About six years ago, I saw firsthand the shortcomings of the proposed Rouse Hill Hospital plan — a $300 million investment that didn’t include an emergency department or maternity services, despite Riverstone being set for rapid growth and a clear shift toward young families.
Recognising this gap, our local business chamber flagged the issue with representatives at all levels of government. Michelle Rowland MP took up the cause, launching a campaign from opposition to secure an emergency department for the community. The need was undeniable, and strong community support followed. After years of delay and broken promises, the government finally committed to including an emergency department — though no real progress was made until after the last election.
When I was elected, one of my first meetings as a local MP was with the new Health Minister, Ryan Park. I welcomed the state’s expanded $700 million commitment, which added 250 more beds and broader clinical services, but raised the critical need for full maternity services. The Minister acknowledged the gap but warned that budget limitations could delay the project even further.
That’s when collaboration with the federal government once again proved its worth. Michelle Rowland worked closely with both state and federal health ministers to secure the additional funding needed. Today, thanks to this partnership and strong community advocacy, Rouse Hill Hospital will include full maternity services — delivering the kind of health care infrastructure a growing community like ours deserves.
It’s proof that when all levels of government work together, everyone wins.
The success of the Rouse Hill Hospital campaign is just one example of how collaboration between the Minns State Labor Government and the Albanese Federal Labor Government is delivering real, tangible outcomes for our community — particularly here in the Riverstone Electorate.
For too long, the North West’s roads and infrastructure were neglected. The former Liberal-National governments at both state and federal levels held power for nearly a decade, but this region’s needs were consistently overlooked. Despite being one of the fastest growing areas in the country, the road network was left struggling to keep up with the thousands of new families moving into the community.
That’s now changing thanks to real collaboration and commitment. Together, we are investing in major projects that were long overdue. One key example is the Richmond Road upgrade between the M7 Motorway and Townson Road, Marsden Park — critical to supporting growth in the Northwest Growth Area. This upgrade, part of the broader Northwest Growth Centre Road Network Strategy, will finally relieve congestion and improve safety for local residents.
Another major step forward is the planning of the new Bandon Road corridor at Vineyard, with $150 million in joint funding now secured. Once completed, Bandon Road will ease pressure on Richmond and Windsor Roads and support future residential and commercial growth.
And the $440 million commitment to upgrade Garfield Road East — now moving into detailed design — will finally deliver the safe, modern road network our community deserves.
We’re building a better community for all of us — and while there’s still more work to do, we’re heading in the right direction.
