OAKESHOTT INDEPENDENT

Planning for Our Future

ROADS, BRIDGES & CYCLEWAYS

Improving roads, bridges and cycleways

Policy statement: I believe that having good quality local and regional roads is essential to a successful community. I will continue to improve our roads, bridges and cycleways so that our residents, business people and visitors can travel efficiently within and outside the electorate.

I am committed to both short and long term planning that will result in the allocation of resources delivering the major transport development needed in our communities

In the next five years, my priority areas will be:

To continue lobbying for emergency bridge repairs and replacement in the Manning Valley.
Completion of all Pacific Highway upgrades in the electorate by 2006.
Completion of the Port Macquarie "Link Road" connecting Ocean Drive through to the Hindman Street and the Oxley Highway/Gordon Street roundabout.
To support the continuation of the upgrade of Wingham Road through the continuing 'REPAIR' program from the RTA.
Complete the $6.4 million Stingray Creek Bridge replacement.
Complete the $80 million Oxley Highway realignment and ensure that the RTA commences Stage 1.
Support the development of cycleways within the electorate by supporting the Hastings Council cycleway program and seeking Roads and Traffic Authority grant funding to accelerate the program.
Continue to monitor and upgrade the Hastings River Drive/Pacific Highway intersection and complete audits of Pacific Highway intersections in need of upgrade, such as Bago Road and Harrington Road.
Push for additional major road funding for the road network - Ocean Drive between Kew, Laurieton, Bonny Hills, Lake Cathie and Port Macquarie.

HEALTH SERVICES

Improving local health services

Policy statement: I believe that all members of our community are entitled to high quality health services and that these services should be accessible locally and at an affordable cost.

I am committed to lobbying for increased resources for our health care facilities, and for the staff members who work so hard to assist us when we are in need. I am committed to ensuring that we have our fair share of facilities, and that these are maintained or upgraded to a high standard.

In the next five years, my priority areas will be:

Making certain that appropriate levels of funding are provided to Port Macquarie Base Hospital, so that local residents can make full use of the excellent medical services available. This will include advocating for additional funds to reduce the inequitably high waiting list at Port Macquarie Base Hospital.
Ensure that the State and Federal governments deliver on their commitments to a Port Macquarie Radiotherapy Unit.
Ensure that the second linear accelerator Unit is built as soon as possible so that Mid North Coast patient's can access this vital service.
Push for the Area Mental Health Strategic Plan to be completed, implemented and funded, and ensure ongoing community input.
Provide a community voice in all negotiations on the Port Macquarie Base Hospital contract including initial talks about the end of the contract in 2014.
Work co-operatively to attract General Practitioners to the area to meet the growing demand for primary health care services.
Encourage further development of the Mid-North Coast Rural Clinical School through the University of NSW and its efforts to train medical students in Port Macquarie with the intention that they return to the area after their training.
Seek continued improvements to public dental health services.
Work with Government agencies and private enterprise to support the development of local aged care facilities that meet the needs of people within the electorate including the establishment of a Dementia Unit and the recruitment of additional specialist staff.
Encourage and support General Practice Surgeries to increasingly provide multi-disciplinary services such as Primary Care, Psychology, Mental Health and Social Work services. Promote initiatives for best practice techniques and cost effectiveness in mental health to ensure earlier effective treatment and reduce the number of people needing hospitalisation .
Improve staff, patient and visitor security in hospitals and in particular emergency departments.

EDUCATION

Providing top quality education

Policy statement: I believe that quality education needs to develop attitude, ethics, skills and knowledge as the basis of our future. Education for our young people needs to build skills for lifelong learning providing future leaders and business people who are responsible and committed to our whole community. Education will also provide employees that have a high level of skills that will help our community and businesses grow and achieve long term economic success. Education for the broader community needs to offer lifelong and lifestyle learning that leads to a healthy and satisfied community.

I am committed to ensuring that Government actively supports regional and local education services and commits to funding that ensures quality educational services. I am committed to supporting our teachers and other educational support staff so that they can continue to deliver and improve educational activity for us all.

In the next five years, my priority areas will be:

Ensure that planning for the medium and long term needs of our small and large schools is completed to meet the ongoing growth in our area.
Build a new primary school at Lake Cathie/Bonny Hills and ensure that growth demands are met with improved facilities at schools such as Tacking Point and North Haven Primary Schools.
Support teachers and schools to achieve improved conditions, smaller class sizes and upgraded buildings.
Encourage and further fund life-long learning through adult and community education and other providers
Improve access to university facilities on the Mid-North Coast by supporting the University of Newcastle, Southern Cross University and North Coast Institute of TAFE seeking further Government support for the establishment of a joint campus at Port Macquarie.
Seek a commitment from the North Coast Institute of TAFE to increase the volume of training provided within the Electorate and increase the number of people enrolling within the electorate.
Expand the State Government's financial provision for school students with disabilities in schools throughout NSW and be responsive to teachers' concerns of "mainstream dumping" as a result of integration policy.
Improve the funding provided to local schools by urging increased community support for applications for funding under the Country Area Program .
Pressure for an increased allocation of funding for staff development of NSW Government teachers.
Support the increased allocation of funds to early education services to ensure quality education occurs at the earliest possible time of life.

