Andrews stays against rate rise

Marie Andrews has "entered the history books" as the last Member for Peats and the first Member for the newly redistributed seat of Gosford on March 24.

"I feel very honoured to have been re-elected to State Parliament as the Member for the electorate of Gosford," Ms Andrews said.

"It has been my great pleasure since 1995 to have represented the former electorate of Peats.

"The newly-formed electorate of Gosford incorporates approximately two thirds of the area formerly known as Peats, together with Gosford, East Gosford, North Gosford, Point Frederick and Springfield.

"Whilst it is my intention to retain my electorate office in Woy Woy, I will ensure that I devote time and energy towards looking after the needs of all areas within my electorate.

"As the local State Member, I intend to continue my campaign against a rate rise proposed by Gosford Council."

Ms Andrews said that in the week leading up to the State elections, she attended all three community forums organised by council where she stressed the point that it had failed to address the basics such as drainage, road infrastructure, kerb and guttering and now the continuing problem of dirty water.

"Residents are telling me they simply cannot afford a rate rise due to the increased cost of living, higher interest rates and huge hikes in the cost of petrol," Ms Andrews said.

Ms Andrews said that she had currently received over 5000 signatures opposing the proposed rate increase.

"I will continue with my campaign until council comes up with other ways of raising revenue," Ms Andrews said.

"There is always the option of improving how council manages its current income."

Ms Andrews said that during the election campaign a number of commitments were made by the Iemma Labor Government to the Gosford electorate and she wanted to assure residents that she would be working "relentlessly to ensure that those commitments are honoured".

"I thank residents for their vote of confidence in me to continue on as their State Member and I give my assurance that during this term I will continue to agitate for the electorate's share of the State Budget," Ms Andrews said.

Press release, 13 Apr 2007 Marie Andrews, Member for Gosford