Federal Election 2022: Guide to local promises made across the Central Coast
With the election almost upon us, new promises are being announced by the major parties on a near daily basis. Did your community project make the cut?
Central Coast
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Promises promises are being made by the major parties across the Central Coast as the Federal Election looms.
With the election on Saturday, do you remember what has been promised and by which party?
Both parties started their campaigns early with the Liberals initially focused on the Federal Budget funding for the Pacific Highway Wyong upgrade and fast rail between Tuggerah and Wyong.
Labor have had a steady stream of election promises with focuses on cost of living and healthcare.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Labor Leader Anthony Albanese have both visited, while our current MPs and rival candidates pound the pavement daily.
The Express has compiled an easy guide to the more localised promises in the Federal Election.
LABOR
CENTRAL COAST ROADS
Labor has committed $40m to fix Central Coast roads.
Dobell federal Labor MP Emma McBride and Robertson Labor candidate Dr Gordon Reid made the announcement on May 13, saying that the region had “some of the worst roads in NSW”.
“People on the Central Coast have been crying out for proper road investment for years,” Ms McBride said.
Dr Reid said coast roads had been neglected for too long.
“This $40 million investment will also ease congestion and save locals from damaging their cars because of crater-size potholes on our roads,” he said.
HEALTH AND AGED CARE
On May 11, Labor announced, if elected, it would reduce the cost of prescription medications from $42.50 to $30.
“For people taking two medications a month, this could help them save up to $300 a year,” Dobell federal Labor MP Emma McBride said.
“Before Labor introduced Medicare, healthcare costs were the number one cause of bankruptcy in Australia. Labor is the party that built Medicare and only Labor will protect it for the future.”
A Labor Government has stated it would fund two Medicare Urgent Care Clinics on the Central Coast, so locals and families can get the urgent medical care they need.
The clinics, designed to take pressure off hospital emergency departments, would be located in Wyong and Gosford and open seven days a week from at least 8am to 10pm.
They would treat sprains and broken bones, cuts, wounds, insect bites, minor ear and eye problems and minor burns with care will be bulk billed.
The ALP has also pledged to address the GP shortage by making the region a Distribution Priority Area (DPA), giving local practices the chance to recruit and retain more GPs.
Other healthcare commitments:
• Make it a requirement that every aged care facility has a registered, qualified nurse on site, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Increase aged care workers and ensure that every Australian in aged care receives an average of 215 minutes of care per day.
• Support a real pay rise for aged care workers and write to the Fair Work Commission calling for this.
• Ensure better food for residents at aged care facilities.
• Improve transparency and make residential aged care providers report what they are spending money on. Labor will also give the Aged Care Safety Commissioner new powers to ensure there is accountability and integrity.
MANUFACTURING
Labor has announced a plan to boost manufacturing jobs across the Central Coast, committing $17m for a Food Manufacturing Hub at Lisarow which will be backed up by $37.5m from industry.
They say the hub would create 285 local jobs and help local food and beverage manufacturers to upscale their business.
“The Coast has a proud history of food and beverage manufacturing and I want to make sure we have more secure, well-paid jobs in this industry for the future,” Dobell federal Labor MP Emma McBride said.
“Labor is proud to partner with Central Coast Industry Connect, TrendPac, UON, RDA and local business to make this happen. This is what the Coast deserves.”
KARIONG SPORTING PRECINCT
Labor has announced that it will commit $2.5m to upgrade the Kariong Sporting Precinct.
Robertson Labor candidate Dr Gordon Reid said they wanted to ensure the existing old facilities are brought back up to standard.
“Sport needs to be more inclusive and accommodate all; there are currently no female changing rooms and this upgrade will bring the facilities up to a standard that reflects the changing needs of the community,” he said.
TUGGERAH LAKES
$4m has been committed to help clean up Tuggerah Lakes and improve stormwater management and flood mitigation in the area.
The $4 million commitment from Labor’s $200 million Urban Rivers and Catchment Program will go towards wrack and algae collection, storm water management, wetland and foreshore restoration, and improved planning controls for Tuggerah Lakes.
THE ENTRANCE
Dobell federal Labor MP Emma McBride says a Labor Government would invest $1.2m into “breathing life back into The Entrance”.
This includes $750,000 to upgrade Vera’s Watergarden, $175,000 to make the waterfront plaza playspace more accessible and $170,000 to renovate The Entrance Ocean Baths. There will also be $40,000 towards shade sails at the baths’ seating and $100,000 towards the clubhouse
“The Entrance is much-loved by our community, but the town needs a little TLC,” Ms McBride said.
“This investment will improve water quality at the Baths by upgrading the pipes and pump system, so locals and visitors can swim safely and comfortably all year round.”
