Craig Munnings runs for council

Peninsula resident Craig Munnings has announced he will stand as a Labor Party candidate for the September council elections.

"Within the Gosford Council area there is approximately one third of its resident's on the Peninsula, yet we do not have one third of the representation," Mr Munnings said.

"We should and we must.

"It is my intention to change that lack of a Peninsula resident's voice on Council."

Mr Munnings said if elected to council he would start solving "the real issues" of local government on the Peninsula.

"Your support now and on polling day will enable me to start solving the issues of water quality and standards, the state of our roads, the equitable expenditure of rate money, and our social inclusion and personal safety," Mr Munnings said.

"It is time that someone who actually lives on the Peninsula needs to step up to the plate and to work with and for the resident's of the Peninsula.

Mr Munnings is a long-time Peninsula resident who grew up and attended both primary and high schools on the Peninsula.

He now raises his own family in Booker Bay.

"My wife Kylie, who also attended local schools, and our two teenage children, Lachlan and Charlotte, love the unique character that we have here, and we cannot imagine or want to live anywhere else," Mr Munnings said.

"During my years as a resident on the Peninsula I have taken various opportunities to work within our local community to achieve a better lifestyle for the Gosford region, and for the Peninsula specifically.

"People I talk to tell me that we need to lift the standard of services provided to ratepayers.

"The Peninsula area, which has been neglected for so long, should start to receive its fair share of council expenditure.

"One example of our lack of representation is that in the last Council term just one road on the Peninsula has been sealed, kerbed and guttered: that is Wellington St, Umina."

Mr Munnings has held a number of senior government roles over the last 10 years including roles with the Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, the Minister for Fair Trading and with the Speaker of the NSW Parliament.

Locally, Mr Munnings has been involved with Woy Woy and Ettalong Scouts, the Bays Progress Association, and Woy Woy, Umina and Terrigal Anglican churches

"I have also been involved with the local schools where my children attended being Woy Woy Primary and Brisbane Water Secondary College," Mr Munnings said.

"I have also taken the opportunity to become involved politically and at various community forums where the opportunity has presented itself.

"My promise to you all is that with your support, I will take up the challenge of councillor with enthusiasm, zeal and vigour and, together we can always ensure that the Peninsula's voice is heard."

Press release, 21 Jul 2008 Craig Munnings, Booker Bay