SENIORS AND RETIREES

Helping seniors and self-funded retirees

Policy statement: I believe that helping senior members of our community and treating them with respect is an important responsibility. People who have been long term members of society have much to offer and should be respected and rewarded for their participation in their community. Those people who have achieved self-funded retiree status should be supported in maintaining their lifestyle.

I am committed to supporting services for all senior and retired members of our community so that they can enjoy the benefits of their hard work and continue to actively participate in society.

In the next five years, my priority areas will be:

Fix the differences that exist for rail and bus concessions for pensioners by ensuring that pensioners and self-funded retirees are able to take whole single journeys throughout NSW at a concession rate.
Support State Government programs that provide equity of service on all travel systems.
Improve support and funding for carers of aged people on the Mid-North Coast by lobbying the Commonwealth to recognise the value of supporting people to care for community members in their own homes by increasing financial payment to achieve a functional level.
Lobby to increase options for people who are providing long term respite care to family members.
Support Department of Fair Trading programs that support retirees to successfully manage and protect their long term financial needs.
Lobby for the State Government to provide the same means tested concessions for self-funded retirees as currently apply to pensioners and also to access the Commonwealth offer for a 60% rebate to bring NSW in line with Western Australia and the ACT.
Support the development of State Government funding for programs to support seniors learning about computers and that encourages them to have a computer in their home. Support their access to libraries and adult education, and explore a voucher system to allow access to computer training programs.
Support the development of appropriate local residential aged care facilities to meet growing demand and to avoid local people moving away from the area.
Investigate the possibility with local business groups to implement a seniors card discount scheme.

SMALL BUSINESS

Helping small business prosper

Policy statement: Small business is the exciting engine room of our economy and employs the majority of people in our community. While the more traditional industries of dairy, timber, agriculture and fishing have all experienced major change, those surviving are well set to strongly contribute to our region's future.

The existing small business dominance occurs in our service sector and they encompass the broad range of best practice industries such as the building, retail, aged care and tourism sectors.

I strongly embrace the emerging home and small business activity of the new class of lifestyle-driven, "live here by choice" business people. These people bring to our area many market leaders with specific skills who are attracted to the lifestyle and safety of the Mid North Coast.

I am actively committed to helping all these businesses grow and will continue lobbying for increased support and services from State Government.

In the next five years, my priority areas will be:

Assist business to achieve its need for access to skilled employees and to training opportunities for employees.
Work with the North Coast Institute of TAFE, the schools sector and local job agencies to improve small business access to skilled workers and to training opportunities for their staff.
Work to reduce the increasing burden of red tape issues adding to the constraints on success for small businesses such as OH&S compliance, workers compensation premiums and liability insurance premiums. Work with Government to reduce the impact of these issues on small businesses.
Improve services to people seeking to create, expand or re-locate businesses within the area.
Work with business, state and local government to improve the ability of our local businesses to link to those new and emerging industries that operate outside our region.
Our businesses need an increasingly high level of communication services, and in particular good access through the internet. Transport systems are also becoming more important as our businesses link to other areas and in particular the road and air transport services need to grow to meet these demands. Upgraded airport facilities are important to achieve growth in our community and business.
Pressure locally-based State Government departments to ensure that wherever possible they purchase products and services from local businesses. Support local businesses to sell their products and services to purchasers from other areas of NSW, Australia and overseas. Continue to promote the benefits of the Mid-North Coast at Sydney business forums and urge businesses to use the State Government funded Country Embassy program to promote their products and services.
Promote the region as a tourism destination to increase economic benefit to small business. Support tourism by seeking the development of tourism facilities for visitors to the region including entertainment and accommodation.
Lobby for improvement of security at the Taree and Port Macquarie Airports to support tourism and business and the links to jet-based airports.
Gain local access to State Government programs such as the Main Street/Small Towns and Townlife development program.
Support local police services to address crimes against local small business as a specific and targeted operation, especially to reduce theft.
Build a commercial wharf in Port Macquarie and ensure safe river entrances at the Manning, Camden Haven and Hastings Rivers.
Work to meet the demands of rapid population growth within the electorate by continuing to push Government to deliver our share of funding in all areas.
Continue to support local business groups such as the Chambers of Commerce, Business Women's Network, Australian Business, the Business Enterprise Centre and North Coast Tourism to work together to improve small business and their links to State government programs.
Continue to highlight the area as a site for the film and television industry. Continue promoting the area as a location for events including conventions, conferences, sporting and entertainment activities.
Support local groups to collectively bid for funding from state government to support innovation and growth of small to medium sized businesses.
Acknowledge and support the strong growth of home-based small business on the Mid North Coast.
Pressure the Australian Consumer Competition Commission to recognise and respond to issues directly effecting small business.

