Communications error blamed for wrong release

A $7000 relocation grant will not be available for people relocating to the Peninsula after all.

Member for Gosford Cr Chris Holstein has retracted a media release published in the last issue of Peninsula News, which stated that the grant was available to people from Sydney moving here.

Cr Holstein said that the release was issued with incorrect information due to a "communication error".

"It was based on a release given to us by the deputy premier's office," said Ms Wendy Masula from Mr Holstein's office.

"Unfortunately, after it went out, we were then advised that the Central Coast is part of the Sydney metropolitan area," she said.

Mr Holstein said that "the Regional Relocation Grant will not include the Gosford, Wyong, Newcastle Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Wollondilly and Wollongong local government areas as they would be included in the Sydney metropolitan area".

"However, people may still be eligible if they wish to relocate out of these areas to another regional location," he said.

Mr Holstein apologised "for any confusion or inconvenience caused".

The media release included a statement by deputy premier Mr Andrew Stoner that "by moving to places like Ettalong Beach and Woy Woy, families can escape the high cost of living and congestion of life in the big smoke".

Last week Mr Stoner stated: "There was a communications misunderstanding.

"We apologise for any confusion".

Media Statement, 30 Jun 2011 Chris Holstein MP Media Release, 24 Jun 2011 Wendy Masula, Office of Chris Holstein MP Email, 6 Jul 2011 Lis Davies, Office of Andrew Stoner MP