Liberals promise sewerage projects
Sewerage projects would be undertaken at Patonga Creek and Bensville by a Liberal State Government, according to the Liberal Candidate for Gosford, Cr Chris Holstein.
On a visit to the Peninsula last week, NSW Liberal leader Mr Peter Debnam announced the NSW Liberal-Nationals policy to clear the backlog of Country Towns Water Supply and Sewerage (CTWSS) projects.
Mr Debnam said: "A NSW Liberal-Nationals Government will clear the backlog of projects within our first two terms of government and fund new projects."
Cr Holstein said the fact local residents were still relying on septic tank systems in Mooney Mooney, Cheero Point, Bensville, Patonga Creek, Bar Point and Little Wobby was Third World.
"It's unacceptable to expect people in this day and age to put up with a Third World system in a First World country," Cr Holstein said.
"Today's announcement will help these local communities get the new sewerage schemes they deserve."
Shadow Minister for the Central Coast Mr Chris Hartcher, who also visited the Peninsula, said nearly 150 families in Bensville alone relied on Third World septic tanks because of the Labor Government's failure to properly fund the CTWSS Program.
Mr Debnam said: "Morris Iemma has shown a complete lack of leadership on the water debate despite it being one of the greatest challenges this state has ever faced.
"The CTWSS program provides a much-needed subsidy to local government groups to ease the burden on ratepayers and provide vital water supply and sewerage programs.
"Labor has cut the CTWSS program, failing to meet its 10-year commitment by more than $200 million.
"Local councils have been told time and time again they won't be receiving the promised funding from the Labor Government, leaving the question, where has all the money gone?"
"If Labor won't fund water infrastructure on the Central Coast, then the NSW Liberal-Nationals will after the State election next March", Mr Hartcher said.
Press release, August 17
Peter Debnam, NSW Liberal Leader