ENVIRONMENT

Protecting our environment

Policy statement: I believe that most people choose to live in our area because of the exceptional environment and that therefore our environment is critical to our success as a region.

We must maintain or improve our environment so that we can continue to enjoy it as well as attract other people to the area. A balanced approach to planning is the key for long term success.

Tourism, rural interests, urban development and local business interests need to be balanced with our environment to achieve ongoing growth. I am committed to ensuring that everyone's interests are addressed and that we maintain the attractiveness of our environment to those of us who live here now, those who visit, and those who will come to live here in the future.

In the next five years, my priority areas will be:

Continue improving the NSW Coastal Council to achieve sustainable and balanced coastal growth. Encourage sustainable living principles in land releases such as grey water re-use systems, rainwater tanks, solar panels, underground cabling, open space and bicycle/ walking tracks.
Support, where possible, local level decision-making for developments through the use of environmental planning controls that reflect local community need.
Investigate local and State interest in establishing a pilot "Region of Environmental Innovation" that implements innovative recycling, waste and product control technologies to create local jobs of the future.
Complete Port Macquarie's coastal walk and Googik Heritage Trail.
Support the Lord Howe Island World Heritage Status and the Lord Howe Island Act.
Pressure Government to fund the Cattai Wetlands project developed by the Greater Taree City Council.
Support the conservation outcomes of the new 1,700 hectare Queens Lake forest reserve.
Actively endorse, fund and participate in local environmental programs such as Dunecare and Landcare.
Support further rodent eradication funding on Lord Howe Island and support the appointment of an Island "Patron" to help lobby both State and Federal Governments on key island issues.
Continue to actively endorse and participate in local Keep Australia Beautiful and Clean Beach Challenge programs.
Progress the recommendations from the Lake Innes/Lake Cathie studies to achieve productive outcomes for the local communities.

EMERGENCY SERVICES

Upgrading emergency services

Policy statement: I believe that those people employed and those that work voluntarily in our emergency services industry are heroes and should be valued by our whole community. They are the people who help us when we are in extreme and often tragic or threatening circumstances; they need our ongoing appreciation and support.

I am committed to lobbying for increased financial support for the different emergency units to ensure that they grow and meet our needs. I am also committed to securing the funds required to build appropriate facilities for staff and their equipment.

In the next five years, my priority areas will be:

Build a modern combined local emergency centre in Port Macquarie for the NSW Ambulance, the NSW Fire Brigade and the State Emergency Services (SES).
Complete the new Harrington/Crowdy Head Sea Rescue headquarters.
Complete the Port Macquarie Sea Rescue headquarters.
Significantly increase funding for local surf-clubs and volunteer rescue associations.
Continue supporting volunteers involved in the highway Driver Reviver Centres.
Lobby for the allocation of adequate financial support for the services, and up-to-date safety and rescue equipment for all emergency services.

SPORTS

Improving sporting facilities and promoting healthy events

Policy statement: I believe that our community expects and deserves to have a wide range of sporting and community facilities that allow us to enjoy our lifestyle. Our region has a long history of successful sportspeople and we should seek to maintain and improve on this standard.

To achieve this, I will pursue the funds needed to achieve a significant upgrading of existing facilities as well as the planning and construction of new facilities. I am committed to ensuring that all members of our community have the opportunity to follow the active or passive sporting and recreational activities they desire.

In the next five years, my priority areas will be:

Secure funding and complete the Port Macquarie Regional grandstand.
Secure funding and complete the Port Macquarie Indoor Stadium upgrade to support expos, basketball, netball, volleyball, badminton, wheelchair and school sports.
Complete the Koala Street playing fields in Port Macquarie.
Secure more playing fields for Laurieton and the Camden Haven.
Form a sports taskforce for both the Hastings Council and Greater Taree City Council areas to work with the NSW Major Events Board and Tourism NSW in attracting sports events to our area.
Continue promoting the region as a location for specific ongoing annual events such as the long course triathlon, touch football, cycling and golf events as well as state and national tournaments based at the Port Macquarie Indoor Stadium.
Support local interest to identify and attract a major family and/or children's attraction to be set up in the area. Support an application for NSW Government funding for a project to identify suitable attractions for the area.
Establish a task force to investigate the feasibility of establishing Port Macquarie as a destination for major beach sports competitions such as volleyball, soccer, Frescoball and rugby.
Improve Oxley Oval to allow for local events requiring high quality playing surfaces and assist in attracting major events to the oval.
Complete the Port Macquarie pool upgrade including a hydrotherapy pool.
Support the extension of the walking trail from Shelley Beach through to Lighthouse Beach.
Encourage Hastings and Greater Taree Councils to establish more public toilets walking tracks, footpaths and cycleways in the electorate.

