need to continue to be guided by the experts, and importantly abide by what they are telling us to do (or not to do). I know many businesses and their employees are being hit very hard and I genuinely feel for what you all are going through. There is some help at hand and I encourage people to keep up with what assistance the Governments are providing. The most accurate and up to date information can be found at coronavirus.tas.gov.au and australia.gov.au. Please also join me in thanking the many health care workers, aged care staff and other essential support workers for their dedication in these times. Stay safe.

12.01.2022 This week is National Volunteers Week. During these uncertain and challenging times, it is now as important as ever to recognise, acknowledge and thank all of our volunteers who help ensure services and supports are getting to those who need it. I would like to express my gratitude for the rapid response and hard work that many community sector organisations and their volunteers have delivered to support our entire community during this pandemic, especially those who would ha...ve found this situation far tougher without it. Whether it be fire, flood, or pandemic, volunteers are a true reflection of the Tasmanian community spirit, and I encourage everyone to acknowledge our volunteers who play a pivotal role in times of crisis. Of course we always need to remember, and thank, the thousands of volunteers who are there every day to better the lives of others under any circumstances. I dare not mention individuals or organisations because there are just so many. A big thank you to each and every one of you. See more

11.01.2022 Attended Huon Valley Resource Development Group meeting last week. Very informative and productive meeting and listened to concerns regarding industry and development in Huon Valley. Whilst I believe I have a good idea what your concerns might be, I would be interested to hear of them via this post.

10.01.2022 I have had some inquiry about the COVIDSafe Tracing App that we have been asked to load on our phones. To me it is a "no brainer". Some are concerned about privacy but the data is only used by health officials and is protected by strong privacy laws. What the App does is record the contact details of any other phones, with the tracing App loaded, that you are within close proximity for more than 15 minutes at a time. So, if you spend that time with someone who is later found ...to have the coronavirus, public health officials can access the tracing app contact data from their phone and let you know you might be at risk. Contact is subject to approval from the infected person and only goes back to contact in the last 21 days. Obviously this means you will be contacted more quickly if you are at risk and as a result it reduces your chance of passing on the virus to your family, friends and other people in the community. I fail to see why you wouldnt download it and I am disappointed some have used this as a political stunt. See more

10.01.2022 Notwithstanding we have nearly 7 weeks without a positive Covid-19 in our community, continued testing needs to occur. The last thing we want is a second wave. If you have any symptons such as a sniffle, fever, cough, sore or scratchy throat, or shortness of breath its really important to go and get tested. Please note a free mobile testing clinic will be at Huonville Recreation Ground, 40 Wilmot Rd, on 1 - 2 July from 10.00am to 3.30pm and no bookings are required. Otherwise you can call the Public Health Hotline on 1800 671 738.

10.01.2022 Pictured here with Trevor Adams, Chairman of Bruny Island Ferry Reference Group, at the announcement of the upgrades to landside ferry infrastructure. Also pictured with the Minister, Paul Victory from Sealink, Kingborough Mayor Dean Winter, Trevor Adams, Nick Street MHA, and boat builder Toby Richardson.This is another project I have been continually lobbying the Government and its great there has been progress.

10.01.2022 Fantastic to see the re-opening of Tahune Adventures in time for the school holidays. Tahune Airwalk is a major drawcard and is a significant driver of jobs and the economy in our local area. Congratulations to Sustainable Timber Tasmania and the owner of Tahune Adventures, Ken Stronach, and his team for the significant work undertaken to get this important tourism site operational following the devastating bushfires of 2018/19, and the additional setback from Covid-19. I str...ongly encourage all Tasmanians visit and experience this world class attraction, and support the Huon Valley community. Stay overnight at one of the fantastic accommodation places and eat and drink some of the wonderful offerings available throughout. Visit Hastings Caves, and the many other attractions and take in the beautiful scenery in the area. Then take a drive back and enjoy the wonderful Channel region. Lets support our local businesses and help them to get back to normal as as possible. See more

08.01.2022 Attended sponsors day at Franklin Bowls Club on Saturday and watched a thrilling game of bowls and enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea provided by the ladies. Congratulations to Franklin on a thrilling 3 shot victory which keeps their finals hopes alive. Pictured here with other sponsors and members of the Club.

