Independent: Debra Wales

I have been long time resident of Umina Beach, mother of two adult children raised on the Peninsula and successfully manage with my husband Matthew, an urban and environmental design consultancy business based in Umina Beach.

I have been committed to revitalizing the Peninsula town centres since 1995 initiating the Main Street program in a voluntary capacity, co-ordinating the Brisbane Water Oyster Festival and organizing the Queen of the Oyster Festival which has raised over $70,000 for breast cancer research over the last two years.

When the last bank left Ettalong Beach, I initiated and, with a strong team, established the Ettalong Beach Community Bendigo Bank.

I have a proven community track record and will fight for the residents of the Peninsula.

Our local roads are a disgrace - for years council has blamed the State Government for lack of funding. In truth, it's Gosford Councillors who allocate budgets and they do not consider our Peninsula roads of high importance. I will ensure that this changes and Gosford Council and the State Government give the people of the Peninsula a fair share of funding for kerb and gutter, drainage and much needed footpaths. * I will ensure that the Ettalong Beach Foreshore Management Plan is signed off by Government and we get our town beach upgraded for everyone to enjoy. For years this project has been held up by council unnecessarily. * I will establish the Central Coast Water Corporation to take the management of our water supply out of the hands of inexperienced councillors and into the hands of qualified experts. * The Woy Woy Hospital is in disrepair. It should be upgraded to be fully operational hospital with full emergency services. * Every effort should be made by State Government to establish a third transport link for a fast ferry service to Sydney and Newcastle. I will ensure this happens. I live, work hard and relax on the Peninsula.

It is the most wonderful place in Australia and that's why I want to represent the people of the Peninsula and Gosford in State Parliament to ensure that we all have the best opportunities for the future.

Debra Wales Independent Candidate for Gosford