BAKER PARK, WYONG
Labor has promised $250,000 towards a masterplan for the popular Wyong park which will map out its future.
“After a long battle to protect land from being sold off, I’m proud to say a Labor Government will provide the funds for a Baker Park masterplan,” Dobell federal Labor MP Emma McBride said.
“This will mean Baker Park can serve our community now and into the future.”
Labor say they will also kick in $100,000 in seed funding to help the Wyong District Tennis Club renovate their clubhouse.
ABORIGINAL SUPPORT SERVICES
Labor has committed $500,000 for a new roof at Yerin Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal Health Services at Mardi.
Yerin Eleanor Duncan has been caring for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities on the Coast for over 25 years. The centre at Mardi urgently needs an upgrade so they can continue to provide specialised care to local Indigenous groups.
Labor will also fund $25,000 for new gym equipment at The Glen for Women, a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre at Wyong.
COMMUNITY BATTERY FOR NARARA
The first community battery could be installed on the Central Coast if Labor are elected.
Narara has been identified as the first coast suburb to receive one of the 400 community batteries Labor has promised across Australia at a cost of around $500,000 per battery.
Robertson Labor candidate Dr Gordon Reid said the plan would see energy bills reduced for people with solar panels.
Dr Reid said the cost of living on the coast and across Australia was skyrocketing.
“When we are door knocking and phone banking around this area, when we are talking at street stalls, cost of living is the primary concern for people. With increasing cost of living comes increased electricity prices.”
FROST RESERVE
Labor has committed funding to Frost Reserve to the tune of $750,000.
“When I am out speaking with residents, they mention the Frost Reserve sporting facilities in Kincumber and the need for an upgrade,” Labor candidate Dr Gordon Reid said.
“These facilities have been well-used yet are no longer fit for purpose. Sport needs to be more inclusive and accommodate all; there are currently no female changing rooms and this upgrade will bring the facilities up to a standard that reflects the changing needs of the community.”
TUGGERAWONG SHARED PATHWAY
Labor has committed $1.5 million to help Central Coast Council fund the fifth stage of the Tuggerawong Shared Pathway.
This funding will see the pathway continue along the foreshore reserve.
When stage five is complete, the Tuggerawong Pathway will be 4km in length and will stretch from Tuggerawong to Don Small Oval, Tacoma.
NBN COVERAGE
Labor has committed to boosting mobile coverage and fibre NBN access with $1.5m committed to improving mobile coverage in Matcham-Holgate and Wyoming.
The party has also promised $140,000 to upgrade the Yarramalong mobile tower to a 12-hour back-up battery and install an on-site diesel generator.
“Our NBN plan will also deliver a boost and expand fibre access to an estimated 32,000 more homes and businesses in Dobell,” Ms McBride said.
Robertson Labor candidate Gordon Reid also announced $750,000 to improve mobile coverage for the Mangrove Mountain community.
Dr Reid said if mobile carriers, who have been working hard to secure approvals for
local towers in areas such as Killcare and Hardys Bay, are unable to deploy at an acceptable site, a Labor Government is prepared to co-invest to accelerate the process.
MRI LICENCE FOR WYONG HOSPITAL
Labor has committed to providing a Medicare-funded MRI licence for Wyong Hospital.
A Medicare-funded licence means locals have access to the service, rather than having to go elsewhere for scans.
SCHOOL UPGRADES
School upgrades have been promised for Gorokan Public School and Porters Creek Public School.
Gorokan Public School will receive $30,000 for an outdoor learning area with shade sails, and upgrades for the school’s sensory garden playground.
Porters Creek Public School will receive $20,000 for a new outdoor learning and play area.
LIBERAL
PENINSULA YOUTH HUB
A re-elected Liberal Government will invest $1.4m for Regional Youth Support Services (RYSS) to set-up and operate a new Youth Hub on the Peninsula.
They say the project will assist RYSS in their work with at risk youth to divert them from the criminal justice system.
Robertson federal Liberal MP Lucy Wicks said this funding would help RYSS to assist more than 500 marginalised and at-risk youth on the Peninsula by building their skills, independence and resilience.
“The Peninsula Youth Hub builds on the Gosford Youth Hub, which is already providing innovative solutions for families and works with high-risk young people,” she said.
“Every time I speak to residents on the Peninsula, they raise the need for more support services for young people in their area.”
CENTRAL COAST ROADS
The Federal Government has promised, if re-elected, to upgrade the safety and quality of 60 Central Coast roads to the tune of $40m.
Central Coast Council and local residents helped create a list of 60 local roads between Tuggerawong and Booker Bay, and across to Jilliby to Gunderman.