08.01.2022 There is nothing more important than community, and as we continue to face the unprecedented challenge of the Covid-19 pandemic, Tasmanias already wonderful sense of community has never been needed more. Each year the Tasmanian Community Achievement Awards provide an opportunity for us to nominate those people in our community who are local heroes are helping to build a vibrant and thriving Huon & Channel area. The Community Achievement Awards recognise excellence across a number of categories and I encourage you to take the time to nominate an outstanding individual, group or business that is making a real difference in our community. There are many and it would be great to see a lot of nominations from our community. Nominations for the 2020 Awards close on 22 July. To submit a nomination go to : http://www.awardsaustralia.com/tascaa

07.01.2022 Disappointing the election has again been deferred to a date to be advised, however there is no doubt it needed to happen under the current circumstances. Notwithstanding the elections are an important part of our States democratic process the strongest measures must be in place to minimize the risk of the spread of Covid-19. In fact I had spoken to the Electoral Commissioner expressing my concern for the health risks associated with an election during these times. I believe it is important for electors of the Huon electorate to have their democratic say when it is safe to do so. Meanwhile I remain committed to the electorate and hopefully being able to continue to serve you when we do eventually go to the polls. Please stay safe and abide by directions issued by Governments and their advisers. We will get through this together.

06.01.2022 Due to the outstanding job of Tasmanians in following the restrictions imposed, the Government have announced the bringing forward of the easing of Stage 2 restrictions. In response to the many inquiries I have received about the restrictions I am now able to advise that efeective from 5 June at 3.00pm the restrictions eased include: - Overnight stays now permitted in time for long weekend - Accommodation unlimited - Statewide shack visits now ok - Statewide boating allowed... - Increase to 40 the numbers permitted at cafes, restaurants, pubs and clubs where sufficient space and settings allow this to occur (seated drinking allowed with no need to serve food) - Camping permitted - Gyms and bootcamps open for up to 20 people - 30 km limit removed for visiting parks and reserves - Park exercise equipment and playgrounds open for up to 20 people - Outdoor community sport to resume with up to 20 people For full details go to coronavirus.tas.gov.au I again encourage everyone to download the COVIDSafe App. I hope everyone enjoys the long weekend and thank you for your sacrifices to allow the easing of these restrictions. See more

05.01.2022 World champion axeman David Foster will be in the Huon electorate on Monday 13 July and he, along with local champion wood chopper Garry Lovell, have offered their time and support for my re-election campaign. We will be visiting various townships within the electorate and hope to catch up with as many of you as possible. Come and say hello to these two champions. Thank you everyone for your support and well wishes in my campaign so far. Due to unforseen circumstances David Foster has had to postpone his visit to the Huon Electorate on Monday,

04.01.2022 Whilst we enjoy our competitiveness on the sporting field Huon, Channel & Kingston people have always jointly worked hard for our success and weve done it as a community. You need look no further than our aquaculture, horticulture, forestry, agriculture, tourism and many other success stories. If we continue to be careful, courageous, determined, kind and support one another we will rebuild even stronger than before from this pandemic. We need to support our local community, our neighbours, our industries, our businesses to do this. We can do this by eating and socialising Tasmanian, buy Tasmanian. It is our way and will help us recover from this pandemic.

04.01.2022 Fantastic to see the Government has committed to a number of capital works projects for schools in the Huon electorate. I have continually lobbied for education and infrastructure improvements and its great to see the benefit of this lobbying. The projects include : - Cygnet Primary School (Kindergarten Redevelopment, $300,000) - Dover District School (Construction of new facilities for years 11 & 12 Program, $1,100,000 and Kindergarten Refurbishment, $92,000) - Franklin Prim...ary School (Redevelopment to provide new Kindergarten facilities, $1,200,000) - Glen Huon Primary School (Construction of new Kindergarten, $900,000) - Snug Primary School (Construction of Gymnasium/Presentation Hall, $2,500,000) In addition the Government have allocated additional funds to schools in the electorate based on known high priority work for maintenance including, but not limited to : - Glen Huon Primary School ($90,000) - Huonville High School ($148,000) - Huonville Primary School ($60,000) As your INDEPENDENT member for Huon I will continue to advocate for improved infrastructure across all areas. See more

02.01.2022 I met today with Federal Government Senator Jonathon Dunium and am delighted to announce that after continued lobbying I have been successful in securing an additional $5 million to add to the $2 million State Government contribution to fix the Sandfly / Huon Highway intersection. I was made aware the initial plan for the intersection was not acceptable, and there were still major safety issues. Accordingly I organised meetings with community members and Government and now, ...after continued lobbying, have secured the funds sufficient to bring the intersection up to a standard which is safe and should be acceptable to all. I am also in discussion with the Federal Government for additional funding for the Channel Highway link road at Huonville. Having already been successful in securing $7.5 million from the State Government some time ago, an improved outcome was identified requiring an additional $4 million to complete. I am hopeful that after a lot of lobbying, funding for this project may also be forthcoming in the near future.