will fight for the region as a bloc

through on the previous government’s commitments on hospital and major road upgrades.

“We will push forward with those because they are important, but we’ll make some changes,” he said.

“For example, I’d like to see bus priority lanes.”

Harris said a Minister for the Central Coast would be appointed by new Premier Chris Minns and he was hopeful of being appointed, given his work as Shadow Minister for the region while Labor was in Opposition.

He said voters should see promised funding starting to flow through when the new Government’s first budget was released, probably in July or August.

“The people of the Central Coast have kept their confidence in Labor MPs – we have to repay that confidence,” he said.

“There will be no honeymoon period; it will be down to business as we start working on delivering for the people of the Coast.”

Member for The Entrance

David Mehan said his first priority would be “getting on top of” improvements to Long

Jetty Health Care Centre.

“We want to see the enhanced services the community wants,” he said.

“There has been a commitment of $1.6M for a return of services and I want to follow through on that.”

Mehan said Labor MPs on the Coast were “a great team”.

“We work closely together as a group and have presented a united voice – the main thing is to continue that,” he said.

Mehan said there was a strong community desire for a de-merge of Central Coast Council.

“The service levels are no better and we’re paying more money,” he said.

Mehan said he would also focus on delivery of a $40M pledge for design work on the missing link of the Gosford bypass project and increased road and footpath funding for Council.

“I also want to keep on top of Tuggerah Lakes and The Entrance channel so we are better prepared for floods,” he said.

Member for Swansea Yasmin Catley, whose electorate covers many suburbs in the north of the Central Coast, said her continued focus would be on delivering for the people.

“People matter and I think they have felt left behind,” she said.

“We need to make sure (there is) confidence again in the health system and the education system.

“Transferring 10,000 casual teaching staff to permanent positions will be a start.”

Catley said transport was also critical for the region.

“We will definitely be looking at the rail line between the Hunter and Sydney to get some faster routes,” she said.

Catley said the new Government’s cap on road tolls would also be a huge benefit to the region’s residents, with many having no choice but to drive to Sydney.

“We plan on working with all levels of government – we already work closely with our Federal MPs and when we have our new Central Coast councillors we will work with them,” she said.

Catley said while she was “a bit sceptical” when the Six Cities plan was introduced, she was now confident commissioners would work for better objectives for our region.

Terry Collins

Alarms were set early on Monday morning, March 27, as students and staff from the Central Coast’s NAISDA Dance College headed to Umina Beach for a special sunrise bungul on the sand to celebrate and connect to beautiful Darkinjung Country.

The experience was guided by NAISDA’s Cultural Tutors including Heather Mitjanba