CENTRAL COAST FIRST: Laurie Maher

Central Coast First, the coalition of independents, believes Gosford's environment could make it the leading regional city in Australia.

Our team provides succession and plans for tomorrow.

We are true to the full sustainability principal that delivers personal achievements for the community and social inclusion.

Two new young candidates Tina Addison and Andrew Tregent, long-standing Peninsula residents, and current councillors Laurie Maher and Peter Hale, with extensive social and business experience, provide a direction for the future.

Previous councils were noted for political bickering and meetings long into the night for no results.

The last election was a battleground.

This election has been focused with a few exceptions on advertisements proclaiming fixing roads, drainage and potholes, knowing they can't produce the extra funds, or alluding to imaginary "failed coalitions".

The current council, influenced by Central Coast First, delivered:

A Cohesive Council

A Long Term Plan, Vision 2020

$4.5 million federal funding to correct the dirty water

Finance committee chaired by Peter Hale advancing $20 million in works

Guaranteed process of community input into the new planning rules

New robust planning department with senior staff representing environmental, economic and social disciplines

Affordable housing policy and trust

Finance strategy for capital works including roads, drainage and filled potholes - something a major party voted against

Appointment of a Director for Gosford CBD, a City protocol and outcome specialist

Our team has not disintegrated into three tickets or a ticket dependent on a Mayor's robe.

We are about planning and making the hard decisions for the benefit of the whole community.

Laurie Maher, Central Coast First