SAFETY

Providing a safe community

Policy statement: I believe that our community expects a safe environment in which to live. Safety is one of the important reasons why people choose to stay in or come to our area and in many cases this includes a choice to raise our children in a regional town or community.

It is important that I ensure that all the relevant Government agencies co-operate and co-ordinate their services so that the maximum benefit is achieved for our community. I will support strong Government policies that discourage crime and protect individuals, business and the community in general.

I am committed to working with local, State and Federal agencies to ensure they all participate actively to reduce crime and achieve a safe community for all.

In the next five years, my priority areas will be:

Provide the local court with local options for both the mentally ill and those suffering drug and alcohol dependency with rehabilitation facilities readily available to help reduce re-offending and to aid their recovery and rehabilitation.
Further improve police resources, budgets, staffing allocations to match the rapid population growth being experienced on the Mid-North Coast.
Support the principles of Community Based Policing policies designed to maximise the value of local police resources. This will help reduce fear by having police officers work with community to provide visible policing through programs such as neighbourhood watch, volunteer policing, point zero-safe partying and the local community drug action teams working on minimising local drug use.
Work with all levels of Government to pursue greater protection to pedestrians, especially children and older members of our community.
Support Police Officer training to implement Community Based policing that supports pro-active involvement with young people.
Encourage close communication between the police service and small business to provide advice on how to implement affordable measures and reduce crime.
Continue participating in the Police Accountability Team meetings.
Continue working with the local Liquor Consultative Committee to promote activities that highlight prohibition of secondary supply of alcohol and identifying risks facing young people that consume alcohol.
Encourage appropriate penalties for crime recognising the principle of deterrence for the offender and by doing so supporting the rights of our community to be as crime free as possible.

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY

Providing services for families and our community

Policy statement: I believe that everyone needs NSW Government agencies to deliver a wide range of support services for families and our local community. The many Government agencies that offer services to assist families and the community in general need to effectively co-ordinate their service delivery.

I am committed to working closely with the management of these agencies locally and where necessary, through liaising with the appropriate Government Ministers to achieve a high standard of service delivery. I am also committed to ensuring that individuals and organisations have adequate opportunities to participate with Government agencies to ensure ongoing improvement and evaluation of service delivery occurs.

In the next five years, my priority areas will be:

Support local community agencies to work together for local and strategic planning to ensure the needs of all community members can be met, such as adequate mental health services and practical support services for parents and their children .
Increase development, participation and access to appropriate services for young people including the supporting of funding applications for or by young people to meet their identified needs.
Improve co-ordination of NSW Government funded services by working with the regional co-ordination management groups to achieve diversity and quality of service.
Improve accessibility for disadvantaged groups, including the disabled and mental health sufferers, to services within the local community and community groups to participate in decision making and service delivery provided for them by State Government and funded support services.
Ensure our local communities have opportunities for consultation, review and evaluation of current implementation and future policy development by State Government and funded support services.
Support local Aboriginal communities to access and participate in the NSW Government's Aboriginal Communities Development Program to create and sustain employment and continued training opportunities. Work with Government agencies and funded services, local Aboriginal communities and agencies to enhance opportunities and address ongoing needs of and for Aboriginal people in the local community.

OTHER ISSUES

In the next five years, other priority areas will be:

Support the establishment of a Mid-North Coast research and planning organisation that collects and analyses regional information to help business and Government agencies. Work with this agency to identify sources of NSW Government funds for organisations and businesses seeking to establish or grow within the electorate.
Seek an increased return of funds generated by the Recreational Fishing Fee to improve recreational and commercial fishing in the Mid-North Coast.
Support improved internet access for members of our small towns and communities by seeking and supporting the establishment of facilities such as Community Technology Centres.
Continue supporting the Camden Haven Association for Regional Performing Arts (CHARPA) in its development of the major performing arts facility in the Camden Haven area and complete the Port Macquarie Performing Arts Centre.
Lobby for increased funding for community transport programs.
Ensure that State Government programs provide financial resources to support the changing needs for electronic business and an increasingly technology-based lifestyle.
Lobby for an increase in funding for local libraries.
Continue to improve commercial air services available to the public at Port Macquarie Airport and explore the development of the airport to accommodate a wider range of aircraft.
Maintain and improve commercial air services available to the public at Taree Airport.
Lobby for the introduction of the Queensland model for the residential home building industry as recommended by the Master Builders Association.