Peninsula first for PM

Prime Minister Mr John Howard visited the Peninsula for the first time on Friday, May 7, and used the occasion to announce funding for a national community crime prevention program.

About 100 protestors from the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union greeted the Prime Minister in front of the Ettalong Memorial Club when he arrived at 10am.

The protesters chanted slogans and canvassed a number of issues including education and workers rights.

The protestors were mostly builders from the Ettalong Beach Club development and Ettalong Hotel development.

Mr Howard gave a brief media conference to a large number of local and national media before delivering a speech in the main auditorium.

He then spoke with a number of local people.

In his brief press conference, the PM refused to answer questions about larger issues in the forthcoming budget put to him by major news channels.

He answered questions on the community crime package he was announcing and only briefly answered questions on other issues facing the Central Coast.

Mr Howard then spoke to a packed auditorium filled with over 300 people from community groups across the Central Coast.

Member for Robertson Mr Jim Lloyd introduced the PM thanking so many people turning out for the event.

"When I nominated for Peats 20 years ago, I vowed never to forget the hardworking people of the Ettalong, Umina and Woy Woy community," he said.

"I desperately wanted the Prime Minister to come to the Peninsula.

"He always went to Gosford then Wyong and the Peninsula would miss out once again."

The Prime Minister said it was his first visit to the Peninsula, but it was not an area he was unfamiliar with.

"I'm constantly reminded of the challenges the Central Coast faces," he said.

The PM listed these challenges such as doctors, infrastructure and community safety.

He said he had three goals for the country: security, a strong economy and social stability.

"We are an egalitarian society. We treat people on their merit. We look at a person and if that person is honest, we honour that person as our friend," he said.

Mr Howard also paid tribute to the police services, but said he believed there was something that the Australian government could do.

He said the National Community Crime Prevention Package was a core of money for local organisations.

"I invite local organisations, which are not for profit and believe they have an idea or a set of plans to fight crime to apply to the Federal Government for funding to support that plan.

"If you have an idea that will work in Ettalong, why don't you put a proposal to the Federal Government."

He said there was evidence the program had worked in Britain and Canada.

"I don't think we'll have any problem getting rid of the funding," he said.

Under the package, $20 million has been allocated over four years.

Mr Mick Palmer, former commissioner of the Australian Federal Police, will act as Ambassador for the program, promoting the scheme among community groups.

"Grants could be provided to local sporting groups to develop strategies to sport-related violence; to community groups to reclaim and maintain local parks; and to local clubs to run programs for children from disadvantaged areas," Mr Howard said.

Grants of up to $150 000 will be made to community safety, up to $150 000 for indigenous community safety, up to $500 000 for community partnership grants in high-need areas for "cross-sectoral partnerships".

The funding is non -recurrent and is available for projects of up to three years duration.

More information on how community groups can apply for the funding will be available in the future.

Liberal mayor Cr Malcolm Brooks spoke after the Prime Minister.

He thanked the Federal Government for the $1.5 million funding for the Peninsula Regional Leisure Centre.

"I've already started drafting my submission for funding on behalf of Gosford Council," he said.

More information on the scheme can be found at www.crimeprevention.gov.au

Alison Branley, press release, May 14