Andrews is re-elected

Former member for Peats Ms Marie Andrews had been elected to a fourth term in office, as the member for the redistributed seat of Gosford.

"I have given my assurance to my constituents that I will be working hard over this term to listen to, and try and resolve local issues," Ms Andrews said.

"I will work to make sure that Gosford gets its fair share of the State budget, and I will continue to work hard towards improvements on issues such as our water supply, health services, education, roads, public transport and law enforcement."

At the time of this report at midday on Sunday, 34,455 votes had been counted in an electorate of 47,564.

Ms Andrews received 42 per cent of the vote, with 14,205 first preference votes, followed by Liberal candidate Cr Chris Holstein with 35 per cent of the vote, with 11,639 first preference votes.

Independent candidate Ms Debra Wales received nine per cent of the vote with 3096 first votes, followed by Greens candidate Hillary Morris with seven percent and 2330 votes.

Christian Democratic Party candidate Mr George Grant received three per cent of the vote, Australians Against Further Immigration candidate Mr Robert Moulds received two per cent and Save Our Suburbs representative Mr Bryan Ellis received one per cent.

In the 2003 State election, Ms Andrews won with 43.4 per cent of the vote, meaning a 1.4 per cent swing away from her in this election.

In the same election, Cr Holstein stood as an Independent, gaining 19.1 per cent of the vote.

This election, Liberal candidate Cr Holstein received 35 per cent of the vote, an increase of over 15 per cent.

As an Independent in the current election, Ms Wales received only nine per cent of the vote, down from 28 per cent when she stood as the Liberal candidate in 2003.

Cr Holstein said that the election did show some good "results".

"In this electorate, I don't believe the Coalition had ever won more than two booths," Cr Holstein said.

"In this election we won 11 to 12 booths, a good result."

Cr Holstein also noted the "five to six per cent swing", which he said made the seat marginal once again.

"This means it has to be given attention by the Government and also the Opposition.

"This is all for the betterment of our people.

"The area will get the attention it deserves, a good result for everyone."

Asked whether he would stay on as the Liberal candidate for Gosford, given the large vote attributed to him, Cr Holstein said it was the "Liberal party's decision".

Cr Holstein said that for now he would refocus on his role with council and Community Chest.

"It will go through due process," Cr Holstein said.

"But I will take a personal interest on the commitments Labor has made, whether I am the Liberal candidate or not.

"The commitments made for Kariong High School, I wont let them forget.

"The big issue is still policing.

"I plead that she (Ms Andrews) make sure we get the police resources on the Peninsula.

"It is imperative; you have to have a strong police presence.

Cr Holstein said he hoped that the Labor Government would take the lead on the Coalition's water plan for the local area.

"We can't wait 10 years," Cr Holstein said.

Lyle Stone, 25 March 2007