Steggall tells Mosman she is firm on Beaches Link Tunnel
New Warringah MP Zali Steggall is firm on her commitment to the Beaches Link Tunnel and is determined to see the government stick to its budget funding pledge.
Warringah’s new MP Zali Steggall is firm on her commitment to the Beaches Link Tunnel and will work with the government to deliver the project.
The controversial roadway got a budget commitment of $50 million for planning and she is determined to see this upheld.
“I would certainly hope that remains their commitment,” Ms Steggall said.
“I know Mr Abbott campaigned on that relentlessly, that only a coalition or Liberal government could deliver the tunnel.
“Well we have a coalition government … there is no reason why just because it’s not Mr Abbott sitting here that that should not continue to be their focus.”
Ms Steggall visited Mosman today and was congratulated on Military Road by shoppers after defeating longstanding incumbent Tony Abbott. She enjoyed a massive victory south of the Spit Bridge, a traditional Liberal heartland, and her influential volunteers helped convince people to change their vote.
Her largest group of supporters were in the lower north shore and because she had so many locals engaged they were talking with their neighbours and meeting them at polling booths.
Most people had never been part of a campaign before.
“It was absolute grassroots support,” she said.
“Everyone trying to make out it was a covert operation or GetUp! and all the other rubbish really missed the point of who the people were behind the campaign, who are all local and committed.
“You have such a high level of involvement and engagement and excitement when it’s actually locals doing it themselves for their area.”
Next on her agenda is starting to work with both Mosman and North Sydney Councils and her fellow MPs in the northern Sydney region. She has ideas for the lower north shore including a festival called Buskers by the Sea, on the same level as Manly Jazz.
Ms Steggall believes that being an independent in Canberra has distinct advantages as she can assess each issue on its merits and is not tied to party lines.
“If you deliver for your local community independents are effective,” she said.
“I am elected to represent the concerns and the concerns are overwhelmingly a steady economy.
“Clearly we need to have a more stable energy policy and a more clear path for the future on our climate change policy.”
‘It’s scary’: Speed race has SailGP guns on edge
SailGP gun Kyle Langford has given an insight into the wet, wild and high risk speed chase that could see 100km/h broken on Sydney Harbour – and the fear and pain involved.
Ciao bella! ‘Beautiful’ Italian eatery arrives at beachfront hotel
Flocking to the northern beaches for a frolic in the surf? Food lovers might take a detour to a new eatery inspired by an Italian piazza serving up a scope of fare, from spaghetti to straccetti.