These include some of our most dangerous or flood prone roads such as Fagans Rd in Lisarow, Lakedge Ave, Berkeley Vale, Wisemans Ferry Rd, Gunderman and The Scenic Road through MacMasters, Killcare and Killcare Heights.
UMINA BEACH CWA
The Liberals have also committed to deliver $137,000 to help upgrade the Umina Beach Country Women’s Association (CWA) Hall to be a refuge centre for use during natural disasters.
The work would include disability access, a new entry, modern bathrooms, updates to the kitchen, outdoor deck and storage.
Ms Wicks said the upgrade would make the facility more user-friendly for CWA members and community groups who hold functions at the hall.
“This upgrade will mean the hall can be used as a refuge centre in the case of flood, fire or any other natural disaster,” she said.
HEALTH ON THE STREETS PROGRAM
A re-elected Liberal Government has promised more than $2.2m to extend the Health on the Streets Program (HoTS) program for three years.
HoTS, which is delivered by Coast and Country Primary Care, provides healthcare services, assessments and supports from a custom van which travels to rough sleeper hot spots and responds to community referrals. It provides screenings, health planning, mental health assessments, drug and alcohol assessments, sexual health assessments, and appropriate interventions.
“HoTS has made a difference in the lives of people who have fallen through the cracks and not been able to access this kind of care in other ways,” Robertson federal Liberal MP Lucy Wicks said.
“With this additional funding for the next three years, HoTS can continue they phenomenal work they do, providing support and services for those in our community who need it most.”
SCOUTS
Liberal has promised $32,000 to the 1st Berkeley Vale Scout Group for “vital upgrades” including new perimeter fencing at the facility to prevent unauthorised access and vandalism, as well as rebuilding the kitchen facilities to allow overnight camping.
“Community groups are the backbone of our society, and they are especially important for
young people in regional areas.
“For many of the Cub Scouts, staying at the facility will be one of their first times staying away from home. It is an exciting time for them, and we want to make sure they feel safe
and comfortable,” Liberal candidate for Dobell Dr Michael Feneley said.
TENNIS COURTS – OURIMBAH
Liberal has also committed $123,000 towards resurfacing the courts at Ourimbah Tennis Club.
Of the six courts at the facility, two synthetic courts haven’t been resurfaced in more than 20
years.
Liberal Candidate for Dobell, Dr Michael Feneley said the courts are a huge asset to the
community with around 500 locals using the courts each week.
“The tennis club has done a great job with the maintenance of the courts but it’s time for
them to receive some extra attention to ensure they remain safe for tennis lovers to enjoy.”
REPTILE PARK ANTI-VENOM FACILITY
The Liberals have delivered an election promise with a venomous bite at the Australian Reptile Park.
Brand new lifesaving facilities for snake milking to the tune of $1.6m have been planned for the Somersby park.
Robertson federal Liberal MP Lucy Wicks has announced that if re-elected the Coalition will kick in $580,000 to the new facility.
“300 lives a year are saved thanks to the snake milking that happens here,” she said.
“It’s wonderful to see this partnership to see an investment in health infrastructure like this. This is a small investment for a very big return not only for people on the Central Coast but right around Australia saving lives.”
Australian Reptile Park director Tim Faulkner said the funding would see the park’s 25-year-old venom production precinct revamped.
FROST RESERVE
The Liberals will provide more than $2.5 million to improve better sports and recreation facilities in Kincumber.
This includes $1.8 million for a new amenities building at Frost Reserve in Kincumber and $760,000 to redevelop the Kincumber Skate Park.
Robertson federal Liberal MP Lucy Wicks said the new amenities building at Frost Reserve would provide a place for more than 900 members and around 70 teams at the Kincumber Roos Football Club.
“The Kincumber Roos Football Club are a passionate sports organisation. They deserve to have clean and functional amenities that match the pride they have in their club and their community,” she said.
HEALTH/PBS MEDICINES
The Liberals have also committed to slashing prices of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) medicines with saving of up to $10 per script on medications for blood pressure, high cholesterol, pain relief, depression, diabetes.
Cardiologist and Dobell Liberal candidate Dr Michael Feneley said “I want each and every resident on the Central Coast to be able to access affordable medication if they need it, and this commitment from the Liberal Government will see hardworking Australians save up 24 per cent on each script.”
FISHING AND CAMPING INFRASTRUCTURE
Prime Minister Scott Morrison paid a visit to announce that the Liberals would invest $20m in infrastructure for boating, camping and fishing.
The program will deliver up to 50 additional projects in local communities, upgrading facilities such as boat ramps, fish wash stations and camp grounds.
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