By working with and for the community Joe has been successful in delivering results for the North Sydney electorate:

Protecting Sydney Harbour’s foreshores

The former submarine base, HMAS Platypus at Neutral Bay, will become a great community asset on the Harbour foreshore as a result of Joe’s efforts to convince the Australian Government not to sell the site for housing but, instead, transfer the property to the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust. The Trust will soon commence decontamination of the site and the preparation of plans to ensure that it is opened up to the public.

Platypus will join the former naval docks at Woolwich as sites that the Howard Government has protected for future generations in the North Sydney electorate.

Joe has also submitted a nomination, in conjunction with the Protectors of Sydney Harbour Foreshores, for the national heritage listing of Luna Park. As one of Sydney’s great icons, Luna Park has national and international significance. If added to the new national heritage list it, along with North Sydney Pool and the Lavender Bay foreshore, will enjoy increased protection under Commonwealth heritage legislation.

Assisting Councils maintain our roads

The Howard Government has provided increased support for Willoughby, Hunters Hill, North Sydney and Lane Cove Councils to maintain local roads. Joe Hockey has welcomed a commitment to provide almost $2.5 million to these Councils over the next few years for local road repairs and maintenance.

 Lane Cove Tunnel Filtration

Joe was successful in securing a commitment from the Australian Government to provide up to $10 million towards the full filtration of the Lane Cove Tunnel. He has been working with local Councils and the community to try and convince the State Government to reverse its opposition to filtration so that local residents are not affected by Tunnel emissions. The Commonwealth’s offer remains available to the NSW Government if it is prepared to match that funding and implement full filtration for this State road project.

Helping Older Local Residents

Joe has worked hard to increase support for local aged care. For example, during 2005, Joe has announced federal funding for services like Meals on Wheels and local aged care facilities.

Protecting Our Local Environment

With support from the Howard Government’s Natural Heritage Trust, Joe works with local Councils to secure funding for local environment projects. For example, he recently announced grants for Bushcare Groups working in Boronia Park and at Cremorne Point and funding to recycle water at the North Sydney Community Centre. He is currently working with North Sydney Council to secure funding for a major project to recycle stormwater from the Warringah Expressway to irrigate Cammeray Golf Course, North Sydney Oval and other local parks and playing fields.

Work for the Dole

The Howard Government’s work for the dole program has provided meaningful work experience for many younger unemployed people. In the North Sydney electorate over 200 places have been funded for this popular program.

Helping Local Businesses

Since the October 2004 election, the Howard Government has provided more than $2 million to over 60 local businesses to help them develop export markets for their products and services. More than $2.5 million has also been provided to several local businesses for research and development projects – for example, Joe recently announced funding for an Artarmon company that is developing new safety devices for underground miners which has the potential to be used around the world.

Making Medical Treatments More Affordable

Many local residents will benefit from cheaper MRI scans as a result of a decision by the Howard Government to extend Medicare benefits to a new MRI being installed at the Mater Hospital.

Helping Volunteer Groups

The North Sydney electorate is home to many volunteer organisations that work to help the community. Joe has worked hard to secure grants for many of these organisations to support their efforts. For example, he recently announced support for 15 volunteer groups to assist them buy equipment that will improve their service delivery.

Even the small things make a difference…

No problem is too big or small for Joe Hockey. When residents of Huntley’s Point came to him asking for improved mail services, Joe worked hard to convince Australia Post to install a new post box in the suburb so that residents do not have to walk long distances to lodge their mail. After several meetings and phone calls with Australia Post managers and the Minister for Communication’s advisers, a new Post Box was commissioned in early 2005!0