Steph Cooke MP
Member for Cootamundra

The Minns Labor Government has neglected the state’s primary funding program for town water infrastructure for the fourth consecutive year, despite NSW facing a multi-billion-dollar backlog in critical projects. The Safe and Secure Water Program was established by the former Coalition Government to support the design and construction of essential capital works projects that ensure regional communities have access to safe and reliable drinking water. Since being elected in

The Minns Labor Government’s final Budget has delivered continued funding for major health projects across the Cootamundra Electorate, but little investment in the new projects local communities have been fighting for. The Cootamundra Electorate joins regional and rural NSW communities in being short-changed, with critical infrastructure priorities outside Greater Sydney once again overlooked. Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, said the Budget was a disappointing result

Sydney families and regional farmers are bracing for escalating water costs, with Sydney Water set to raise bills by 6.7 per cent and farmers across NSW facing up to 50 per cent increases over the next four years to water their crops. The increases come as households continue to grapple with rising costs of living and farmers battle mounting pressures from fuel, fertiliser, and other input costs. This week, Sydney families were told they can expect their water bills to ri

Three remarkable local women have been recognised for their outstanding volunteer contributions, with Fiona Rynehart and Alicia White of Junee, and Jane Wilson of Young named on the 2025 NSW Hidden Treasures Honour Roll. The Honour Roll was established in 2010 to celebrate the vital role women and girls play in strengthening regional, rural and remote communities across New South Wales through volunteer service. The three women were nominated by their peers in recognition

After three years of mounting legislation, regulations and compliance obligations, the Auditor-General has found the Minns Labor Government cannot demonstrate whether its water reforms are delivering meaningful benefits. The report found that the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) has not adequately assessed the cumulative impact of water reforms introduced since 2017, and cannot demonstrate whether compliance and enforcement measures h

Steph Cooke MP talking to students at Barmedman Public School Failings within the NSW Transport Department to ensure rural students can access their local school by bus are pushing small country public schools to the brink. Barmedman Public School is among the growing examples of facilities not serviced by a school bus, placing pressure on local families and risking the school’s future viability. Three school services are instead bypassing the only 40-kilometre school

Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, has welcomed a $25,000 investment in the Cowra Information and Neighbourhood Centre (CINC) to strengthen its Strong Ways after-school program. Strong Ways is an eight-week program for young people aged 10–17 in Cowra who are at risk of disengagement or early contact with the justice system, with priority given to Aboriginal young people and their families. Ms Cooke said the funding will enable CINC to further expand the support it provides

The Cootamundra electorate is staking its claim for one of eight new NSW Rural Fire Service maintenance hubs, with Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, making the case directly to the Minister for the major regional infrastructure investment. The push follows the NSW Government's recent $29 million commitment to establish a network of regional maintenance hubs to support the Rural Fire Service fleet across regional New South Wales. Ms Cooke said the electorate's extensive

Steph Cooke outside the existing Coolamon Ganmain Health Service. Pressure is mounting on the NSW Labor Government to deliver a new Coolamon Multi-Purpose Health Service, with this month's State Budget shaping up to be a critical test of its commitment to building regional infrastructure. In 2023, the former Coalition Government committed $56 million towards a redevelopment of the Coolamon MPS, however the project has not progressed under the current Government. Member fo

Hilltops Council, Directory of Infrastructure, Duncan McGregor, Member for Cotamundra Steph Cooke and Hilltops Mayor Brian Ingram in NSW Parliament on Wednesday. The 2026 NSW State Budget will determine whether the Boorowa Pipeline will move to construction, with Hilltops Council confirming design work is expected to be finalised this month. The project, estimated to cost $56 million, including 30 per cent contingency, is a critical piece of infrastructure to secure Boorowa

Working families in Gooloogong are being forced to cut back on work and travel long distances for care, as the town continues to wait for certainty regarding early childhood education and after-school services. The local P&C says families feel they have been ‘strung along’ after three years of working in good faith with the NSW Labor Government without a clear outcome or commitment. Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, said the community had waited long enough for answers

Steph Cooke MP attending the Henry Lawson Festival. Grenfell will take centre stage this June long weekend as the 2026 Henry Lawson Festival returns for an “epic” celebration of history, culture and country hospitality. Embracing the new theme, Larrikins and Legends, this year’s four-day festival will pay tribute to the humour and spirit that shaped Henry Lawson’s writing and continues to define regional Australia today. Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, said the festi