Central Coast priorities for new senator

Ms Deborah O'Neill has highlighted her priorities for the Central Coast as she begins her term in the Senate.

Ms O'Neill said her focus would always be on making the Central Coast an even better place to live, work and raise a family.

"I am committed to fighting for the full rollout of the National Broadband Network, ensuring the government maintains their commitment to Kibbleplex and holding the Coalition to account for their promises for more jobs and skills opportunities on the Coast," she said.

"What people want is to be able to work on the Coast and that is only possible with investment, not cuts."

The future of the National Broadband Network is uncertain, with 16,900 premises already under construction removed from Coalition mapping, and the rest of the Central Coast cut entirely.

"It is unacceptable to talk about bringing more jobs to the Coast without continuing the NBN rollout," Ms O'Neill said.

"I will be working with locals to make sure that our voices are heard, and a full rollout continues."

The Kibbleplex project is also under threat, with dispute within the new government as to whether the popular local investment will continue.

"We heard one thing during the election and another thing after," Ms O'Neill said.

"Tony Abbott promised this as part of the Liberal's Central Coast Growth Plan, but his Regional Development Minister is cutting the program.

"Partnerships have already been established with businesses and the University of Newcastle to bring jobs, skills and investment to the Coast.

"But with Kibbleplex on the chopping block, so are those opportunities."

Ms O'Neill is also focused on maintaining money for the F3-M2 Link, Woy Woy Oval, protection and maintenance of Tuggerah Lakes, and healthcare services like the Central Coast Medicare Local.

Media release, 19 Nov 2013

Richard Mehrtens, Office of Deborah O'Neill