Marie says thank you

As the time is fast approaching when I will be stepping down as your local State Member, I would like to say "thank you" for the opportunity to serve in the Parliament of NSW - Australia's oldest Parliament.

The decision I made late last year to not recontest the State election on March 26 was a difficult one as I have always considered it to be a great honour and privilege to represent you in Parliament's Legislative Assembly.

It is now almost 16 years since I was first elected to State Parliament in 1995 and I am proud of the improvements which have been made within the electorate under a Labor Government.

As your local member, I listened to the community's concerns about a number of issues.

Representatives have been made to various Labor Ministers and, while I have not always received the most desired outcome, I would like to point out some of the successes.

These include the upgrade of the Woy Woy Police Station which operates 24 hours, seven days a week, the major upgrade of Gosford Hospital totalling over $100 million, the introduction of the $2.50 Pensioner Excursion Ticket on the Coast, the construction of the new Kariong Mountains High School, improvements to the State road network and the rejection of the Somersby Fields sandmining proposal.

To have enjoyed the confidence of the people of Peats and now Gosford over the years has been a humbling experience as I never cease to be amazed by the good deeds carried out by so many wonderful citizens of all ages.

We are truly fortunate to live within such a generous, caring community, bounded by breathtaking and natural surroundings.

It has been a real pleasure to serve you as a member of a Labor Government and I am grateful for the support and encouragement of Premier Kristina Keneally.

Letter, 3 Mar 2011 Marie Andrews, MP