Wales to run with Drake

Peninsula resident Ms Debra Wales has announced she will be running on the Independent ticket of deputy mayor Cr Trevor Drake for the Gosford Council elections in September "because of the appalling state of council roads on the Peninsula".

"It wouldn't matter where you are on the Peninsula.

"In residential areas, waterfronts or in town centres, the council roads are in such a desperate state of disrepair that some are in danger of causing a serious accident," Ms Wales said.

"Ettalong Beach has the illustrious title of being a premier tourist destination and yet the state of the main road as you enter the town centre is appalling.

"During my term in council from 1999 to 2004, there were three Peninsula councillors (including myself) and we ensured that a significant amount of council's budget was spent on roads.

"Kerb and gutter, drainage and footpaths were a priority but this has all been neglected in the past four years with very little funds being expended on roads and road maintenance."

Ms Wales said that after showing Cr Drake the state of Peninsula roads, he was "shocked to see the extent of neglect".

Ms Wales said he had assured her that his first priority over the next four years would be improvements to council roads.

"One of the worst streets I have seen to date would have to be Wallaby St, Blackwall.

"It has a child care centre and numerous residential villa and town house complexes and yet the street is like that you would find in a third world country.

"It really is unacceptable."

Ms Wales said that when Cr Drake recently inspected local roads, he commented that "the Peninsula does not appear to receive its fair share of the roads budget".

"There are streets such as Lone Pine Ave, Umina Beach, that are collector roads and yet they are in an appalling state of repair with poor drainage and no kerb and gutter," Ms Wales said.

Cr Drake said Ms Wales was "absolutely right" in voicing her concerns over the poor state of Peninsula roads.

"These are streets that have thousands of vehicle movements a day," Cr Drake said.

He said he was determined to make Peninsula roads a priority if re-elected.

Press release, 12 Aug 2008 Debra Wales, Independent candidate