MEET YOUR LOCAL MP

NAME: Maryanne Stuart MP, Member for Heathcote

Office: Shops 1&2, 17-23 Station Street, Engadine

Political party: Labor Why did you become involved in politics?

I have resided in the Heathcote electorate for over 50 years. I am aware of the challenges facing my community and wanted us to have a strong voice.

I have been involved with various local campaigns over the years prior to entering the Parliament of NSW.

I have campaigned to save the Royal National Park when the previous government proposed to ram the F6 through it. I also saved Koala habitat from development in Woronora Heights. Now, under the Minns Labor government, the land is being transferred to National Parks and Wildlife Service to preserve for future generations.

It is a privilege to be the Member for Heathcote and a position I will always cherish.

It provides me with an even greater platform to advocate for my community.

How long have you been an MP? I was elected on March 25, 2023.

What are your three biggest achievements so far?

I secured two temporary and six permanent signs on Heathcote Road to warn motorists of transient koalas.

Hosted a housing and homeless forum with over 20 stakeholders to address the housing crisis engulfing our community and state.

Secured funds including:

■ $4.2 million to transfer land containing vital koala habitat in Woronora Heights to the NPWS ■ A new hall at Sutherland Public School ■ $3 million for a new police station in Helensburgh ■ $24.598 million for upgrades to Sutherland Hospital's operating theatre complex ■ $20 million for stages two and three of the Sutherland to Cronulla ActiveTransport Link ■ $5 million in the 2023/24 budget for planning of the Heathcote Road duplication ■ $5 million for fire station upgrades ■ $174,000 for upgrades of Engadine High School hall

What do you love about your community?

There is an enormous capacity for volunteering in the Heathcote electorate.

There are many who are very generous with their time and capacity to care for others.

Given the amount of bushland and the vast coastline throughout the electorate, we rely on a significant number of residents to volunteer for surf lifesaving clubs, SES branches or Rural Fire Service brigades. Without those volunteers, those clubs and groups would not exist.

While we are fortunate to be surrounded by national parks and the pristine ocean, the thing I love most about the Heathcote electorate is the people.

Authorised by Maryanne Stuart. Funded using parliamentary enitlements.