Steph Cooke MP
Member for Cootamundra

Friday, 14 November 2025 Jugiong has celebrated the official opening of the newly upgraded Jugiong Memorial Pool, marking the completion of the well anticipated project.   Hilltops Council successfully delivered the upgrades with $1,044,850 in funding from the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund Round Five.   The improvements include an upgrade to the main pool, refurbished kiosk and amenities, and new ancillary equipment to enhance the overall visitor experien

Thursday, 13 November 2025 Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, has expressed her deep disappointment following the NSW Labor Government’s decision not to support the Biodiversity Conservation and Local Land Services Legislation Amendment (Broombush and Blue Mallee Coppicing) Bill 2025 in the NSW Parliament.   Ms Cooke said the Bill sought to provide an immediate, practical solution to support farmers affected by ongoing restrictions of coppicing activities and protect the en

Monday, 10 November 2025​   Construction of the $110.2 million Cowra Hospital Redevelopment is officially complete, marking a proud and significant milestone for the Cowra community.    Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, has welcomed the news that the facility is now just weeks away from opening to the public, stating the project has always been about the people of Cowra.    “This is an incredibly special moment,” Ms Cooke said.    “When I was first elected as the local Mem

Monday, 10 November 2025​   Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke is encouraging residents across the Cootamundra electorate to pause and reflect this Remembrance Day.    Services will be held in most communities to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who have served our nation in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.    Ms Cooke said that local participation ensures the legacy of veterans continues to be honoured and remembered.    “Every town and village across t

$13.5 million is now available through the Crown Reserve Improvement Fund, with this year’s round receiving a boost of more than $2 million. Crown land managers across the Cootamundra electorate are encouraged to apply for a share of this funding to support projects with the potential to make a big difference in their communities. Member for Cootamundra and Shadow Minister for Crown Lands, Steph Cooke, said the funding will help deliver more local projects that keep communit

Wednesday, 5 November 2025 Students at Murrumburrah High School are taking a hands-on approach to tackling the global challenge of food insecurity, thanks to an innovative partnership with Food Ladder.   The local school is the first in the region to team up with the not-for-profit organisation, which is helping schools across regional Australia grow their own fresh produce through sustainable hydroponic systems.   Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke said the Food Ladder prog

Monday, 3 November 2025 Almost a year since construction commenced, the first wave of children has made their way to Taylor Park to test out Grenfell’s brand-new accessible playground.   The grand opening of the play park was held on Saturday, with Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke joining representatives from Weddin Shire Council and the Touched by Olivia Foundation to officially open the facility.   Also known as Livvi’s Place, the facility at Taylor Park joins a network o

Thursday, 30 October 2025   Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke says the latest statewide prison lockdown confirms the NSW corrections system is at breaking point, with the Minister for Corrections completely out of his depth and unable to control his own portfolio. “At the Junee Correctional Centre [JCC], our correctional officers are among the most dedicated professionals in the state. Yet just six months after the public handover, following more than 30 years of stable priv

Thursday, 30 October 2025   Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke says while she appreciates the Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty taking the time to visit Gundagai, she remains deeply concerned that southern New South Wales farmers will continue to go without the urgent support they need.   The meeting with the Minister was attended by Ms Cooke, Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council Mayor Abb McAlister, Councillor and farmer Mr David Graham, and focused on the worsening dr

Monday, 20 October 2025 Member for Cootamundra, Steph Cooke, is demanding that the NSW Labor Government take immediate action to support drought-affected farmers in southern New South Wales.   The latest figures from the Department of Primary Industries show that the Cootamundra electorate is 99 per cent drought-affected, following 12 months of deteriorating conditions.   As a result, farmers across the state’s south are battling record-high freight costs, water and fodder sh

The rapid spread of a parasitic plant in the Bland Shire is causing significant ecological damage to both private and public land and has prompted concern among local firefighters about increased fire risk ahead of the summer bushfire season. Mallee strangle vine is a native species that survives by latching onto a ‘host’ tree or shrub, smothering its branches and leaves, and drawing out nutrients until the host dies. It can only be controlled through manual removal, as the u