Cowper candidates on Coffs roads, tourism and medical service

With May 21 election day fast approaching, the local candidates are finding top gear in the race for Cowper. See what was offered today.

A push for a “disaster-proof” inland link road from Coffs Harbour, cash to encourage boutique liquor makers to expand, and an out-of-pocket expense-free all hours medical service in the city.

No, we haven’t won Lotto or found bubbling black tea Hillbillies-style beneath Hogbin Drive - rather it’s just another day on the hustings of Cowper in the run to the federal election.

Monday - the first day of pre-polling (see where you can vote early) - could have almost been brought to you by MasterChef.

A mystery box of election promises done three ways.

First out of the blocks was independent Kaz Heise who like many in Bellingen is fed up with the regular closure of the mountain road to Dorrigo.

The lesser of two landslips on Waterfall Way west of Bellingen in March.

The link road between Coffs and Armidale went down for the count during March’s heavy rainfall, and Ms Heise, who is looking to unseat The Nationals’ Pat Conaghan, has said enough.

“It was great to see our state and federal members and local mayors coming together in March to discuss solutions to the many problems faced with maintaining the connection between the coast and the tablelands during times of flooding,” Ms Heise said.

“Climate modelling suggests we are in for more frequent and severe storm and flood events in the near future, so it is imperative that weatherproofing Waterfall Way and Eastern Dorrigo Way is a national priority and that it is done properly.”

Flashback: Supporters crammed the gate to the polling booth at Coffs Harbour High School at the 2019 federal election. Picture: Frank Redward

Mr Conaghan meanwhile had an announcement of his own - and in keeping with his ‘Pat on tap’ campaign to meet the locals at pubs, welcomed a funding carrot for Coffs wineries, distilleries and breweries.

The incumbent MP popped the cork on a plan to offer up to $100,000 in matched funding for niche liquor industry entities for the construction or upgrade of cellar door or tourism-associated facilities such as restaurants, tour facilities and viewing platforms.

“In recent years we’ve seen a growing number of impressive local wineries and breweries making their mark and we now have a dozen in our electorate,” Mr Conaghan said.

“A strong economy means our government has cut taxes for tourism operators while investing more in promoting our country, building the infrastructure that improves the visitor experience, and protecting the environment that helps drive tourist demand.”

Labor candidate for Cowper, Keith McMullen, was also showing strong vital signs with a major medical announcement for Coffs - providing the ALP gains government.

The pledge is for a new ‘Medicare Urgent Care Clinic’ - one of 50 to be rolled out across the nation - and Mr McMullen said it will ease the pressure on hospital emergency departments.

“Doctors and nurses will deliver services in these clinics which will be based in existing GP clinics and Community Health Centres,” he said.

“They will bulk bill, so all that patients will need is their Medicare card, and there will be no out-of-pocket costs.

“The clinics will be open at least 8am to 10pm, seven days a week, and no appointment will be needed.”

So there we have it, undertakings for roads and alcohol - normally not a great mix - but thankfully a shiny new medical service to sign-off on the aforementioned.