Central Coast Mayor, Jane Smith, has thrown down the gauntlet to the major parties to commit to more funding for Central Coast roads, facilities and services.
Smith took a front row seat at the Local Government NSW Election Debate on March 8, at Parliament House, Sydney, to press the issue of road funding on behalf of Central Coast residents. She said the focus on roads and other infrastructure at the forum was welcome.
Our community and visitors expect a high level of service from the road network and it takes significant funding to deliver that, Smith said. The State Government population projections for the Coast are huge. Its time for all sides of politics to commit to our community on this issue and increase funding for roads.
The focus on this issue at the election debate is welcome. Its certainly not unique to the Central Coast, but were in a strong growth area that has a similarly strong demand for the right infrastructure. Responding to this need through action would be a genuine recognition of the priority that needs to be placed on making life easier for residents outside the Sydney metropolitan area. Having this question raised in this forum will highlight that regions like the Coast have a genuine and increasing need.
Its a chance for our voice to be heard in the election debate. I would ask every concerned Central Coast resident and business to consider this issue and make your views known to MPs, political parties, friends and neighbours. We can’t sit on our hands when it comes to moments like this. The key political players need to know that this is a pressing issue.
Source: Media release, Mar 7 Jane Smith, Central Coast Council Mayor