I would like to congratulate all award winners, though I am especially pleased that anti-littering efforts by Cessnock Council and National Parks and Wildlife Service have been recognised.

Illegal dumping and littering are a continuing challenge in the Cessnock area. Earlier this year Cessnock City Council received $264,418 from the NSW Liberal National Government for three projects; Cessnock Illegal Dumping Clean Up and Prevention Program in the Loxford RMS/HWC Lands; installation of overt surveillance camera on Mount Sugarloaf Road and to expand the successful illegal dumping prevention program in the Stockrington State Conservation Area to target new hotspots.

It is great to see that the hard work and dedication by the staff of Cessnock Council and National Parks has been recognised. The grants were from the $337 million Waste Less, Recycle More initiative to help councils and other public land managers to reduce illegal dumping. The NSW Liberal National Government remains committed to reduce litter across our state, and I look forward to continue working with Cessnock City Council to tackle the issue of illegal dumping in Cessnock.

Why do we continue to slaughter so many chickens, pigs and turkeys and other animals and fish when we want to celebrate Christmas and wish for peace on earth to all?

A big thank you to the wonderful people from the Weston Tidy Towns group for helping me with tree branch clean-up after the storm. Also thanks to Cr Anne Sander for her assistance.

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