Member for Wyong David Harris has attracted the unofficial title of the Minister for Everything as he juggles multiple portfolios following the election of the Labor State Government in March.
As well as being the first Minister for the Central Coast for some years, Harris is also Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Treaty, Gaming and Racing, Veterans and Medical Research.
Harris, who was on the Central Coast last week, said it was a “bit of a challenge” some days but he was supported by a strong team and was “working through issues one by one and kicking a few goals”.
Member for Terrigal Adam Crouch continues to apply pressure on the new Government to honour its election commitments, most recently urging action on a $10,000 pledge to the Macmasters, Avoca, North Avoca and Wamberal Boardrider Clubs.
Crouch has also been vocal demanding a statement on the future of regional funding programs such as the Stronger Country Communities Fund and Regional Job Creation Fund.
He has criticised the expected discontinuation the Active Kids vouchers and Regional Seniors Travel Card schemes and particularly the recent announcement that free parking at regional public hospitals would not include Gosford Hospital.
But Harris said the previous Liberal Government had left “no money” in the coffers.
“Various projects had ‘sunset dates’, meaning there is no money allocated in the forward estimates,” he said.
“We have only been in government for five months and are working on prioritising actions.
“Wage increases for our frontline workers were top of the list and we will address other issues in our budget in September and the following budget next June.”
Harris said he had met with “lots of different groups” during his week on the Central Coast.
“We are making sure we have the best plans in place going forward,” he said.
He said a priority would be delivering on a pre-election pledge of $8.5M for the Gosford waterfront redevelopment.
Harris inspected the precinct last week to “look at what sort of development” would be viable.
“People have waited a long time for a good coherent plan and that’s what we’re set on delivering,” he said.
Harris defended the decision to retain parking fees at Gosford Hospital.
“We don’t want commuters parking there – we need to ensure the people who need (the hospital parking) are actually using it,” he said.
He said planning was underway for the next stage of the widening of Central Coast Hwy to four lanes from Gosford through to the Ourimbah roundabout, with the Lisarow stage recently completed.
“The Minns Labor Government will deliver its commitments to the Central Coast community,” he said.
“When we formed Government in March, we inherited the largest debt ever passed on from one government to the next, with the state on track for a record $187.5B in debt.
“Incoming briefs have also uncovered a $7B black hole of unfunded programs.
“We’re undertaking a line-by-line review of expenditure across the Government in order to restore fiscal responsibility to the NSW Budget.
“Of course, all the commitments need to go through a proper probity and approval processes.
“Commitments that meet these guidelines will be announced in due course.”
Terry Collins
He said planning was underway for the next stage of the widening of Central Coast Hwy to four lanes from Gosford through to the Ourimbah roundabout, with the Lisarow stage recently completed. Doesn’t seem to know much. That is the Pacific Highway. It’s thanks to the previous govt that the road was being widened. Also thanks to the previous govt for the removal of the roundabout at Wyong Rd and Pacific Highway, The widening of the M1 from 2 to 3 lanes from Tuggerah to the Doyalson link Rd. Also for the extensions to Gosford and Wyong Hospitals.