Web could receive four-year funding

A Liberal-led Coalition Government would commit to funding the Web Youth Service with $200 000 over four years, the Liberal candidate for Gosford Cr Chris Holstein has said.

"This money will ensure the youth service remains open on Friday and Saturday nights for the next four years,' Cr Holstein said.

"The Web Youth Service needs $50 000 a year to be able to pay staff to operate the centre on Friday and Saturday nights.

"This funding package will secure the future of the Web Youth Service for a full first term of a Liberals-Nationals Coalition Government.

"We recognise how valuable this service is to the Peninsula community.

"Through early intervention the Web Youth Service is able to keep local youth entertained and off the streets and out of trouble.

"The Web Youth Service offers support, referral services and activities for 12 to 18 year olds.

"Under Labor the service has had to reapply for funding each year to enable activities to be run on Friday and Saturday nights."

Cr Holstein said that the threat of closure had "loomed over the Web Youth Service under Labor's reign".

"The Liberals and I believe that such a vital service should be funded for four years, not on a year to year basis," Cr Holstein said.

"We already have a problem with crime, vandalism and anti-social behaviour on the Peninsula, if this service was left without funding we could expect more crime from our youth.

"That is why it's so important that this service continues and gives our kids every opportunity to grow up with a positive attitude."

Press release, 26 Feb 2007 Chris Holstein, Liberal candidate for Gosford