Michelle Rowland MP calls for Blacktown to be treated fairly

An MP has spoken on Blacktown’s roadmap to freedom, adding that masks, QR codes and hand sanitiser are going to be the new normal for some time.

An MP has called for Blacktown to be treated fairly when Sydney finally emerges from lockdown next month.

Labor Greenway MP Michelle Rowland commended Blacktown residents for leading the way with vaccination numbers and is now calling on the NSW Government to repay locals for playing their part in helping end lockdown.

“Greenway expects to be treated fairly, particularly given our first dose vaccination rates lead the nation,” she said. “It’s only reasonable and rational that this strong progress be factored into the easing of restrictions.”

On Monday Blacktown’s curfew was lifted and Premier Gladys Berejiklian gave areas of concern the same status as elsewhere in the city.

However, there are still concerns that Blacktown will be held back when it comes to lifting the lockdown given the previous high number of cases.

NSW Health hasn’t specifically stated that all areas will be treated equally when the lockdown is lifted.

As of September 20, 92.4% of Blacktown LGA residents have received their first dose with 57.1% of residents double vaccinated.

Blacktown is one of the biggest LGAs in NSW, with more than 289,000 residents aged 15 and over.

“As Blacktown and the rest of Greenway continues to reach exceptional vaccination rates, our restrictions are becoming more aligned with the rest of NSW,” Ms Rowland MP said.

“If we keep this up and get those second jabs in arms, we can get out of this lockdown.

Member for Greenway, New South Wales Michelle Rowland MP.

“I think there are four key aspects to this transition phase of the pandemic: continuing to get our vaccination rates up, a safe end to lockdowns, protecting children, and ensuring the NSW health system has capacity to cope with delta as restrictions are lifted.

“Each element is critical in providing small businesses and residents with certainty, so that we can keep the local economy open, return people to jobs, and make plans for the future.”

She added: “Health professionals are telling us that the road ahead won’t be without some bumps.

“We have to remain vigilant and keep the community interest at the forefront of our minds. “That means, things like QR code check-ins, masks and hand sanitiser will be a big part of our life going forward in order to keep businesses open and communities safe.”
Calls for Blacktown to receive local vaccine hubs were finally answered in the past fortnight with two new facilities opening up in Whalan and Shalvey.

Blacktown Council Mayor Tony Bleasdale said there was now no excuse for people not to get vaccinated.

“Blacktown City residents need as much access to local vaccination resources as possible – especially when we need two doses – so it is crucial everyone has the opportunity to get vaccinated close to home,” he said.

“Our nurses, doctors and medical staff are doing a fantastic job but our hospitals are becoming over stretched. If we want to keep people out of hospital and end the lockdowns we must get that double vaccination rate up to at least 70%.”