RAMONA COCCO – ENVIRONMENTAL LEADER RECOGNISED

Ms JENNY AITCHISON (Maitland—Minister for Regional Transport and Roads)—Ramona Cocco's significant contribution and commitment to the Maitland community as an Environmental leader and warrior have been acknowledged with a NSW Government Community Service Award. Ramona Cocco was recognised for her 30-year campaign against the 'Rutherford Stink' and its pollution in our city. Ramona's tireless dedication to seek an investigation into the foul odour that plagued the Rutherford community came to my notice when I was first elected as the Member for Maitland. I surveyed the residents of Rutherford to draw the EPA's attention to the issue which plagued residents and businesses. This followed many unsuccessful attempts by the NSW EPA to stop the pollution of our community. Ramona was relentless in her advocacy and together we launched a campaign to ensure the site was cleaned up and the polluters held to account. Thank you Ramona for your tireless advocacy!